{"id":4304,"date":"2020-05-07T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-07T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.textileindie.com\/?p=4304"},"modified":"2024-02-21T14:02:38","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T22:02:38","slug":"natural-dyeing-materials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.textileindie.com\/natural-dyeing-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Dyeing Materials for the Modern Dyer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Natural Dyeing Materials and Resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a treasure trove for natural dyeing enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve provided sources for natural dyes, an equipment list, memberships and workshops, books, and websites to help you enjoy the craft and improve your skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dyeing with natural materials is an ancient art form offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the deep blues of indigo to the vibrant yellows of turmeric, natural dyes color our fibers but also connect us with the natural world and the rich traditions of artisans from around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Table of contents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is natural dye?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to buy natural dyes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural dyeing equipment and materials<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural dyeing booklist<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural dyeing websites<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural dyeing Facebook groups <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural dyeing workshops and memberships <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural dyers to follow<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is natural dye?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Natural dye refers to a type of dye derived from natural sources without the use of synthetic chemicals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These sources include plants (leaves, roots, fruits, and flowers), minerals, and even certain insects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural dyes have been used for thousands of years to color fabric, leather, and other materials, long before the invention of synthetic dyes in the mid-19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process of obtaining colors from natural sources often involves harvesting the raw materials, preparing them through processes such as drying, crushing, or boiling, and then using them to dye materials in a way that is often more environmentally friendly and sustainable than using synthetic dyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The colors produced by natural dyes can range widely, from subtle, earthy tones to vibrant hues, depending on the source material and the dyeing techniques used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural dyes are valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their lower environmental impact, as they are biodegradable and can be produced with minimal pollution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resurgence of interest in natural dyes in recent years is part of a broader movement towards sustainability and eco-consciousness in the fashion and textile industries, as well as in arts and crafts communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People are drawn to natural dyes for their unique qualities, the connection to nature and tradition they offer, and the opportunity to reduce the environmental footprint of their creations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check out our other posts on natural dyeing:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Make Beautiful Natural Colors: Natural Dyeing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dye Yielding Plants List for the Natural Dyer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Dyeing Glossary: Terminology for Natural Dyers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where to buy natural dye: natural dyeing resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the suppliers I have used and like for natural dyeing tools and materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Woolery<\/a> – The Woolery carries a wide range of natural dyes, mordants, seeds, dye kits, and accessories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their natural dye starter kit<\/a> is perfect for trying a variety of colors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maiwa Natural Dyes<\/a> – Natural dye powders, dyeing equipment, and supplies. Based in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Botanical Colors<\/a> – Natural dye concentrates, natural dye plant seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

George Weil<\/a> – Natural dye materials, fibers, mordants, and more. Based in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aurora Silk<\/a> – Silk fiber and silk fiber dyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wild Colours<\/a> – Natural dye plant seeds, natural dye concentrates, and powders. Based in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earthhues<\/a> – Natural dyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Natural dyeing equipment and materials <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is a good idea to use separate equipment for dyeing and cooking. I label all my dye equipment clearly. Natural dye may be “natural,” but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to ingest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is the list of dye equipment and materials I use. These are the basics; you can add or eliminate the ones that work best for your projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stainless steel pots<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stainless steel pots won’t react with mordants or dyes, making them the best type of pot to use. Other metals alter dye color slightly, adding unnecessary complexity and unpredictability to a dye project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having multiple sizes of dye pots is helpful. Depending on the amount of materials you are working with, you will sometimes need a small pot or a 5-gallon pot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5-gallon stainless steel pot<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

8-quart stainless steel pot<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Stainless steel stirring spoon<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Consistent stirring is important if you want even dye colors. Having a stainless steel stirring spoon with a long handle makes this easy and safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Long-handled wooden spoon<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Often, dye pots are deep, and having a long-handled spoon helps avoid getting burned by getting too close to the dye bath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A wooden spoon can be an alternative to a stainless steel spoon or an additional tool. I like having both available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Plastic bucket<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It’s handy to have a bucket to fill with dye materials, an excess dye bath, or water to wash fiber materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Plastic bins<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Useful for cold (cool) water dye baths, iron washes, and other cold-water dyeing processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Glass bowl<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These come in handy when washing fiber materials, prepping a mordant, and at other stages in the natural dyeing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Measuring cups and spoons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Have a set of measuring cups and spoons for adding mordants, dye powders, and other elements to your dye baths. These are definitely kept separate from your cooking set. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Electric scale<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Use a scale to weigh out fiber, mordants and dyes, and natural dye materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Drying rack<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

