How to Get the Best from Natural Dyes

Natural dyeing is as much about discovery as it is about understanding the process. Small variations in water, fibre, temperature and dye concentration can produce beautifully unique results, which is part of its enduring appeal. It isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about understanding a few simple principles and enjoying the process of experimenting. This practical guide to natural dyeing will help you to get the best results from natural dyes.

Why Do I Need a Mordant and How Do Mordants Work?

Mordants are metal salts that form a chemical bridge between natural dye molecules and fibres. They have been used in textile dyeing for thousands of years to improve colour fastness and, in many cases, to modify the final colour. This knowledge has been passed down through the millennia and is still used today.

This guide to natural dyeing explains how to mordant protein and cellulose fibres before dyeing, followed by three quick-reference tables showing the colours you can expect from natural dyes, how much natural dye to use, and how colours can be modified after dyeing.

Tip: Mordanting prepares the fibre before dyeing. Colour modifiers such as Iron, Copper, Tin and Titanium Oxalate are usually applied after dyeing to shift the final colour.

It is important to note that there are two distinct groups of natural fibres and these will require different mordanting processes. It is essential to know the type of fibres you are dyeing to ensure the best results from natural dyes.

Protein Fibres

Protein fibres are derived from animal sources and include Wool, Silk and Hair. Regenerated protein fibres include Soybean (plant protein) and Casein (milk protein).

Method for Mordanting Protein Fibres

- Weigh your dry fibres.
- Fibres, fabrics or yarns should be scoured before dyeing to remove dirt and grease from handling.
- The amount of water should be deep enough to submerge the fibres and allow them to move freely in the solution.
- The fibres should be squeezed out to remove excess water and placed in the mordant pot while still damp.
- Make a solution of Alum at 10-15% WOF by dissolving in hot water.
- Add Cream of Tartar at 5-8% WOF to help soften wool and improve colour evenness (optional).
- Heat gradually to around 80°C and maintain for 45–60 minutes (remembering to stir gently every 15 minutes – too much agitation can felt wool).
- The fibres should be rinsed and squeezed out to remove excess water.
- Add fibres to the dye pot while still damp.

Cellulose Fibres

Cellulose fibres are derived from plants and include Cotton, Flax (Linen) and Bamboo. Regenerated cellulose fibres include Viscose, Lyocell (Tencel™) and Modal.

Mordanting Cellulose Fibres

There are two commonly used methods for mordanting cellulose fibres. The traditional tannin-and-alum method has been used for centuries, while Aluminium Lactate offers a modern one-step alternative that can produce excellent results with less time and water.

- Weigh your dry fibres.
- Fibres, fabrics or yarns should be scoured before dyeing to remove dirt and grease from handling.
- The amount of water should be deep enough to submerge the fibres and allow them to move freely in the solution.
- The fibres should be squeezed out to remove excess water and placed in the mordant pot while still damp.

1) Traditional Method for Mordanting Cellulose Fibres

- Heat a solution of Tannic Acid at 8-10% WOF at 40-50°C for 60 minutes.
- Rinse the fibres and squeeze gently to remove surplus tannin.
- Make a solution of Alum at 15% WOF by dissolving in hot water.
- Heat the solution to 80°C and hold for 45–60 minutes.
- The fibres should be rinsed and squeezed out to remove excess water.
- Add fibres to the dye pot while still damp.

2) Modern Method for Mordanting Cellulose Fibres

- Make a solution of Aluminium Lactate at 10-12% WOF in warm water.
- Soak fibres for 2 hours (remembering to stir gently every 15 minutes).
- The fibres should be rinsed and squeezed out to remove excess water.
- Add fibres to the dye pot while still damp.

How Much Natural Dye Should I Use?

The amount of dyestuff required varies according to the type of natural dye, the part of the plant used, the strength of the dyestuff and the depth of colour desired. The figures below are recommended starting points for dyeing 100 g of dry fibre and are expressed as a percentage of the dry weight of fibre (WOF).

