A Fascination with Rust Dyeing

Rust dyeing is an exciting way to colour fabric. 

I collected a few items including some metal hubby dug out of the ground. I soaked the fabric in some white vinegar and water and then removed the fabric.

 I wrapped the soaked fabric with the metal items and placed them in the yellow bucket.

***Special Note- don't use a bucket you like using elsewhere because the rust stains the bucket as well.**

Pour the remaining liquid over the top and top up with more water.

The longer you soak it, the darker and more distinct the colour.

My fabrics below were soaked over a few days.

Anything left to oxidise produces a distinct dark black colour. This is not a burning of the fabric.

Once desired colour and shapes and markings achieved, wash fabric in cold water. 

Wash your fabric in a cold machine wash with some wool wash detergent to remove any remaining vinegar or rust smell.

first fabric and the yellow bucket as well as the colour it comes out after soaking.

Such amazing colour and distinct patterns.

Close up.

The whole fabric.

Smaller fabric piece i also created. 

I love the reveal as you unroll the "snake" of fabric.

Close up of the corner piece which was wrapped around a piece of metal that had holes in it.

These will be fabulous to stitch. Lots of markings to play with!

I intend to use these fabrics as a base and then add machine embroidery and beads to accentuate the finer details.