Designed for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this 10-week workshop is an exciting exploration into the art of creating dynamic patterns and prints on fabric using natural dyes. We’ll cover a variety of surface design techniques using stamps, stencils, and brushes in combination with a diverse array of natural dye sources and mordant pastes. We’ll extract dye baths from several natural sources, including food waste, locally grown plants, and traditional historic dyes, and use shibori resist techniques and dye modifiers to create vibrant colors and intricate patterns on cloth. Several methods for the direct application of natural dyes onto fabric will also be covered, including bundle dyeing and eco-printing. Gain a comprehensive understanding of natural dyeing techniques and their applications in surface design and discover the endless possibilities for creating works of art on fabric with natural dyes.

Designed for those new to natural dyeing or looking to deepen their practice, this five-week hands-on workshop explores the vibrant world of natural color using plants and materials found right here in Philadelphia. From neighborhood trees and native flowers to kitchen scraps and common garden plants, you’ll learn how to turn everyday local resources into stunning, naturally dyed textiles.

We’ll cover fiber selection, scouring, and best practices for pretreating fabric with tannins and mordants, tailored to the specific natural dyes we’ll be using. Dye baths will be extracted from a variety of sources, including food waste, traditional dye plants, and the local flora growing in our urban environment. You’ll also experiment with shibori resist techniques and dye modifiers in combination with immersion dyeing to create bold patterns and long-lasting color.

Leave with a beautiful collection of naturally dyed textiles, a hand-dyed item of your choice (like a shirt, tea towel, or baby onesie), and a fresh appreciation for the hidden natural color all around you.

All skill levels welcome. No class is held on October 12th.

Discover the rich world of natural color in this four-week introduction to natural dyeing on cloth. Through hands-on practice, you’ll learn the essential processes that make natural dyes both beautiful and long-lasting. We’ll cover fiber sourcing, proper cleaning and scouring techniques, and best practices for pretreating fabric with tannins and mordants, all tailored to the specific natural dyes being used. We'll extract dye baths from a range of materials, from kitchen scraps and locally grown plants to traditional dyes with long histories of use. We’ll experiment with color variation through pH and iron modifiers, and incorporate shibori resist techniques to create layers of pattern and visual interest. Along the way, we'll discuss the history, science, and sustainability of natural dyes, gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between plants, textiles, and color. 

By the end of the class, you’ll have created a collection of naturally dyed fabrics. Additionally, you’ll transform a cotton or linen item of your choice—such as a shirt, baby onesie, or tea towel—from start to finish using natural dyes.