06/17/2026
🌿 So, how does natural dyeing actually work? 🌿
How can you create color without using commercial dye?
The process starts with natural materials—things like flowers, leaves, roots, bark, and even kitchen scraps. The method varies slightly by material, but most are soaked or simmered to create a dye bath, and then yarn is carefully prepared before being introduced to the color. Then it sits in the dye bath anywhere from a few minutes to several days.
After dyeing, each skein is dried, rinsed, dried again, twisted, and labeled by hand. The process can take several days from start to finish, but that's part of what I love about it. Nature works on its own timeline, and every batch has its own unique character.
No two skeins are ever exactly alike, and that's part of the magic. This featured picture shows dried Chamomile flowers which were used to make the 3 skeins on the right. I'm amazed at the natural variation of the final product when the color came from the same plant material! I can envision these colors used to make a gorgeous wearable - maybe a scarf, sweater, or hat. Pair it with a pop of purple from Alkanet Root and you've got some amazing, all-natural contrast.
What natural material would you be most surprised to learn can dye yarn?
🌼 Flowers
🍂 Leaves
🥑 Avocado pits and skin
🫘 Black beans
🍊 Orange peels