For example, 50% WOF means using 50 g of dyestuff for 100 g of dry fibre. These quantities are intended as practical starting points rather than fixed recipes. You may wish to use less dyestuff for pale shades or increase the quantity for deeper colours. Where a dye is particularly strong, or where the dyestuff is normally used at a lower concentration, this is indicated in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Recommended Dyestuff WOF for Common Natural Dyes

Natural Dye	Recommended Dyestuff WOF	Starting Amount per 100 g Fibre	Notes
Alder Buckthorn Bark	50–100%	50–100 g	Start at 50% WOF; increase for deeper yellows and browns.
Alkanet Root	50–100%	50–100 g	Use lower quantities for pale lavender; colour is highly dependent on extraction pH.
Annatto Seeds	25–50%	25–50 g	Annatto is relatively strong; extraction method affects the final colour.
Birch Bark	50–100%	50–100 g	Start at 50% WOF; chopped or shredded bark may require longer extraction.
Bloodroot	10–25%	10–25 g	A relatively strong dye; use cautiously as higher concentrations can produce intense orange-reds.
Brazilwood	25–50%	25–50 g	Strong dyestuff; 25% WOF is a useful starting point.
Chamomile	50–100%	50–100 g	Use the higher end for stronger yellows.
Chestnut	50–100%	50–100 g	Chestnut is tannin-rich; 50% WOF is a useful starting point.
Cochineal	5–15%	5–15 g	Very strong dyestuff; 10% WOF is a useful starting point for strong reds.
Cutch	10–25%	10–25 g	A strong tannin-rich dyestuff; start around 10–15% WOF.
Dyer’s Greenweed	50–100%	50–100 g	Use around 50% WOF for a medium shade and increase for stronger yellows.
Elderberries	50–100%	50–100 g	Fresh or dried berries can vary considerably in strength; colours are not highly lightfast.
Fustic	25–50%	25–50 g	Strong yellow dye; 25–30% WOF is often sufficient for a good colour.
Golden rod	50–100%	50–100 g	Flowers and tops vary in strength; 50% WOF is a useful starting point.
Heather	50–100%	50–100 g	Use flowering tops; colour can vary considerably according to plant material.
Henna	25–50%	25–50 g	Use a fine powder; extraction and pH influence the final colour.
Ivy Leaves	50–100%	50–100 g	Use fresh or dried leaves; results can be variable.
Logwood	10–25%	10–25 g	Strong dyestuff; start around 10% WOF and increase cautiously.
Madder	50–100%	50–100 g	50% WOF is a useful starting point; higher quantities can produce deeper reds.
Marigold	50–100%	50–100 g	Use dried flower heads; 50% WOF is a good starting point.
Oak Bark	50–100%	50–100 g	Tannin-rich; 50% WOF is a useful starting point.
Oak Gall	10–25%	10–25 g	Very high in tannin; relatively small quantities can be effective.
Persian Berries	25–50%	25–50 g	Strong yellow dye; start around 25–30% WOF.
Poplar Buds	50–100%	50–100 g	Use dried buds; extraction time can affect the depth of colour.
Safflower	100–200%	100–200 g	Requires a specialised extraction process; large quantities are traditionally used because the dye is relatively weak.
St John’s Wort	50–100%	50–100 g	Use dried flowering tops; colour can vary according to plant material.
Sticklac	25–50%	25–50 g	Start around 25% WOF; extraction method affects colour strength.
Tansy	50–100%	50–100 g	Use dried flowering tops; 50% WOF is a useful starting point.
Turmeric	10–25%	10–25 g	Very strong yellow; 10% WOF can produce a strong colour.
Walnut Husks	25–50%	25–50 g	Tannin-rich and generally does not require a mordant; 25% WOF is a useful starting point.
Walnut Leaves	50–100%	50–100 g	Use dried leaves; higher quantities produce deeper browns.
Weld	50–100%	50–100 g	50% WOF is a useful starting point; higher quantities can produce strong yellows.

