SODA ASH – pH ADJUSTER & SCOURING AGENT

Chemical name: Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | Grade: Textile | Use rate: 3–10%

No natural-dye studio is complete without soda ash (Soda in German). This alkaline powder (Na₂CO₃) raises the pH of dye baths and indigo vats, scours cellulose fibres such as cotton and linen, and brightens plant yellows like weld by increasing alkalinity.

💡 Note: Soda ash is milder than Potash (Potassium Carbonate), making it suitable for situations where a gentler pH adjustment is preferred. If you bought our 'Soda Ash' in the past, you would be looking for Potash, rather than this new Soda Ash listing.

Uses

• Boost pH in indigo, woad, or fructose vats
• Scour cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo before mordanting
• Intensify weld yellow and other plant yellows
• Balance acidic dye baths when needed

In a nutshell

• Material: Sodium carbonate (soda ash, Na₂CO₃)
• Function: pH enhancer & cellulose scour
• Dose: 30–100 g · L⁻¹ (3–10% owf) dissolved in hot water or dye liquor
• Compatibility: All natural dyes; indigo & woad vats
• Packaging: Resealable moisture-proof pouch
• Safety: Wear gloves & mask; store cool, dry, and away from acids

Basic directions

Dissolve the required soda ash in hot water (or directly into a hot dye bath) at 3–10%. Stir until clear, then add to the dye pot or fibre scour. For indigo vats, add soda ash after the pigment to adjust alkalinity before introducing a reducer.

Safety & storage

Soda ash is strongly alkaline. Avoid inhaling dust and protect eyes and skin. Store sealed and dry; keep away from children and acids. Dispose of effluent according to local regulations.

💡 Tip: If you need a stronger pH adjuster, try our Potash (Potassium Carbonate K₂CO₃).

Potash vs Soda Ash Table

Sodium Acetate ~ Used to turn Ferrous Sulfate into Ferrous Acetate; used in the Mordanting Recipe for Cotton and Linen without Tannin (see below)

Sodium acetate, NaCH₃COO, also abbreviated NaOAc, is the sodium salt of acetic acid. We use Sodium Acetate to turn Iron into an easier digestible version of itself, Iron acetate. Similar to 'Iron Water' but you can control the amounts. Iron acetate is not as harsh on the fibres and can be easier digested by nature or your septic tank when turned into rust. Once made, it has no shelf life and needs to be used immediately. 

For mordanting Cellulose fibres, please choose one of the following recipes on our blog:

How to mordant linen and cotton fabrics successfully – AppleOak FibreWorks

How to mordant Linen and Cotton successfully without Tannins – AppleOak FibreWorks

---------------------------

Basic recipe: 

1part Ferrous Sulfate

1part Sodium Acetate

Mix and dissolve in Water. I find that it makes the iron stronger and we only use 1% of Iron acetate on most recipes. Warm water will also intensify the reaction.

Solidago Extract

Source: Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Solidago extract is a soluble natural dye derived from the flowering tops of Solidago canadensis, also known as Goldenrod. It produces soft, warm golden yellow hues with a slightly earthy tone and is suitable for use on both protein and cellulose fibres.

Ideal for immersion dyeing, textile printing, and ink or paint making, this extract is easy to use and lends itself to seasonal or layered colour work.

Main Components:

• Flavonoids (e.g. quercetin, kaempferol)
• Tannins

Suggested Quantities (WOF – Weight of Fabric):

• Light Shades: 2–4% WOF
• Medium Shades: 5–8% WOF
• Rich Golds: 8–10% WOF (can be modified with iron or combined with tannins for olive shades)

Uses:

• Natural Dyeing of Protein & Cellulose Fibres: Produces soft to deep golden yellow
• Textile Printing & Surface Design: Suitable for thickened dye paste systems
• Ink & Paint Making: Can be incorporated into water-based systems or used for lake pigment preparation

The Plant:

Solidago canadensis is a perennial flowering plant native to North America and widely naturalised in Europe. Traditionally harvested in late summer and early autumn, its flower heads yield warm golden tones prized in folk and botanical dye traditions.

