Post by hawkeyes on Oct 27, 2020 5:46:27 GMT -7
Much isn't needing to be said about walnuts and the use for dyeing articles of clothing and textiles of many varieties. This natural resource has a chemical composition that makes it absolutely perfect for dyeing and one reason given it's availability and ease of use has made it a common dye for ages.
I'd like to share my method and what I've found works for me. Likely many more complicated methods exist but I believe in keeping things simple. To date I've dyed multiple shirts and bags over the years using this method and every article has remained color fast with real use.
Most important supply is of course your walnut. They oxidize quickly once on the ground but don't be put off on broken or split hulls, they will work just fine. The dark color you see is the fruit naturally oxidizing and what we want, which is the dye. Steer clear of moldy fruit as that's a no go. Best to collect about a dozen per one gallon of dye. If you are unable to use them right away immediately freeze them until you plan to dye.
Get yourself a ceramic pot or old pot, not the bosses good cookware because when I say this dye will dye anything and everything it touches it's the truth. Prep your hulls by slicing them in half and pulling the hull from the nut, save those walnuts! Delicious to eat. Once separate I tear the hulls into little pieces and add them to the one gallon pot of water. Once all twelve are processed I begin to boil the dye bath then allow it to simmer for about an hour.
Next step I've found is rather important and that is stripping whatever you plan to dye of any oil or grime. I've heard of people boiling their articles with washing soap which is fine but another big pot is required. I've used nothing more than hot tap water and distilled vinegar. I allow my articles to soak, wash and rinse and wring out excessive water. Opening the fibers is important, this allows the dye to be soaked up evenly throughout, don't rush this step!
Time to dye, add your articles to the dye bath and allow everything to become saturated. Then stir occasionally until your desired level of color is achieved. I usually let things go two shades darker than I want them, then pull from the bath. I find linen takes longer than cotton so a good rule of thumb is about 20-30 minutes in the bath. Bone and horn also will take walnut dye very well, as will leather.
Once you are satisfied rinse your articles in cold water until no dye is present in the water, hang dry and your done, that easy.
Worth noting, if you want to wear gloves do so as your hands and nails will be dyed for the foreseeable future... I don't wear gloves personally as my hands are always stained.
Also, save the excess dye. I'll strain off the hulls and store the dye in a glass jar for next time.
I'd like to share my method and what I've found works for me. Likely many more complicated methods exist but I believe in keeping things simple. To date I've dyed multiple shirts and bags over the years using this method and every article has remained color fast with real use.
Most important supply is of course your walnut. They oxidize quickly once on the ground but don't be put off on broken or split hulls, they will work just fine. The dark color you see is the fruit naturally oxidizing and what we want, which is the dye. Steer clear of moldy fruit as that's a no go. Best to collect about a dozen per one gallon of dye. If you are unable to use them right away immediately freeze them until you plan to dye.
Get yourself a ceramic pot or old pot, not the bosses good cookware because when I say this dye will dye anything and everything it touches it's the truth. Prep your hulls by slicing them in half and pulling the hull from the nut, save those walnuts! Delicious to eat. Once separate I tear the hulls into little pieces and add them to the one gallon pot of water. Once all twelve are processed I begin to boil the dye bath then allow it to simmer for about an hour.
Next step I've found is rather important and that is stripping whatever you plan to dye of any oil or grime. I've heard of people boiling their articles with washing soap which is fine but another big pot is required. I've used nothing more than hot tap water and distilled vinegar. I allow my articles to soak, wash and rinse and wring out excessive water. Opening the fibers is important, this allows the dye to be soaked up evenly throughout, don't rush this step!
Time to dye, add your articles to the dye bath and allow everything to become saturated. Then stir occasionally until your desired level of color is achieved. I usually let things go two shades darker than I want them, then pull from the bath. I find linen takes longer than cotton so a good rule of thumb is about 20-30 minutes in the bath. Bone and horn also will take walnut dye very well, as will leather.
Once you are satisfied rinse your articles in cold water until no dye is present in the water, hang dry and your done, that easy.
Worth noting, if you want to wear gloves do so as your hands and nails will be dyed for the foreseeable future... I don't wear gloves personally as my hands are always stained.
Also, save the excess dye. I'll strain off the hulls and store the dye in a glass jar for next time.
Spence