What is Eco Printing and Why It Feels Like Magic

1. Introduction: Where Nature Meets Artisan Craft

Living here in the native country of the eucalyptus tree means I’m surrounded by natural inspiration every day. But when I discovered eco printing — the art of transferring plant pigments directly onto fabric — I realised I wasn’t just surrounded by inspiration… I was wearing it.

Eco printing is part art, part science, part slow fashion revolution. Imagine gathering leaves, flowers, and bark, arranging them on a piece of natural fabric, bundling it up tightly, and letting heat coax out the plants’ hidden colours. The result? Wearable pieces of art that carry the imprint of the land and the season in which they were made.

It still feels magical, even after years of practice. And while the process is rooted in ancient traditions of botanical dyeing, today it’s also a powerful way to make clothing that’s ethical, sustainable, and deeply personal.

2. A Little History of Eco Printing

The modern term “eco printing” was popularised by Australian artist India Flint, who is widely regarded as the pioneer of the method. Her experiments in using plant matter to directly mark cloth created a movement among natural dyers worldwide.

But the concept has ancient roots. Civilisations have been using plants to colour cloth for thousands of years. From the madder root reds of ancient Egypt to the indigo blues of West Africa and Japan, natural dyeing was the only way to colour fabric before synthetic dyes emerged in the mid-19th century.

Eco printing, as we know it today, is unique in that the plants themselves — not just an extracted dye — are pressed against the fabric, leaving behind their exact shapes, veins, and outlines. It’s not just colour; it’s a botanical fingerprint.

3. My Journey to Eco Printing

My own introduction to eco printing wasn’t exactly a fairy tale.

I’d read about it years ago and, inspired, I gathered my wool felt, collected leaves, and followed the instructions I had at hand. The result? A few murky brown smudges that looked nothing like the vibrant leaf shapes I’d seen in other artists’ work. I decided it wasn’t for me and moved on.

Then, a few years later, I came across Nicola Brown, an Irish eco printer who had planted hundreds of eucalyptus trees on her farm. I bought her e-book, followed her detailed steps, and… magic happened. My first successful eco prints bloomed on the fabric like pressed flowers in full colour. I was hooked.

Today, eco printing is one of my most cherished creative practices, not just because of the results, but because it connects my work directly to the landscape I call home.

4. The Magic Behind the Method: How Eco Printing Works

Eco printing is both straightforward and endlessly complex. Here’s a glimpse into my process:

1. Gathering Plant Materials

I start by collecting leaves, flowers, and bark. Eucalyptus and wattles are my staples, but I sometimes experiment with other local plants to see what nature might surprise me with.

2. Preparing the Fabric

I work exclusively with natural fibres like wool, silk, cotton, and linen. These fabrics absorb and hold plant pigments beautifully. Before printing, the fabric is washed and, in some cases, mordanted (treated with natural fixatives) to help the colours bind permanently.

3. Arranging the Design

Leaves are placed directly on the fabric, sometimes in neat repeating patterns, other times in loose, organic arrangements. Each placement is deliberate — even though the final print will always have an element of surprise.

4. Bundling

The fabric is tightly rolled around a wooden or metal rod and tied with twine. The pressure from the bundle ensures close contact between plant and cloth.

5. The Gum Leaf Liquor

The bundle is placed in a pot filled with water and gum leaves. As the water heats, the leaves release tannins and pigments, creating a rich, natural dye bath.

6. Heating

The bundle simmers gently for around 2.5 hours. The heat draws pigments from the plant material and imprints them into the fabric.

7. The Unbundling Moment

This is my favourite part. When the twine is cut and the fabric unrolled, the plant shapes are revealed — sometimes exactly as I hoped, sometimes in ways I could never have predicted.

5. The Role of Eucalyptus & Wattles in My Work

Living in Australia means I have access to an extraordinary range of eucalyptus species, each with its own signature print. Some produce deep reds and rusts, others soft greys or golden tones. The wattle leaves and bark often yield warm browns or delicate yellows.

These plants aren’t just my raw materials — they’re part of my artistic identity. Using what grows naturally here ensures my prints are both place-specific and sustainable.

6. The Sustainable Slow Fashion Connection

Eco printing is more than a beautiful technique — it’s a conscious choice to work in harmony with the environment.

Unlike synthetic dyes, which are often petroleum-based and can release harmful chemicals into waterways, eco printing uses plant matter and water, with no toxic waste. The fabrics I choose are natural and biodegradable. I also upcycle garments — giving pre-loved linen, silk, and wool pieces a second life as wearable art.

This approach aligns perfectly with slow fashion principles:

• Make things to last.

• Use materials mindfully.

• Honour the maker’s hand.

7. Why Every Piece is One-of-a-Kind

One of the most beautiful aspects of eco printing is its unpredictability. The exact colours and shapes depend on:

• The season the leaves were picked.

• The mineral content of the water.

• The age of the leaves.

• How tightly the bundle was rolled.

No matter how closely I follow my own steps, I could never make the same print twice. That uniqueness makes every eco-printed piece not just clothing, but a moment in time captured on fabric.

8. Styling Your Eco Printed Pieces

Eco-printed garments and accessories carry a natural elegance that works across styles:

• Everyday Wear: Pair a printed silk scarf with jeans and a linen shirt for an effortless, bohemian look.

• Evening & Special Occasions: Layer an eco-printed wrap over a simple black dress to let the botanical prints shine.

• Workwear: An eco-printed blouse under a structured jacket brings personality into a professional setting.

And because each piece is unique, you’ll never have that awkward moment of bumping into someone wearing the same thing.

9. Caring for Eco Printed Garments

Natural prints need gentle care to stay vibrant for years:

• Hand wash in cool water with a mild, eco-friendly soap.

• Avoid wringing — gently press out water and dry flat or on a hanger out of direct sun.

• Store in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic to let the fibres breathe.

Over time, some fading may occur, but rather than losing beauty, eco prints often gain a soft, vintage charm.

10. Closing: Why Eco Printing Still Feels Like Magic

Even after years of practice, the unbundling moment still makes my heart race. It’s that combination of artistry, nature, and surprise that keeps me returning to the dye pot again and again.

Eco printing isn’t just a method — it’s a conversation between maker and landscape. Every piece tells a story of the plants that grew here, the hands that gathered them, and the time of year they were transformed into something new.

If you’ve ever wanted to wear something truly unique, made with care for the earth and a deep respect for craft, explore my latest eco-printed collection here. You might just find a little bit of that magic for yourself.