Light Fastness:

Medium

Note:

This is a soluble dye extract, not a pigment. It dissolves fully in water and is suitable for immersion or surface application.

Join The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share your experiences, join courses and get support from fellow growers and dyers.

EUROPEAN MERINO WOOL ~ Small farm production, Europe only productions, dyed to high oekotext standards in Switzerland.

This European Merino Wool 27 micron wool roving is available in 60 trendy colours including 10 trendy mixed colours.This wool is dyed with synthetic dye from Switzerland according to the standards of Oeko-Tex 100 and EU Ecolabel for textile products.

Responsibly Produced

This soft wool is produced in Europe, closer to home than your regular merino wool! The wool is produced on small farms in Europe and is mulesing free. 

Perfect for Felting, Spinning and Knitting

This European Merino Wool roving is a soft, voluminous and affordable all-round wool. It is great for wet felting as well as for needle felting, spinning and of course for XXL chunky knitting. All fibers align in the same direction and the roving has a regular thickness, making it an easy wool to knit with.

How long is this roving?

Wool is usually sold per weight. But sometimes you want to know how long the wool roving is. We have calculated the roving length of the different packages below:

• 50 grams = approx. 2 meters
• 250 grams = about 10 meters
• 1 kilo = about 40 meters
• Bump of 4.5 kilos = approx. 180 meters

Please note that this is an approximation. The length can vary per type of wool, per colour or per production. And the harder you pull, the longer the roving becomes.

Would you want to make sure you get the wool roving in one piece?

We try our best to deliver the roving in one piece. But please count in that even when we try our best we don’t always succeed. Sometimes we have no choice but to deliver the desired quantity in two or more pieces.

SPICKY PIPE CLEANERS ~ Perfect for wrapping wool to make arms, legs, animals and more.

These Pipe Cleaners are unique. Though not visible beneath the fluff are tiny little metal wires, which will catch onto the wool when winding around. No more wool sliding up and down.  

Length 17cm

EUROPEAN MERINO WOOL ~ Small farm production, Europe only productions, dyed to high oekotext standards in Switzerland.

There are 7 colours in this collection: Peach, Coral, Corn, Baby, Lipstick, Spring, Moss

This European Merino Wool 27 micron wool roving is available in 60 trendy colours including 10 trendy mixed colours. This wool is dyed with synthetic dye from Switzerland according to the standards of Oeko-Tex 100 and EU Ecolabel for textile products.

Responsibly Produced

This soft wool is produced in Europe, closer to home than your regular merino wool! The wool is produced on small farms in Europe and is mulesing free. 

Perfect for Felting, Spinning and Knitting

This European Merino Wool roving is a soft, voluminous and affordable all-round wool. It is great for wet felting as well as for needle felting, spinning and of course for XXL chunky knitting. All fibers align in the same direction and the roving has a regular thickness, making it an easy wool to knit with.

How long is this roving?

Wool is usually sold per weight. But sometimes you want to know how long the wool roving is. We have calculated the roving length of the different packages below:

• 50 grams = approx. 2 meters
• 250 grams = about 10 meters
• 1 kilo = about 40 meters
• Bump of 4.5 kilos = approx. 180 meters

Please note that this is an approximation. The length can vary per type of wool, per colour or per production. And the harder you pull, the longer the roving becomes.

Would you want to make sure you get the wool roving in one piece?

We try our best to deliver the roving in one piece. But please count in that even when we try our best we don’t always succeed. Sometimes we have no choice but to deliver the desired quantity in two or more pieces.

NETTLE SHAWL – NEANTÓG GHLASA

100% Nettle Fibre | Hand-knit in Nepal | Naturally Dyed in Co. Clare, Ireland

A Shawl Rooted in Place & Process

Our nettle shawls begin high in the Himalayas, where wild nettle is harvested, retted, hand-spun and hand-knit by artisans working with a fair-trade organisation (WFTO application in progress). Each piece supports remote families through fair income and the preservation of traditional craft.

