This Earth Day, we’re turning to natural dyeing as a way to reconnect with the materials around us—and with chilca plant the knowledge that has shaped textile traditions for generations.

In the Andes of Peru, artisan cooperatives have long worked with plants, minerals, and insects to create a wide range of colors, building deep, place-based knowledge of the natural world. Today, these practices continue to inform how we think about sustainability, production, and design. Tree

In this guide, we’re sharing three natural dye recipes inspired by these traditions—adapted for home use with materials that are easier to find. From eucalyptus leaves to avocado peels and pits, each recipe offers a different way to explore color while working more consciously with what we already have.

Before you begin…

Prepare your fiber

Use natural fibers like wool or silk, which absorb dye best and result in deeper, longer-lasting color (cotton can also be used, but colors will be lighter).

Then, clean gently, use a skein (not a tight ball), and soak in water before dyeing.

Mordanting (do this once for all recipes)

Mordanting helps the dye bind to the fiber.

-Add alum (10% of fiber weight) and cream of tartar (optional, 5%) to a pot of water

-Heat gently (do not boil)

-Add wet fiber and simmer for 40–60 minutes

-Let cool (overnight is ideal, but not required)

If alum is hard to find, don’t worry. Some dyers experiment with using an aluminum pot or placing a small aluminum object (like a utensil) in the dye bath to help the dye bind to the fiber. Results may vary, but natural dyeing is a process of exploration—don’t be afraid to experiment.

Time
~2–3 hours total (longer if soaking overnight)

Tip: If using high-quality yarn, start with a small test piece.

Recipe 1: Eucalyptus

Warm yellows, browns, and greys

In the Andes, yellow tones are traditionally achieved using chilca, a native plant. Eucalyptus offers an accessible way to explore similar hues at home. ucalyptus naturally contains tannins, which help the dye bind to fiber.

Different parts of the plant yield different tones:

• Leaves: yellows and greens
• Bark & seeds: browns
• Stems: softer greys, sometimes near-black

What You’ll Need

• Wool or silk
• Eucalyptus leaves (1–4x the weight of your fiber)
• Water

(Optional) baking soda for darker tones

Dyeing

1. Simmer eucalyptus leaves in water for 45–60 minutes
2. Let cool (overnight optional)
3. Strain leaves and add mordanted fiber
4. Simmer gently for ~30 minutes
5. Let cool in the dye bath for deeper color

Optional: Add a small amount of baking soda to shift tones darker.

Rinse & Dry

Rinse with cold water, wash gently, and air dry.

Recipe 2: Avocado Peels

Soft, warm oranges

Avocado peels create subtle orange tones using materials often discarded. In the Andes, similar hues come from plants like labran bark.

What You’ll Need

• Wool or silk
• Avocado peels (from ~4–5 avocados)
• Water

Dyeing

1. Simmer peels for 45–60 minutes
2. Add mordanted fiber
3. Simmer ~30 minutes
4. Let cool in the dye bath

Rinse & Dry

Rinse, wash gently, and air dry.

Recipe 3: Avocado Pits

Soft pink and blush tones

Using avocado pits produces a completely different color palette. In Andean traditions, similar hues are achieved with cochineal, a natural insect-based dye used for generations.

What You’ll Need

• Wool or silk
• Avocado pits (from ~4–5 avocados)
• Water

Dyeing

1. Simmer pits in water for 45–60 minutes
2. Add mordanted fiber
3. Simmer gently for ~30 minutes
4. Let the fiber cool in the dye bath for deeper color

Rinse & Dry

Rinse with cold water, wash gently, and air dry.

Final Notes

Natural dyeing is an intuitive process. Color will vary depending on the material, time, and fiber used. The more plant material and time you use, the deeper the color. These processes are slow, and the results are never identical. That’s part of their beauty.

In our work, natural dyes are used across a range of products made in Peru. Our Allpa collection—including throw pillows and blankets—features traditional techniques, where natural dyeing continues to be an essential part of the process. 

Want to learn more about the artisans and traditions behind these techniques? Explore our work and see how these practices continue today: Social Impact: Sustainable Development Programs in Peru - Awamaki