Golden table cloth
It’s become a bit of a tradition that I naturally dye a table cloth for my daughters birthday every year. I really enjoy the process of getting ready for her party and decorating the birthday table and I feel like a beautifully patterned table cloth makes all the difference! The marigold petals and brown onion skin pieces leave the most beautiful delicate golden prints that I feel like are perfect for any kind of party theme!
What you’ll need:
Cotton or linen bedlinen or table cloth (scoured & mordanted for more vibrant colors, optional) - soak for min 1h for even color uptake
Brown onion skins (1-2 handfuls)
Dried or fresh marigolds
String or rubber bands
Pots (I use canning pots)
Sieve or strainer
Tongs or spoons to handle fabric
Step 1 - create pattern
Your pre-treated table cloth or bed linen should be damp but not too wet in order to create clear prints when steaming later on. I like to put the fabric on a spin in my washing machine to achieve the perfect dampness.
Spread out the fabric on a clean workspace. Fold in half and create a crease to mark the center, then fold back open.
Step 1b - Create pattern
Now start covering one half of the fabric with dried marigold petals and onion skin pieces. Use as much dye material as you like. There is no right or wrong! If you use less the prints will be a bit more delicate and singled out, which looks nice.
Step 1c - Create pattern (Tipp)
I used scissors to cut the onion skins into stripes which will later result in more delicate prints. You can cut whatever kind of shapes you prefer.
Step 2 - Fold
Carefully fold the other half of the fabric over the half you covered with dye material. Make sure there are no creases and that the petals and onion skins are covering the fabric evenly. Don’t forget the edges and corners of the fabric!
Step 3 - Roll & steam
Now start rolling the fabric into a snake like shape. Roll it tightly in on itself, smoothing the fabric as you go. Once rolled into a snake shape, roll it into a cinnamon bun shape, from one side to the other. Wrap the string around the bundle tightly and tie a knot.
Place the sieve or strainer into the pot and add enough water so that it touches the bottom of the sieve. Heat the water until it starts boiling and steaming. Now place your bundle on top of the sieve and close the pot with a lid and steam for 10-12 minutes.
Step 5 - Open & dry
After steaming, remove the bundle from the pot, untie the string and open the bundle immediately, careful it’s hot! Remove the dye stuff and enjoy all the lovely prints.
Hang the fabric to dry in the shade. After you can wash it with ph-neutral detergent (like wool or silk detergent) at 30°C in the washing machine.
Check out last years colorful confetti table cloth dyed with blue beans, madder and marigolds!
If you’re interested in learning more about bundle dyeing and pre-treating your fabric for natural dyeing, check out my “Complete beginners guide to mordanting for natural dyeing” . It provides detailed instructions on pre-treatment steps and tips for achieving LASTING natural color.
Have so much fun creating your own unique naturally dyed table cloth! And please get in touch if you have any questions, I’m happy to help!
Have a wonderful day!
Nora x
