New stock will be available from mid summer.

African Tagetes Flowers
Dye Colour: Yellow and Orange | Botanical: Tagetes erecta | Grown & Dried in Ireland

Experience the joy of working with our fully dried African Tagetes flowers, which we personally produce and hand-collect in County Clare, Ireland. These vibrant yellow and orange flowers are packed with natural dye, ideal for colour extraction. While they may not be suitable for flower printing due to their bulkier size, they are perfect for adding a rich, warm tone to your dyeing projects. Limited availability – don't miss out on these unique, locally grown flowers!

Colour Fastness: Poor to Medium

Product Details:

• Quantity: 25g (approximately 15-20 flower heads)
• Grown & Dried in: County Clare, Ireland
• Perfect for: Colour extraction in dyeing projects

Mordant-Based Recipe for Wool (Hot and Cold Dyeing):

1. Ingredients:

   • 25g of African Tagetes Flowers
   • Wool fibre (100g)
   • Alum mordant (10% of the weight of the wool)

2. Instructions (Hot Dyeing):

   • Soak the Tagetes flowers overnight in water.
   • Boil the soaked flowers for 1 hour, then strain out the plant matter.
   • Add the mordanted wool to the dye bath and simmer for 1 hour.
   • Let the wool cool in the dye bath overnight for deeper colour.
   • Rinse the wool gently and let it dry.

3. Instructions (Cold Dyeing):

   • Soak the Tagetes flowers in water for at least 24 hours (preferably 48 hours) to extract the colour.
   • Strain the flowers, then add the mordanted wool to the dye bath.
   • Allow the wool to sit in the cold dye bath for 1-3 days, stirring occasionally.
   • Once satisfied with the colour, rinse the wool gently and let it dry.

Enjoy the vibrant yellow and orange hues that this locally grown Tagetes will bring to your wool fibres, whether you prefer hot or cold dyeing methods!

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ALDER CONES – Alnus glutinosa
Natural Dye Material | Rich in Tannins | Origin: Europe

Alder cones, much like alder bark, are rich in natural tannins that yield soft, earthy shades of brown, beige and warm yellow. Depending on the concentration and modifiers used, they can produce both gentle golden hues and deeper nut browns with a pleasant, organic tone.

Naturally high in tannins, alder cones offer medium to good colour fastness and can be used alone or as a tannin base before other plant dyes.

Dyeing Properties

• Colour range: yellow–brown to warm chestnut tones
• Tannin level: moderate to high
• Colour fastness: medium to good
• Use for: wool, silk, cotton, linen and paper

Iron modifiers darken the colour, shifting it towards greys and warm browns.

Basic Recipe

Mordant: Alum 10–15% WOF (weight of fibre)
Dyestuff: Alder cones 100–200% WOF

1. Pour boiling water over the cones and allow to steep for 24–48 hours.

2. Simmer gently for about 2 hours, then strain.

3. Add the pre-mordanted fibre to the dye bath and leave until the desired shade is reached, or soak overnight for stronger results.

4. For deeper tones, add a small amount of iron modifier at the end of the dyeing process and/or leave out the Alum mordant.

In a Nutshell

• Botanical name: Alnus glutinosa
• Form: Whole cones
• Origin: Europe
• Use: Natural dye / tannin source
• Colour fastness: Medium to good
• Storage: Keep dry, cool and away from direct sunlight

An earthy, versatile tannin source producing warm, natural tones — ideal for both standalone dyeing and tannin-rich underlayers.

ALKANET ~ Dye Colour: Purple, grey

Our ALKANET ROOT is harvested in India. Its colour ranges from purple to blue to grey, depending on the extraction method and mordants used. Please note that alcohol extraction is necessary for obtaining true purples.

Colour fastness: Poor

Though we sell alkanet in our shop, I never use it. It isn't lightfast and due to needing a heated alcoholic solution it can become quite pricey when living in Ireland! However, if you would like to give it a go, alkanet is a mordant dye after extraction. 

• To extract 65g of powdered root you need to heat 1litre of 35% alcohol to 40C/104F. 
• Once extracted add the 1litre to a dyebath of 2-8L. 
• Add your mordanted textiles and proceed as usual. 

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ANNATTO – ORGANIC, NON-ORGANIC & POWDERED

Botanical name: Bixa orellana
Dye colour: Yellow, orange, copper

Wool, silk, cotton and linen can all be dyed successfully with annatto. It yields warm yellows to rich orange tones and combines beautifully with other dyes such as cochineal and madder for extended colour ranges.

We offer three forms of annatto due to availability:
• Organic Whole Seeds – Wild harvested in Côte d'Ivoire
• Non-Organic Whole Seeds – Standard dye grade
• Non-Organic Powdered Seeds – Finely ground for quicker extraction and even application

Colour Range & Combinations

• Use with cochineal and cream of tartar for orange-red colours
• Pre-dye silk with madder, then add to an annatto bath for copper-orange
• Combine with tartaric acid to achieve yolk yellow

The dye is not very lightfast and may need to be refreshed after a few years. However, blending annatto with cochineal improves durability.

Basic Recipe for Yellow

100 g wool or silk, mordanted with 15% alum and 10% cream of tartar
100 g annatto seeds

1. Soak annatto seeds overnight with 10 g soda ash

2. Blend the soaked seeds and simmer for 1 hour

3. Strain through cloth and tie off seeds in a dye bag

4. Add silk to dye bath for 20 minutes at 80 °C

5. Remove silk; simmer wool in the same bath for 1 hour (without dye bag)

6. Return silk for an additional 15 minutes

This bath can be reused for lighter yellow-orange tones.
Pre-soaking wool in a vinegar bath for 10 minutes can enhance the brightness of the final shade.

In a nutshell

• Material: Annatto seeds (whole or powdered)
• Botanical name: Bixa orellana
• Grades offered: Organic, non-organic, powdered
• Dye colours: Yellow, orange, orange-red, copper
• Fibre compatibility: Wool, silk, linen, cotton
• Fastness: Poor to medium
• Best used with: Cochineal, madder, cream of tartar, tartaric acid

Please note: cut root bark is currently out of stock but will be restocked soon.

