Pinecone Natural Dye

Fibers: Cotton, hemp & linen

Mordant: Oak Galls

Dye: Fir Pinecones

Darker color altered with: Ferrous sulfate (Iron)

Pinecones are the reproductive structures of pine trees and can be found in various sizes and shapes. They are abundant in forests and can be collected throughout the year. Pinecones contain tannins, which are organic compounds that can be used to create natural dyes.

To create a natural dye using pinecones, you'll need to gather a large number of pinecones. You can crush them to release the tannins. You can do this by placing them in a cloth bag or wrapping them in a towel and hitting them with a hammer.

Once you have crushed the pinecones, add them to a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Let the mixture simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. This will help release the tannins from the pinecones. You are able to use a higher heat for extraction for pinecones than flower petals or more delicate dye material.

After the water has taken on the color of the pinecones, strain out the pinecones and add your fabric to the pot. Let the material simmer in the dye bath for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you leave it, the deeper the color will be.

After the dyeing process is complete, remove your fabric and rinse it thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Hang it up to dry, and you'll be left with a beautiful, unique piece that showcases the beauty of natural dyes.

Pinecones are a great option for natural dyeing because they produce a range of warm, earthy hues, including light browns, yellows, and greens. Experiment with different quantities of pinecones and fabric to create a variety of shades.