I have tried dyeing with fresh nettle leaf before and it did not work for me. When I saw nettle leaf powder I knew I needed to try it!
If you love natural dyeing like I do then you have perused pinterest and seen beautiful natural green colors from nettle leaves. I’ve foraged some other natural things and dyed with pinecones. Also with natural dyeing don’t forget to mordant your fabric with an alum bath!
I tried to find nettle leaf in the mountains by my home and they did nothing. I thought maybe I just didn’t have the right kind. Then I bought some from New York and paid a bunch of money to have them shipped to me before they died. They also didn’t work!
When I saw nettle leaf powder I knew I needed to try it.
Nettle Leaf Natural Dyeing Method
You can watch my process in this video or I will detail it out for you below in step by steps!
The end result was not really what I was going for. But it was a natural tan color that could have many uses! I still want to find a way to get green!
To get a richer color, I suggest creating an alum bath.
If you don’t have alum yet I compared different alums and I think it’s pretty informational!
Dyeing with Nettle Leaf Powder
I have tried fresh nettle leaf before and it did not work for me. When I saw nettle leaf powder I knew I needed to try it!
Materials
- Nettle Leaf Powder
- Tea Towel or other natural fiber material
Tools
- Large pot
- Something to Stir
- Rubberbands (optional)
Instructions
- Bring your water to a boil
- Place a large amount of nettle leaf into the water. I used about a cup.
- Simmer until dissolved.
- Place your damp towel in the water and put the heat to low.
- Allow the fabric to sit as long as you need. I let it sit overnight.
- Take it out of the water and rinse.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’m also all about different dye methods and figuring out different ways to dye
What type of water should I used to naturally dye?
This is so interesting. I love the tan color!