Fiber Arts Friday: Natural Fiber Dyeing with Avocados
Welcome to this week’s Fiber Arts Friday! Today, we’re going to explore the beautiful art of natural dyeing. Using something as simple as avocado pits and skins, you can create gorgeous, soft pink hues to dye your yarn or fabric naturally. This easy and eco-friendly project is perfect for adding a unique touch to your fiber arts.
Materials List:
Avocado pits and skins (from 2-3 avocados)
Yarn or fabric (natural fibers like wool, cotton, or linen)
Large pot (stainless steel or enamel works best)
Water
Strainer
Mordant (alum or cream of tartar, optional for better color retention)
Rubber gloves (to protect your hands from dye stains)
Pattern Instructions
Prepare the Fiber:
Soak your yarn or fabric in water for about 30 minutes before dyeing. If using a mordant, add alum or cream of tartar to the water to help the dye adhere better to the fibers.
Make the Dye:
Place the avocado pits and skins in the pot and cover them with water. Bring to a simmer and let it steep for 1-2 hours. The water should turn a lovely pink color.
Strain out the avocado pits and skins, leaving only the dye liquid in the pot.
Dye the Fiber:
Gently add your soaked yarn or fabric to the pot. Simmer on low heat for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even color distribution.
For a deeper color, leave the yarn or fabric in the dye overnight, allowing it to cool naturally.
Rinse and Dry:
Once the desired color is achieved, remove the yarn or fabric from the dye and rinse it in cool water until the water runs clear.
Hang your dyed fiber to dry in a shaded area.
Tips and Variations:
Experiment with Color: The intensity of the color can vary depending on the type of fiber and how long you let the yarn sit in the dye. Try different soaking times for lighter or deeper shades.
Save Your Avocado Skins: You can freeze avocado pits and skins over time and gather enough for future dyeing projects.
Why Dye with Avocados?
Avocados are a great, sustainable option for natural dyeing. Not only do they create stunning soft pink hues, but they also make use of food waste, adding another layer of eco-friendliness to your fiber arts. Plus, this project is simple enough for beginners but produces professional-looking results.
We hope you enjoy this week’s project! Share your naturally dyed fibers with us on social media using #FiberArtsFriday. Happy dyeing!
