Berry Dye

Making berry dye for your kids craft projects is fun, and much safer than traditional dyes.

Best fabrics for this project: cotton, muslin, wool, silk. Choose white or light colors for the best results.

Supplies:

Large stockpot

Measuring cups

Edible berries of your choice (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries)

Water

½ cup salt

Strainer

Plastic gloves

How many cups of berries are you using? The ratio is 1 cup of berries to 2 cups of water.

Directions:

1.Add berries and water to the stockpot and bring to a boil on medium high heat.

2.Turn heat down to low, and let your mixture simmer for 1 hour. Turn off heat.

3.Strain out your berries; add them to your compost bin if you have one.

4.At this point add your fabric to the pot to soak. The longer you leave it in the berry dye, the deeper the color.

5.Once you are done dyeing remove your fabric and drain out your water, since it is just berry water I recommend using it to water plants.

6.Place your fabric in the strainer in the sink Rinse your stock pot.

7.Fill the stockpot again with 8 cups cold water and 1/2 cup of salt.

8.Add your fabric and on low simmer for an hour.

9.Drain again, and run your fabric under cold water and squeeze out until water runs clear. Be careful your fabric will be hot; give it a few minutes under the running water before handling it.

10.Hang your fabric to dry

11.When you launder your fabric it should always be washed on the cold setting, and separately from other articles of clothing.

Did you like the berry dye? Try berry ink!