If you’ve ever wanted to add a little extra charm to your table without buying anything new, naturally dyed linens are one of my favorite tricks. Using simple ingredients like berries, herbs, and spices, you can create beautifully imperfect linen napkins with soft, organic color and one-of-a-kind patterns.

Natural fabric dyeing is surprisingly easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for anyone who loves a relaxed, collected table. No two linens ever turn out the same, which is exactly what makes them so special.

Why I Love Naturally Dyed Linens

Years ago, I shared a quick video of dyeing a table runner with turmeric for Thanksgiving, and I was genuinely amazed by the results. The color was rich, warm, and completely transformed a simple white runner using just pantry ingredients. After that, I couldn’t wait to try the technique again—this time with linen napkins and berries.

What I love most about natural dyeing is the element of surprise. Every time I rinse the linens, I’m excited to see what colors, lines, and soft variations appear. The finished napkins always feel rustic and organic, with subtle patterns that look like they’ve been collected over time rather than bought in a set.

For this tutorial, I used plums and blackberries to create a soft purple-pink hue, and basil and turmeric for a warm, golden yellow. When the linens soak overnight, they naturally absorb the color at different rates, creating beautiful variation and depth. It’s simple, creative, and honestly a lot of fun.

Yes, you could buy solid-colored linens—but where’s the fun in that?

Naturally Dyed Plum + Blackberry Linens (Purple / Pink)

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 8 plums, cut into quarters

Instructions

1. Add the water, blackberries, and plums to a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer until the water turns a deep purple and the fruit has lost most of its color.
3. Turn off the heat and place the linens directly into the pot.
4. Let them soak in the warm dye bath for about 15 minutes.
5. Carefully transfer everything (liquid, fruit, and linens) into a bowl and let soak overnight for deeper color.
6. Hand rinse under cool water until the water runs mostly clear.
7. Tumble dry on low.

Important: Do not machine wash. From here on out, hand wash only.

Naturally Dyed Turmeric + Basil Linens (Golden Yellow)

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 4 tablespoons turmeric
• 6 cups water

Instructions

Tumble dry on low and iron if needed.

Add the basil, turmeric, and water to a large pot.

Bring to a boil until the water turns a rich golden yellow.

Turn off the heat and add the linens.

Let them soak for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a bowl to soak overnight.

Hand rinse under cool water.

Video