Black Walnut Shell Natural Dye
Juglans nigra · Cultivated in the USA · Naturally Tannin-Rich
Black walnut shells produce warm, earthy browns ranging from lighter natural shades to deep, rich tones with iron.
Cultivated in the USA, black walnut is naturally rich in tannins and has a long history of use as a textile dye. Deeper shades can be developed by using more dye, extending the dyeing time or working the fibre through a second dye bath.
At a glance
- Origin: USA
- Botanical name: Juglans nigra
- Plant part: Shell
- Form: Dried black walnut shells
- Colours: Light, medium and deep earthy browns
- Fibres: Wool, silk, cotton and linen
- Mordant: Recommended
- Colourfastness: Excellent when suitably prepared, dyed and finished
A naturally tannin-rich dye
Black walnut is a North American tree valued for its timber and tannin-rich hulls and shells. These naturally occurring tannins give black walnut a strong affinity with textile fibres and help produce lasting earthy browns.
Black walnut can colour some fibres without a mordant, but suitable preparation and mordanting can improve consistency, depth and durability.
How much to use
For a lighter earthy brown, begin with:
50 g black walnut shells per 100 g dry fibre
Equivalent to 50% WOF - weight of dry fibre.
For a deeper brown, use:
100 g black walnut shells per 100 g dry fibre
Equivalent to 100% WOF. Iron after mordant.
Shade depth will also depend on the fibre, mordant, water chemistry, extraction time and length of time in the dye bath.
Sample first when working towards a particular colour.
Basic dyeing guide
- Prepare: Scour and mordant the fibre using a suitable method, then wet it thoroughly.
Dyeing cotton, linen or other cellulose fibres? Find suitable mordanting methods here.
- Soak: Cover the black walnut shells with cold water and leave them to soak overnight.
- Extract: Heat the soaked shells and liquid to approximately 80°C (176°F) and hold for one hour.
- Strain: Strain the dye liquid through a cloth, keeping the shell material out of the dye bath.
- Dye: Add the prepared fibre and hold the bath at approximately 80°C (176°F) for one hour. Use enough water for the fibre to move freely.
- Deepen: For a deeper shade, allow the fibre to remain in the cooling dye bath overnight or for up to 12 hours.
- Finish: Remove the fibre, rinse thoroughly and wash gently.
Tips from the dye pot
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Choose the quantity | Use approximately 50% WOF for lighter browns and 100% WOF for deeper shades. |
| Extend the dyeing time | Leaving the fibre in the cooling bath can help develop a deeper result. |
| Reuse the material | A second dye bath or repeated extraction may produce additional shades. |
| Consider mordanting | Black walnutâs natural tannins give it an affinity with fibre, but suitable mordanting can improve consistency and durability. |
| Modify with iron | Iron can darken black walnut shades. Use it carefully, as excessive iron can damage fibres. |
| Keep notes | Record the fibre, mordant, water chemistry, dye quantity, temperature and processing time. |
Colourfastness
Black walnut can produce excellent lightfastness and wash fastness when the fibre is properly prepared and the dye is suitably extracted, applied and finished.
Performance still depends on the fibre, mordant, depth of shade and aftercare.
Storage and safe handling
- Store tightly sealed, cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
- Do not consume or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or herbal preparations.
- Avoid creating or breathing dust.
- Prevent contact with the mouth, eyes and open wounds.
- Wear gloves, as black walnut can stain the skin and may cause irritation or an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
- Wear suitable protective equipment when handling dusty material.
- Follow the safety instructions for all mordants and modifiers used.
- Use dedicated dyeing utensils and containersânever food-preparation equipment.
- 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 dried black walnut shells, supplied in a pouch.
Mordants, iron 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
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