Naturally Dyed Linens using Berries and Herbs

Last year we did a fun video on dying a table runner using turmeric for Thanksgiving. The dye job turned out so cool that I wanted to dye some napkins again and also test out how berries would work. I’m amazed at the vibrant colors that natural elements can create! It’s exciting to see what lines, shapes, and colors will appear throughout the linens after they’re rinsed. For the purple/pink hue I used plums and blackberries and for the yellow, I used basil and turmeric. I know you’re probably thinking, why wouldn’t I just buy solid purple or yellow linens, but there’s a rustic, organic feeling to the linens when you dye them yourself. They’re not all the same and when soaked overnight they take on their own pattern and color. It’s actually really fun, easy and makes for one charming table setting!

Supplies: White linens, berries, fruit or herbs, large boiling pot, bowls

Naturally Dyed Plum-Blackberry Linens
6 cups water
1/2 cup blackberries
8 plums, cut into 4

1. In a large pot, boil the blackberries and plums until the water is a deep purple and the berries don’t have color.
2. Turn the heat off and place the linens in the pot. Let them soak in the warm water for about 15 minutes. Then pour the water, berries and linens into a bowl to store overnight or as long as you want for a deeper color.
3. Hand rinse them under cool water and then tumble dry low. Do not put them in the washing machine. Only hand wash them.

Naturally Dyed Tumeric -Basil Linens
2 cups basil leaves
4 tablespoons turmeric
6 cups water

1. In a large pot, boil the basil and turmeric until the water is a beautiful yellow color.
2. Turn the heat off and place the linens in the pot. Let them soak in the warm water for about 15 minutes. Then pour the water and linens into a bowl to store overnight or as long as you want for a deeper color.
3. Hand rinse, tumble dry low, iron if needed.