Important: These recommendations assume dried, whole or chopped plant material rather than concentrated extracts or ready-prepared dye powders. Extracts and highly concentrated dyestuffs may require substantially lower quantities. Always check the supplier’s recommended usage where one is provided.

When experimenting with an unfamiliar natural dye, it is useful to begin at the lower end of the recommended range and increase the amount in subsequent dye baths if a deeper colour is required. Keeping a record of the WOF, fibre type, mordant, water conditions, pH, temperature and dyeing time will make it much easier to reproduce successful results.

What Colours Will I Get from My Natural Dyes?

Our table below shows the typical colours you can expect from natural dyes when using the mordanting methods described above. The colours shown are intended as a practical guide rather than an exact prediction. Many factors influence the final colour, including fibre type, mordanting method, water chemistry, dye concentration and temperature. If your results differ from those shown, please see our blog post Why Is My Dye the Wrong Colour? Major Factors That Affect Dyeing Results.

Dyeing with Indigo? Indigo is a vat dye and is dyed using a reduced alkaline vat rather than a conventional heated dye bath. Because its dyeing method is fundamentally different, it is not directly comparable with the other dyes in this guide. Please see our blog post Dyeing with Indigo for further information on the process.

Table 2. Quick Reference Guide to Common Natural Dyes

Natural Dye	Protein Fibres	Cellulose Fibres	Preferred Dye Bath pH	Water Notes	Recommended Maximum Temperature	Light Fastness
Alder Buckthorn Bark	Golden yellow to yellow-brown	Soft yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80–90°C	Good
Alkanet Root	Lavender to violet-purple * please see note below	Pale lavender	Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5)	Soft water generally produces cleaner violet tones.	40–60°C	Moderate
Annatto Seeds	Bright yellow to orange	Yellow to orange	Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7–8)	Soft to moderately hard water gives consistent results.	70–80°C	Poor
Birch Bark	Soft, creamy yellow to pale tan	Pale beige	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80–90°C	Moderate
Bloodroot	Bright orange to orange-red	Orange	Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6–7)	Soft water helps maintain brighter shades.	60–80°C	Poor
Brazilwood	Crimson	Rose	Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5)	Soft water is recommended for clearer reds.	70–80°C	Poor
Chamomile	Yellow	Pale yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	70–80°C	Moderate
Chestnut	Warm tan to medium brown	Tan	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80–90°C	Very Good
Cochineal	Carmine Red	Pink	Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5)	Soft water produces the brightest, cleanest reds.	80–90°C	Very Good
Cutch	Rich brown	Tan	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness; hard water may deepen brown tones slightly.	80–90°C	Excellent
Dyer’s Greenweed	Bright yellow	Lemon yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Moderately hard water preferred. Add approximately 1 g/L calcium carbonate if using naturally soft water.	70–80°C	Very Good
Elderberries	Grey-lilac to muted purple	Pale lavender-grey	Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5)	Soft water helps preserve purple tones.	70°C	Poor
Fustic	Bright golden yellow	Bright yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any to moderately hard water.	80–90°C	Very Good
Golden rod	Bright yellow	Soft yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80°C	Good
Heather	Soft yellow	Pale yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80°C	Moderate
Henna	Burnt orange to copper	Warm tan	Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6–7)	Soft water gives more even colour.	60°C	Good
Ivy Leaves	Yellow-green	Pale yellow-green	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80°C	Moderate
Logwood	Violet-purple	Lavender to purple	Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5)	Soft water helps produce cleaner purples.	80°C	Good
Madder	Brick red to turkey red	Orange-red	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Moderately hard water often improves reds. Add approximately 1 g/L calcium carbonate if using naturally soft water.	70°C Many dyers deliberately keep the temperature below 70°C to produce brighter reds and reduce browning.	Very Good
Marigold	Bright yellow	Soft yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	70–80°C	Moderate
Oak Bark	Warm beige to brown	Tan	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80–90°C	Good
Oak Gall	Pale cream to soft beige	Pale beige	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80°C	Excellent
Persian Berries	Brilliant yellow	Bright yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Moderately hard water preferred. Add approximately 1 g/L calcium carbonate if using naturally soft water.	70–80°C	Very Good
Poplar Buds	Warm yellow	Pale yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80°C	Moderate
Safflower	Soft pink to coral** please see note below	Pale pink	Alkaline extraction followed by acidic dye bath	Soft water preferred.	50°C	Fair to Moderate
St John’s Wort	Yellow	Pale yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80°C	Moderate
Sticklac	Crimson to ruby red	Rose-red	Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5)	Soft water produces brighter reds.	80–90°C	Very Good
Tansy	Bright yellow	Pale yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80°C	Moderate
Turmeric	Brilliant golden yellow	Bright yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	70°C	Poor
Walnut Husks	Rich chocolate brown	Mid brown	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness. Mordant usually unnecessary.	90°C	Excellent
Walnut Leaves	Olive-yellow to soft brown	Yellow-brown	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Any water hardness.	80–90°C	Good
Weld	Brilliant lemon yellow	Bright yellow	Neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)	Moderately hard water preferred. Add approximately 1 g/L calcium carbonate if using naturally soft water.	70–80°C	Excellent

