Catechu Dye – Dye Colour: Brown and Beige | Botanical: Acacia catechu | Produced & Processed in India

Catechu, also known as Cutch, is a versatile natural dye that produces a beautiful range of brown and beige shades on cotton, silk, and wool fibres. This dye is composed of two components: catechu-tannic acid, which dissolves in cold water, and catechin, which requires hot water for extraction. Catechu is rich in tannins and will dye without the need for a mordant, though it can also benefit from one for brighter results. Some even suggest Catechu may help those with eczema – an added bonus for a naturally healing dye!

Colour Fastness: Good

Product Details:

• Dye Colour: Brown and Beige
• Perfect for: Cotton, silk, and wool fibres
• Mordant Optional: Alum for brighter colours, Iron for darker results

Basic Recipe:

1. Ingredients:
   • 200g wool (mordant optional)
   • 20g Catechu extract (made into paste with boiling water)
2. Instructions:
   • Add the Catechu paste to the dye pot with hot water and stir regularly.
   • Add the mordanted wool and simmer for 1 hour.
   • Leave the wool in the dye bath overnight for a deeper colour.
   • Let the wool oxidize before rinsing.

Note:

• Catechu is difficult to exhaust, meaning you can add more wool later for lighter tones.
• Mordanting the wool with Alum will give brighter results, but Catechu will still produce rich browns without it. For darker shades, use an Iron mordant.

Enjoy the versatility of Catechu dye and explore its potential for a wide range of beautiful brown and beige hues in your projects!

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!

QUEBRACHO EXTRACT ~ Natural Tannin & Dye

Quebracho Extract, sourced from the bark of the Schinopsis tree, is a mild natural dye, rich in tannins. Traditionally used in textile dyeing, it enhances colour fixation on cellulose fibers, producing a range of warm, earthy hues from soft peach to reddish-brown. When combined with iron, it creates deeper, muted tones, making it perfect for creating nice, sustainable shades.

Uses & Benefits:

• Mordanting: Prepares cellulose fibers (ie. cotton, linen, hemp) for enhanced dye absorption.
• Dyeing: Produces vibrant peach, coral, terracotta, and red-brown hues, deepening when combined with iron.
• Versatile Applications: Ideal for textile arts, eco-conscious dyeing, and creating unique colour effects with natural mordants.

About the Plant:

Quebracho trees, native to South America, especially Argentina and Paraguay, are highly valued for their tannin-rich bark. Used for centuries in leather tanning, traditional dyeing, and natural medicine, Quebracho has a rich history in sustainable practices.

Recommended Usage for Dyeing:

• For light tones: Use 5–10% of the weight of the fabric (WOF).
• For medium shades: Use 10–20% WOF.
• For deeper hues: Use 20–30% WOF.
• To create darker shades: Combine with iron (1–2% WOF) for deeper, muted colours.

Dissolve the extract in hot water before adding it to your dye bath for best results. For optimal colour retention and vibrancy, use Quebracho Extract as a pre-mordant or combine with other natural mordants.

MYROBALAN EXTRACT ~ Tannin Mordant & Natural Dye

Myrobalan Extract, derived from the nuts of Terminalia chebula, is a rich source of natural tannins, including gallic and ellagic acid. Traditionally used in textile dyeing and printing, it enhances mordant fixation on cellulose fibers and produces shades ranging from light yellow to deep brown. Combined with iron, it is a key ingredient in creating grey and black tones.

Uses & Benefits:

• Mordanting: Prepares cellulose and protein fibres for improved dye absorption.

• Dyeing & Printing: Produces soft yellow to brown tones, deepening when used with alum or iron.

• Versatile Applications: Used in tannery, ink preparation, and silk processing.

About the Plant:

Chebulic Myrobalan grows across Asia and parts of Africa, prized for its tannin-rich fruits. It has been used for centuries in textile traditions, tannery, and even traditional medicine.

Recommended Usage for Dyeing:

• As a mordant for cellulose fibres: Use 10–20% of the weight of the fabric (WOF).

• For light yellow tones: Use 5–10% WOF.

• For deeper brown shades: Use 20–30% WOF.

• When used with iron for greys and blacks: Start with 10–15% WOF of Myrobalan, then follow with an iron afterbath (1–3% WOF).

Dissolve the extract in hot water before adding it to the dye bath for best results.

For optimal results, use as a pre-mordant or in combination with iron for darker tones.