ORGANIC HAWTHORN BERRIES DYE

Organic Hawthorn Berries Natural Dye

Crataegus spp. · Whole Dried Berries · Hungary

Organic Hawthorn berries produce soft beige, muted yellow and warm golden-brown shades.

Rich in organic acids, polyphenols and tannins, the berries may be used independently as a botanical dye or added to another dye bath when gentle acidification and a little coloured tannin are desired.

We particularly like adding Hawthorn berries to Madder baths when we want to encourage warmer, more orange-leaning shades. As a natural botanical material, however, Hawthorn does not adjust every bath by a predictable amount. Test the pH whenever a particular level of acidity is required.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Crataegus spp.

• Traditional material name: Crataegi Fruct. BIO tot.

• Plant part: Dried fruit

• Form: Whole dried berries

• Organic status: Organic

• Origin: Hungary

• Material: Raw botanical dye material

• Natural colours: Beige, muted yellow and warm golden brown

• With iron: Silver grey, grey-brown and muted grey-green

• Additional use: Gentle botanical acidifier and coloured tannin addition

• Fibres: Best on Wool & silk, cotton and linen

• Suggested quantity: Approximately 100% WOF

• Mordant: Recommended

• Colourfastness: Poor to medium

• Suitable for vegan projects: Yes

A gentle botanical acidifier

Hawthorn berries naturally contain organic acids and may be added to a dye bath when a gentle reduction in pH is desired.

Unlike a measured pure acid, Hawthorn is a variable botanical material. The effect will depend on the quantity used, the water chemistry, the starting pH and the other ingredients in the bath.

The berries also introduce natural tannins and their own subtle golden colour. They should therefore be considered a coloured botanical addition rather than a neutral pH adjuster.

When precise acidity is important, use pH testing strips and make gradual additions.

How much to use

For dyeing with Hawthorn berries alone, begin with:

100g Hawthorn berries per 100g dry fibre

Equivalent to 100% WOF - weight of dry fibre.

Use a smaller quantity when adding the berries primarily to influence another dye bath. Begin modestly, then test the pH and colour before adding more.

Natural dye results vary according to the fibre, mordant, water chemistry, berry quantity, extraction time, temperature and pH. Sample first when working towards a particular shade.

Basic dyeing guide

1. Prepare: Scour and mordant the fibre using a suitable method, then wet it thoroughly.

2. Soak: Cover the Hawthorn berries with water and leave them to soak overnight.

3. Extract: Heat the soaked berries and liquid to approximately 85°C and hold for one to two hours.

4. Strain: Strain the dye liquid through a cloth. The berries may also be contained in a dye bag and returned to the bath.

5. Dye: Add the prepared fibre and hold the bath at approximately 85°C for one hour. Use enough water for the fibre to move freely.

6. Deepen: For a deeper shade, allow the fibre to remain in the cooling bath overnight.

7. Finish: Remove the fibre, rinse thoroughly and wash gently.

For wool, approximately 10% alum WOF may be used, or follow your preferred wool-mordanting method.

Dyeing cotton, linen or another cellulose fibre? Find a suitable mordanting method here.

Using Hawthorn with Madder

We like to add Hawthorn berries to Madder dye baths when we want to lower the pH gently while introducing a little additional tannin.

More acidic conditions can help encourage warmer, more orange-leaning Madder shades. Hawthorn also contributes its own subtle golden colour, potentially adding further complexity to the result.

Add the berries gradually and monitor the bath with pH strips. Hawthorn will not produce an identical pH change in every bath.

Colour shifts with iron

Iron can shift Hawthorn shades towards silver grey, grey-brown and muted grey-green.

Use iron sparingly. Approximately 1–3% WOF is generally sufficient for testing these darker shades.

We prefer iron acetate where possible because it is gentler on fibres than ferrous sulphate. Excessive iron may dull the colour, make protein fibres feel harsh and contribute to fibre damage over time.

Iron products and other modifiers are sold separately.

Tips from the dye pot

Colourfastness

Hawthorn berries generally produce poor to medium lightfastness and washfastness when used as a standalone natural dye.

Performance depends on the fibre, mordant, depth of shade, pH and aftercare. Iron-modified shades may appear darker, but this does not guarantee permanent colour.

Protect finished work from prolonged strong sunlight and wash gently when required.

Storage and safe handling

• Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• For textile dyeing, paper dyeing and craft use only.

• Not sold for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or herbal preparations.

• Avoid creating or breathing dust.

• Prevent contact with the eyes, mouth and open wounds.

• Wear gloves and suitable protective equipment when handling dusty material.

• Monitor the pH when adding Hawthorn berries to another dye bath.

• Follow the safety instructions for every mordant and modifier used.

• Use iron sparingly; excessive iron can damage fibres.

• Iron compounds may be harmful if swallowed and may irritate the skin or eyes.

• Use dedicated dyeing utensils and containers—never food-preparation equipment.

• Keep away from food and out of reach of children and pets.

• For textile dyeing, paper dyeing and craft use only - not for consumption.

What you receive

Your chosen net weight of organic whole dried Hawthorn berries, supplied in a pouch.

Mordants, iron, pH testing strips 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 and other photographic props are not included.

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