You've got an undyed and pre-mordanted T-shirt, socks, or bag from us in your hand – and you're wondering: What do I do with it? The good news: You don't need any experience, professional equipment, or a perfect result. Just a little time – and a desire for change.

What does “dyeing yourself” actually mean?

We sell products here that are ready for your dyeing – for DIY dyeing with plants. Instead of chemical textile dyes, you can use onion skins, avocado seeds, tea, madder root, or coffee grounds. The colors come from nature – and each one looks a little different. That's exactly what makes it exciting.

Our textiles are prepared – for you

Our clothing and accessories are undyed, unbleached, and pre-washed. We've also pre-mordified them—meaning they're prepared to better absorb plant dyes. We'll do this for you. We use aluminum triformate, a gentle cold-curing mordant that's applied in the studio. So you can get started right away.

What you need – and probably already have

For your first coloring you need:

• A cooking pot (not made of aluminum)

• Water

• Plant material such as onion skins, avocado seeds or madder

• Your textile from Cosmaki

• Optional: a sieve, wooden spoon, gloves

You probably already have most of these things in your kitchen.

How it works

Preparing plants
Roughly chop your plant material and add it to the pot with water. Depending on the material, let it simmer gently for 30 to 120 minutes. The color will transfer into the water.

Dyeing textiles
Wet your fabric beforehand to ensure the dye will adhere more evenly. Place it in the warm dye water and let it sit for about 30 to 90 minutes, stirring it occasionally with a spoon.

Rinse and dry
Carefully remove your textile, rinse it with clean water, and let it air dry. Important: The color will appear more intense wet than dry. Wait until the piece is completely dry before dyeing again (if desired).

What you don't need

You don't need any prior knowledge. You don't need a lab or special equipment. And you don't need perfectionism. Natural dyeing is a process – every dye turns out differently. That's precisely what makes it vibrant.

What colors how?

Here's a brief overview. Detailed instructions will follow soon in separate posts.

• Onion skin: golden yellow to orange-brown
• Avocado pit: rosé to dusky pink
• Madder root: warm red to terracotta
• Black tea: beige to light brown
• Turmeric: sunny yellow (light sensitive)

And now?

If you want to know more, you'll soon find simple dyeing instructions, recipe ideas, and a materials list in the recipe book. And if you'd like to choose a piece to dye first, check out our " Dye It Yourself " category.

Dyeing with plants is easy. It doesn't require much. Just you.