Making dye from beets is simple: grate the beet, then squeeze the juice out to use as a natural dye. A single beet yields approximately 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of beet juice dye.
Steps to Extract Beet Juice Dye:
- Prepare the Beet: Thoroughly wash and peel a fresh beet.
- Grate the Beet: Use a grater to finely shred the beet. Grating maximizes the surface area, leading to more efficient juice extraction.
- Extract the Juice:
- Place the grated beet pulp into a cheesecloth or a clean, old dish towel.
- Gather the cloth around the pulp and squeeze firmly to extract the juice.
- Collect the juice in a bowl or container.
- Use the Dye: The extracted beet juice is now ready to use as a natural dye. Add the juice directly to the substance you wish to dye. The more juice you add, the deeper the resulting hue will be.
Important Considerations:
- Color Intensity: Beet dye creates a reddish-pink to deep red color. The final shade depends on the concentration of the juice and the material being dyed.
- Setting the Dye: Beet dye is a natural dye and might fade over time or with washing. To help set the dye, consider using a mordant like vinegar or salt, although results can vary. Research mordant techniques appropriate for your specific dyeing project.
- Material Suitability: Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool tend to absorb beet dye more effectively than synthetic fibers.
- Storage: Store excess beet juice dye in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use it as soon as possible as it can degrade over time.
- Safety: Wear gloves when handling beet juice to avoid staining your hands. Protect your work surface as well.
