Equipment and supplies

What Equipment Do You Actually Need to Start Natural Dyeing?

Natural dyeing has a reputation for being complicated — copper pots, mysterious powders, steaming vats in lush gardens. The truth? You can begin natural dyeing at home with a very simple setup.

Whether you're working with plant materials or concentrated dye extracts, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to start

Start Simple: You Don’t Need a Studio

Many beginners assume they need a professional dedicated space with specialised equipment and expensive cookware but you really don't!

A small kitchen, laundry, or outdoor area with ventilation is completely sufficient. The key is using dedicated equipment (not shared with food preparation) and understanding a few basics.

The Absolute Essentials for Natural Dyeing

1. Dye Pots

• #1 A large stainless steel pot - Stainless steel is non reactive to dyes and is easily cleaned.

• You can also add other metal pots to your collection as they can assist in differnt outcomes:

Aluminium, Iron and copper will modify the dye bath according to the mineral.

Choose a pot large enough for your fabric to move freely — cramped fabric leads to uneven dyeing.

Important: Once used for dyeing, keep it separate from food use.

2. A Heat Source

You need consistent heat for most natural dye processes.

• Kitchen stovetop

• Portable electric hotplate

• Outdoor gas burner

• Outdoor firepit

3. A Digital Scale

Natural dyeing relies on ratios. See Weight of Fibre for more on this

You’ll measure:

• Fibre weight

• Mordant percentages

• Extract quantities

A basic kitchen scale (accurate to 1g) is enough to begin.If using dye extracts, a scale accurate to 0.1g gives better control.

4. Stirring Tools

• Stainless steel spoon

• Wooden stick

Avoid reactive metals unless intentionally modifying colour.

5. Buckets or Tubs

You’ll need containers for:

• Scouring

• Mordanting

• Rinsing

They do not need to be expensive — simple plastic laundry tubs work perfectly.

6. Strainer or Muslin Cloth

If using whole plant material, you’ll need to strain out leaves, bark, or roots before adding fabric.

If using dye extracts, this step is minimal — one of the reasons extracts are beginner-friendly.

7. Water Source

Natural dyeing uses a fair bit of water so its important to have access to a good water source. The water you use is also an important variable. If your water is hard or soft it can change the behaviour of the dye matter. You can adjust your dye bath if necessary by adding an acid or alkaline to bring it to the Ph you need.

8. Washing machine

A washing machine is going to be your best friend - for rinsing, soaking, spinning and washing.

Fabric Preparation Tools

Preparation determines colour quality.

Thermometer (Helpful but Optional)

Gloves

Protect hands from mordants and strong colourants.

Dedicated Measuring Jug/Jars

For accurate dilution of mordants and extracts.

Mordanting Supplies

Mordants help natural dyes bond to fibre.

What you need depends on fibre type:

For Protein Fibres

• Alum (potassium aluminium sulfate)

Protein fibres naturally bind dye well and often require simpler preparation.

For Cellulose Fibres

• Aluminium acetate (preferred for cotton and linen)

• Tannin (often used before alum on cellulose)

Cellulose fibres require more structured preparation because they lack the protein sites that help dye attach easily.

If You’re Using Natural Dye Extracts

Extracts simplify your setup significantly.

You’ll need:

• Precision scale (0.1g accuracy recommended)

Extracts eliminate:

• Long simmering times

• Large plant material strainers

• Bulk raw material storage

They’re ideal for small studios and consistent results.

Nice-to-Have

As you progress, you may add:

• pH strips (to monitor acidity/alkalinity)

• Outdoor gas burner for larger batches

• Steamer (for bundle dyeing or botanical printing)

• Drying rack

• Notebook for recording recipes

Documentation is incredibly valuable — natural dyeing is both art and science.

Safety & Studio Setup

Natural does not automatically mean harmless.

Follow these guidelines:

• Keep dye equipment separate from food preparation

• Label all containers clearly

• Work in a ventilated area

• Store mordants safely and out of reach of children or pets

• Avoid inhaling powders when measuring extracts or mordants

A tidy, organised setup makes dyeing far more enjoyable.

Begin With What You Have

Natural dyeing doesn’t require perfection. It requires curiosity.

Start small. Learn how fibre behaves. Record your results. Let nature teach you.

Over time, your equipment may expand — but your first dye bath can happen this week with tools already in your home.