Finished shawls travel directly to our dye house in County Clare, where they are carefully scoured and coloured in small batches of five using rain-harvested water, cold-mordant methods, and a botanical blend of homegrown indigo and homegrown weld.

This combination creates Neantóg Ghlasa, a fresh, spring green that softens beautifully with every wear.

At a Glance

Colour Note

Small-batch natural dyeing means that each run develops its own subtle tone, further enhanced by the soft grey-beige variations in natural nettle fibre.

Every shawl will be a close match to the photographed colour, while remaining entirely unique — a living shade of green shaped by fibre, water and plant pigment.

Why It’s Special

• 100% nettle fibre — gathered, spun and knitted entirely by hand
• Fair-trade supply chain supporting remote Nepalese families
• Dyed in Co. Clare using rain-harvested water
• Natural mordants only — alum and iron; zero heavy metals
• Homegrown indigo blended with myrobalan for a fresh, gentle green
• Small-batch dyeing — five shawls per vat for care and consistency
• Closed-loop water system — rinse water filtered through gravel and reed beds to nourish our woodland; dye solids composted in our wormery to feed new dye plants
• Naturally unique — subtle variation in size and drape; softens like fine linen over time
• Printed care card included

Care

Hand wash cold with a pH-neutral soap. Rinse thoroughly, reshape gently and dry flat.
With wear, the fibre relaxes and becomes increasingly soft and supple.

Wrap yourself in the quiet luxury of nettle — crafted fair, dyed clean, and finished with respect for the land.

EUROPEAN MERINO WOOL ~ Small farm production, Europe only productions, dyed to high oekotext standards in Switzerland.

This European Merino Wool 27 micron wool roving is available in 60 trendy colours including 10 trendy mixed colours.This wool is dyed with synthetic dye from Switzerland according to the standards of Oeko-Tex 100 and EU Ecolabel for textile products.

Responsibly Produced

This soft wool is produced in Europe, closer to home than your regular merino wool! The wool is produced on small farms in Europe and is mulesing free. 

Perfect for Felting, Spinning and Knitting

This European Merino Wool roving is a soft, voluminous and affordable all-round wool. It is great for wet felting as well as for needle felting, spinning and of course for XXL chunky knitting. All fibers align in the same direction and the roving has a regular thickness, making it an easy wool to knit with.

How long is this roving?

Wool is usually sold per weight. But sometimes you want to know how long the wool roving is. We have calculated the roving length of the different packages below:

• 50 grams = approx. 2 meters
• 250 grams = about 10 meters
• 1 kilo = about 40 meters
• Bump of 4.5 kilos = approx. 180 meters

Please note that this is an approximation. The length can vary per type of wool, per colour or per production. And the harder you pull, the longer the roving becomes.

Would you want to make sure you get the wool roving in one piece?

We try our best to deliver the roving in one piece. But please count in that even when we try our best we don’t always succeed. Sometimes we have no choice but to deliver the desired quantity in two or more pieces.

MADDER EXTRACT ~ Natural Tannin & Dye

Madder Extract is a premium natural dye derived from the roots of the Rubia tinctorum plant. Known for its rich history and vibrant red tones, Madder Extract creates hues that range from soft pinks to deep, earthy reds. This versatile extract also works as a mordant, enhancing dye absorption and improving colour fastness on cellulose fibres like cotton, linen, and hemp.

We offer two kinds of Madder: Standard Madder and Madder III.

• Madder III will create rich red hues on all textiles.
• Standard Madder creates reds on wool and pinks/oranges on cellulose fibres.

Key Features:

• Natural Dye: Produces beautiful shades from soft pinks and coral to deep reds and terracotta.
• Ideal for all textiles: Perfect for dyeing wool, silk, cotton, linen, hemp, and other plant-based fabrics.
• Rich in Anthraquinones: Known for producing vibrant and long-lasting colours.