Barberry Root Bark – Ground & Cut
Source: Berberis spp. (Barberry)

Barberry root bark is a traditional dye material valued for its high content of berberine, a potent plant alkaloid that yields clear, brilliant yellows on protein fibres. When modified with iron, it shifts to olive greens, making it a versatile addition to any natural dyer’s toolkit.

This listing includes ground root bark for quick extraction and cut bark for longer decoctions or soaking methods.

Barberry is known for its excellent light fastness, especially on wool and silk.

Main Components:

• Berberine (alkaloid)

• Alkaloid-rich tannins

Suggested Quantities (WOF):

• 20–30% for clear yellow

• With iron: 25–40% for olive tones

• Simmer gently for 60 minutes

Uses:

• Brilliant yellow dyeing on wool and silk

• Olive green shades with iron

• Layered plant dyeing with tannins and modifiers

• Historical dyeing and pigment preparation

The Plant: Barberry is a spiny shrub found across Europe and Asia. The root bark is its most dye-rich part, containing vibrant yellow berberine compounds also used in traditional medicine and inks.

Light Fastness:
High (excellent retention on protein fibres)

Form:
Ground and cut root bark

Tips:
Try layering with tannins like oak gall or sumac to deepen tone. Use on its own for luminous yellows, or with iron sulfate for olive greens.

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The birch tree, scientifically named Betula pendula, is a type of thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree found in the Betulaceae family. This family includes other types of trees such as alders, hazels, and hornbeams, and is closely related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae. When using birch bark (cut), be aware that the dye colour of pink, browns, and salmon, though very pretty, can have poor to medium colour fastness.

Colour fastness: poor - medium

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Basic Recipe:

Alum (mordant) 10-15% D.W.F
Birch Bark 100-200% D.W.F

Pour boiling water over the bark and steep for 24-48h

Boil the bark for two hours and strain. Add the mordanted yarn to the bath and leave until desired colour outcome or overnight.

*You can change the colour using iron, or other shifters like soda ash or citric acid

Black Walnut Shells
Dye Colour: Earthy Light and Dark Browns | Cultivated in the USA

Using Black Walnut Shells for dyeing results in a rich, natural-looking earthy brown colour after one or two dye baths for deeper tones. This dye works especially well with silk and wool materials and is known for its excellent colour fastness.

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) is a native North American tree known for its strong wood and high tannin content, which is ideal for natural dyeing. The shells are a rich source of tannins, giving the dye its deep, earthy brown hues. Traditionally, Black Walnut has been used for both dyeing and in herbal medicine.

Colour Fastness: Excellent

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 50% WOF Dye (Black Walnut Shells): Produces a light, earthy brown.
• 100% WOF Dye (Black Walnut Shells): Yields a deeper, richer brown.

Basic Recipe for Earthy Brown:

• Ingredients: 50% or 100% whole Black Walnuts (soaked overnight), Mordanted Fibre/Fabric

Instructions:

1. Soak the Black Walnuts in cold water overnight.
2. Bring the soaked walnuts to 80°C for one hour.
3. Strain out the shells/powder.
4. Add mordanted fibre/fabric to the dye bath and simmer at 80°C for one hour.
5. For deeper results, leave the fabric in the dye bath overnight or for up to 12 hours.
6. Rinse and dry to reveal a rich, earthy brown hue.

Unlock the rich, earthy tones of Black Walnut Shells and enjoy the depth and warmth it brings to your fabrics and yarns. Perfect for eco-conscious makers and those looking for natural, long-lasting colours.

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Cola Nuts
Dye Colour: Orange to Almost-Black | Botanically: Cola nitida (Vent.) A. Chev.

Cola nuts, a treasured natural dye source from Africa, are celebrated for their rich, vibrant orange hue. When combined with Indigo, they create a striking, almost-black colour, a technique rooted in traditional African dyeing practices. With their high tannin content, Cola nuts offer exceptional colour fastness, making them a reliable and durable choice for natural dyeing. Perfect for eco-conscious artists and makers, Cola nuts provide a unique and sustainable addition to your dyeing collection.

Colour Fastness: Very Good

Video Demonstration:
To see the Cola nut dyeing process in action, watch this insightful video from 1996 showcasing the use of Cola nuts and Indigo in textiles.

"A Dyeing Art" - Indigo & Cola Nut & Textiles - Circa 1996

Watch the video here

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Dyer's Broom cut

This product, DYER'S BROOM ~ cut, is traditionally utilized for dyeing yellow and green shades. The resulting green hue tends to lean more towards a tan colour.

Colour fastness: medium

Basic recipe:

100% Broom
10% Alum
3% Iron as green option

Mordant as required, extract broom in 85C degrees Celsius for 1h. Remove dye, switch off pot and add your item and leave overnight. Treat with iron as an after mordant. Rinse, wash.

Colour fastness: medium

Dyer's Chamomile Flowers
Dye Colour: Yellow | Botanical: Cota tinctoria | Grown & Dried in Ireland

Experience the joy of working with our fully dried Dyer's Chamomile Flowers, which we personally produce and hand-collect in County Clare, Ireland. These vibrant yellow flowers are packed with natural dye, ideal for colour extraction. They are suitable for flower printing and are perfect for adding a rich, warm tone to your dyeing projects. Limited availability – don't miss out on these unique, locally grown flowers!

Colour Fastness: Good - Excellent

Product Details:

• Quantity: 10g (approximately 60 flower heads)
• Grown & Dried in: County Clare, Ireland
• Perfect for: Colour extraction and eco printing

Mordant-Based Recipe for Wool (Hot and Cold Dyeing):

1. Ingredients:

   • 25g of Dyer's Chamomile Flowers
   • Wool fibre (100g)
   • Alum mordant (10% of the weight of the wool)
     

2. Instructions (Hot Dyeing):

   • Soak the flowers overnight in water.
   • Boil the soaked flowers for 1 hour, then strain out the plant matter.
   • Add the mordanted wool to the dye bath and simmer for 1 hour.
   • Let the wool cool in the dye bath overnight for deeper colour.
   • Rinse the wool gently and let it dry.

