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How to Dye Straw

Uprooted flax and other grain fiber is called straw. It must undergo retting to break down the pectin -- which holds the fibers together -- before it can be successfully dyed. Fiber reactive dyes form a bond with the cellulose in grain fibers. Dye molecules combine with the straw-fiber molecules to become part of the cellulose fibers. This makes the dye very color fast. Adjust the dying time and powders to create the color you want.

Things You'll Need

Paper cup
Wooden stirrer
1 oz. dye powder
Large basin
1- lb. salt
2 gallons water
1 oz. washing paste

Instructions

- 1
  Put 1 oz. of dye powder in a paper cup; stir the powder with water to produce a smooth paste. Use with a wooden spoon or stick to blend the mixture.
- 2
  Pour water over clean straw.
- 3
  Pour 2 1/2 gallons of hot water in a large basin. The ideal water temperature is 70 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 4
  Dissolve 1 lb. of salt in the hot water. Add the dye paste to this solution.
- 5
  Add 1 lb. of dampened straw, and dye for 40 minutes.
- 6
  Stir gently, at five minute intervals, to produce even color results.
- 7
  Remove the straw from the dye bath.
- 8
  Mix 1 oz. of washing paste with 1/4 cup of hot water. Add this mixture to the dye bath.
- 9
  Place the straw in the dye bath for 50 to 60 minutes. Shorter time periods create lighter shades; longer times make deeper colors.
- 10
  Agitate at five minute intervals. Move the straw to disperse the dye and washing paste particles.
- 11
  Take the straw from the dye bath. Rinse it in warm water until the water runs clear.
- 12
  Dry, the straw in direct sunlight.

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