Bundle-dyed sock by Ayo Ogundayo
Ayo Ogundayo shows you how to upcycle old garments using foraged flowers
As part of the Summer Craft Challenge, we asked Ayo Ogundayo to create an activity for makers of all ages and abilities using household materials. Follow the step-by-step on this page or download to print off at home.
You will need the following materials:
- a white pair of socks
- flowers and leaves
- lemon juice or
- white vinegar
- saucepan with lid and sieve or colander
- string or elastic bands
- an iron
Please note this family-friendly activity creates a temporary print, however to learn more about fixing the colour with mordents take a look at our Natural Dying guide here.
Don't forget to share your makes using the hashtags #EverydayMaking and #GetCreativeOutdoors to win prizes!
Download instructions
2. Pour vinegar or lemon juice all over the flowers and fabric. 1. Forage for flowers and leaves, the more colour the better! Then arrange them on your damp socks.
4. Repeat on the second sock. 3. Roll up tightly and secure with string or elastic bands.
6. Let the socks cool down overnight. Unravel and remove the flowers. Rinse the fabric and allow to air dry, then iron to set the colour. 5. Fill a saucepan with water and place the socks in a sieve on top with a lid on. Steam them for 1-1.5 hours, carefully rotate the socks every 30 minutes for even colouring.
About Ayo Ogundayo
Ayo Ogundayo is a London based designer and textiles printer. Her work focuses on natural dyeing methods, printmaking and accessible crafts.
'My approach is one of accessibility and resourcefulness. Something I always keep in mind is to use what is close at hand, this includes people and the knowledge they share. I think it's important to remember not everyone has the privilege to access us as makers and distributing knowledge can birth creativity. We are resources that enrich our communities.'
Follow Ayo on Instagram.