* Alkanet Root is highly sensitive to pH and extraction method. Acidic conditions favour red-violet shades, while alkaline conditions shift the colour towards blue.

** Safflower is unique. The yellow dye is water-soluble and easily removed, while the valuable pink/red dye requires alkaline extraction followed by acidification. It therefore doesn’t fit the standard dyeing procedure used for most other natural dyes, and the values shown are simplified for quick reference.

How Colours from Natural Dyes Can Be Modified or Shifted

This information has been compiled from published dyeing literature, practical experience and established natural dyeing references. It indicates the colours that could be achieved after using the above mordanting methods and after dyeing with the natural dye. This method is called post-dye modification (after-treatment).

While the dyed fibres are still damp, they can be immersed in a solution containing one of the following mordants to modify the final colour. In general, these modifiers have the following effects on natural dye colours:

Alum Mordant – Brightest, clearest shades
Iron Mordant – Dulls colours, greys, olives and blacks
Copper Mordant – Deepens colours, often greener
Tin Mordant – Brightens colours, especially yellows and reds. Must be used sparingly to prevent fibres becoming brittle. Cream of Tartar may be added to help reduce this effect when mordanting wool.
Titanium Oxalate Mordant – Produces brighter, cleaner yellows and can enhance warm shades.

We have included a Reliability rating to indicate how consistently each colour change is reported in published dyeing literature and supported by practical experience. Please see below the table for the Key. We will continue to refine these tables as new information and practical experience become available.

Please note: The colours shown are typical results only. Natural dyes are influenced by many factors including fibre type, mordanting method, water quality, dye concentration, temperature and dyeing time. The colours listed should therefore be regarded as a guide rather than an exact prediction.

