ALUM MORDANT (Potassium Aluminum Sulphate Dodecahydrate)
~ Necessary for most plant dyes to ensure colour fastness ~

Alum is considered the safest and least harmful mordant used in natural dyeing. It helps fix dyes to fibres and enhances colour retention. What many don't realise is that Alum occurs naturally in nature, and some plants, such as Lycopodium, contain natural Alum.

Mordanting Cellulose Fibres

For mordanting cellulose fibres, please refer to our blog for detailed recipes:

• How to Mordant Linen and Cotton Fabrics Successfully – AppleOak FibreWorks

• How to Mordant Linen and Cotton Successfully Without Tannins – AppleOak FibreWorks

Basic Recipe for Wool

Ingredients:

• 10%-20% Alum (based on the Dry Weight of Fibre - D.W.F.)

• Wool (or other protein fibres)

• Water

• Optional: 5% Cream of Tartar (for hot mordanting)

Instructions:

Cold Mordanting:

1. Weigh your dry textile material.

2. Soak the dry material in water.

3. Dissolve Alum in hot water and add to a mordanting pot filled with water.

4. Add pre-soaked wool and let sit for 24-72 hours.

Hot Mordanting:

1. Dissolve Alum in hot water and add to a mordanting pot filled with water.

2. Add 5% Cream of Tartar to slow down the mordant uptake.

3. Add wool and bring to 80°C for 1 hour.

4. Let cool, then rinse and dye or dry for later use.

Alum is ideal for protein fibres like wool and silk, ensuring vibrant and lasting colour results.

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OAK GALL
Use: Cellulose Fibre Mordant | Harvested From: Aleppo Oak in Turkey | Also Known As: Oak Apple | Recipe: link below

Oak Gall, also known as Oak Apple, is harvested from the Aleppo Oak in Turkey and is a traditional mordant used for cellulose fibres. Due to its high tannin content, it is an effective mordant for preparing cellulose-based fabrics for natural dyeing. Unlike other tannin-based mordants, Oak Gall only stains the cellulose fibre a light beige, making it a preferred choice for delicate dyeing projects.

Key Features:

• High tannin content for cellulose mordanting
• Minimal staining cellulose fibres
• Available whole, cut, or ground

Function:
Oak Gall is used to prepare cellulose fibres for natural dyeing, helping the dye adhere to the fabric without leaving stains. Its high tannin content ensures vibrant and durable colours on cellulose fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp. 

Storage & Usage:

• Available in whole, cut, or ground form.
• Store in a cool, dry place.

Perfect for natural dyers and textile artists working with cellulose fibre. Please see this recipe for mordanting cellulose with Gallotannin

SODA ASH ~ To change colour (PH indicator) and scouring cellulose fibres

No natural Dye Studio can do without Soda Ash. It may be used in small amounts to alter PH or used for scouring cellulose fibres. Soda Ash is alkaline and used to increase the PH in a dye bath as well as in an Indigo Vat. It also brightens yellows, especially Reseda and Sage.

Instructions:

In general Soda Ash can be dissolved in the  hot dye bath at 3-10%. It helps to increase the PH of the bath.

IRON MORDANT ~ Mordant, Colour Changer, increased light fastness

Iron (Ferrous Sulfate) is used alone as a mordant, influencing Colours and to increase light fastness when used in combination with other natural dyes.

Iron is best known for shifting yellows into greens, keep in mind that this is not given and doesn't work with every yellow plant dye, in which case it will be more of a brown. it is used to increase light fastness for weaker plant dyes, bu it will always sadden and/or darken the colours. 

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Basic recipe:

When adding Iron to your dye bath start of with 3% and use it at the end of your dye bath or as an after bath. Allow to oxidize for 10 min for full colour development.

*If you like your colours darker, increase the Iron amount by 1-2% at a time. 

**Leave for 10min than remove from dye bath - Iron will make wool brittle.

HYDROS ~ is the colour or oxygen remover used for indigo or woad vats.

Dithionite can replace Spectralite ( basically the same, but you would need less and it is more expensive).

Instructions:

A 10L Indigo Vat requests up to 50g of Hydros.

* Sprinkle over the Dye Vat to remove Oxygen - the Vat should turn a yellow green.

**Please be aware, that this is a chemical and to avoid a chemical reaction allways add Hydros to water and not Water to Hydros.

***Other words for Hydros: Sodium Dithionite, Thiourea dioxide, Thiox, Hydrosulfite Sodium.

Lime (calcium hydroxide) 

It is possible to create a vat from indigo, lime (calcium hydroxide) and over-ripe fruit such as dates or bananas, relying on the chemistry of the sugars* rather than fermentation of the fruit. But it’s easier to simply use fructose. It’s very simple: One Part indigo, two parts lime and three parts fructose, plus warmth.

You can either purchase your individual items or you can purchase our Organic Indigo Vat Kit. The Organic Indigo Recipe is also available as a download and so is an Organic indigo Vat Troubleshooter (comes with a free download link if you purchase the Organic Indigo Vat Kit. 

*Fructose and glucose found in ripe fruit are reducing sugars; ordinary sugar – sucrose – is not a reducing sugar. 

It is possible to create a vat from indigo, lime (calcium hydroxide) and over-ripe fruit such as bananas or dates that relies on the chemistry of the sugars* rather than fermentation of the fruit. But it’s easier to simply use fructose shared in

Michel Garcia’s 1-2-3 recipe. It’s very simple: One Part indigo, two parts lime and three parts fructose, plus warmth.

*Fructose and glucose found in ripe fruit are reducing sugars; ordinary sugar – sucrose – is not a reducing sugar. 

