Bundle Dye Instructions.

Step one.

Place your fabric on a level workspace—make sure to choose a surface that you can easily wipe clean! Your fabric has been pre-scoured and mordanted for you. 
To explore this process, click on the above links to be taken to the Botanical Colors website. Maiwa also offers great resources, found here.

Step 2.

Scatter your flowers onto your fabric. Feel free to use either fresh or dried flowers—or both! We always keep a bag of petals in our freezer. Our favorite flowers to use are roses, dahlias, hollyhocks, dark colored scabiosa, peonies, marigolds, coreopsis, pansies, and violas. However, we have achieved beautiful and unexpected results using a variety of plants and flowers. Don't be afraid to experiment. Dried flowers are a fun way to experiment as well. 

Step 3.

Roll your fabric into a long, neat tube. Once rolled, fold the tube as you would a cinnamon roll. Use silk ribbon or rubber bands to secure, creating a tight bundle. Note: silk ribbon will also take dye in the process. Please save and reuse your ribbon.

Step 4.

Submerge your bundle in a shallow bowl of distilled white vinegar until the fabric is evenly saturated. You can reuse the vinegar for future dye projects.

Step 5.

Delicately lower your bundle into your steamer. Let it steam for 1-2 hours. The longer you steam, the better the color saturation. Let cool in the steamer or wait overnight for deeper colors. Unroll and rinse with cold water. Compost your flowers.

Step 6. (Optional)

For more subdued tones, dissolve the provided ferrous sulfate* in enough hot water to cover your bundle. Using gloves, submerge your bundle in the solution and watch the colors transform! We suggest saturating your fabric in the mixture for 1-5 minutes. However, the longer your piece soaks, the more dramatic the transformation. Rinse under cold water when you are satisfied with the color.
*Proceed with caution when using ferrous sulfate. Ferrous sulfate should be kept away from children and pets, and is harmful when inhaled or ingested in large amounts. More regarding safety here.

Step 7.

Let your fabric dry naturally and you are done! To care for your item, wash in warm water by hand or on a gentle rinse cycle. Use a pH neutral soap. Line or tumble dry. Natural dyes may fade or shift over time. The beauty of these natural dyeing techniques is that you can always start the cycle again, creating layers upon layers of beauty. 

We would love to see your finished product! Please tag us in your photos @hellenius_botanicals