How to Dye Cotton Fabric Blue with Concord Grape Skins

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Simmer the grape skins to extract the dye

Place your Concord grape skins in a pot and add enough water to cover them completely. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about one hour to draw the colour out of the skins and into the water.

Step 2 — Prepare your fabric while the dye simmers

While the grape skins simmer, wash your cotton muslin fabric in the washing machine for a full clean cycle to remove any chemicals or impurities, then soak it again in the machine. Timing it this way means your fabric will be ready right around the same time the dye bath is ready to strain.

Step 3 — Strain the dye

Once the grape skins have finished simmering, strain the mixture through a colander and discard the skins. Keep the strained liquid — this is your dye bath.

Step 4 — Soak the fabric in the dye

Place your prepared fabric into a bowl or plastic container with the liquid dye and let it soak for the rest of the day. The longer the fabric stays in the dye bath, the deeper and more intense the blue colour will become.

Step 5 — Rinse and dry the fabric

Rinse the dyed fabric thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, to remove any excess dye. Hang the fabric to dry naturally rather than using a dryer.

Step 6 — Set the dye and repeat if needed

Iron the dried fabric on a low heat setting to help set the colour. If you'd like a more intense hue, you can repeat the entire dyeing process — simmering a fresh batch of grape skins and soaking the fabric again — until you reach your desired shade of blue.

Frequently asked questions

How is blue dye made from grape skins?
Blue dye is made by simmering Concord grape skins in water on low heat for about an hour to extract the colour, then straining out the skins and using the remaining liquid as a dye bath for fabric.

What safety precautions should I take when dyeing fabric with grape skins?
Wear gloves and a mask and work in a well-ventilated area, especially if combining with acid dyes. Also take care when handling hot liquids and any sharp tools used to prepare the grape skins.

How do I prepare fabric before natural dyeing?
Wash the fabric in the washing machine for a full clean cycle, then soak it again while the grape skins are simmering. Timing it this way means the fabric is ready right when the dye bath is strained and ready to use.

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