Natural Fiber Dyeing with Avocados
I used to think natural dyeing was this ancient art that required mysterious knowledge and hard-to-find materials. Then I discovered I'd been throwing away one of the most beautiful dye sources every time I made guacamole. Today we're exploring natural dyeing using something as simple as avocado pits and skins to create gorgeous, soft pink hues on yarn or fabric. This easy and eco-friendly project transforms kitchen scraps into something magical, and it's perfect for adding a unique touch to your fiber arts without any harsh chemicals.
Is This Project For Me?
If you're curious about natural dyeing but don't want to hunt down exotic plants or invest in expensive supplies, this is your perfect starting point. You want to try something sustainable that uses what you'd normally throw away, and you're excited about colors you can't buy in a store. This works whether you're dyeing yarn for a knitting project or fabric for sewing. You'll need basic kitchen equipment you already own and some patience while the magic happens. If you love the idea of creating one-of-a-kind colors from everyday scraps, this belongs on your list. Check out the free printable Fiber Arts Quick Guide below.
Get The Guide
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Fiber Arts Quick Guide
One page for yarn weights, needle & hook sizes, gauge basics, and quilt math. Keep within reach while you work.
Yarn weights at a glance
| Weight | CYC # | Knit gauge (sts/4 in) • Needles US | Crochet gauge (sts/4 in) • Hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | 0 | 33–40+ • 000–1 | 28–36+ • Steel/B–C |
| Fingering / Sock | 1 | 27–32 • 1–3 | 21–32 • B–E (2.25–3.5 mm) |
| Sport | 2 | 23–26 • 3–5 | 16–20 • E–7 (3.5–4.5 mm) |
| DK | 3 | 21–24 • 5–7 | 12–17 • 7–I (4.5–5.5 mm) |
| Worsted | 4 | 16–20 • 7–9 | 11–14 • I–K (5.5–6.5 mm) |
| Bulky | 5 | 12–15 • 9–11 | 8–11 • K–M/N (6.5–9 mm) |
| Super Bulky | 6 | 6–11 • 11–17 | 5–9 • M/N–Q (9–15 mm) |
| Jumbo | 7 | 1–6 • 17+ | 0–5 • Q+ (15 mm+) |
Always swatch. Fiber content, twist, and your tension change gauge.
Needle and hook conversions
Knitting needles (US ↔ mm)
| US | mm |
|---|---|
| 0 | 2.00 |
| 1 | 2.25 |
| 2 | 2.75 |
| 3 | 3.25 |
| 4 | 3.50 |
| 5 | 3.75 |
| 6 | 4.00 |
| 7 | 4.50 |
| 8 | 5.00 |
| 9 | 5.50 |
| 10 | 6.00 |
| 10.5 | 6.50 |
| 11 | 8.00 |
| 13 | 9.00 |
| 15 | 10.00 |
Crochet hooks (Letter ↔ mm)
| Hook | mm |
|---|---|
| B | 2.25 |
| C | 2.75 |
| D | 3.25 |
| E | 3.50 |
| F | 3.75 |
| G | 4.00 |
| 7 | 4.50 |
| H | 5.00 |
| I | 5.50 |
| J | 6.00 |
| K | 6.50 |
| L | 8.00 |
| M/N | 9.00 |
| N/P | 10.00 |
Gauge and swatch basics
- Knit or crochet a 6 × 6 in swatch. Wash and lay flat to dry.
- Measure the center 4 in square. Count stitches and rows.
- Stitches per inch: stitches in 4 in ÷ 4. Rows per inch: rows in 4 in ÷ 4.
Cast on = target width (in) × stitches per inch + 2 edge stitches.
Rows to length = target length (in) × rows per inch.
Quilt and sewing quick math
- Seam allowances: quilting 1/4 in • garments 5/8 in
- Half-square triangles (HST): cut size = finished size + 7/8 in (or add 1 in and trim to square)
- Quarter-square triangles (QST): cut size = finished size + 1 1/4 in
- Binding estimator: total length = perimeter + 12 in; strip count = ceil(total ÷ WOF). Typical strip width 2.5 in
- Prewash tips: prewash reds/darks. Press, square the grain, then cut.
Labeling and project notes
- Yarn or fabric source, colorway, lot, and fiber content
- Gauge and needle or hook size
- Pattern name and size adjustments
- Wash and care instructions
© FiberMaiden • www.fibermaiden.com
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Troubleshooting and Safety
Let's talk about what might have you wondering if natural dyeing is more unpredictable than you bargained for, because it definitely keeps you on your toes. Color came out lighter than you expected? I've been there, hoping for deep rose and getting barely-there blush. Try using more avocado material next time, or let your fabric soak longer in the dye bath. Natural dyes are gentler and sometimes need extra time to develop.
Uneven coloring across your fabric usually means it wasn't moving enough in the dye bath. Keep stirring gently and regularly think of it as meditation with a purpose.
Color fading after the first wash? Your mordant might not have set properly, or you skipped it entirely. That pre-treatment step really matters with natural dyes, even though it feels like extra work.
If your dye bath smells funky after sitting, that's normal with organic materials. Just strain out the solids and use the liquid quickly, or freeze portions of the dye bath for later use.
