Dip into colour, and learn a range of dye techniques. Using indigo, synthetic and natural dyes to practise dyeing a variety of natural fabrics. You will finish the course with a unique collection of dye samples.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Enrich your textiles with an exciting array of dye workshops. Learn how to colour a wide range of natural fabrics; linen, cotton, silk, and wool. The structure of the course is ideal for beginners, or students whose skills may be rusty. The course will cover the basic elements of dyeing; shibori and dip-dye, simple natural dye techniques,dyeing mixed fibers, and indigo vat.
Each session will involve demonstrations of new techniques, to enable students to understand how to mix dye-baths for themselves. There will be plenty of opportunities to practice dyeing small sample pieces of fabric or hanks of yarn. By the end of the course you will have created a collection of dyed samples, and start your unique dye reference book.
What will we cover?
• Types of fibres, and use of the correct dyes. • Understanding how to mix Acid dye colours for wool and silk. • Simple natural dyes and mordants. • Mixing and using a synthetic indigo vat. • Procedure for using the dyes safely. • Shibori and dip-dye techniques. • Making a dye reference book.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Recognise different types of fibres, and know which dyes are suitable to use. • Safely mix and use a variety of dyes on a wide range of natural fibres. • Make simple fold, pleat and wrap shibori patterns. • Catalogue and organise dye samples into a technical file.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for beginners. It is suitable for students new to textiles as well as for those who may have experience in other areas of textiles and who want to add another skill set.
More experienced learners will be able to also: • Select dye shades, in order to obtain specific colour matches. • Make more complex shibori patterns using overdyeing and resist techniques.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
• Each session will start with a tutor presentation and demonstration, followed by the practical dye class. • Group discussions and feedback will be encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
• A notebook for making a dye reference book. A4 is a good size; lined or plain. • Colour inspiration if you want to try matching dye colours. • All basic material to dye will be provided, but you may wish to bring some extra pieces of fabric to supplement and add contrast to the fabric provided. Natural fibres dye the most successfully (cotton, linen, silk, wool) • Apron and gloves (there are some available to borrow) • Wear sturdy shoes and old clothes – be prepared to get messy!
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
VX417 Printing with natural dyes is a great course to follow up with to build upon your knowledge base in working in these specialist dyes. Please browse the website for upcoming course dates. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is also available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Fridays from 10:30 -12:00 then 15:00 -17:00
Renata Minoldo is an artist and educator exploring the physical and emotional body through textiles, sculpture and experiences with people. She has academic training in Textiles and Visual Arts and hands on experience in the Textile Industry working in London, New York and Buenos Aires. She is interested in alternative ways to approaching art education, aiming to stimulate an intuitive learning and focusing on the individual processes and needs. She works with a wide variety of people, from children in galleries and primary schools to teenagers and older adults in community centres, charities and public spaces. Her work has been awarded with residencies internationally. https://www.renataminoldo.com/
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/introduction-to-dye-techniques145591Introduction to dye techniqueshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/o/vo107_lara_mantell_natural_dye_1.jpeg239239GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Fashion & textiles/Courses/Art & design/Fashion & textiles/Textile dye & print/Courses/vm/Beginners courses in art & design22851132115517281360812285113211551653Dip into colour, and learn a range of dye techniques. Using indigo, synthetic and natural dyes to practise dyeing a variety of natural fabrics. You will finish the course with a unique collection of dye samples. Enrich your textiles with an exciting array of dye workshops. Learn how to colour a wide range of natural fabrics; <br />
linen, cotton, silk, and wool. The structure of the course is ideal for beginners, or students whose skills may be <br />
rusty. The course will cover the basic elements of dyeing; shibori and dip-dye, simple natural dye techniques, <br />
dyeing mixed fibers, and indigo vat.<br />
<br />
<br />
Each session will involve demonstrations of new techniques, to enable students to understand how to mix dye-baths for themselves. There will be plenty of opportunities to practice dyeing small sample pieces of fabric or hanks of hanks of yarn. By the end of the course you will have created a collection of dyed samples, and started to make a unique dye reference book. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.35https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/o/vo107_lara_mantell_natural_dye_1_1.jpeghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/o/vo107_lara_mantell_natural_dye_2.jpeg2568364Introduction to dye techniques239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/o/vo107_lara_mantell_natural_dye_1_1_17.jpegInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-01-18T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Art & designVX375239239Introduction to dye techniques191155239Renata Minoldointroduction-to-dye-techniques/vx375-2526Dip into colour, and learn a range of dye techniques. Using indigo, synthetic and natural dyes to practise dyeing a variety of natural fabrics. You will finish the course with a unique collection of dye samples.0000-Available|2026-01-18 00:00:00Enrich your textiles with an exciting array of dye workshops. Learn how to colour a wide range of natural fabrics; linen, cotton, silk, and wool. The structure of the course is ideal for beginners, or students whose skills may be rusty. The course will cover the basic elements of dyeing; shibori and dip-dye, simple natural dye techniques,dyeing mixed fibers, and indigo vat.