Table 3. Typical Colour Changes Using Common Dye Modifiers

Natural Dye	Iron Modifier	Copper Modifier	Tin Modifier	Titanium Oxalate	Reliability
Alder Buckthorn Bark	Olive-brown	Olive green	Brighter golden yellow	Slight brightening	★★★★☆
Alkanet Root	Slate purple	Deep violet	Brighter violet-red	Slight brightening	★★★☆☆
Annatto Seeds	Olive-orange to brown	Duller orange-brown	Brighter orange	Slight brightening	★★★☆☆
Birch Bark	Olive-brown	Warm olive	Brighter yellow	Slight brightening	★★★☆☆
Bloodroot	Rust brown	Burnt orange	Brighter orange-red	Slight warming	★★★☆☆
Brazilwood	Plum purple	Deep burgundy	Brilliant scarlet	Cleaner crimson	★★★★☆
Chamomile	Soft olive	Warm olive	Bright yellow	Slight brightening	★★★★☆
Chestnut	Dark chocolate brown	Rich dark brown	Warmer brown	Slight warming	★★★★☆
Cochineal	Purple to aubergine	Deep burgundy	Brilliant scarlet	Cleaner crimson	★★★★★
Cutch	Deep espresso brown	Rich dark brown	Warmer reddish-brown	Slight warming	★★★★★
Dyer’s Greenweed	Olive green	Moss green	Brilliant yellow	Brighter, cleaner yellows	★★★★★
Elderberries	Grey-purple	Duller purple	Brighter mauve	Slight brightening	★★☆☆☆
Fustic	Olive green	Green-olive	Bright golden	Warmer golden	★★★★★
Golden rod	Olive green	Soft green	Bright yellow	Slight brightening	★★★★☆
Heather	Olive green	Green-brown	Bright yellow	Slight brightening	★★★☆☆
Henna	Olive brown	Rich brown	Brighter copper	Slight warming	★★★☆☆
Ivy Leaves	Olive green	Moss green	Brighter yellow-green	Slight brightening	★★☆☆☆
Logwood	Charcoal grey to black	Deep violet-black	Brighter violet	Slight brightening	★★★★★
Madder	Brownish reds, purples, aubergine	Deep brick red	Brilliant red-orange	Brighter warm red	★★★★★
Marigold	Olive green	Warm green	Golden yellow	Warmer gold	★★★★☆
Oak Bark	Dark brown	Rich brown	Warmer tan	Slight warming	★★★★☆
Oak Gall	Blue-grey	Grey-brown	Slight warming	Minimal effect	★★★☆☆
Persian Berries	Olive green	Green	Brilliant yellow	Brighter, cleaner yellows	★★★★★
Poplar Buds	Olive-brown	Brown-green	Golden yellow	Warmer gold	★★★☆☆
Safflower	Grey-pink	Soft coral-brown	Brighter pink	Slight brightening	★★☆☆☆
St John’s Wort	Olive-brown	Brown-green	Bright yellow	Slight warming	★★★☆☆
Sticklac	Deep plum	Rich burgundy	Brilliant crimson	Cleaner red	★★★★☆
Tansy	Olive green	Green	Bright yellow	Slight brightening	★★★★☆
Turmeric	Olive-brown	Mustard brown	Brilliant golden yellow	Brighter golden yellow	★★★★☆
Walnut Husks	Nearly black	Very dark brown	Warmer brown	Minimal effect	★★★★★
Walnut Leaves	Dark olive-brown	Rich brown	Warmer brown	Slight warming	★★★★☆
Weld	Olive green	Moss green	Brilliant lemon yellow	Brighter, cleaner yellows	★★★★★

Reliability Key – Rating Meaning

★★★★★ Well documented in the literature and consistently reproduced by experienced dyers.

★★★★☆ Well documented, although results vary slightly with fibre type, mordant concentration or water chemistry.

★★★☆☆ Generally consistent, but published information is more limited or variable.

★★☆☆☆ Limited published evidence; results are less predictable.

★☆☆☆☆ Primarily anecdotal or experimental.

Ready to Start Dyeing?

Natural dyes can be used successfully on a wide variety of fibres, yarns and fabrics. The samples shown below include (top row) Merino pre-felt, white cotton fabric and silk fabric, and (bottom row) mohair yarn, wool yarn and paper yarn. Protein fibres, including wool, silk and mohair, dye readily after mordanting with Alum. Cellulose fibres, including cotton and paper yarn, achieve their best results after mordanting with Aluminium Lactate or by using the traditional tannin-and-alum method described earlier in this guide. Use this guide as a practical reference, then enjoy experimenting to discover the remarkable variety of colours that natural dyes can produce.

Mordants for Natural Dyeing

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Natural Dyes, Natural Dye Extracts & Tannins

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Dyeing Equipment

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Dye Assistants, Modifiers & Mediums

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Bindu B.