3. Instructions (Cold Dyeing):

   • Soak the flowers in water for at least 24 hours (preferably 48 hours) to extract the colour.
   • Strain the flowers, then add the mordanted wool to the dye bath.
   • Allow the wool to sit in the cold dye bath for 1-3 days, stirring occasionally.
   • Once satisfied with the colour, rinse the wool gently and let it dry.

Enjoy the vibrant yellows that this locally grown Dyer's Chamomile will bring to your wool fibres, whether you prefer hot or cold dyeing methods!

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FUSTIC HARDWOOD ~ Dyer's Mulberry, Old Fustic or Yellowwood
Dye Colour: Yellow and Green | Country of Collection: Unknown (Typically sourced from tropical regions) | Maclura tinctoria or Chlorophora tinctoria 

Fustic, introduced to Europe in the 16th century, is a classic natural dye that produces vibrant yellow tones and clear greens when overdyed with indigo. Sourced from the hardwood of the Chlorophora or Morus tinctoria tree, a member of the Mulberry family, Fustic is known for its strength, requiring only 50% of the dye by weight of fibre (W.D.F.). The wood chips used for dyeing are reusable, allowing for multiple dye baths.

Colour Fastness: Poor to Medium

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 50% WOF Dye (Fustic): Produces a bright, clear yellow hue.
• Overdye with Indigo: Results in a clear, vibrant green.
• With 3% Iron: Transforms the dye into an olive green tone.

Basic Recipe for Dyeing:

• Ingredients: 50% Fustic cut, 10% Alum
• Instructions:
  1. Mordant the yarn by dissolving Alum in hot water and adding the yarn. Let it steep overnight.
  2. Steep the Fustic woodchips in hot water overnight.
  3. The next day, rinse the mordanted yarn.
  4. Strain the Fustic dye and let it dry for an additional day.
  5. Add the mordanted yarn to the dye bath and heat to 85°C for 1 hour.
  6. Rinse and dry the yarn.
  7. Reusing Dye: If using the dye again, boil it for 45 minutes to deepen the yellow colour.

Unlock the potential of this traditional dye, whether you're looking for a rich yellow, earthy green, or vibrant hues when combined with other dyes like Indigo.

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ORGANIC HEATHER DYE (Calluna vulgaris)
Dye Colour: Golden Yellow and Green-Brown | Country of Collection: Croatia

This organic heather dye (Calluna vulgaris) is wild-harvested in Croatia and includes the aerial parts of the plant—stems, leaves, and remaining flowers—making it a strong and versatile botanical dye. Traditionally used for colouring wool and tweed, it produces rich golden yellows and green-browns, especially when modified with iron.

Due to its natural tannin content, this heather dye is perfect for creating deeper, earthier tones that reflect the plant’s native landscape.

Colour Fastness: Poor - Medium

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio

• 100–200% Heather Dye (WOF) → 
• Produces golden yellow tones
  • Add 3% Iron for olive green or green-brown hues

Basic Recipe for Dyeing

Ingredients:
• 100–200% Heather (by weight of fibre)
• 10% Alum (for mordanting)
• Optional: 3% Iron

Instructions:

1. Mordant the yarn: Dissolve alum in hot water, add yarn, and leave overnight.
2. Extract the dye: Simmer heather in water at 85°C (185°F) for 1 hour. Strain.
3. Rinse mordanted yarn.
4. Add yarn to dye bath and heat to 85°C (185°F) for 1 hour or leave overnight.
5. Rinse and dry.

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Horse Chestnut Bark – Cut

Source: Aesculus hippocastanum

Cut Horse Chestnut Bark is a lesser-known but valuable source of natural tannins, especially effective for cellulose fibre preparation, natural greys with iron, and historical dye practices. This bark contains condensed tannins, making it well suited for textile work on both plant and animal fibres.

Our bark is coarsely cut and ideal for slow dyeing, decoctions, or tannin-rich soaks. It can be used alone or combined with other tannins or metal salts for complex tones and improved mordant adhesion.

Main Components:

• Condensed tannins
• Flavonoids
• Saponins (minor)

Suggested Quantities (WOF – Weight of Fabric):

• 20–80% WOF for decoction or fibre soak
• Simmer for 1 hour or soak overnight
• Use hot or cool for varied tones

Uses:

• Pre-treatment of Cellulose Fibres – improves mordant take-up
• Iron Modification – yields soft greys and warm browns
• Natural Dyeing – use alone or as a tannin base
• Historical Dye Methods – suitable for re-enactment dyeing and archival processes

The Plant:

Horse chestnut is a deciduous tree native to southeastern Europe, now naturalised across Ireland and the UK. Its bark has long been used in folk medicine and traditional dyeing for its tannin content and gentle tones. When modified with iron, it reveals subtle grey-browns, ideal for grounding brighter botanical colours.

Light Fastness:

Medium to High (when used with a mordant)

Form:

• Coarse-cut bark
• Not water-soluble; requires simmering or soaking

🌿 Tip: Combine with iron sulphate for muted greys, or use as a base layer in multi-step dyeing on cellulose fibres.

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African Tagetes Flowers – Tagetes patula

Dye Colour: Yellow and Orange | Botanical: Tagetes patula | Grown & Dried in Ireland

Bring the warmth of summer to your fibre work with our hand-harvested African Tagetes flowers (Tagetes patula), grown and dried in County Clare, Ireland. These marigold-like blossoms yield rich yellow and orange hues ideal for natural dyeing.

Unlike Tagetes erecta, this smaller-flowered variety is more delicate in shape, making it well suited to both dye extraction and eco-printing, as well as bundle dyeing. Its accessible petal structure makes it a favourite for surface design artists - though the pressed or fresh versions would work better.

🌼 Limited availability – grown in small batches using ecological methods.

