Dyeing with the Seasons: Eucalyptus Magic

Foraging Leaves in Gingin, Western Australia

Autumn in Western Australia brings with it a quiet beauty — and for natural dyers, one of our most giving plants: eucalyptus. With its fallen leaves, gentle colours, and abundant tannins, it’s the perfect companion for seasonal, slow textile art.

In this post, I’ll share:
- How to forage eucalyptus responsibly
- A simple method to bundle dye
- Ways to shift colours using iron water and natural pH modifiers

🍃 Responsible Foraging Tips

1. Take only what you need — gather small amounts from multiple trees

2. Stick to fallen leaves — they’ve already started breaking down

3. Notice the species — some give rust, others gold or grey

4. Foraging is about slowing down, looking closely, and honouring place.

🎨 Simple Bundle Dyeing with Eucalyptus

This is one of the easiest ways to start using natural dyes — and one of the most beautiful. It’s how we often begin in my workshops.

You’ll need:
✅ Pre-mordanted peace silk, linen, hemp or cotton
✅ Eucalyptus leaves
✅ String or twine
✅ Steamer pot
✅ Optional: iron water

*To find out more information about treating your fabric, have a look HERE Or purchase our Pre-Treated Fabric Here

Bundle Dyeing Steps:

1. Lay your fabric flat and place the leaves across it.
2. Fold and roll it up tightly like a scroll.
3. Tie with string and place in a steamer for 1.5 to 2 hours. *Keep checking your water levels.
4. Let it cool overnight, then unwrap and admire the prints!

🧪 Shift Colours with Iron & pH

Iron water (aka "saddening") deepens colours — rusts can become greys, reds turn purplish.
- Dip your fabric in a diluted iron solution for a few seconds
- Let dry, then rinse gently
- Make your own by soaking rusty nails in vinegar + water for a few weeks

Acid vs Alkaline:
- Acid (like lemon juice) → brings out pink and warmth
- Alkaline (like baking soda) → pushes colours greener, browner
Test on a scrap first. It’s like a pH experiment from your garden.

“Autumn teaches us the beauty of letting go — and of holding onto what really matters.”

🛒 Want to try this at home?

Whether you're just starting or ready to deepen your practice, these might inspire:

Try Our Selection of DIY Kits → Handmade using the method above. Every one is unique — just like each flower or leaf.

See Our Full Autumn Collection → Here

📣 Have you dyed with eucalyptus yet?

Tag us @rivarossabotanicals — we’d love to see your creation! 🌿

Or join us at an upcoming workshop — nothing compares to the joy of unrolling your first leaf bundle.

Thank you for walking gently with us through the seasons. We hope this post encourages you to explore, forage respectfully, and create something beautiful from what the land offers.

With love and golden leaves,

Carly x

Rivarossa Botanicals