2 months ago

I am very impressed with this business. The delivery was prompt, the goods were as described online. I had an issue with the postal service in Ireland and contacted the company. They responded straight away and were more than helpful and supportive with my situation. I would highly recommend dealing with them.

Sally C.

3 months ago

Although I've not received my order yet, dispatch was amazingly fast. Looking forward to it's arrival.

Rk K

4 months ago

I have had absolutely superb delivery service on multiple occasions with wonderful help when needed always at the end of the phone ..very friendly I really wish more stores were like them a big Thank you!

Hilary A.

5 months ago

I would like to say a huge thankyou, to everyone at George Weil, with a special shout out to Jo, who opened up the shop especially for my Son and I so that we could collect the loom that I purchased. I would also like to thank them for making the loom up for me, I didn't feel confident about building it and they stepped in and built it for me, then waited for us to arrive to collect it.
Above and beyond I feel..... Thank you x x x

Michelle B.

6 months ago

Great little hobby shop. Unfortunately I didn't find what I needed as I was looking for ceramic pottery clay. They do stock dry air clay for those who use it.

Teresa W.

Very quick delivery, and the company kindly noted and perfectly met my request to deliver paper flat not folded.

Sally D.

Good stock. I love to visit to collect instead of being sent things.

Lyn W.

7 months ago

Received my order much earlier than expected; this company dispatches very quickly, even for small orders like mine. I called to add an item to my order yesterday, which was very easy to do. My order arrived today , and I am thrilled. The fibre quality Merino tops is exceptional, the best I have encountered. And the art fibres (banana thread waste from the textile industry) are GORGEOUS. This product arrives in a mixed, tangled bag of beautiful colours, but is easy to sort into shades. The threads are curled but easily straightened by wetting. I now plan to play with my new textile toys and can’t wait to see what I create. I will definitely come back to this store. The best customer service, the best fibre quality, and super-quick dispatch make George Weil the first choice for all your fibre craft needs.

Erla C.

8 months ago

I ordered a number of items on the day that the shop opened in 2026 after the Christmas break and all the products were delivered correctly in less than 24 hours. Thank you for your superb service!

Jacqueline Langer H.

9 months ago

Very pleased with Fibrecrafts natural dye kit and its speedy delivery.

YNW S.

10 months ago

Diane S.

I am consistently amazed by the efficiency of this store. Being based in North Yorkshire, I'm a long way from Guildford so order online and invariably my parcel arrives earlier than I would expect from any other seller. Brilliant service! One day I'll get to Guildford to visit you.

Lynn W.

1 year ago

An excellent company, give great support and prompt service.

Yen R.

Ordered two bobbins last night. They are already on their way to me. Now it is up to Royal mail to deliver!

Alison M.

I ordered a range of dyes and paints on Thursday and they arrived the next day! Superb items! And it was great they arrived so quick. Thanks team!

Terry S.

Good stock, very helpful.

Henrietta J.

Nora P.

I ordered a conversion kit from 4 to 8 shafts for my Lojan Flex yesterday. 24 hours later it arrived on my doorstep. Thank you once again for your wonderful prompt service of quality goods.

Response from the owner

Nora, thank you for your very positive response. We all work hard to make sure the products on our web site are in stock and that they are with you the next working day.

David S.

I recently purchased a weaving loom and stand from George Weil, when this is boxed it comes partially assembled and the rest needs to be constructed. As always I lay all of the parts out to check if they are all there, three of them were missing from the loom and the instruction booklet from the stand, I contacted George Weil and was pleasantly surprised by the response I received, firstly I spoke to Sara who was concerned about the missing parts.
I laid all the parts out as per loom instruction booklet, and took pictures so they could see what was missing and emailed this together with the part numbers. This was a Friday, come Monday I recieved an email promptly explaining the situation from Jo, Jo was also very concerned about the incomplete loom and sent the appropriate parts by next day delivery, I also received the instruction booklet by pdf for the stand.
I am very pleased with my loom and stand and I would like to thank both Jo and Sara for the diligence and professionalism I providing me with an exceptional service.
Thanks GUY'S
David

Thank you for setting out your concerns and approving the manner in which they were handled by our team. They take great pride in working with customers to make sure they are satisfied with the products we supply.There are occasions when a boxed up product supplied by a manufacturer, which, of course we must assume is complete when delivered to us, has shortages. For that reason we keep a stock of replacement parts, which came invaluable on this occasion.Now that the loom is in full working order, we all hope you get great satisfaction from your weaving.Ian BowersManaging Director.