<br/> <br/> Each session will involve demonstrations of new techniques, to enable students to understand how to mix dye-baths for themselves. There will be plenty of opportunities to practice dyeing small sample pieces of fabric or hanks of yarn. By the end of the course you will have created a collection of dyed samples, and start your unique dye reference book.Dip into colour, and learn a range of dye techniques. Using indigo, synthetic and natural dyes to practise dyeing a variety of natural fabrics. You will finish the course with a unique collection of dye samples.• Types of fibres, and use of the correct dyes.<br/>• Understanding how to mix Acid dye colours for wool and silk.<br/>• Simple natural dyes and mordants.<br/>• Mixing and using a synthetic indigo vat.<br/>• Procedure for using the dyes safely.<br/>• Shibori and dip-dye techniques.<br/>• Making a dye reference book.• Recognise different types of fibres, and know which dyes are suitable to use.<br/>• Safely mix and use a variety of dyes on a wide range of natural fibres.<br/>• Make simple fold, pleat and wrap shibori patterns.<br/>• Catalogue and organise dye samples into a technical file.This course is for beginners. It is suitable for students new to textiles as well as for those who may have experience in other areas of textiles and who want to add another skill set.<br/><br/> More experienced learners will be able to also:<br/>• Select dye shades, in order to obtain specific colour matches.<br/>• Make more complex shibori patterns using overdyeing and resist techniques.<br/><br/> You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.• Each session will start with a tutor presentation and demonstration, followed by the practical dye class.<br/>• Group discussions and feedback will be encouraged.• A notebook for making a dye reference book. A4 is a good size; lined or plain.<br/>• Colour inspiration if you want to try matching dye colours.<br/>• All basic material to dye will be provided, but you may wish to bring some extra pieces of fabric to supplement and add contrast to the fabric provided. Natural fibres dye the most successfully (cotton, linen, silk, wool)<br/>• Apron and gloves (there are some available to borrow)<br/>• Wear sturdy shoes and old clothes – be prepared to get messy!<p>VX417 Printing with natural dyes is a great course to follow up with to build upon your knowledge base in working in these specialist dyes.<br/>Please browse the website for upcoming course dates.<br/>General information and advice on courses at City Lit is also available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Fridays from 10:30 -12:00 then 15:00 -17:00</p>Fashion & textilesTextile dye & printvirtual191239155VX375NONESun18/01/26 - 01/02/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:303 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetRenata MinoldoBeginnersAvailable courses2026-01-18T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2026Art & design239239Introduction to dye techniquesintroduction-to-dye-techniques/vx375-2526Dip into colour, and learn a range of dye techniques. Using indigo, synthetic and natural dyes to practise dyeing a variety of natural fabrics. You will finish the course with a unique collection of dye samples.0000-Available|2026-01-18 00:00:00Enrich your textiles with an exciting array of dye workshops. Learn how to colour a wide range of natural fabrics; linen, cotton, silk, and wool. The structure of the course is ideal for beginners, or students whose skills may be rusty. The course will cover the basic elements of dyeing; shibori and dip-dye, simple natural dye techniques,dyeing mixed fibers, and indigo vat.<br/> <br/> Each session will involve demonstrations of new techniques, to enable students to understand how to mix dye-baths for themselves. There will be plenty of opportunities to practice dyeing small sample pieces of fabric or hanks of yarn. By the end of the course you will have created a collection of dyed samples, and start your unique dye reference book.Dip into colour, and learn a range of dye techniques. Using indigo, synthetic and natural dyes to practise dyeing a variety of natural fabrics. You will finish the course with a unique collection of dye samples.• Types of fibres, and use of the correct dyes.<br/>• Understanding how to mix Acid dye colours for wool and silk.<br/>• Simple natural dyes and mordants.<br/>• Mixing and using a synthetic indigo vat.<br/>• Procedure for using the dyes safely.<br/>• Shibori and dip-dye techniques.<br/>• Making a dye reference book.• Recognise different types of fibres, and know which dyes are suitable to use.<br/>• Safely mix and use a variety of dyes on a wide range of natural fibres.<br/>• Make simple fold, pleat and wrap shibori patterns.<br/>• Catalogue and organise dye samples into a technical file.This course is for beginners. It is suitable for students new to textiles as well as for those who may have experience in other areas of textiles and who want to add another skill set.<br/><br/> More experienced learners will be able to also:<br/>• Select dye shades, in order to obtain specific colour matches.<br/>• Make more complex shibori patterns using overdyeing and resist techniques.<br/><br/> You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.• Each session will start with a tutor presentation and demonstration, followed by the practical dye class.<br/>• Group discussions and feedback will be encouraged.• A notebook for making a dye reference book. A4 is a good size; lined or plain.<br/>• Colour inspiration if you want to try matching dye colours.<br/>• All basic material to dye will be provided, but you may wish to bring some extra pieces of fabric to supplement and add contrast to the fabric provided. Natural fibres dye the most successfully (cotton, linen, silk, wool)<br/>• Apron and gloves (there are some available to borrow)<br/>• Wear sturdy shoes and old clothes – be prepared to get messy!<p>VX417 Printing with natural dyes is a great course to follow up with to build upon your knowledge base in working in these specialist dyes.<br/>Please browse the website for upcoming course dates.<br/>General information and advice on courses at City Lit is also available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Fridays from 10:30 -12:00 then 15:00 -17:00</p>Fashion & textilesTextile dye & printconfigurable