Colour Fastness:

Poor to Medium

Product Details:

• Quantity: 25g (approx. 25–35 flower heads)

• Grown & Dried in: County Clare, Ireland

• Ideal for: Colour extraction, eco-printing, surface design

Mordant-Based Recipe for Wool (Hot and Cold Dyeing)

Ingredients:

• 25g of Tagetes patula flowers

• 100g of wool fibre

• 10% alum mordant (based on fibre weight)

Hot Dyeing Instructions:

1. Soak flowers overnight in water

2. Boil for 1 hour to extract the dye, then strain

3. Add mordanted wool and simmer for 1 hour

4. Leave the wool to cool overnight in the bath for richer tones

5. Rinse gently and dry

Cold Dyeing Instructions:

1. Soak the flowers for 24–48 hours in cool water

2. Strain the flowers and add mordanted wool to the bath

3. Let sit 1–3 days, stirring occasionally

4. Rinse gently and dry when colour is achieved

Enjoy rich, locally grown colour whether you're dipping skeins or creating botanical prints.
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Madder Dye – Cut or Ground
Rich Natural Reds for Dyeing | Wild-Harvested in Eastern Europe

Madder (Rubia tinctorum) is a renowned natural dye that produces a stunning range of reds—from warm oranges and rich brick reds to deep blood reds and fiery crimson tones. The final shade depends on multiple factors, including soil conditions, root age, mineral content of the water, dyeing temperature, and fibre-to-dye ratio.

Dyeing Tips:

• Mordanting: Avoid cream of tartar when mordanting cold. 
• Soaking: Pre-soak fibres for at least 12h-24h before dyeing.
• Dyeing Methods: Madder can be used in both hot and cold dye baths. Adding chalk can help achieve better reds.

Colour Fastness: Excellent – Madder is known for its durability and deep, lasting hues.

Discover the beauty of natural dyeing with madder and create your own unique reds!

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Recipe for Wool: Downloadable PDF 

Recipe for Plant fibres: Downloadable PDF

Also available as dye kit!

Madder Dye Kit for Plant Fibers: Available Here »

Madder Dye Kit for wool & Silk: Available Here »

Basic Madder Dye Recipe

(Adjust quantities as needed to achieve your desired shade. Water quality will influence colour result. Oranges instead of reds are often more likely)

Ingredients:

• 100g dried madder roots (soaked overnight and blended if possible, or use ground)
• 100g mordanted fiber (Alum-treated)
  • Use 50g of fibre for darker reds or 300g for lighter shades
• 7–10 liters of water
• 6g calcium carbonate (chalk) (optional, for enhanced reds)

Instructions:

1. Soak the madder roots in the dye pot overnight.
2. Gently heat to 65°C (149°F) and maintain for one hour for red tones.
   • Higher temperatures will shift the colour towards brown.
3. Strain the dye bath through a cloth to remove root particles.
4. Add the mordanted fibre and the dye bag (optional, might result in uneven colour) back into the pot.
5. Maintain a temperature between 65–95°C (149–203°F) for one hour to develop the colour.

IMPORTANT: The higher the temperature, the darker and browner the final shade.

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Black Mallow Rose Flowers (Hollyhock)
Latin: Malvae arbor. Flor. tot. | Botanical: Alcea rosea L.

These vibrant Black Mallow Rose Flowers, also known as Hollyhocks, are perfect for eco-printing and natural dyeing projects. When used in eco-printing, they create stunning purple-blue to violet hues on fabric, with the rich tones evolving beautifully over time. Their colour fastness ranges from weak to medium, but can be enhanced with the proper mordants.

Eco-Printing Tips:

• For deeper, more intense black and purple hues, use an iron mordant.
• For general printing or dyeing, follow a standard mordant procedure for balanced results.
• Only the petals and flowers are utilized for printing and dyeing.

Durability:

Black Mallow Rose prints can retain their colours for years, but that very much depends on light exposure and washing. The anthocyanins in the petals provide some longevity, though fading may occur with prolonged sunlight or frequent washing.

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MYROBALAN CHEBULIC ~ a tannin used for (pre) mordanting cellulose (Cotton, Linen) Fibres. Recipe below.

ORIGN: India

Myrobalan is a very common tannin used in India and around Asia. It creates a plum-like fruit from various trees of the genus Terminalia, formerly used in medicine as a mild laxative and now used in the dyeing industry.

Myrobalan creates butter yellow on fabric, like most tannins. Tannin is important for mordanting cellulose fibres like cotton and linen. Alum alone is not a suitable mordant for cellulose fibres and its use will produce inferior colours.

Myrobalan can be used in print, over dye with indigo for teal, use as a stand alone colour or as a mordant.

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Recipe Downloadable PDF for creating Greys and Charcoal 

Basic recipe for mordanting cellulose fibres:

A 2 step process, please read through the entire instructions first.

Step 1:

Ingredients:

10% Myrobalan (10% of the weight of fabric (w.o.f.))


1.Fill a plastic or stainless steel vessel with hot water (40-50 d. Celsius/100-120F) to a 30:1 ratio (water : fabric)

2. add tannin and stir until dissolved or evenly distributed

3. add fabric, immerse fully for 1-2 hours. The bath will cool down, which is totally fine. Stir occasionally.

4. use rubber gloves when removing fabric, squeeze fabric. Rinse very lightly or better spin it out using a centrifugal spinner or washing machine. Tannin is bound to the fibre only by affinity and can be removed if rinsed aggressively.

5. save mordant for future use.

6. don't let it dry before moving to the 2nd mordanting step.

Step 2:

Ingredients:
Alum 12% (w.o.f.) Dissolved in enough boiling water, cool.
Soda Ash 1.5% (w.o.f.) Dissolve in enough boiling water, cool.

1. Combine the two solutions while stirring. It will bubble, so make sure your vessel is big enough.

2. Bubbles will subside quickly and you should be left with a clear liquid. Add additional hot water as described above. Follow steps 3 - 5 from above.

3. Rinse the textile well, to make sure any unattached mordant is rinsed off.

4. The textile may be dyed immediately or dried for future use.


Tips:

*Too hot and the tannin will oxidize, which is fine, if you want a potentially darker colour. For overdyeing, it is best to keep the colour as light as possible.
** You can also use cold water instead of hot, but it will require a 12h soak at least.
***Any tannin can be used with this recipe, but for lighter results use Oak Gall or Tara.

Enjoy!

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ORGANIC NETTLES ~ Used as herb and dye. Dye Colour yellow and green.

