Discover how to dye with black beans to get a beautiful purple, blue and even a natural green dye! Something I’ve wanted to do a long time.
Natural dyeing is my jam and if you’re here it probably is (or will be soon) yours! This post will require you to make an alum bath so be sure to check out that post as well as some fun shibori folds. You also may love ice dyeing!
It finally happened. After 3 years of experimenting I FINALLY found a natural green dye. The recipe was not what I was expecting but it totally worked and I am stoked to do it again and again!
How to Dye with Black Beans
Check out this video if you’re more of a visual learner!
These steps are different from my past dyes. The extra ingredient to make green will surprise you too: baking soda!
Dye with Black Beans
Discover how to dye with black beans to get a beautiful purple, blue and even a natural green dye! Something I've wanted to do a long time.
Materials
- Dried black beans
- Baking soda (optional)
- Tea Towel or other natural fiber material
Tools
- Large pot
- Something to Stir
- Rubberbands (optional)
Instructions
- Place dried beans in the pot and enough water to cover your black beans.
- Allow beans to absorb water and add more every couple hours until the beans are no longer absorbing the water.
- Strain the beans out of the water. (These beans are good to cook now!)
- Place your damp towel in the dye.
- (Optional) add baking soda to dye if you'd like green!
- Allow the fabric to sit as long as you need. I let it sit overnight.
- Take it out of the dye and rinse.
Recommended Products
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Get these beautiful towels used here on amazon.
How to Soak Black Beans
I have seen two ways of dyeing with black beans, and both work.
My preferred way is to place black beans in the pot and just enough water to cover the beans. Each time the beans have absorbed the water, repeat the process until you notice it’s no longer soaking up the water. This will ensure maximum pigment.
Another way to do it is just add water 2 inches above the beans and allow it to absorb. You may get more dye from the above way with richer pigments. But do what suits you best!