TARA POWDER ~  is a natural tanning product

Grown in the mountains of Peru.

Tara powder will stain the fibres grey and it is recommended to use a strong dye so the colour isn't too influenced. I am using it for plant dyed flax fibres and LinCot yarns and found, that it actually adds some more depth to the colour.

Basic Recipe:

Please see our blog post on How to mordant linen and cotton fabrics successfully – AppleOak FibreWorks

Our local Limestone in Co. Clare, Ireland, is rich in Calcium carbonate and works perfectly for dunging printed, dyed or mordanted fibres. 

Please note, that it is not fit for consumption.

The Burren, an iconic Irish landscape, is comprised of Limestone, which can be found just a short drive from our location. As we gather the ground stone from our local quarry, you may encounter small stones and impurities. If this is a concern, simply sieve the chalk and any minute debris will be eliminated.

Calcium carbonate is often used to treat fabrics after specific dyeing or printing processes. It contains enzymes that help to "fix" the dye in the fabric. Traditionally, cow dung was used for this purpose - but luckily, calcium carbonate serves as an excellent substitute!

Typically, only 1-2 tsp, or 1% of the dried fabric weight, is added to water to create a Dunging Solution.

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

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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.

GUAR GUM ORGANIC
Use: Printing with Natural Dyes | Botanical Name: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba | Alternative to: Gum Arabic | Alternative Name: Guaran

Guar Gum is derived from organic guar beans and is an essential ingredient in natural dye printmaking. It is used to create a paste that works effectively with mordant dyes , allowing for precise application. Guar Gum thickens as it absorbs liquid, making it ideal for printmaking on textiles. Use a handheld blender or mixer to ensure even dissolution, and adjust the amount as needed for the desired consistency.

Key Features:

• 100% Organic Guar Gum
• Alternative to Gum Arabic
• Used for printing with mordant dyes & Indigo
• Thickens naturally for better application
• Helps create a mordant carrier for cellulose fabrics
• Best mixed with a handheld blender for smooth consistency

Function:
Guar Gum acts as a mordant carrier in natural dyeing. When combined with mordant-based dyes, it forms a rubber-like substance that can be drawn or printed onto fabric. Once dried, the gum must be removed with a Chalk and Wheat Bran solution, followed by a rinse. The fabric is then ready for dyeing. After dyeing, rinse thoroughly and boil with a small amount of organic washing-up liquid.

Basic Recipe for Guar Gum Mordant Carrier (for Cellulose Fabrics):

Ingredients for 100g:

• 10g Alum
• 5g Soda Ash
• 84g Vinegar (5% Acetic Acid)
• 1g Guar Gum

Storage & Usage:

• Once mixed, the solution will only last a couple of days.
• Store in the fridge and use fresh for best results.

Enhance your textile printing with this essential natural thickener, perfect for artists and dyeing enthusiasts.

CREAM OF TARTAR ~ To change colour (PH indicator) and soften fibre

Cream of Tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate, is produced by fermenting grape juice. It is used to acidify the dye bath to effect a colour change, and in mordanting to soften wool fibers as well as slowing down the mordant uptake in a hot mordant bath.

Instructions:

In general Cream of tartar can be dissolved in the dye bath. It helps to lower the PH of the bath.
PH of Cream of tartar is 5.

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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Neem Leaves and Spray

Neem Leaves

These Neem leaves are grown on a small organic farm in India. The farm is kbA registered (registered organic).

Available in leaf form or as spray*

Neem is very popular and is used for so many things, medicinal, anti-fungal and as insecticide.  We treat all our articles with the neem oil spray in order to protect the yarns and wool from moths.

Neem oil Spray 

Neem oil, cold pressed from the fruits and seeds of the Indian Neem tree. Like the Neem leaves, the oil is ideal for protecting fabric, yarn and fibers from insects and moths. I use it all the time and I have yet to see a moth!

200ml spray bottle of Neem oil contains: cold pressed Neem Oil mit 1% Azadirachitin (active ingredient in Neem oil) natural essential oils, Isopropyl - alcohol

What customers say:
"Brilliant keeps midges out too and the smell just goes away I found it quite citrus but it may smell different to each person Hubby smelled faint lemongrass"

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Basic Recipe (Leaves): 

Sew little pouches (or use drawstring bags), just like Lavender pouches, stuff them loosely with Neem leaves, and put them into your yarn/wool storage. They smell pleasantly, but that is my opinion and so far doesn't seem to leave an odor on the yarn/wool.

100gr is enough for 5 small pouches.

Basic Recipe (Spray):

Simply spray onto your items, there is no trace of the oil or long term smell on your products. Even though the oil smells strong when applied. Pleasantly though, but that is my own opinion.  

Tartaric Acid, a byproduct of wine making, is a stronger alternative to Citric Acid. It is commonly used in natural dyeing to lower the pH to 1+ and intensify and brighten cochineal reds. Additionally, it serves as an antioxidant (E334) and is naturally present in grapes and bananas.

A small amount of Citric Acid can make a big difference in adjusting the PH levels of various substances. It falls between lemon juice and Tartaric Acid in terms of strength and is a valuable tool in achieving desired levels of acidity in natural Dyeing.

A simple clay base we use for creating Maya Blue in our workshop. It is also used as an inert pigment or filler in paint and other products, as well as in the refining of oils. It is a form of diatomaceous earth.

Wheat Bran is an incredible simple by product of the bread making industry. We use it to remove guar gum from mordanted fabrics, improve water quality for dyeing and feeding our indigo fermentation vats. 

Rule of thumb for dunging or guar gum removal: 10g/L

Please be aware that this is an agricultural product for animals and does not have the human consumption label.