Della B.

Hi there ,
Thankyou so much for such a fantastic service. I have a new weaving student on Sunday and I was a bit worried that the loom wouldn’t be here on time, but I got it today thanks to your great service,
Thanks again , kind regards
Della

I am glad we met your expectations, Della. Hopefully your students will also find we provide a reliable service with products in stock and sent out the same working day as they order, for delivery the next working day.

Sukey

As a final year student on a tight deadline, I ran out of a product I desperately needed. Everywhere else said that it would be delivered in at least a month ( if not several). Thank goodness for George Weil who shipped same day and the product arrived the next day. Thank you so much!

Thank you for letting us know how we performed. It is really encouraging for the team to hear that they have met the standards we set ourselves of holding good levels of stock and getting orders out in quick time, then using 1st class post or courier service to have the products with you the next working day.

Vicky E.

Thank you for going out of your way to send my order so promptly

It is always a pleasure to be set a high standard of service and then hear from a satisfied customer that we achieved it!

Marly M.

Excellent, my parcel was delivered as promised and the product is exactly what I wanted.

Thank you for your review. We work hard to delight our customers and it cheers us to hear when we do.

NAPREZENT

Very help Staff and good product

Thank you for this review. We look forward to working with you in the near future.

Christopher J.

Always friendly and great selection of items

Thank you for your kind words. We aim for high standards on both of these, it is good to have your confirmation.

Barrie D.

2 years ago

Thank you for this ranking. It is good to hear that we have met our standards

Observer E.

Service I thought had been lost. Matched thread, sent sample, sent order all within 1 week. Fabulous!

That's made our day! Thank you.We do set ourselves a high standard; to hold good stock and dispatch orders the same day by 1st Class post or courier for next working day delivery. And it works!!

Julia S.

I put my order in on Friday morning and it was with me by lunchtime Saturday. I always get such wonderful service thank you.
You are my first stop for all my weaving equipment and my first recommendation to my clients.
I have never been anything but satisfied 100%.

emma A.

Absolutely brilliant first experience ordering online. Cheapest Art Clay Silver prices I have found (better than Amazon!), arrived fast and customer service was super responsive and helpful. They are 100% doing things right here :)

G H.

3 years ago

Updated August 2023. Having had afternoon tea where else to go but to this place to pick up some bits of silk to play dyeing. Perfect little basket of remnants, nicely priced, and plenty of lovely things to inspire weaving upstairs.

Originally... First time here. Was not sure what to expect, but found an Aladdin's cave of crafty goodness. The pens and pencils on the way in whet the appetite for the cornucopia of paper, dyes, silk paints and mordants on the ground floor, whilst the upper floor has a fair few looms, spinning wheels, yarn, silk stuff (hankies, shredded saris and so on), as well as various bits and bobs to effectively turn fresh wool into something knitted. Wonderful place, even has a small book store holding interesting tomes for crafty people.

Tara M

4 years ago

I bought an Ashford blending board and couldn't believe how fast it arrived! I got a good deal on it from them too. Good merino in nice colours. Will definitely buy from them again!

Dyes & Dyeing

A Practical Guide to Natural Dyeing – How to Get the Best from Natural Dyes

How to Get the Best from Natural Dyes

It is important to note that there are two distinct groups of natural fibres and these will require different mordanting processes. It is essential to know the type of fibres you are dyeing to ensure the best results from natural dyes.