5 Step Guide on How to Hand Dye using Natural, Botanical Dyes

Checkout a select few of our dyed garments in the colors Rose Petal, and Avocado

1. Mordant your pre-dampened fabric or garment in a solution that will adhere to the dye. There are several different types of mordants to use depending on your fabric content. Allum is one of the most common.
2. Remove your fabric from the solution and thoroughly rinse it in clean water.
3. Create the color you want by mixing different colors or using just one color. There are many different colors to choose from. When creating colors for natural dye, food waste such as the skin and pits of Avocados are a perfect way to start. Let the pits and skins soak overnight to get the desired color. They make the most beautiful, flesh tones. Once the color has been made and warmed, dip the fabric or the garment into the dye.
4. Once you have achieved the color you want, pull it out, rinse it, and hang it to dry. The longer you leave the fabric in the dye, the stronger the color will appear. 
5. If you're happy with the color once dried you can iron and wear it. Do not hang in the sun as the color will fade. 

Food waste is part of the circular approach, it biodegrades and returns to the soil. It is a regenerative and sustainable way to dye and achieve beautiful colorways. The are many different foods you can use to create color. Also plants such as the indigo plant, is used to create a denim color. The fashion industry needs to work together to help create less of an impact on people's health and the planet. We at Smith Bowen want to be part of the responsible solution.  

Take a look at our Honeymoon Panty, in the stunning, I Do Blue, colorway.