Country of Origin: Hungary

Urtica Fol. Organic, often known as common nettle, stinging nettle or nettle leaf, or just a nettle or stinger, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. Originally native to Europe it has now spread worldwide.

Nettles have been used since ancient times and can be eaten, are used in herbal medicine and dyeing.

Nettles can be used fresh and dry - similar to Lovage, the best results are achieved with fresh plants, but dried plant material works well as well.

Colourfastness: medium

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Basic recipe:

100-200% Nettle (100% if using fresh only)
3-5% Iron
Wool (mordanted 10% Alum)

Line the pot with a cloth. Fill the pot half with water and add the nettle.
Bring to about 85-95 degrees Celsius for 1 hour.

Tie dye in Cloth and leave in bath.
Add wool and simmer gently for 1 hour.

Add 3% -5% iron to the dye bath to turn it green.

Remove after about 10min, rinse & dry.

OAK MOSS ~ Dye colour Champange Beige to Brown

*Oak Moss from responsibly harvested forests in Mazedonia.

Champagne is the closest colour I can think of to describe the colour obtained by Oak Moss. You can influence the nuances by adding different mordants, but generally no mordant is necessary.
Oak Moss is also used for Soap making to add texture and scrub to the soap.

Colourfastness: good

From Wikipedia
Evernia prunastri, also known as Oak Moss, is a species of lichen. It can be found in many mountainous temperate forests throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of France, Portugal, Spain, North America, and much of Central Europe. Oak moss grows primarily on the trunk and branches of oak trees, but is also commonly found on the bark of other deciduous trees and conifers such as fir and pine. The thalli of oak moss are short (3–4 cm in length) and bushy, and grow together on bark to form large clumps. Oak moss thallus is flat and strap-like. They are also highly branched, resembling the form of deer antlers. The colour of oak moss ranges from green to a greenish-white when dry, and dark olive-green to yellow-green when wet. The texture of the thalli are rough when dry and rubbery when wet. It is used extensively in modern perfumery. 

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A basic Recipe:

50% oak moss or more
wool/yarn ~ no mordant needed

Simmer moss for 3 hours.
Strain through Cloth.

Add wet wool to the dye pot.

Let it simmer for 1h, cool and leave overnight.

Rinse and dry.

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BIRCH LEAVES DYE (Betula pendula)
Dye Colour: Yellow and Green (with Iron)
Country of Collection: Typically Europe

Birch (Betula pendula) is a deciduous hardwood tree native to Europe, widely valued in natural dyeing for its soft golden hues. The dried leaves yield a reliable yellow, which can shift to green with iron - making it a versatile natural dye for fibre artists.

Closely related to alders and hazels, birch is a classic in traditional botanical dye practices.

Colour Fastness: Good

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 100–200% WOF Birch Leaves – Produces soft to rich yellow tones
• Add 3% Iron – Shifts colour to natural olive green

Basic Recipe for Dyeing:

Ingredients:

• 100–200% Birch Leaves (by weight of fibre)
• 15% Alum (as mordant)
• Wool or other protein fibres

Instructions:

1. Soak birch leaves in water for 24 hours
2. Boil the soaked leaves for 1 hour
3. Add pre-mordanted yarn in the dye bath for 30–60 minutes
4. For colour variations, use iron as a pre or after mordant.

Use birch leaves to explore a range of nature-inspired shades. Whether you’re aiming for warm yellows or forest greens this traditional dye brings a timeless, organic beauty to your work.

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GLOSSY BUCKTHORN BARK DYE (Frangula alnus)
Dye Colour: Golden Yellow, Pinks, and Reds | Country of Collection: Bosnia

Glossy Buckthorn Bark is a pH-sensitive natural dye, wild-collected in Bosnia. Historically valued for its versatile colour range, it delivers golden yellow tones at a neutral pH, shifts to pink and red at higher pH levels (10–11), but it is unstable; and can yield green with the addition of iron. This bark’s gentle fragrance and good colour fastness make it a favourite among natural dyers and paint makers alike.

Colour Fastness: Good

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio

• 65g Buckthorn Bark per 100g Fibre
  Produces a spectrum from golden yellow at neutral pH to rosy reds at alkaline pH (unstable), with iron modifying towards green.

Basic Recipe for Dyeing

Ingredients: 65g Buckthorn Bark, 100g Mordanted Wool (approx. 13g Alum)

1. Soak bark for 2 days.
2. Simmer the bark in water for 2 hours; strain through cloth.
3. Add wool/fibre (along with the bark in a dye bag if desired) and simmer 1 hour.
4. Rinse well and allow to dry.

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Organic European Solidago
Dye Colour: Yellow, Orange, and Green | Organically Grown in Poland

Our Organic Solidago, also known as Goldenrod, is carefully grown and harvested in Europe, specifically Poland. Solidago is a genus of flowering plants in the aster family, with species found across meadows, prairies, and savannas, and is native to North America. This beautiful plant produces vibrant yellow, orange, and green hues when used for natural dyeing, making it a versatile addition to your dyeing projects.

Colour Fastness: Medium - Good

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 25% WOF Dye (Solidago): Produces a soft, pale yellow hue.
• 50% WOF Dye (Solidago): Yields a deeper, vibrant yellow.
• 100% WOF Dye (Solidago): Results in a rich, golden yellow with orange undertones.

Basic Recipe for Yellow:

• Ingredients: 100% Solidago, Wool (Alum Mordant 10%)
• Instructions:
  • Soak the Solidago leaves for 1 day or overnight.
  • Boil the soaked leaves for 1 hour and drain.
  • Simmer the yarn in the dye bath for up to 1 hour.
  • Rinse and dry to reveal a stunning yellow hue.

Unlock the potential of this naturally vibrant dye and enjoy the rich colours it brings to your fabrics and yarns.

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HAWTHORN BERRIES DYE
Dye Colour: Original Beige/Yellow | With Iron: Silver Grey, Grey Green | Country of Collection: Hungary

Hawthorn berries are rich in tannins and provide soft and earthy tones, ideal for dyeing wool and silk. The natural beige or yellow hue can be modified by adding iron, creating subtle shades of silver grey, grey, or grey-green. The resulting colours are earthy and gentle, as seen in the yarns dyed with Hawthorn, giving a timeless, organic feel to any fibre project.

