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Water and pH

pH neutral water (pH7) is preferable for natural dyeing. However it‘s easy to adjust the  pH level to gain different effects by either adding an acid to lower the pH number or  alkaline substance to raise it. Red Cabbage is especially sensitive to ph and will  produce red colours with water that is higher in acid and blue/green with an alkaline  addition.

  • Add white vinegar or lemon juice to produce a more acid liquid  
  • Add bicarbonate of soda for a more alkaline reading 

Notes prepared by Katrina Barnish for Sewing Café Lancaster sewingcafelancaster@gmail.com