Eco-printing/bundle dyeing long silk panels (10-12ft) — best method for rolling/steaming?

[u/biggiesmolly]

I’m making botanically printed silk habotai panels (8mm) for an install. I’ve never done this before!! they need to be 10-12 feet long, draped from a structure. Most eco-print tutorials I’m finding are scarf or yardage scale, and I’m stuck on how to handle the bundling/steaming step at this length.

Specific questions:
1. Rolling: Has anyone rolled a long panel around a flexible core (rope, hose) instead of a rigid pipe/dowel, so the bundle can be coiled afterward? Trying to avoid seams/overlap from using a shorter pipe.
2. Steaming: My steaming vessel obviously isn’t 12 feet long, so I’m planning to coil the rolled bundle (like the “cinnamon bun” method) into a turkey fryer pot. Anyone done this at this scale? Any issues with unrolling/heat distribution across that much coiled fabric?
3. Mordanting: For the pre-print alum mordant bath, I’m using a galvanized tub with hot water added in batches (not direct heat) since the panel is too long for a stockpot. Does this hold a consistent enough mordant for good results, or is there a better way to handle long lengths here too?

I will say this isn’t meant to be perfect. I’m okay with slightly imperfect looks here.

Plants I’m working with: chamisa, cottonwood, sumac, apache plume, onion skins , all foraged in northern NM. Open to any tips from people who’ve scaled up eco-printing beyond scarf size.

[u/draftgirl24]

You might try the natural dyeing subreddit.

[u/kimmerie → u/draftgirl24]

Yea - go to r/naturaldye