Dyeing Equipment

You don’t need to spend a fortune—second-hand is your friend. Charity shops, car boot sales, or that cupboard full of unused bits at a relative’s house are all great places to look.

It’s worth gathering the basics ahead of time so they’re ready for when you dive into the colourful possibilities of plants.

Keep your dye gear separate from anything you use for cooking. A few essentials—a dedicated pot, spoon, sieve, and maybe an old bucket—are enough to get started. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional.

The Basic Six to Start

You don’t need much to begin—and it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are the six essentials to get you going:

  • Time – This is not an instant process. It can’t be rushed. Slow down and enjoy the adventure—it’s not a race.
  • Fabric – Start with 100% natural fibres. White cotton T-shirts are easy to find and affordable. You can also use cotton shirts, scrap cotton fabric you’ll sew later, or try linen, hemp, or bamboo fibre.
  • Baking Soda – A simple ingredient that’s handy for modifying colour and prepping fabric.
  • Stainless Steel Pan – You’ll need a dedicated pan (see note below). Second-hand is perfect.
  • Soy Milk – Unsweetened and unflavoured. Used as a natural binder to help the dye hold to the fabric.
  • Spoon for Stirring – Stainless steel is best and easy to clean. Wooden spoons can work, but you’ll need one per dye to avoid cross-contamination.

Useful As You Go

You don’t need all of this right away, but over time, these tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable:

  • Notebook – Keep a record of what you did, how it went, and what to try next time.
  • Table Protection – A cheap shower curtain makes a great wipe-down surface. It’s larger, cheaper, and more durable than paint sheets.
  • Plastic Gloves – To keep your hands dye-free.
  • Wipe-Clean Apron – A waterproof or plastic-coated apron is best, as dye can soak through fabric ones. Or just wear old clothes you don’t mind staining (and don’t forget shoes or wellies for the same reason).
  • Stainless Steel Pans – Two are better than one: a large 10L pot (with lid) for dyeing, and a medium 5L pot for extracting colour.
  • Stainless Steel Sieve – Big enough to hold a wet T-shirt. As your dyeing adventure progresses, you might like to have a few different sizes.
  • Stainless Steel Slotted or Perforated Spoon – for stirring dye, for lifting bits out and for pushing fabric around
  • Stainless Steel Tongs – So much easier for lifting fabric out of dye pots.
  • Mild Soap – An eco-friendly, pH-neutral soap for washing dyed fabric.
  • Heat Source – Your kitchen hob is fine to start. Later, you might want a dedicated hot plate.
  • Scales – Use your kitchen ones (just clean them well). Later, consider a set for your dye space.
  • Funnel – Handy for pouring leftover dye into containers.
  • Plastic Measuring Jug – For water and dye measurements.
  • Bucket or Bowl – For rinsing and swilling fabric.
  • Glass Jars – Recycled jars (e.g. mayo or jam) are perfect for storing leftover dye. Always label them.
  • Drying Rack – If possible, avoid using the one you dry laundry on—or cover it with something you can easily wipe clean.

Down the Line

As your dyeing journey expands, you may want to explore more advanced tools and ingredients:

  • Aluminium Lactate – A powdered mordant (use carefully and weigh accurately).
  • Face Mask – For safe handling of mordants and modifier powders.
  • Plastic Measuring Spoons – For precise measurement of fine powders and additives.
  • pH Strips – Universal indicator paper helps you check bath acidity or alkalinity.
  • Thermometer – Useful if a dye bath needs to hit a precise temperature.
  • Plastic Pipettes – For small measurements and test samples.
  • Glass Jar (non-metal lid) – For making and storing iron water.
  • Washing Soda, Calcium Carbonate (chalk), Salt – Useful for shifting colours and modifying baths.
  • Elastic Bands, String – Great for tie-dye or resist techniques.
  • Speckle Pot – A fun technique to try as you gain confidence.
  • More Stainless Steel Pans – Especially helpful for layering colours or experimenting with overdyeing.

From Hobby to Passion

If your adventures with dyeing become a regular part of your world, you’ll only need two more essentials:

  • More time
  • More space