In addition to dyeing, I sometimes use Hawthorn berries to slightly lower the pH in dye baths, such as when dyeing with Madder to create richer orange tones.

Colour Fastness: Poor - Medium when using a mordant.

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 100% WOF Dye (Hawthorn): Produces a soft beige or yellow.
• After mordant with Iron: Creates silver grey, grey, or grey-green hues.
  

Basic Recipe for Dyeing:

Ingredients:

• 10% Alum
• 100% Hawthorn
• 1-3% Iron

Instructions:

1. Mordant yarn with 10% Alum, either hot at 85°C (185°F) for 1 hour or cold for 12-24 hours.
2. Extract Hawthorn for 1-2 hours at 85°C (185°F). Strain dye.
3. Add mordanted yarn to dye liquor and leave for 1 hour at 85°C (185°F).
4. Add Iron to modify the colour, if desired. The more iron you add, the greener the shade becomes. Aerate between dips and avoid leaving the yarn in the iron bath for more than 5-10 minutes.
5. Rinse and hang to dry.

Bring the beauty of earthy, organic hues to your fibre projects with Hawthorn, a dye plant with centuries of natural tradition.

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Organic Ground, Cut, or Whole Hibiscus Flowers
Vibrant Pink & Purple Hues for Dyeing | Cultivated in Egypt

Hibiscus flowers are an excellent choice for natural dyeing, offering stunning shades from light purples to deep pinks and even greens, depending on the mordant used. Ground Hibiscus produces a lighter purple hue on wool, while cut or whole flowers yield more vibrant tones. This pH-sensitive dye is perfect for hobby dyers and children’s activities, as it offers interesting colour shifts - from green to purple to pink -  and an experimental approach to dyeing.

Dyeing Tips:

• Ground Hibiscus: Use 50% of the dye weight relative to the fabric for a light purple hue.
• Cut or Whole Hibiscus: Use 75-100% of the dye weight relative to the fabric for deeper tones.
• pH Sensitivity: Hibiscus dye is pH-sensitive, meaning colour can shift, creating fun and unique results—perfect for those who enjoy experimenting.

Colour Fastness: Poor (colour may shift with pH changes)

Basic Hibiscus Dye Recipe:

1. Mordanting: Use Alum (10-15%) for dyeing wool.
2. Dye Ratio:
   • For mordanted fabric or yarn: Use 50-100% Hibiscus dye relative to the weight of the dry fibre.
3. Dyeing Process:
   • Soak Hibiscus flowers or powder in water and simmer.
   • Add mordanted fabric and simmer until the desired colour is achieved.

A delightful and experimental natural dye, perfect for adding beautiful, ever-changing shades to your projects!

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OAK BARK DYE (Quercus spp.)
Dye Colour: Golden Beige and Browns | Country of Collection: Poland

Oak Bark is a tannin-rich, natural dye source used for centuries to achieve warm, earthy tones on wool and silk. Thanks to its high tannin content, no mordant is strictly necessary, but will result in better colour fastness. Experimenting with iron and adding oak galls can deepen or modify your results. Lighter beige tones emerge with lower pH (around 5), and deeper browns develop under higher pH (around 8), though iron is a more stable solution for darker tones.

Colour Fastness: Good

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio

• 50–100% WOF Oak Bark
  Produces a range of golden beige to medium browns, with the flexibility to go darker by adjusting the pH or boosting tannins with oak galls.

Basic Recipe for Dyeing

Ingredients:

• 50–100% Oak Bark (by weight of fibre)
• Wool or Silk (mordant not strictly necessary due to high tannin content)

Instructions:

1. Soak the oak bark overnight in water.
2. Simmer the soaked bark for 2 hours, then strain through a cloth.
3. Add wool or silk to the dye bath.
4. Simmer gently for 1 hour.
5. Cool & Rest: Allow the fibre to soak in the dye bath overnight to deepen the colour.
6. Rinse & Dry: Rinse the dyed fibre in cool water and hang to dry.

Embrace the rich tradition of oak bark dye and bring timeless, organic hues to your fibre projects—perfect for both beginners and seasoned natural dyers.

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ORGANIC SAGE OFFICINALIS CUT
Dye Colour: Greenish Yellow and Green | Country of Origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial, evergreen subshrub from the Mediterranean region, now widely cultivated for its culinary, medicinal, and dyeing properties. These cut, organic leaves produce soft greenish-yellow tones in natural dyeing, which can be shifted to richer greens with the addition of iron. Perfect for those seeking a versatile herb that is both fine for consumption and ideal for natural dye projects.

Colour Fastness: Good to Excellent

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio

• 100% WOF Sage – Produces greenish-yellow hues
• Add 3–5% Iron – Shifts colour to deeper greens

Basic Recipe for Dyeing

Ingredients:

• 100% Sage (by weight of fibre)
• 3–5% Iron (optional)
• Wool or other protein fibres (mordanted with Alum)

Instructions:

1. Soak or steep sage (fresh or dried) before dyeing.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add mordanted yarn or fibre.
3. Simmer for approximately 1 hour to develop colour.
4. For green hues, add iron as a pre or after mordant.

Also available as a downloadable Sage recipe PDF and a convenient dye kit. Whether you use sage for a soothing herbal infusion, a fragrant addition to meals, or a natural colourant for your favourite yarn, this ancient herb connects your creative and culinary pursuits to centuries of tradition. Enjoy the earthy beauty that sage brings to your natural dye projects.

Dried Organic Walnut Shells
Rich Golden & Dark Browns for Dyeing | Wild-Harvested in Croatia

Walnut shells are a natural dye source, producing beautiful golden to deep brown hues. While fresh green husks yield the richest browns, dried shells provide an accessible and effective alternative—perfect for wool and silk dyeing.

Dyeing Tips:

• Mordanting: Tannins in walnut shells assist in dyeing, but a mordant can enhance colour depth.
• Soaking: Pre-soak the shells overnight for better colour extraction.
• Dyeing Methods: Can be used with or without a mordant—experiment to find your preferred shade.

