How Do You Make Pink Dye From Plants?

You can create pink dye from plants using various methods, with avocado pits and madder roots being popular choices.

Using Avocado Pits

Avocado pits contain tannins that can produce a range of colors, including pink, depending on the mordant and method used.

Steps:

1. Prepare the avocado pits: Clean the pits thoroughly and chop them into smaller pieces.
2. Simmer the pits: Place the chopped pits in a pot of water. The amount of water depends on the quantity of pits; ensure the pits are submerged.
3. Extract the dye: Simmer the pits for several hours (2-4 hours), until the water turns a deep reddish-pink color. The longer you simmer, the more concentrated the dye will be.
4. Strain the dye: Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove the pit pieces.
5. Mordant your fabric: A mordant helps the dye bind to the fabric. Common mordants include alum, iron, or tannin. Follow specific mordanting instructions based on the fabric type and chosen mordant. (This step should be done before dyeing.)
6. Dye the fabric: Submerge the mordanted fabric in the dye bath, ensuring it is fully immersed.
7. Simmer the fabric: Gently simmer the fabric in the dye bath for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even dyeing.
8. Cool and rinse: Allow the fabric to cool in the dye bath, then rinse it thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear.
9. Dry: Dry the fabric away from direct sunlight.

Using Madder Roots

Madder roots are a well-known source of red dye, and with careful control, you can achieve pink shades.

Steps:

1. Prepare the madder roots: Soak dried madder roots in water overnight. This helps to rehydrate them and release more dye.
2. Simmer the roots: Place the soaked madder roots in a pot of water. Use about 1 part madder root to 4 parts water.
3. Extract the dye: Gently simmer the roots for 1-2 hours, being careful not to boil, as high temperatures can shift the color towards brown.
4. Strain the dye: Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove the root pieces.
5. Mordant your fabric: As with avocado pits, mordanting is essential for colorfastness.
6. Dye the fabric: Submerge the mordanted fabric in the dye bath.
7. Simmer the fabric: Simmer gently for 30-60 minutes for lighter pink shades. Longer times and higher concentrations will produce deeper reds.
8. Cool and rinse: Allow the fabric to cool, then rinse thoroughly.
9. Dry: Dry away from direct sunlight.

Tips for Achieving Pink:

• Less Dye, More Water: Use a lower concentration of dye and more water to achieve lighter pink shades.
• Lower Temperature: Avoid high temperatures during dyeing, as they can deepen the color.
• Mordant Control: Experiment with different mordants and their concentrations, as they affect the final color. Alum is often recommended for brighter shades.
• Test Strips: Always test the dye on a small piece of fabric before dyeing the entire piece.