To develop new natural dyes and utilize waste plant resources,the lotus seed epicarp pigment has been extracted by thermal reflow extraction method and then is used to dye cotton fabrics.The effects of mordant dyeing method and mordant types on the dyeing properties and color fastness of fabric are discussed,and the dyeing process is optimized.The results indicate that the colors of yellowish brown can be obtained by using aluminum sulfate,alum and chalcanthite as mordant,and the color of gray can be obtained by using melanterite as mordant.The optimal dying conditions is as follows:pre-mordant dyeing at 95 ℃ for 60 min with melanterite as mordant and pH value of 7.The color fastness of dyed cotton fabric can reach Grade 3 or above,with TUVA,TUVB and UPF values of 2.99%,2.49%and 40.0,respectively,showing good anti-ultraviolet function.