SUSTAINABLE TEXTILE SURFACE DESIGN USING NATURAL DYEING AND BOTANICAL PRINTING METHODS

Abstract

Increasing environmental problems, dwindling natural resources, and concerns about the climate crisis have increased interest in sustainable and eco-friendly production methods in the textile and fashion industry. In this context, traditional natural dyeing and botanical printing techniques offer valuable alternatives in terms of preserving cultural heritage and developing production processes that do not harm the environment. Anatolia, with its rich plant diversity, has historically been an important center for natural dyeing and has been actively utilized in textile production. However, with the widespread use of synthetic dyes in the 19th century, traditional methods began to be replaced by modern techniques. Nevertheless, the emergence of the harmful environmental and health effects of synthetic dyes has contributed to the renewed importance of natural dyeing.

This study is an experimental application that investigates the applicability of natural dyeing and plant-based printing techniques together within the scope of sustainable surface design. Cotton, buldan, and silk fabrics were used in the study. All fabric surfaces were pre-treated using environmentally friendly methods: The fabrics were washed with ecological detergent. Mordanting processes were applied using different techniques according to the fiber structure of each fabric; natural materials with low chemical content (rice flour, yogurt, alum, etc.) were preferred as fixatives.

During the dyeing process, natural coloring was achieved using cehri (Rhamnus petiolaris) and madder (Rubia tinctorum L.), plants of historical significance in Anatolia. In botanical printing applications, various parts of plants such as geranium, rosemary, gerbera, chamomile, rose, pine branch, and onion peel were transferred to the fabric surface to create natural patterns. The resulting patterns were visually evaluated in terms of color intensity, clarity, and surface aesthetics. No significant color loss was observed after washing.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that it is possible to create durable and aesthetic surfaces on natural fiber fabrics using environmentally friendly methods, while combining culturally valuable natural dyeing knowledge with today's sustainable design approach. Aiming to contribute to the field of surface design in sustainable textile production, this study serves as an example of the conscious use of natural resources and the transfer of traditional knowledge to the future.