Avocado pit plant dye pink shirt fabric - Time-lapse eco color natural dye

To begin this transformation, start with a clean, 100% natural fiber shirt, like white cotton or linen. Synthetic fibers like polyester will not absorb the dye. The first step, known as scouring, is to wash the shirt in hot water with a pH-neutral soap or a small amount of soda ash to remove any oils or residues from manufacturing. A common beginner mistake is skipping this, which leads to a splotchy, uneven dye job. For a single shirt, use about one tablespoon of soda ash in a large pot of water, simmering the fabric for about an hour. This ensures the fabric is ready to evenly accept the natural color. While the shirt is being prepared, gather 5 to 8 clean avocado pits. Scrub any remaining fruit flesh off them; you can use them fresh or dry them for later. You can even store them in the freezer to collect enough over time.

Before dyeing, you need to mordant the fabric, which helps the color permanently bind to the fibers. A simple, non-toxic method for cotton is a soy milk binder. Dilute one part unsweetened soy milk with three parts water, soak your scoured shirt, wring it out, and let it hang dry completely. Repeat this process two more times for a strong bond. Let the shirt cure for at least 48 hours before dyeing for best results.

To create the dye bath, roughly chop or smash your avocado pits. Place them in a non-reactive pot (stainless steel is perfect; avoid aluminum or iron which can alter the color). Use a pot large enough for your shirt to move freely, like a 2-gallon stockpot. Cover the pits with water and bring to a gentle simmer, but never a rolling boil, as high heat can dull the delicate pinks into browns. Let it simmer for at least an hour, or until the water turns a deep reddish-orange. Don't be alarmed by the color; it looks much darker in the pot than it will on the fabric.

Once the dye is ready, strain out the pit pieces. Wet your mordanted and cured shirt with clean water and wring it out so it's damp, not dripping. This helps the dye absorb evenly. Submerge the damp shirt into the warm dye bath, ensuring it's fully unfolded. Gently heat the pot for about an hour, stirring occasionally to avoid hot spots. You can then turn off the heat and let the shirt steep for several hours, or even overnight, for a deeper shade. When you're happy with the color (it will dry a few shades lighter), remove the shirt. Rinse it under cool running water until the water runs clear. Hang it to dry in a shady spot, as direct sunlight can fade the fresh color. For the first few washes, launder it separately in cold water.