Natural Eco Dyeing Course

Learn Eco dyeing with natural products with our Printing courses in Sydney.

This Natural Eco Dyeing workshop will help you discover a living and sustainable colour palette with natural dyes. You will never look at your garden or kitchen in the same way!

Join this workshop of natural eco dyeing to learn the basics of natural dyeing methods, easy mordants, and how you can set this up at home to keep exploring this art form.

You will explore a variety of natural hand dyeing and colour application techniques in this Eco Dyeing workshop, and you will create your own fabulous effects on wool, silk and cotton using natural methods and materials.

Learn to make beautiful dyes with foraged plants, household food waste and by-products from an organic farm. Many everyday waste products create rich, gorgeous colours: avocado stones produce dusky pink, onion skins create bronze and carrot tops make a minty green (just a few examples!). You will take home skills that will last a lifetime.

Ideal for

This is a beginner’s course, so no previous design, dye or printing experience is required.

Course content

• Use seasonal and native plants, fruits, vegetables and materials from home for natural dye projects
• Learn basic techniques: hot water extraction, steam bundle dying/ eco printing, solar dyeing and direct application methods
• Learn how different types of fibres (wool, silk and cotton) react to natural dyes
• Understand the basic principles of mordants
• Pots and equipment you need to do natural dying at home
• How to make a natural dye journal or "sampler."

You will dye and take home

• 100% pure silk scarf
• Wool blend fabric for a wall hanging or table runner
• Fabric samples for a natural dye journal

What to bring

• Empty jars to take home your dyes and samples
• An old shirt or apron to wear while dyeing
• A notepad and pen or tablet to take notes
• Any natural, pre-washed garments or fabric to dye (optional)
• Any local plants or food scraps you wish to use for dyeing (optional)

Come prepared

• Please wear closed-in shoes and old clothes
• All dyeing materials are natural and non-toxic – but may cause allergies. Please contact us to discuss if you are allergic to any plants, flowers, vegetables or berries

Venue

Rozelle Campus, corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd, Rozelle (in the grounds of St. Joseph’s Church). If driving, no entry into Gordon Street from Victoria Road. Last block on your right before Victoria Road. Pedestrian access is opposite Prince Street.

Other Information

Sydney Community College is a social enterprise with a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.