SOME NOTES BEFORE YOU START:
Will my water affect the final colour?
Yes! But you won’t know until you try, so just give it a whirl. Tap water will have a different dye to seawater, rainwater etc.
How many avocado stones do I need?
This will depend on how dark you want the water. I used 4 for 1m of white linen fabric.
How will I know when my fabric is done?
When it is the colour you like! Focus on colour not time - each time you dye it will be different so just rely on your peepers 👀
I want to dye loads of fabric!
If you struggle to fit it in a pan, you won’t get a very even result (but if you don’t mind that then it’s fine). I would stick to a metre or so and a big pan! If you have a few cuts, use the same pot of dye and just repeat!
Can I keep the dye water?
For a little while, but not for ages as it will start to go bad 🤢. You can absolutely reuse it. I have found there is no need to heat the fabric in it, just leave it a little longer.
Will the dye be nice and even?
I like the imperfections! Remember to agitate it now and again. The more water you have, the more even it will be. If your fabric is really scrunched up you will get little creases, but this looks lovely too and it may be exactly what you are after.
I didn’t get a nice pink colour 😩, what am I doing wrong?
Likely nothing! Water has a big impact on the final colour so it may just be that. Try changing up the fabric, number of avocado stones etc. and make a wee note of what you did differently and what worked.
Can I dye yarn instead of fabric?
Yes! Disclosure: I have never done it but use the same technique. You may need to unwind your yarn or at least loosen it.
Can I use avocado skins?
Yes! But this makes a dye with a brown tone rather than pink.
Can I use other botanicals?
Absolutely. There are books a plenty on this subject…beetroot, pomegranate skins, tea, marigold flowers, nettles…the list is endless. Have a read or take a peep at a pro like Rebecca Desnos !
Finally, it isn’t an exact science, so just give it a go. Added more water midway through? Fineee. Popped another avocado stone in? Who’s gonna know? Given the fabric a second soak? Also fine. It’s not a needy little soufflé. It’s actually very forgiving so go for it. You can’t really go wrong! 💪🏻
