How to Make Dye from Ribbons

Have you ever wanted to make dye for material out of ribbons? Well, here is how to make it!

1. Place the ribbons into a deep dish.
2. In a kettle, boil the water.
3. Pour the boiled water over the ribbons.
4. Carefully pummel the ribbons with a potato masher. This will help the dye to escape.
5. Once you can see a faint colouring to the water, pour the water and ribbons into a pan.
6. Turn your hob onto a high temperature.
7. Place the pan onto the hob.
8. Stir the ribbons and water constantly.
9. After 10 or so minutes, remove the pan from the hob.
10. Turn the hob off.
11. Continue stirring the water and ribbons until they cool down.
12. Once cool, drain the water into a dish.
13. Throw away the ribbons.
14. Store the dye in a clean sterilised jar or bottle.
    • This dye can be used by placing white or grey material into a large bowl or barrel, and pour a whole bottle of dye over the material and warm.

• Add a few drops of food dye for a slightly stronger, more reliable dye.

• The dye may not work if the ribbons are too old or too faded.

• About 10 - 20 hair ribbons (red and deep blue work especially well)
• 1 litre of water
• 1 Pan
• 1 Hob