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.

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

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!