An indoor option for drying freshly dyed materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Clothesline<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A clothesline is a great way to air dry your dyed materials outside. You can even string it up in a room if you don’t have outside access. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Rubber gloves<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Use rubber gloves to protect your skin from mordants and from becoming discolored by dye baths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Dust mask<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Wear this whenever you are working with dye powders, mordants, or working with a mordant bath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Materials to have for natural dyeing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is a metal salt that is used on fibers to assist in binding the natural dye to the surface of the fiber. It is a mordant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Cream of tartar<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Used as an assistant, typically with alum, to help it bind the alum to the surface of the fibers for clearer, longer-lasting color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Iron <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Iron can be used as a mordant or in combination with other mordanting materials (as an additive). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previously dyed material can also be dipped in a water and iron bath. This will mute or sadden the colors. This is best when applied to cellulose fibers, but it can be used lightly on protein fiber (otherwise, they become brittle).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make your own iron water for your dye bath or for a dip bath visit Mother Earth News<\/a> for a tutorial on the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soybeans\/soy milk<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Soybeans are a natural source of mordant. To make your own soy milk, see Rebecca Desnos’s book Botanical Colour At Your Fingertips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

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Fibers, yarns, and fabric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Good sources of yardage and dry goods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Susan’s Fiber –<\/a> Fiber and yarn and other fiber art tools and supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dharma Trading<\/a> – Fiber, yarn, fabric, synthetic and natural dyes, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Natural dyeing booklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Modern Natural Dyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Kristine Vejar<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is my favorite natural dye book. The instructions lay a simple and step-by-step process for natural dyeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll find plenty of project suggestions to get you started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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Harvesting Color<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Rebecca Burgess<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harvesting Color is a comprehensive source on how to gather and prepare your dye materials from your garden or nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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The Complete Guide to Natural Dyeing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Eva Lambert and Tracy Kendall<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Detailed instructions fro extracting color from plants, lichens, and minerals for natural dyeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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The Wild Dyer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Abigail Booth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great resource for dyers who enjoy sourcing their own dye materials. The book is broken down into “environments”. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll learn what natural dyes you can find in the kitchen, grow in your garden, or forage for in the wild. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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Natural Dyeing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Jackie Crook<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Dyeing covers a wide range of techniques for extracting color from plants, roots, and natural materials. This is a great book for beginners and experienced dyers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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The Natural Colors Cookbook<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Maggie Pate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maggie Pate’s unique approach to natural dyeing uses common kitchen ingredients to get a wide range of colors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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Colours from Nature<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Jenny Dean<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a comprehensive guide to natural dyeing with detailed instructions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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Botanical Colour at Your Fingertips<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Rebecca Desnos<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebecca Desnos focuses on making natural dyeing simple and accessible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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A Garden to Dye For<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Chris McLaughlin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to grow your own dyestuffs, this is the book for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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Natural Color: Vibrant Plant Dye Projects for Your Home and Wardrobe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Sasha Duerr<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A project-focused natural dye book gives detailed instructions on applying natural dye principles to your clothes and decorative objects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n


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A Dyer’s Garden: From Plant to Pot, Growing Dyes for Natural Fibers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Rita Buchanan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rita Buchanan takes you on the full dyer’s journey – from planting seeds to finishing your dye project. This is the ultimate DIY process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>\"\"\n\n\n\n

Wild Color<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: Jenny Dean & Karen Diadick Casselman<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want a vast list of dye materials to choose from, this is your book. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deam and Casselman show the colors that can be achieved with each part of a plant – roots, bark, berries, or leaves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wild Color also introduces what you can do with color as you adjust the acid or alkaline (ph) of the dye pot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Natural dyeing websites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are my go-to natural dyeing websites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All Natural Dyeing<\/a> – Natural dyeing information and how-to tutorials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wearing Woad<\/a> – Dyeing tutorials and project journal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maiwa<\/a> – Natural dye store and resource site for natural dyeing tutorials and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Botanical Colors <\/a>– Detailed instructions on natural dyeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Natural dye Facebook Groups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to connect with other dyers and compare notes, ask questions, and generally steep yourself in the world of dye, try out a few Facebook groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Dye Education (hosted by Mamie’s Schoolhouse<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Textile Dyeing (hosted by The Wild Dyery)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indigo Dye (hosted by Jennifer Dyes)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Printing with Botanicals <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Dyeing Circle (hosted by Rebecca Desnos)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Natural dyeing workshops <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some excellent courses and workshops:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dogwood Dyer<\/a> – Year in Natural Dyes Membership<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maiwa School of Textiles<\/a> – Science of natural dyeing, Indigo courses, Ink Making Course<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebecca Desnos<\/a> – A Natural Dye Club, Specific Dye Courses <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Botanical Colors <\/a>– Foundational and Advanced Dye Courses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mamie’s Schoolhouse<\/a> – Beginner Dyer Club and Masters Courses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Barefoot Dyer<\/a> – Cellulose Fiber Course, Eco Printing Course<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indigofest<\/a> – Intuitive Indigo Course <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Natural dyers to follow <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rebecca Desnos<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Her book Botanical Colors at Your Fingertips is a great resource for dyeing with soy milk and natural dyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NATURAL DYEING | REBECCA DESNOS<\/a> (@rebeccadesnos<\/a>) \u2022 Instagram photos and videos<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>