How to Dye Fabric with Beets

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There is a certain beauty to natural dyes that you just can't get with regular fabric dyes. Although the results aren't quite as color-fast as store-bought dyes, they are gorgeous in their own way. The process is simple, and once you know how to do it with beets, you can try using other natural products, such as red cabbage or turmeric.

Making a Natural Beet Dye

  • Chop 3-4 peeled beets into chunks and simmer in water for 1.5-2.5 hours.
  • Simmer the fabric in a pot of 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water for 1.5-2.5 hours.
  • Soak the fabric in the beet dye for 12-24 hours.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Dye and Fabric

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  1. , then cut them into large chunks. The size of the chunks doesn't really matter, but something between 1 and 2 inches (2.5 and 5.1 cm) would work great. Don't use whole beets, because they won't release enough dye. [1]
    • You don't want to cut the beets too small. If you do, the pieces will be harder to remove later on.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Dye Fabric with Beets
    How much water you use will depend on the size of the pot. Use enough water to fill the pot 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) from the rim. [2]
    • You will be boiling the water shortly, so the temperature does not matter.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Dye Fabric with Beets
    The pot needs to be large enough for the fabric to be able to move around freely. For best results, use something made from white cotton or linen. [3]
    • It would be a good idea to wash and dry the fabric beforehand. This will remove any chemicals that might prevent the dye from adhering.
    • Natural dye does not stick well to synthetics, so use natural fibers, such as cotton or linen.
    • You can use this method to dye articles of clothing as well, as long as they are made from white cotton or linen.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dye Fabric with Beets
    Fill the pot about a quarter of the way with vinegar first. Push the fabric into the vinegar to ensure that it's soaked through, then fill the remaining three-quarters of the pot with water. [4]
    • You are only doing this for the pot that has the fabric in it. Don't add anything to the pot with the beets in it.
    • The vinegar will act as a fixative and help the dye adhere better to the fabric.
    • Alternatively, use 1/2 cup (150 g) of salt for every 8 cups (1.9 L) of water.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Dyeing the Fabric

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Dye Fabric with Beets
    Set each pot down on a separate burner. Turn the heat up to medium or medium-high, then wait for the water to come to a boil. This may take a few minutes. [5]
    • Wait for both pots to come to a boil before moving on to the next step.
  2. Again, you want this to happen simultaneously for both pots. Turn the knobs for both burners to low, then wait for the water to reduce to a simmer. Set the timer for anywhere between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. [6]
    • The longer you let the water simmer, the brighter the color will be.
  3. Use a wooden spoon, or something similar, to hold the fabric in place as you pour out the vinegar water. Don't worry if there is some liquid left in the pot. [7]
    • Don't empty the water from the dye pot.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dye Fabric with Beets
    You can use a regular spoon to do this, but a slotted spoon would work even better. Discard the beets or save them for a recipe. [8]
    • Save the red dye leftover from the beets. Don't dump this out.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Dye Fabric with Beets
    Be sure to pour the dye slowly so that it doesn't splash. Next, stir the pot to ensure that everything is submerged; you may have to poke the folds of fabric to get them to stay down. [9]
    • You won't be able to fill the fabric pot all the way. This is because some of the beet water evaporated while you cooked it.
  6. There is no need to soak it for longer than that. Make sure that the fabric is fully submerged, however, or it may not dye evenly. If you need to, weigh the fabric down with a plate, bowl, or jar. [10]
    • Take the pot off the stove for this. Don’t let the dye bath keep simmering for these 12 to 24 hours.
    Kristine Vejar, Textile Artist and Natural Dyeing Specialist

    Dyeing fabric with beets gives you a special chance to feel close to nature through making color. It's simple to do, but you need patience and to be okay with surprises. Beets have this deep, earthy red that can soak fabric in shades that match the warmth and energy of nature itself. Remember, natural dyeing is as much about the process as the final color. Each piece shows off how beautiful imperfection is and how fun it is to make something totally unique.

