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We think it’s important to provide useful resources for early years practitioners, childminders, and parents in terms of sustainability – and this series aims to bring you easy crafts and activities that will teach children about sustainable living. 

Making natural dyes out of vegetables and fruit is a super easy way to teach children about colour in a sustainable way. We picked out a few common types of produce to make vibrant and fun colours on fabric. 

Safety First!

Allow liquid to fully cool before children use it.

Natural Dyes

What you’ll need:

• White fabric (we used an old tablecloth)
• Vegetables and fruit  – Beetroot, Blueberries, Red Cabbage, Spinach
• Water
• Salt
• Kitchen roll  

Method:

1. Cut your fruit and veggies up and add to separate pans with ½ cup salt each. Pour in enough water to cover and boil for 30 minutes. 
2. Cool completely and strain the mixture, leaving only coloured liquids. 
3. Cut some small strips of fabric and dip them into your solutions. Leave for 10-15 minutes to help the colour absorb. 
4. Pull out and place on some kitchen paper to dry. 
5. Play around with dipping your fabric into more than one colour to make for fun ombre effects! 

Join us next week for another sustainable early years activity, and if you try this out, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @ConnectChildcare. Have you seen our other sensory activities? We have a FREE Rainbow Activity Guide ideal for teaching children about colour and promoting sensory development.