Rust is often seen as a nuisance that damages and corrodes metal objects. However, when harnessed creatively, rust can become a powerful design element. The rich, earthy tones and distinctive textures created by rust can add a touch of antiquity and raw beauty to various surfaces, including textiles.
Check out some of my Fabrics
Creating Rust on Textiles
The process of creating rust on textiles involves a few simple steps:
1. Preparation: Start with a piece of fabric. Natural fibres like cotton or linen work best. Depending on the desired end result, you can choose a solid colour or pattern. White or light shades work best.
2. Soak Solution: A solution is created by mixing 1:1 water with vinegar. Soak fabric for 2 hours
3. Rusting: Once the fabric is soaked with vinegar, it is wrapped around a rusted object left outside to naturally oxidize. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the desired level of rust.
4. Rinsing: After the fabric has achieved the desired rust effect, let it soak for a couple hours in a saltwater solution of 1 Tbsp salt - 4 litres of water. The amount of water doesn't matter, just enough to cover the fabric.
5. Washing: After it's soaked, rinse under water until water runs clear. Place in warm, soapy water and gently agitate. Then, let soak for half an hour. Then, rinse with warm water until it runs clear. Lay flat to dye.
If you want a full instructional manual check out my ebook!
