Ground Alkanet Root Natural Dye
Alkanna tinctoria · India · Alcohol-Extracted Experimental Dye
Alkanet root is an experimental natural dye capable of producing purple, violet, blue-grey and grey shades. The result depends strongly on the extraction method, fibre, mordant, pH and water chemistry.
Our ground Alkanet root is harvested in India. Its principal colour is not readily extracted with water, so an alcohol extraction is required for the clearest purple and violet results.
Alkanet has poor colourfastness and is best suited to samples, artwork and projects where gradual fading or colour change is acceptable.
At a glance
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Botanical name: Alkanna tinctoria
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Plant part: Root
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Form: Ground or Cut root
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Origin: India
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Colours: Purple, violet, blue-grey and grey
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Fibres: Wool, silk, cotton and linen
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Mordant: Required; use a fibre-appropriate method
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Extraction: Requires an alcohol-based extraction
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Colourfastness: Poor
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Best suited to: Sampling, experimentation and colour studies
How much to use
As a starting point, use approximately:
65g ground Alkanet root per 100g dry fibre
Equivalent to approximately 65% WOF - weight of dry fibre.
For the alcohol extraction, use:
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65g ground Alkanet root
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1 litre of approximately 35% ethanol solution
The resulting extract may be added to approximately 2–8 litres of water, depending on the amount of fibre, dye-vessel size and desired concentration.
These quantities are starting points only. Alkanet is highly variable, so sample before committing valuable fibre or fabric.
Safer room-temperature extraction
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Prepare: Scour and mordant the fibre using a suitable method, then wet it thoroughly.
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Combine: Place the ground Alkanet and approximately 35% ethanol solution in a compatible glass container with a secure lid.
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Extract: Close the container and leave it at room temperature for approximately 24–72 hours. Agitate gently from time to time.
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Strain: Strain the liquid through a fine cloth or filter.
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Prepare the bath: Add the extract to approximately 2–8 litres of cool water in a dedicated dye vessel.
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Dye: Add the thoroughly wetted, mordanted fibre. Work at room temperature, moving the fibre regularly.
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Check: Remove a sample periodically. Wet Alkanet colour can appear considerably deeper than the finished result.
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Finish: Rinse carefully, wash gently and dry away from direct sunlight.
Do not heat the alcohol extraction or an alcohol-containing dye bath over a gas hob, flame or other ignition source.
For wool and silk, use a suitable alum-mordanting method. Avoid strong alkalinity and sudden changes in temperature.
Dyeing cotton, linen or another cellulose fibre? Find a suitable mordanting method here.
Working with colour
| Condition | Possible result |
|---|---|
| Alcohol extraction | Generally produces clearer violet and purple tones |
| More acidic conditions | May encourage warmer violet or reddish-purple shades |
| More alkaline conditions | May shift the colour towards blue-grey or grey |
| Hard or mineral-rich water | Can produce greyer or more muted results |
| Different mordants | May alter the tone and depth |
Make pH adjustments gradually and test a small portion of the bath first. Strong acids and alkalis can damage fibres and cause unexpected colour changes.
Tips from the dye pot
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use alcohol extraction | Alkanet’s principal colour is poorly extracted by water alone. |
| Extract without heat | Use a sealed container at room temperature and keep it away from ignition sources. |
| Allow time | A 24–72-hour extraction provides a practical starting point. |
| Protect the colour | Dry and store finished work away from strong sunlight. |
| Wash sparingly | Repeated washing can accelerate fading and colour change. |
| Keep samples | Date samples and observe how their colours change over time. |
| Record the process | Note the fibre, mordant, extraction time, alcohol concentration, pH and dyeing time. |
Colourfastness
Alkanet has poor lightfastness and limited washfastness.
Purple, violet and blue-grey shades may fade or change through exposure to daylight, washing, heat and changes in pH. Mordanting can improve the attachment of the colour, but it will not make Alkanet reliably lightfast.
Alkanet is therefore best regarded as an experimental or fugitive natural dye rather than a dependable source of permanent textile colour.
Alcohol safety
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Ethanol and its vapours are flammable.
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Never heat the extraction over a gas hob, flame or other ignition source.
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Do not smoke while preparing or using the extraction.
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Work in a well-ventilated area.
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Keep the extraction container securely closed when not in use.
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Follow the safety information supplied with the alcohol product.
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Do not substitute methanol.
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Store alcohol safely and away from heat, sparks and flames.
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Alcohol is not included with this product.
Product safety
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Store the Alkanet tightly sealed, cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
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For textile dyeing and craft use only.
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Not for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or herbal preparations.
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Avoid creating or breathing dust.
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Prevent contact with the eyes, mouth and open wounds.
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Wear gloves and suitable eye protection.
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Wear suitable particulate respiratory protection where dust cannot be adequately controlled.
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Follow the safety instructions for every mordant, acid, alkali and solvent used.
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Use dedicated dyeing utensils and containers—never food-preparation equipment.
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Keep away from food, children and pets.
For textile dyeing and craft use only - not for consumption.
What you receive
Your chosen net weight of ground Alkanet root, supplied in a pouch.
Alcohol, mordants, modifiers and other dyeing supplies are sold separately.
Packaging
We pack as sustainably as we can while protecting your dye materials. Pouch types may vary according to pack size and the availability of our preferred lower-impact options.
Display jars are not included.
Learn with us
Join The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share your results, ask questions and explore natural colour alongside fellow natural dyers and growers.