Colour Fastness: Good – Excellent

Basic Walnut Shell Dye Recipe

(Adjust quantities as needed for different shades.)

Ingredients:

• 100% walnut shells by weight of fibre
• Wool (mordant optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak walnut shells overnight.
2. Simmer for 2 hours, then strain through cloth.
3. Add wool to the dye bath and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Let cool and leave in the dye bath overnight.
5. Rinse and dry.

A sustainable and traditional way to achieve rich, earthy browns in your fibre projects!

WHOLE POMEGRANATE FLOWERS (Punica granatum)
Dye Colour: Yellow | Country of Collection: India (Wild Collection)

Whole Pomegranate Flowers are a natural dye source that yields a lovely yellow colour, perfect for dyeing wool and silk. Collected from the wild in India, these flowers provide a deeper yellow hue depending on the quantity used. Though pomegranate flowers are a beautiful option for natural dyeing, their colour fastness is poor, meaning the vibrant yellow tones may fade over time. Pomegranate flowers are versatile and can also be used in soap making or consumed, adding a natural element to your crafting or culinary creations.

Colour Fastness: Poor

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 100% WOF Dye (Pomegranate Flowers): Produces a yellow colour.
• Use of higher quantities for deeper yellow or orange tones.

Basic Recipe for Yellow:

Ingredients:

• 100g Wool or Silk (mordanted with 10% Alum for 1 hour)
• 50-100g Whole Pomegranate Flowers

Instructions:

1. Soak the Pomegranate Flowers overnight in water.
2. Strain the mixture through a cloth, tie off the flowers (dye bag), and place in the dye bath.
3. Simmer the mordanted wool or silk for 1 hour.
4. Leave the fibre in the dye bath to cool (this will deepen the colour).
5. Rinse the dyed fibre and allow to dry.

Embrace the natural richness of Whole Pomegranate Flowers to create soft yellow hues in your fibre projects, perfect for sustainable crafting and eco-friendly dyeing.

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POMEGRANATE PEELS ~ CUT & GROUND ORGANIC ~ can be used as Tannin and as yellow dye

The pomegranate is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae, subfamily Punicoideae, that grows between 5 and 10 m tall. The pomegranate originated in the region extending from Iran to northern India and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region.

 Colourfastness: good - excellent

Recipe:

For how to mordant your Cellulose fibres, please see my blog post 

 How to mordant linen and cotton fabrics successfully – AppleOak FibreWorks

If you are using protein fibres, a simple 10%Alum bath will do for mordanting, but protein fibres can also be dyed without a mordant when using Pomegranate peel due to its tannin content.

Once mordanted:

Add 100% pomegranate peel to 80degrees Celcius Water for one hour. (100% of the dry Weight of your Fibre/Fabric) If using powder, stir regularly or it will burn the bottom of your pan.

After an hour, switch of the heat and add the fabric/fibre. Leave to up to 3 days, until desired depth of colour. 

Wash, rinse, dry.

 Pomegranate Powder can also be used as a tannin and for printing when combined with Alum and Guar Gum.

ORGANIC IRISH WELD ~ Homegrown in Co. Clare, Ireland

(Reseda luteola / Dyer’s Weld)

Bring a piece of Ireland’s dye heritage into your studio with our homegrown Weld! Grown in Co. Clare from our own carefully saved seed, we follow organic standards and sustainable practices throughout the growing process—though we are not organically certified (yet). Every plant is tended by hand, using eco-friendly, regenerative methods from seed to harvest.

We love closing the loop: spent dye plants from our studio are transformed through our worm composting system, returning as rich compost to nourish the next generation of Weld. It’s a full-circle, regenerative approach that brings even more life to our fields and colours to your work.

This listing is for dried Weld plants, shredded for your convenience. Stock is limited each year according to our small-scale approach.

Why Weld?

Weld, or Dyer’s Reseda, is one of the oldest sources of brilliant, lightfast yellow for natural dyeing. From the Mediterranean to Irish fields, this plant has coloured textiles for thousands of years. Over-dye with indigo to create historic Saxon and Lincoln greens—the legendary colours of Robin Hood’s band!

We trialled our homegrown Irish Weld against both German Weld and our standard imported Weld, and the results were clear—our Irish-grown Weld produced the strongest, most vibrant colour of all. We’re delighted to share the best results from our fields with you!

Weld is the base for many of our favourite greens. The clear yellow it yields is prized for its clarity, vibrancy, and excellent colour fastness.

Product Details

• Grown in: Co. Clare, Ireland

• From our own saved seed

• Grown to organic standards (not certified)

• Regeneratively grown using our own worm-composted dye matter

• Hand-harvested, shredded, and dried

• Sold as: Shredded dried Weld

• Limited stock

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A simple Recipe

A basic recipe for dyeing wool with Reseda:

• 50-100% Reseda (Weld) extract at 80C for one hour. (The strong yellow on the felt was  achieved with 100%)

• Add 7-10% Soda Ash

• Wool (mordanted with Alum @10%) - leave overnight.

Perfect for beginner and experienced dyers alike!

Quebracho Bark – Cut & Ground

Source: Schinopsis lorentzii (Quebracho Colorado)

Quebracho bark is a warm-toned, condensed tannin-rich material traditionally used in natural dyeing, leather tanning and fibre pre-treatment. We offer both cut bark and ground bark, each suitable for slow processes and earthy beige tones.

• Cut Bark: Ideal for decoctions and slow extractions
• Ground Bark: Finely milled for quicker infusion and stronger colour release

🌿 For those looking for faster solubility, our Quebracho Extract is available as a separate listing.

Main Components:

• Condensed tannins
• Flavonoids (including fisetin & dihydrofisetin)

Suggested Quantities (WOF – Weight of Fabric):

Cut or Ground Bark
• 30–50% WOF (soaked overnight or simmered 1 hour)

Extract (sold separately, see link below)
• 5–15% WOF (dissolves directly in water)

Uses:

• Natural Dyeing of Protein & Cellulose Fibres – beige
• Iron Modification – create grey, warm taupe or darker brown/beige shades
• Tannin Pre-treatment for Cellulose – use prior to mordanting
• Ink & Surface Design – ground bark can be brewed into concentrated liquids

The Plant:

Native to Argentina and Paraguay, Schinopsis lorentzii (Quebracho Colorado) is a dense hardwood whose bark yields powerful condensed tannins. A favourite among natural dyers for its earthy, iron-reactive shades and broad fibre compatibility.

