ORGANIC HEATHER DYE (Calluna vulgaris)
Dye Colour: Golden Yellow and Green-Brown | Country of Collection: Croatia
This organic heather dye (Calluna vulgaris) is wild-harvested in Croatia and includes the aerial parts of the plant—stems, leaves, and remaining flowers—making it a strong and versatile botanical dye. Traditionally used for colouring wool and tweed, it produces rich golden yellows and green-browns, especially when modified with iron.
Due to its natural tannin content, this heather dye is perfect for creating deeper, earthier tones that reflect the plant’s native landscape.
Colour Fastness: Poor - Medium
Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio
- 100–200% Heather Dye (WOF) →
- Produces golden yellow tones
• Add 3% Iron for olive green or green-brown hues
Basic Recipe for Dyeing
Ingredients:
• 100–200% Heather (by weight of fibre)
• 10% Alum (for mordanting)
• Optional: 3% Iron
Instructions:
- Mordant the yarn: Dissolve alum in hot water, add yarn, and leave overnight.
- Extract the dye: Simmer heather in water at 85°C (185°F) for 1 hour. Strain.
- Rinse mordanted yarn.
- Add yarn to dye bath and heat to 85°C (185°F) for 1 hour or leave overnight.
- Rinse and dry.
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