Meaning Infused into Fiber: Exploring Motivations of Natural Dyers

This research explores the underlying motivations of individuals who use natural dyes as part of their apparel and textile design practice. Methods include interviews, documentary filmmaking, audio recordings, photography, field work, participant observation research, and field notes. I interviewed a total of 20 natural dyers based in the United States from November 2016 to June 2019 and found three main sources of motivation: (a) perceived environmental and health concerns, (b) personal fulfillment and identity, and (c) the opportunity for autonomy over production. Individuals used natural dyes to infuse meanings into cloth, whether their own perceived environmental and health concerns, a sense of personal fulfillment, or autonomy over the production process. Through these motivations to use natural dyes, it appears natural dyers can share aspects of their personal identity in an object they have colored, infusing meaning into the cloth they dye.