Natural Dye Calculator

Step 1: Weigh the fabric and record it.

Step 2: Wet fabric in water. For wool, it takes a little bit of time for the water to get really into the wool.

Step 3: Take fabric out of water and let excess water drain. The fabric needs to be wet but it doesn't need to be dripping.

Step 4: In a pot add enough cold water to cover the fabric.

Step 5: Calculate alum needed (10% of weight of fabric).

For grams of fabric, you'll need grams of alum. This translates to teaspoons (or tablespoons).

Step 6: In a separate smaller pot or cup add hot water and dissolve the alum.

Step 7: Once dissolved, add the alum and water mix to the larger pot with cold water.

(We'll repeat the process now for tartaric acid)

Step 8: Calculate tartar needed (5% of weight of fabric).

For grams of fabric, you'll need grams of tartaric acid. This translates to teaspoons (or tablespoons).

Step 9: In a separate smaller pot or cup add hot water and dissolve the tartar. You may reuse the one used for alum.

Step 10: Once dissolved, add the tartar and water mix to the larger pot with cold water.

Step 11: Mix the larger pot with cold water.

Step 12: Add the fabric to the pot.

Step 13: Bring the mix, with the fabric in, to a boil.

Step 14: Turn the heat down to a simmer.

Step 15: Stir the fabric every once in a while using a wooden or plastic spoon. Metal spoons may affect the mix unless it's stainless steel.

Step 16: Make sure the fabric stays submerged in the mix.

Step 17: Simmer for 45-60 minutes.

Step 18: Let mix cool down (~2 hours depending on the room temp).

Step 19: After mix is cool, you can remove the fabric from the mix.

Step 20: Hang wool to air dry.