Natural Dyeing Extracts

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Natural dyeing extracts are highly concentrated powders or liquids derived from whole dyestuffs such as leaves, roots, bark, wood, and in the circumstance of cochineal, an insect. When working with natural dyes, we advise first applying a mordant to the goods you would like to dye. The step of mordanting allows for the widest range of color and the best light-fastness. An alternate mordanting method for cellulose fibers is to apply a tannin-rich dye (such as myrobalan or quebracho yellow), then apply potassium aluminum sulfate. For more information on this method, see The Modern Natural Dyer. To dye with extracts, they are measured or weighed, dissolved in water, and added to the dyebath. Extracts expand your dyeing horizons past the plants which are available in your immediate environment. They are faster to use than whole dyestuffs and easy to store. To purchase scour or mordant, click here. Cochineal, weld, and logwood are offered in smaller quantities because they are more potent. To learn more about the intricacies of each dye listed below, about obtaining the widest range of colors, and for instruction of the natural dyeing process, pick up a copy of our book, The Modern Natural Dyer. The smallest quantity of each extract will dye 500g of protein-based goods a medium to dark shade. Purchase the larger quantity if you are dyeing more than 500g of protein-based goods or if you would like dark shades and are using cellulose-based fibers. Dyeing with indigo requires a different process, to purchase indigo dye and learn more, click here. Show more