COCHINEAL DYE ~ Dye colours red, pinks to purples

Origin: Canary Islands, Spain. Organically farmed and processed by Canaturex 

I am so delighted to have finally found some organic Cochineal. Lorenzo is one of the very first offering fully traceable Cochineal grown to organic principals.

Cochineal, a powerful dye sourced from tiny insects that feed on cacti, produces stunning shades of purple, red and pink. With just one dye bath, this incredible insect can create a range of hues, from deep, rich reds to delicate, fairy-like pinks. It is derived from the Dactylopius species of insects, and its body contains 19-22% carminic acid.

*To make one kilogram of cochineal dye, it takes about 80,000 to 100,000 insects. 

Excellent colour fastness is guaranteed.

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Recipe for Wool Fibres: Downloadable PDF

Recipe For Plant Fibres: Downloadable PDF

Basic recipe:

6% Cochineal
Wool yarn mordanted with Alum 10%


Soak Cochineal in Water overnight
blend using a stick blender

Add dye to dye bath
Bring to a simmer
Remove any black tar like bubbles

Strain through a cloth and keep to the side
Add yarn to bath simmer for one hour.

Add dye bag to second and any following dye baths.

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!

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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!

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.

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