{"product_id":"organic-heather-dye","title":"ORGANIC HEATHER DYE","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic Heather Natural Dye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCalluna vulgaris · Croatia · Wild-Harvested Aerial Parts\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic heather is a traditional botanical dye producing golden yellow, olive and earthy green-brown shades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild-harvested in Croatia, this material contains the dried aerial parts of the plant, including stems, leaves and remaining flowers. Heather has traditionally been used to colour wool and tweed and responds particularly well to iron modification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts naturally occurring tannins contribute to its earthy colour range and help create deeper olive and green-brown shades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCalluna vulgaris\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heather or common heather\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant part:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aerial parts, including stems, leaves and remaining flowers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Croatia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild-harvested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrganic status:\u003c\/strong\u003e Organic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dried and cut\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColours:\u003c\/strong\u003e Golden yellow, muted gold, olive and green-brown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFibres:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wool \u0026amp; Silk (Cellulose Fibres work as well, but colour can be weak)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMordant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recommended; use a fibre-appropriate method\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuggested quantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 100–200% WOF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIron response:\u003c\/strong\u003e Olive, khaki and green-brown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColourfastness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Poor to moderate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVegan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for vegan projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much to use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBegin with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100–200g dried heather per 100g dry fibre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEquivalent to \u003cstrong\u003e100–200% WOF - weight of dry fibre\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eQuantity or treatment\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eExpected result\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 100% WOF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft golden yellow to muted gold\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 150% WOF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStronger gold and yellow-brown\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 200% WOF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeeper gold to earthy brown-yellow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight iron afterbath\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOlive, khaki or green-brown\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLater exhaust bath\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePale beige-yellow or muted straw\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeather is a relatively gentle dye and generally requires a generous amount of plant material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults depend on the plant material, fibre, mordant, water chemistry, extraction method, temperature, processing time and modifiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBasic guide for wool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIngredients\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100–200g dried heather per 100g dry wool\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately 10% alum WOF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptional 1–3% iron WOF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrepare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scour the wool thoroughly and wet it before mordanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMordant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mordant with approximately 10% alum WOF, or follow your preferred wool-mordanting method. The wool may be left in the cooling mordant bath overnight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoak:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cover the heather with water and leave it for several hours or overnight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtract:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heat the heather and soaking water gently to approximately \u003cstrong\u003e85°C (185°F)\u003c\/strong\u003e and hold for one hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrain:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strain through a cloth or contain the plant material in a securely tied dye bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDye:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add the rinsed, mordanted wool and hold the bath at approximately \u003cstrong\u003e85°C (185°F)\u003c\/strong\u003e for one hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDevelop:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow the wool to cool in the bath. Leave it overnight if a deeper shade is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModify:\u003c\/strong\u003e For olive or green-brown, transfer the fibre to a separate, diluted iron afterbath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rinse thoroughly and wash gently with a pH-neutral detergent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProtein and cellulose fibres require different preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDyeing cotton, linen or another cellulose fibre? \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/appleoakfibreworks.com\/blogs\/news\/how-to-mordant-linen-and-cotton-fabrics-successfully\"\u003eFind suitable preparation and mordanting methods here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModifying with iron\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIron shifts heather’s golden yellow towards olive, khaki, moss and green-brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1–3% iron WOF\u003c\/strong\u003e in a separate, diluted afterbath. Begin at the lower end of the range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere possible, use \u003cstrong\u003eiron acetate\u003c\/strong\u003e, as it is generally gentler on textile fibres than ferrous sulphate used on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptions include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepared iron acetate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarefully made iron water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFerrous sulphate combined with sodium acetate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHomemade iron water varies considerably in strength and cannot be treated as a fixed-percentage solution. Test it on a small sample first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeather may respond quickly to iron. Observe the colour continuously and remove the fibre promptly once the desired shade develops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcessive iron may make fibres harsh or brittle and contribute to long-term deterioration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReusing the heather\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeather may continue to release colour after its first extraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCover the strained plant material with fresh water and extract it again for approximately one hour. The second bath will normally be lighter but can be used independently or combined with another extract.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry previously extracted heather thoroughly before storing it. Do not seal damp plant material inside a container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips from the dye pot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTip\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse a generous quantity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBegin at approximately 100% WOF and increase towards 200% WOF for greater depth.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoak before extracting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA soak of several hours or overnight helps begin the extraction.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eControl the heat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHold the extraction and dye bath at approximately 85°C rather than boiling vigorously.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMordant appropriately\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlum generally produces clearer golden yellow shades on wool and silk.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtend the bath\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeaving the fibre in the cooling bath overnight can deepen the result.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrain carefully\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUse a cloth or dye bag to prevent plant fragments becoming caught in fibre.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse iron sparingly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBegin at 1% WOF and use iron acetate where practical.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReuse the plants\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA second extraction may produce useful paler shades.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeep notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecord the WOF, fibre, mordant, water chemistry, temperature and modifiers.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColourfastness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeather’s colourfastness ranges from poor to moderate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerformance depends on the plant material, fibre, mordant, dye quantity, depth of shade, extraction method, modifiers and aftercare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable mordanting generally improves the consistency and durability of the finished colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIron-modified shades may appear deeper, but a darker colour should not automatically be assumed to be more permanent. Excessive iron can damage textile fibres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWash dyed work gently with a pH-neutral detergent and avoid prolonged exposure to strong, direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage and safe handling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry previously extracted plant material thoroughly before storing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor textile dyeing and craft use only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or herbal preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid creating or breathing plant dust and fine particles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrevent contact with eyes, mouth and open wounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWear gloves and suitable protective equipment when handling dusty material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWear gloves and eye protection when preparing mordant or iron solutions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollow the safety instructions for all mordants and iron compounds used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse iron sparingly, as excessive iron can damage textile fibres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse dedicated dyeing equipment—never food-preparation utensils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep away from food, children and pets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor textile dyeing and craft use only - not for consumption.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you receive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour chosen net weight of organic, wild-harvested Croatian heather, supplied dried and cut in a pouch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe material contains aerial parts of the plant, including stems, leaves and remaining flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs this is a natural, wild-harvested material, variations in colour, texture, plant composition and piece size should be expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMordants, iron and other dyeing supplies are sold separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePackaging\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay jars are not included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn with us\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/the-natural-dyers-academy.mn.co\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Natural Dyers \u0026amp; Growers Academy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to share your results, ask questions and explore natural colour alongside fellow natural dyers and dye-plant growers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AppleOak FibreWorks","offers":[{"title":"50g","offer_id":32814501756982,"sku":"817802","price":7.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"75g","offer_id":32814501789750,"sku":"817802","price":8.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":32814501822518,"sku":"817802","price":9.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"250g","offer_id":49978745946448,"sku":"","price":13.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"500g","offer_id":32814501855286,"sku":"817802","price":21.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1kg","offer_id":32814501888054,"sku":"817802","price":36.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0098\/2918\/7641\/files\/Heather_cut.jpg?v=1790271236","url":"https:\/\/appleoakfibreworks.com\/products\/organic-heather-dye","provider":"AppleOak FibreWorks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}