Natural dyes: Rusting

Rusting fabrics is such an accessible method for natural dying. The materials are easy to acquire and the steps are super simple. I am amazed at the beautiful results of such a basic process created with materials I already had at home. This dye method takes advantage of the natural rusting reaction of metal. When exposed to moist air, metals can react and create beautiful coppery colors. In this experiment, I try transferring this color to fabric.

Step 1: Collecting Rust

There are plenty of places to find rusted metals, but some areas are more plentiful than others. I have collected the most unique pieces of metal in car yards and along train tracks.

Step 2: Fabric Prep

Soak your fabric in white vinegar to help the dye transfer from the rust. The vinegar helps set the dye and increase the rusting reaction.

Step 3: Print Planning

In this step, you can lay your metals on the soaked fabric. Your fabric must be in direct contact with the rust for the dye to transfer. You can increase the amount that is touching the rust by tying the fabric around the piece or weighing the fabric down.

Each metal and fabric will dye differently, so expect your results to vary from your expectations.

Step 4: Reaction

The reaction takes different amounts of time for each fabric so keep an eye on it, but it can take between 3 and 12 hours.

Step 5: Results!

All of these samples were done on 100% cotton fabric.