ORGANIC BIRCH LEAVES ~ available cut or whole

BIRCH LEAVES DYE (Betula pendula)
Dye Colour: Yellow and Green (with Iron)
Country of Collection: Typically Europe

Birch (Betula pendula) is a deciduous hardwood tree native to Europe, widely valued in natural dyeing for its soft golden hues. The dried leaves yield a reliable yellow, which can shift to green with iron - making it a versatile natural dye for fibre artists.

Closely related to alders and hazels, birch is a classic in traditional botanical dye practices.

Colour Fastness: Good

Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio:

• 100–200% WOF Birch Leaves – Produces soft to rich yellow tones
• Add 3% Iron – Shifts colour to natural olive green

Basic Recipe for Dyeing:

Ingredients:

• 100–200% Birch Leaves (by weight of fibre)
• 15% Alum (as mordant)
• Wool or other protein fibres

Instructions:

1. Soak birch leaves in water for 24 hours
2. Boil the soaked leaves for 1 hour
3. Add pre-mordanted yarn in the dye bath for 30–60 minutes
4. For colour variations, use iron as a pre or after mordant.

Use birch leaves to explore a range of nature-inspired shades. Whether you’re aiming for warm yellows or forest greens this traditional dye brings a timeless, organic beauty to your work.

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