Natrural Dyes
Using natural dyes for clothes is a wonderful way to embrace sustainability and create unique, eco-friendly garments. Here are some common natural dyes and the colors they produce:
1. Indigo: Derived from the indigo plant, it produces shades of blue and is one of the
oldest known natural dyes.
2. Madder Root: Produces various shades of red, pink, and orange. It's derived from
the roots of the madder plant.
3. Turmeric: Gives a vibrant yellow color and is derived from the turmeric root. It's
also known for its medicinal properties.
4. Cochineal: Made from crushed insects called cochineal bugs, it produces reds,
pinks, and purples.
5. Onion Skins: Creates shades of orange and yellow. The outer skins of yellow and
red onions can be used.
6. Woad: Similar to indigo, woad produces blue colors. It's derived from the woad
plant.
7. Henna: Mostly known for body art, henna can also be used to dye fabric,
producing shades of red, orange, and brown.
8. Black Walnut Hulls: Gives brown tones and is made from the hulls of black
walnuts.
9. Alkanet Root: Produces shades of purple and is derived from the alkanet plant's
roots.
10. Pomegranate Peel: Can create yellow and greenish hues.
When using natural dyes, it's important to consider mordants, which help fix the dye to the fabric and improve colorfastness. Common mordants include alum, iron, and cream of tartar. Additionally, the color intensity and shade can vary based on factors like the
type of fabric, dye concentration, and dyeing method. Experimentation and creativity are key when working with natural dyes!
1. Indigo: Derived from the indigo plant, it produces shades of blue and is one of the
oldest known natural dyes.
2. Madder Root: Produces various shades of red, pink, and orange. It's derived from
the roots of the madder plant.
3. Turmeric: Gives a vibrant yellow color and is derived from the turmeric root. It's
also known for its medicinal properties.
4. Cochineal: Made from crushed insects called cochineal bugs, it produces reds,
pinks, and purples.
5. Onion Skins: Creates shades of orange and yellow. The outer skins of yellow and
red onions can be used.
6. Woad: Similar to indigo, woad produces blue colors. It's derived from the woad
plant.
7. Henna: Mostly known for body art, henna can also be used to dye fabric,
producing shades of red, orange, and brown.
8. Black Walnut Hulls: Gives brown tones and is made from the hulls of black
walnuts.
9. Alkanet Root: Produces shades of purple and is derived from the alkanet plant's
roots.
10. Pomegranate Peel: Can create yellow and greenish hues.
When using natural dyes, it's important to consider mordants, which help fix the dye to the fabric and improve colorfastness. Common mordants include alum, iron, and cream of tartar. Additionally, the color intensity and shade can vary based on factors like the
type of fabric, dye concentration, and dyeing method. Experimentation and creativity are key when working with natural dyes!
