FIBRECRAFTS natural dyes can be used in all natural dyeing techniques and colours with vary depending on the mordant or method used. We suggest you experiment with the dyes and keep notes on how you arrived at the finished result. Alderbuckthorn Bark The Alderbuckthorn is a small tree or bush native to Britain. Shades of […]
Tag Archives: Natural Dyes
15
May
May
What is a Mordant? The use of mordants for natural dyeing (“mordant” derived from the Latin word mordere, meaning “to bite”) has been a staple in textile production since ancient times, dating back thousands of years. A mordant links chemically with the fibre and creates attachment points which bond with the colourant from natural dyes […]
13
Jun
Jun
If you’ve never used dyes before, you may be concerned about their safety, especially when using them for large projects or in the classroom. How safe are Synthetic Dyes? The two most popular synthetic dyes include Acid dyes and Procion MX dyes. When correctly used, create a permanent bond with the fabric with excellent wash […]
11
Nov
Nov
Why it is Important to Clean Materials Before Dyeing When buying fabric you may occasionally come across the term Prepared for Dyeing or PFD. This means that no starches, sizing or finishes have been used on the fabric. These treatments, including optical whiteners, will interfere with the absorption and therefore the effectiveness of dye. Although […]
14
Sep
Sep
Natural Dyes by Dominique Cardon is the definitive book on the subject of natural dyes and their use. The hardback book includes 778 pages with 560 illustrations, covering the world wide sources and dyeing traditions, along with details of dyeing technology and the science which lies behind colouring with naturally occurring materials. The chapters cover […]