Light Fastness:

Medium to High (especially with iron modifier)

Form Options:

• Cut Bark – coarse, for slow extractions and decoctions
• Ground Bark – finer, for quicker and deeper colour releases
• Powdered Extract (sold separately) – fast-dissolving, highly concentrated

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ROSEHIP SHELLS ORGANIC CUT OR GROUND
Dye Colour: Yellow and Orange | Country of Collection: Ground from South Africa, Cut from Eastern Europe

Rosehip shells, sourced from Eastern Europe (cut) and South Africa (ground), offer a beautiful natural dye that imparts a light yellow to vibrant orange hue on protein fibres like wool and silks, depending on the quantity used. Best for protein fibres, this organic dye is also suitable for soap making and consumption, adding an eco-friendly touch to your crafting projects.

Colour Fastness: Poor to Medium

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 100% WOF Dye (Rosehip): Yields a soft yellow to orange hue.
• Dyeing with Wool or Silk: Can create deeper, richer tones when left in the dye bath to cool.

Basic Recipe for Dyeing:

Ingredients: 200g Rosehip Shells, 100g Wool or Silk (mordanted with 10% Alum)
Instructions:

1. Soak 200g Rosehip shells overnight.
2. Strain the mixture through a cloth, creating a dye bag, and place it in the dye bath.
3. Add mordanted wool or silk to the dye pot and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Let the fabric remain in the dye bath to cool, which will deepen the colour.
5. Rinse and dry.

Rosehip Shells provide a warm, earthy dye perfect for creating a natural palette in your fibre arts, offering beautiful yellow and orange hues, especially for protein fibres.

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SAFFLOWER DYE (Carthamus tinctorius)
Dye Colour: Soft Yellow and Red | Country of Collection: Iran

Safflower, a thistle-like plant native to arid environments, offers a stunning soft yellow and red dye, making it a great choice for dyeing natural fibres like linen and cotton. While it produces a warm red, the process to extract this colour is intricate, requiring extended soaking, kneading, and rinsing. By adjusting the pH and repeating these steps, you can achieve a richer red tone on plant-based fibres. This lengthy process is well worth the effort for those seeking vibrant hues, especially for linen, cotton, and other plant fibres.

Colour Fastness: Poor to Medium

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 100% WOF Dye (Safflower): Soft yellow tones for protein fibres.
• After removal of the yellow dye: Richer red tones for plant-based fibres. 

Basic Recipe for Yellow:
Ingredients:

• 100g Safflower
• 100g mordanted yarn/fibre (Alum 15g)

Instructions:

1. Soak the Safflower dye in water overnight.
2. Bring the dye pot to a simmer for 1 hour.
3. Strain the dye through cloth and add mordanted yarn or fibre to the dye bath.
4. Simmer for 1 hour and rinse to reveal a soft yellow colour.

Notes:

• Yellow is ideal for protein fibres, red for cellulose only.
• For richer red tones: Repeat soaking, kneading, and rinsing in a high pH environment.
• Safflower produces a softer, warm yellow dye but can yield red after more intensive preparation.

Embrace the natural beauty of Safflower dye and create stunning, soft yellow and red tones for your textile or paper projects.

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WELD DYE (Reseda Luteola)
Dye Colour: Yellow and Green (when overdyeing) | Country of Collection: Typically Europe

Weld (Reseda Luteola) is a renowned plant-based colourant with a rich history, often used to create high-quality dyes in temperate regions. Paired with other traditional dye plants like Madder, Woad, and Dyer's Chamomile, it yields beautiful shades of yellow, which can then be overdyed with Woad to create the iconic Saxon and Lincoln greens. Legend has it that Lincoln Green was the signature hue of Robin Hood and his outlaws, achieved by overdyeing Weld yellow with Woad blue.

Colour Fastness: Excellent

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 100% WOF Dye (Weld): Produces a rich, vibrant yellow.
• Overdye with Woad: Creates stunning, lively greens.
• Use of Soda Ash: Intensifies yellow tones and helps with colour extraction.

Basic Recipe for Dyeing:

• Ingredients: 100% Weld, 7% Soda Ash, Wool (mordanted with Alum)
• Instructions:
  1. Soak Weld in the dye pot with Soda Ash overnight.
  2. Bring to a simmer for 1 hour.
  3. Strain through cloth and set aside.
  4. Add mordanted wool to the dye pot and simmer gently for 1 hour.
  5. For a paler yellow: Use the same dye bath for a second batch of mordanted yarn.
  6. Reuse the dye bath: It can be used up to 2 times for additional dyeing.

Embrace the rich tradition of Weld dye and bring centuries-old colours to your fibre projects, from vibrant yellows to lush greens when combined with Woad.

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Dock Yellow Root – Cut
Source: Rumex spp. (Dock family)

Dock Yellow Root, cut and dried, is a traditional dye source used to create warm yellows and coral-pink tones on protein fibres. Thanks to its anthraquinone content, it offers colour versatility depending on the pH of your bath:

• In acidic to neutral conditions, expect golden yellows.

• In alkaline baths, it shifts to peachy or pink hues, particularly on silk.

This root also provides mild tannin action, making it suitable for cellulose.

Main Components:

• Anthraquinones

• Mild tannins

• Oxalates (naturally occurring)

Suggested Quantities (WOF):

• 30–50% for strong shades

• Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes

• Soak overnight to increase yield

Uses:

• Yellow and pink dyeing on wool & silk

• Alkaline baths for peach/pink tones

• Mild tannin pretreatment for cellulose

• Historical dyeing and iron modification

The Plant: Dock plants (Rumex spp.) grow widely in Europe. While often overlooked, the roots are rich in traditional dye compounds, producing yellow to coral tones with a rustic, natural charm.

Light Fastness: Medium

Form: Cut dried root

Tips:
Soak overnight before simmering. Adjust bath pH to explore colour shifts.

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