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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Rinsing and Setting the Dye

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Dye Fabric with Beets
    Do not rinse the fabric, or you may lose some of that beautiful, vibrant color. Just pull the fabric out and gently squeeze the excess dye from it. [11]
    • It might be a good idea to wear plastic gloves for this step. The beet water may stain your hands for a few days. [12]
    • If you don't mind a lighter shade of pink, you can rinse the fabric in cool water.
  2. Heat is key to setting the dye into the fabric. If you live in a warm, sunny climate, drying the fabric outside work the best. Otherwise, toss the fabric into the dryer, and dry it on a low-heat setting. [13]
    • If you are drying the fabric outside, keep a pot or bucket under it to catch any drips of dye. [14]
  3. Adjust your iron to a no-steam, low-heat setting. Place the fabric on the ironing board, then iron it for about 5 minutes. Not only will this help further set the dye into the fabric, but it will also smooth out wrinkles. [15]
    • Even though your fabric is made from cotton or linen, you should still use a low-heat or warm setting on your iron. Don't use the cotton or linen setting.
    • There is a chance that some of the dye may transfer to the ironing board. Consider covering the board with an old, clean cloth first.
  4. Even with the added vinegar, this is a natural dye. It is safer for the environment than regular dye, but it is not permanent. To help preserve the color, hand wash the fabric in cold water only when necessary; avoid using a washing machine, if possible. [16]
    • If you choose to use a washing machine, use a cold water setting. Wash the dyed fabric separately to avoid color transfer. [17]
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  • Question
    How long does beet dye last?
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    In fabric, beet dye is permanent, but it may fade a bit with a few washes. Using a fixative, like vinegar, can help it take better. If you use beet dye on your hair, it will wash out after a few shampoos.
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  • Question
    Does beetroot make your hair red?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, you can dye your hair a vibrant shade of red with beetroot. It will take better and last longer if you mix the beetroot juice with an oil base, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
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    Which fruits and vegetables make the best dyes?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    Lots of fruits and vegetables have natural pigments that work well as dyes. Aside from beets, a few good options include red cabbage, spinach, carrots, and blueberries.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Things You'll Need

      • 2 pots
      • Large spoon
      • Slotted spoon
      • White cotton or linen fabric
      • Vinegar
      • 3 to 4 beets
      • Iron
      • Rubber or plastic gloves (optional, but recommended)


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlwA0XA5WHU&feature=youtu.be&t=15s
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlwA0XA5WHU&feature=youtu.be&t=1m5s
      3. ↑ https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/lifestyle/fiber-crafts/using-vegetables-for-natural-clothing-dye/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlwA0XA5WHU&feature=youtu.be&t=1m40s
      5. ↑ https://hishort.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/of-pickled-beets-and-dying-yarn/
      6. ↑ https://hishort.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/of-pickled-beets-and-dying-yarn/
      7. ↑ https://hishort.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/of-pickled-beets-and-dying-yarn/
      8. ↑ https://hishort.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/of-pickled-beets-and-dying-yarn/
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlwA0XA5WHU&feature=youtu.be&t=3m45s
      1. ↑ https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/lifestyle/fiber-crafts/using-vegetables-for-natural-clothing-dye/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlwA0XA5WHU&feature=youtu.be&t=4m50s
      3. ↑ https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/how-to-make-natural-dyes-to-dye-fabric-clothes-at-home/
      4. ↑ https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/lifestyle/fiber-crafts/using-vegetables-for-natural-clothing-dye/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlwA0XA5WHU&feature=youtu.be&t=5m15s
      6. ↑ https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/lifestyle/fiber-crafts/using-vegetables-for-natural-clothing-dye/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlwA0XA5WHU&feature=youtu.be&t=4m5s
      8. ↑ https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/how-to-make-natural-dyes-to-dye-fabric-clothes-at-home/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to dye fabric with beets, the process is relatively simple and the results are beautiful. Start by peeling 3 to 4 beets and cutting them into large chunks. Place them in a pot of water and bring them to a boil. Then, put your white cotton or linen fabric that you plan to dye into a separate pot. Fill the clothing pot with a 1 to 4 ratio of vinegar to water, then boil the liquid. After both pots come to a boil, turn them down to simmer for about 2 hours. You’ll then empty the water from the fabric pot and remove the beets from the dye pot. Pour the dye into the fabric pot, and stir the material around until it’s fully and evenly coated. Let the fabric continue to soak in the beet dyed water for 12 to 24 hours before wringing it out and allowing it to dry in the sun. To learn how to set your color with an iron, keep reading!

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