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.

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

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!

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

RHUBARB ROOT
Dye Colour: Yellow Brown, Green (with Iron), Pink (with Soda Ash) – pH and Mordant Dependent | Country of Collection: China

Rhubarb root is a captivating natural dye, producing a spectrum of colours that vary depending on the pH of the dye bath and the mordant used. Known as a Quinone dye, it is rich in tannins, which yield earthy yellow-brown and green hues with iron. A higher pH will shift the colour to delicate pinks or reds, though these tones are less colourfast. Notably, the yellow and green shades are more stable, maintaining their colour for longer.

Colour Fastness:

• Green and Yellow: Good
• Pink to Red: Poor

pH Sensitivity: High pH will shift the colour to red.

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio & pH/Mordant:

• 25% WOF Dye (Rhubarb Root): Yields a soft yellow-brown.
• 50% WOF Dye (Rhubarb Root): Produces a deeper yellow-brown with greenish hues when combined with iron.
• 100% WOF Dye (Rhubarb Root): Results in a rich yellow or green, depending on the pH and mordant used. Pink shades will develop with Soda Ash for a red hue.

Basic Recipe for Wool:

• Ingredients: 100% cut Rhubarb or 50% ground Rhubarb, Wool (mordanted with Alum)
• Optional: 3-5% Iron or 15% Soda Ash for different shades.

Instructions:

1. Soak the Rhubarb root in water overnight.
2. For wool, mordant with Alum before dyeing.
3. Simmer the Rhubarb root in water for 1-2 hours, and then strain.
4. Add the wool to the dye bath and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Leave the wool in the dye bath overnight for deeper colour.
6. Rinse and dry to reveal your stunning dye results.

Explore the versatility of Rhubarb Root as a natural dye and unlock a range of rich, pH-dependent colours in your yarn and fabric projects!

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.

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

___________________________________________

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.

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.

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

RED SANDALWOOD DYE (Santalum species)
Dye Colour: Soft Pink and Red Tones | Country of Collection: Kongo, Africa

Red Sandalwood is a gentle, sustainable dye sourced from responsibly harvested forests in Kongo, Africa. It creates soft, rosewood-like pink and red hues that can be influenced by different mordants, allowing for subtle colour variations. While not a strong dye, it is perfect for creating delicate tones. Red Sandalwood is an economical choice as it can be used for several dips before exhaustion, and its natural fragrance enhances the dyeing process.

Colour Fastness: Medium

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 100% WOF Dye (Red Sandalwood): Produces soft pink and red tones.
• Use of Iron Mordant: Deepens the colour to a darker, more intense red.
• Overdyeing: Works well when combined with other dyes for unique variations in colour.

Basic Recipe for Dyeing:
Ingredients:

• 75% - 100% Red Sandalwood
• Wool (mordanted with Alum 10%)

Instructions:

1. Pre-soak the cut sandalwood overnight (if using cut pieces).
2. Bring the dye to a simmer for 1 hour.
3. Strain the dye through cloth and add mordanted textiles to the dye bath.
4. Simmer the wool for 1 hour for soft, rosewood tones.

Notes:

• Best used for creating soft, gentle colours.
• Multiple uses are possible, making it an economical choice for dyeing.
• Ideal for protein fibres like wool and silk.

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