How to dye with avocado pits

While I am not an expert on the dyeing process, I thought I would just do a little post about how to dye with avocado pits because it is the easiest and most rewarding process. You are left with the softest of pinks. I never liked pink before this dyeing process, now I can't get enough.

Tools needed:

Large stainless steel pot for dye bath

avocado pits (wash off all the avocado flesh and store in a paper bag at room temp or freeze in plastic, If you store in plastic at room temp they can get moldy)

Fabric (100% natural fibers will dye best. Cotton, silks and wools)

Strainer (to strain out pits when desired color is reached)

The general rule is: 3-4 avocado pits per 1/2 lb of fabric, but play around with varying this number based on what shade you like.

After you decide your pit to fabric ratio, place the pits in a large pot with enough water to submerge the fabric and bring to a boil. Then turn the heat down and simmer 30 minutes to an hour. Turn off the heat and let the pits sit in the water overnight to deepen the color.

The next day, strain out the pits. You'll notice that there are also pit skins that have come loose, so make sure and get all of these pieces as they will leave dark spots on your fabric if left in.

Prewash your fabric before dying. Some people use Synthrapol for this process, but I am more of a natural gal, so I use just a natural dish soap.

Add the pre-washed fabric (still wet but wrung out) and bring the dye bath back to a simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently to evenly coat the fabric. Turn the heat off and leave your fabric in until desired color is reached (I usually do 3-4 hours). Keep in mind that the color will fade a bit after washing. Rinse and line dry!

Note: Because avocado pits have natural tannins, there is no need to add a mordant (what makes the dye adhere to the fabric) to this process, making it the easiest! Have fun, send results!

*Model Ni and Kat rocking my avocado dyed pocket tee