Skip to content

4. BioChromes

Research

Onion dyeing is a natural dyeing process that uses the outer skins of onions to produce eco-friendly colors on fabrics. It is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to explore natural dyeing since onion skins are easy to collect and contain strong pigments that bind well to natural fibers like cotton, silk, wool, and linen

What It Does Onion dyeing allows creators to produce warm earthy tones—mostly golden yellow, mustard, brown, or olive-green hues, depending on the type of onion and mordant used. It helps promote sustainable fashion by reducing the use of synthetic dyes and creates unique, naturally toned textiles that carry a rustic and organic aesthetic.

How It Works Materials: - Onion skins (yellow or red onions) - Water - Mordant (optional: alum, vinegar, or salt) - Natural fabric (cotton, silk, or linen) Process: 1. Collect onion skins – dry outer layers work best. 2. Boil them in water for about 30–45 minutes until the color releases. 3. Strain the liquid to get the dye bath. 4. Soak pre-washed fabric in the dye bath and simmer for 30–60 minutes. 5. Rinse and dry – the color deepens as it dries. Color results: - Yellow onion skins → warm golden yellow, amber, or brown tones. - Red onion skins → pink, purple, or greenish-brown tones (depending on fabric and mordant).

Why It’s Important Onion dyeing demonstrates how simple kitchen waste can be transformed into valuable design resources. It encourages sustainability, zero waste practices, and eco-friendly approaches to textile design. This method also builds a creative connection between nature, design, and innovation.

Resources

References & Inspiration

As someone who loves working with natural materials and crafts, I was drawn to onion dyeing because it turns everyday waste into beauty. It aligns with my creative journey in Fabricademy, where I explore the connection between digital fabrication, sustainability, and design. Seeing natural color emerge from onion peels made me realize how art and nature can work together to promote environmental awareness and creativity.

  • Two images side-by-side

describe what you see in this image describe what you see in this image


Tools

• Pot for boiling onion skins • Strainer to filter dye bath • stick for stirring • Measuring cup • Fabric (cotton) • Mordants (optional: alum, vinegar, or salt) • Heat source (stove or hot plate)

Process and workflow

I started by collecting onion peels from daily kitchen waste. Instead of using them fresh, I decided to dry them for four days.I spread the peels on a flat tray in a dry, ventilated space and left them to fully dehydrate. Drying them helps to,Store them longer for future dye experiments,By the fourth day, the peels became crisp and lighter in weight, which meant the moisture was completely gone.

After drying, I prepared the dye bath.I filled a pot with water.I added the dried onion peels.I brought the mixture to a boil.Once boiling, I reduced the heat and let it simmer.As the water heated, the color slowly changed into a warm golden-brown tone. This is when the pigment from the onion skins started extracting into the water.I let it simmer until the water became deeply colored. The longer it simmers, the stronger the dye concentration.

Once the dye bath was ready,I removed the onion peels.I placed my clean fabric into the hot dye. I made sure the fabric was fully submerged.I left the cloth in the hot dye for several minutes to allow the fibers to absorb the pigment.The longer the fabric stays in the dye bath,The deeper the color becomes.The more intense the yellow/golden shade appears.After reaching the desired color, I removed the fabric and rinsed it with clean water. Then I left it to dry naturally.

Ingredients & Recipes

the ingrediant are listed below:

• Onion Type: red onions

• Quantity:like peels from 5 onions

• Fabric: Cotton,

• Boiling Time: 30 minutes

• Simmering Time: 60 minutes for fabric dyeing

• Expected Colors: Golden yellow, or brown

RESULTS