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How to Make Dark Green Clothes Dye

Plant dyes have been made for thousands of years, with recipes and procedures passed down from generation to generation. Some colors require multiple ingredients and days of preparation and dyeing time, but you can make a dark green clothes dye from the leaves of a single plant, the dock sorrel. These leaves, properly prepared, can make a rich dark green dye, suitable for use with natural fibers.

Things You'll Need

3 lbs. dock sorrel leaves
Pot
Strainer
Jar

Instructions

- 1
  Chop the leaves into small pieces and mix with water to a ratio of one part plant to two parts water.
- 2
  Place the plant and water mixture in a pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for one hour.
- 3
  Remove from heat and allow the mixture to soak overnight to create a deep dark green color.
- 4
  Place a jar beneath a strainer and pour the mixture into the strainer, gathering the dye. You will have to treat any clothes to be dyed with a color fixative made of four parts cold water to one part vinegar before you can use the dye.

Sewing