How to Dye Yarn with Marigolds and Calendula

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Prepare the yarn

Rinse your scoured and cleaned yarn to remove any lingering soap residue, then soak it in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This preps the fibers so they can take the mordant evenly in the next step.

Step 2 — Mordant the yarn

Mix alum powder — about 2 tablespoons per 100 grams of yarn — with enough warm water to form a paste, then stir in cream of tartar at 1 teaspoon per 100 grams of yarn. Wring the excess water from your soaked yarn and submerge it fully in the mordanting mixture, stirring gently to make sure every strand is coated. Let the yarn soak for 2 hours, rinse and wring it out, then repeat the mordanting soak for another 1-2 hours to make sure it's fully set. Rinse once more and let the yarn dry completely before dyeing.

Step 3 — Prepare the marigold dye bath

Fill a pot with enough water to fully submerge both the marigolds and the yarn. Add about 1 cup of dried marigolds per 100 grams of yarn, along with an avocado pit if you'd like to add an interesting twist to the color. Heat the bath until it simmers, keeping it just below a boil, and hold it there for 1-2 hours to draw out the color.

Step 4 — Dye the yarn in the marigold bath

Once the marigold bath has simmered for your desired time, strain out the marigolds and avocado pit. Gently submerge the mordanted yarn in the dye pot, making sure every strand is fully immersed, and let it soak for an additional hour. Turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid to keep the bath warm, and let the yarn steep overnight for the fullest color development.

Step 5 — Prepare and dye a separate calendula batch

For a calendula-dyed batch, rinse a second set of mordanted yarn and soak it in cold water for at least 30 minutes, just as before. Fill a pot with water, add about 1 cup of fresh or dried calendula flowers per 100 grams of yarn, and simmer without boiling for 1-2 hours. Strain out the calendula, submerge the yarn, soak for an additional hour, then let it steep overnight under a covered lid — this produces calendula's signature honey-toned hue.

Step 6 — Optional: combine the marigold and calendula baths

For a deeper, richer color, strain both dyed yarns and submerge the calendula-dyed yarn into the marigold dye bath. Heat the combined bath until it simmers, without letting it boil, and let the yarn soak for an additional hour. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and allow the yarn to steep overnight so the two colors can layer into one another.

Step 7 — Rinse and dry the yarn

The next day, rinse the dyed yarn thoroughly in cold water until all residue runs clear. Gently squeeze out the excess water and hang the yarn to dry in the shade, away from direct sunlight, so the color doesn't fade before it's fully set. Once completely dry, your naturally dyed yarn is ready for your next knitting or crochet project.

Frequently asked questions

How is the yarn prepared and mordanted before dyeing with marigolds and calendula?
Rinse the scoured yarn and soak it in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Then mordant it with a paste of alum powder (2 tablespoons per 100 grams of yarn) and cream of tartar (1 teaspoon per 100 grams), letting the yarn soak for 2 hours, rinsing, and repeating for another 1-2 hours before drying completely.

What is the process for creating a marigold dye bath?
Fill a pot with water and add about 1 cup of dried marigolds per 100 grams of yarn, plus an optional avocado pit for a twist on the color. Simmer without boiling for 1-2 hours, then strain out the marigolds and avocado pit before adding the mordanted yarn.

How do you combine marigold and calendula dyed yarns for a deeper color?
Strain both dyed yarns, then submerge the calendula-dyed yarn into the marigold dye bath. Simmer without boiling, let it soak for an additional hour, then turn off the heat and let it steep overnight before rinsing.

What materials do I need to dye yarn with marigolds and calendula?
You'll need wool yarn, dried marigolds, fresh or dried calendula flowers, an optional avocado pit, alum powder, and cream of tartar for mordanting. A scale, two pots, a strainer, a colander, and gloves and safety goggles for handling hot liquids round out the equipment.

Enjoyed this tutorial?

Find 60+ free tutorials on YouTube. Grab a pattern from the Etsy shop, or go deeper with a community membership.

Free tutorials on YouTube →    Shop on Etsy →    Join the community →