Natural Dyes |
In the past, everything was dyed using natural dyes. Dying fabric with natural dyes is more environmentally friendly and has less harmful waste. An array of colors can be achieved by using all different roots, nuts, and flowers. There are several classes that include this important dye method and here are some sample dyed fabrics. |
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Indigo
Indigo is the most common dyestuff and is used all over the world. It can create many different shades of blue, as well as be used to dye over other fabrics to give them a different shade. For example, dying a yellow fabric with indigo will yield green.
Swatch: 100% Cotton |
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Orange Marigold
Like most plant dyes, Orange Marigold yields a yellow color. The deepness or lightness of the color depends on many factors, including how many times the dyebath has been used and the type of fabric being dyed.
Swatch: Hemp/Silk Charmeuse |
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Cosmos
Cosmos yields a very deep orange. Like most flowering plants, the dyebath can consist of just the stems, flowers, or both together. The flowers can create interesting color effects if placed directly on the fabric while dying.
Swatch: Hemp/Silk |
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Pokeberry
This is a perfect example of the difference between using the stems/roots and using the actually flower, or berry, in this case. Pokeberry stems only yield a faint tan, while using placing the actual berries on the fabric yield a nice mauve color. Also, it is important to note that this swatch is wool, which typically obsors color better.
Swatch: 100% Wool |
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Walnut
Walnut is well known as a natural dye. It is creates many different shades of browns and can be used to overdye other fabrics.
Swatch: Hemp/Silk |
