Beginner-Friendly Natural Dyeing with Marigolds

By claire borchardt  •   2 minute read

Beginner-Friendly Natural Dyeing with Marigolds


Marigolds are more than cheerful blooms for your garden—they’re also one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to use in natural dyeing. With just a handful of petals, you can transform yarn or fabric into golden yellows, soft greens, or even warm oranges.

If you’re curious about natural dyeing, marigolds are a perfect place to start.

Why Marigolds?

  • Abundant: They bloom generously from summer into fall.

  • Beginner-friendly: No complicated prep—just gather, simmer, and dye.

  • Beautiful results: They yield a sunny palette that captures the essence of the season.

What You’ll Need

  • 100g clean, mordanted yarn or fabric (wool or cotton both work)

  • 100g fresh (75g dried) marigold petals 

  • A large non-reactive pot (stainless steel or enamel—dedicated for dyeing only)

  • A spoon or stick for stirring

  • A strainer or mesh bag (optional, for keeping petals contained)

Step 1: Gather Your Marigolds

Pick flowers that are fully bloomed and vibrant. Both fresh and dried petals work. If using dried petals, they’ll be more concentrated, so you’ll need less.

Step 2: Prepare the Dye Bath

  1. Fill your pot with enough water to cover your yarn or fabric.

  2. Add the marigold petals directly or place them in a mesh bag for easy cleanup.

  3. Simmer gently at 180°F (don’t boil) for 45 minutes, until the water turns a rich golden color.

  4. Using a sieve or cheesecloth, strain out all flower particles before moving to Step 3.

Step 3: Add Your Yarn or Fabric

  1. Wet your mordanted yarn or fabric thoroughly before adding to the pot (this helps the color absorb evenly).

  2. Submerge in the dye bath, making sure it’s fully covered.

  3. Simmer gently at 160°F for another 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Let It Rest

For deeper colors, let the yarn or fabric cool and rest in the dye bath overnight. The longer it sits, the richer the color will be.

Step 5: Rinse & Dry

  1. Remove your yarn or fabric from the pot.

  2. Rinse gently in cool water until it runs clear.

  3. Hang to dry away from direct sunlight.

Results You Can Expect

  • Alum mordant: bright, golden yellows 🌞

  • Iron afterbath: soft olive greens 🌿

  • No mordant: lighter, buttery yellows 🌼

Each batch will be unique, influenced by the soil your marigolds grew in, the mordant you used, and the fibers you chose.

A Final Note

Natural dyeing with marigolds is about more than color—it’s about connection. You’re carrying the life of your garden into something you’ll wear, touch, or use every day. It’s the simplest way to bring sunshine into your stitches.

✨ Next, try experimenting by blending marigolds with other flowers, like cosmos or coreopsis, for your own one-of-a-kind cottage palette.

 

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