Introduction: Hammering: Natural Fabric Dye
This is a really cool fabric dyeing technique that I learned when I was younger.
It's surprisingly simple: all you need is a hammer, some fabric, a flat surface, and some plants.
Well, and something to fix the dye helps.
Step 1: Lay Out Boards
Step 2: Cover Boards
Paper towels are a good material for this. This will help protect your surface from plant colors.
Step 3: Place Fabric on Boards
Step 4: Lay Out Plants
Ferns and green things work best.
Step 5: Tape Down Plants
Securely.
Step 6: Carefully Flip Over the Fabric
Step 7: Hammer!
Step 8: Iron
Step 9: Flip Right Side Up and Remove Plant Gunk
Step 10: Fix Dye
Soak it in a salt bath!
I'm not actually sure how effective this is.
6 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
Awesome - I have to try this. Did you ever wash the fabric to see if the color stayed after soaking it in salt water?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I didn't wash this one, but several years ago I hammered a fern t-shirt for my dad, and it lasted several years with heavy use. I used more fixative processes on that one though- I remember at least a soda ash bath and hot dryer.
9 years ago on Introduction
This is crazy. I'm going to need to try this. :D
9 years ago on Introduction
Love it.
9 years ago on Introduction
This is awesome... hammers are such fun! ;-D
9 years ago on Introduction
Busy girl! Lovely projects. This is great with colorful flowers too!