How to Use:

• For Light Tones: Use 5–10% of the weight of the fabric (WOF).
• For Medium Shades: Use 10–20% WOF.
• For Deep, Rich Hues: Use 20–30% WOF.
• For Darker Shades: Combine with iron (1–3% WOF) to achieve deeper, muted colours.

Dissolve the extract in hot water before adding it to your dye bath for best results. For optimal colour retention and depth, use Madder Extract in combination with other mordants.

Sustainably Sourced:

Madder plants are grown across Europe and Asia, where their roots have been prized for centuries in textile dyeing. Known for their vibrant, red hues, Madder Extract is an eco-friendly option for creating sustainable and striking colours in your textile projects.

Perfect for Eco-Conscious Crafters:

Whether you're a textile artist, natural dyer, or eco-friendly crafter, Madder Extract offers a versatile, sustainable dye solution for your projects. Discover the timeless beauty of Madder and add rich, natural colour to your creations!

Join The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share your experiences and get support from fellow growers.

STOCKHOLM Bán ~ undyed

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Bándearg (Pink)~ Naturally dyed with organically grown cochineal bugs

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Caonach (Moss)~ Naturally dyed with organic sage

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Corcra (purple)~ Naturally dyed with organically grown cochineal bugs & organic indigo

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Criostail (Crystal) ~ Naturally dyed with organically grown cochineal bugs

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Foraoise (forest) ~ Naturally dyed with organic indigo & Organic sage

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Gall darach (Oak Gall)~ yarn dyed with oak galls, organic buckthorn, madder and iron 

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Glean (glen) ~ Naturally dyed with organic indigo and organic Birch leaves

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Gorm (Blue)~ Naturally dyed with organic indigo

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Mónóg (Cranberry) ~ Naturally dyed with organically grown cochineal bugs

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Sionnach (Fox) ~ yarn dyed with Madder roots 

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

STOCKHOLM Solas na gréine  (Sunshine) ~ yarn dyed with Madder roots & organic Buckthorn bark

Stockholm is a beautifully simple semi solid yarn, very soft and easy to knit. You can knit a sweater within a couple of days and it is suitable for quick knits, children and beginners. It is a pleasure to work with and due to its bulky weight gives quick and satisfying results as well as a clean and visible knit. The yarn is made entirely in Peru, keeping the yarn production from husbandry to finished spun yarn within one country. 

Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn

In a nutshell:

100g/3.5oz
100m/109yards
6-9mm needles
Hand wash
Suitable for felting

Fibre Origin: South America, Peru, mulesing free farms

Mixed Bag — Carded Fleece (11 Colours)

Source: 50% Stone Sheep · 50% New Zealand Merino (mulesing-free) · Dyed & blended in Germany

Beautifully dyed, medium-fine carded fleeces designed for strong, durable felt — whether needle-felted or wet-felted. Each colour is a melange (heathered) blend of dyed fibre with naturally dark brown/black wool, adding depth and shadow so finished pieces look richer and more dimensional.
Pack includes 11 colours.

Main Features

• Medium staple for reliable layout and fulling

• Melange/heathered effect for depth (meliert, farbig)

• Robust felt for bags, vessels and sculptural work

• Mulesing-free fibre sourcing

• Blended & dyed in Germany for consistent quality

Suggested Uses

Felting: bags, bowls/vessels, hats, slippers, masks, toys, relief panels, wall art
Needle or Wet: both techniques work beautifully; the fibre flow remains visible in finished pieces for a crafted look
Crafts: appliqué, inlays, colour shading and pictorial felting

In a Nutshell

• Material: 50% Stone Sheep · 50% NZ Merino

• Micron: approx. 27–29 µm (mittelfein/medium-fine)

• Staple: medium length

• Form: carded fleece, melange/heathered

• Colours: 11-colour mixed bag

• Processing: Blended & dyed in Germany

• Animal welfare: mulesing-free farms

• Behaviour: felts readily; strong, durable finish (needle or wet)

Care & Colour Note

Hand wash cool if needed; reshape and dry flat.
We aim to show colours accurately; screen settings can affect perception of depth and tone.