Organic Rosehip Shells Natural Dye
Rosa Canina · Organic Cut or Ground · Yellow and Orange Botanical Dye
Organic Rosehip shells produce soft yellows, warm ochres and earthy yellow-orange shades.
Choose organic cut Rosehip shells from Eastern Europe or organic ground Rosehip shells from South America. Cut shells are easy to contain and strain, while the ground material offers greater surface contact during extraction but produces more sediment.
At a glance
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Botanical source: Rosa Canina
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Plant part: Dried fruit shells
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Available forms: Organic cut or organic ground
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Cut-shell origin: Eastern Europe
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Ground-shell origin: South America
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Material: Raw botanical dye material
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Natural colours: Soft yellow, ochre and earthy yellow-orange
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Fibres: Particularly suited to wool and silk; cellulose fibres require suitable preparation
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Suggested quantity: Approximately 100–200% WOF
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Mordant: Recommended
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Colourfastness: Poor to medium
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Suitable for vegan projects: Yes
Choosing a form
Organic cut Rosehip shells
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Collected in Eastern Europe
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Clearly recognisable pieces of dried fruit shell
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Easy to contain and strain
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Suitable for overnight soaking and longer extraction
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May release enough colour for a paler second bath
Organic ground Rosehip shells
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Sourced from South America
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Greater surface contact with the extraction water
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Convenient for a thorough extraction
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Produces more sediment
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Best contained inside a fine cloth or dye bag
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Requires additional care to prevent airborne dust
How much to use
For a soft yellow to warm ochre, begin with:
100g Rosehip shells per 100g dry fibre
Equivalent to 100% WOF - weight of dry fibre.
For a stronger yellow-orange shade, increase the amount to approximately:
200g Rosehip shells per 100g dry fibre
Equivalent to 200% WOF.
The result will depend on the form of the material, fibre, mordant, water chemistry, extraction time, temperature and dyeing method. Sample first when working towards a particular shade.
Basic dyeing guide
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Prepare: Scour and mordant the fibre using a suitable method, then wet it thoroughly.
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Soak: Cover the Rosehip shells with water and leave them to soak overnight.
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Contain: Strain the soaking liquid and place the botanical material inside a dye bag. Use a fine, closely woven cloth for ground Rosehip.
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Extract: Heat the Rosehip and liquid gently at approximately 80–85°C for one hour.
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Dye: Add the prepared fibre and hold the bath at approximately 80–85°C for one hour.
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Deepen: Allow the fibre to cool in the bath. Leave it overnight where a deeper shade is desired.
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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.
Optional iron colour shift
Iron may darken Rosehip shades towards muted khaki, grey-brown or subdued olive tones.
Use iron sparingly. Approximately 1–3% WOF is generally sufficient when testing a colour shift.
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 and other modifiers are sold separately.
Tips from the dye pot
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Choose the quantity | Use approximately 100% WOF for softer shades and up to 200% WOF for stronger yellow-orange colour. |
| Choose the form | Cut shells are easier to strain; ground Rosehip provides greater surface contact. |
| Contain the powder | Place ground Rosehip inside a fine cloth or dye bag to reduce sediment. |
| Extend the dyeing time | Allowing the fibre to cool in the bath may help deepen the colour. |
| Reuse the material | Cut shells may release enough remaining colour for a paler second extraction. |
| Keep notes | Record the form, WOF, fibre, mordant, water chemistry, temperature and processing time. |
Colourfastness
Rosehip generally produces poor to medium lightfastness and washfastness as a textile dye.
Performance depends on the fibre, mordant, depth of shade, extraction method and aftercare. Protect finished work from prolonged strong sunlight and wash gently when required.
Rosehip is best suited to samples, artwork and textile projects where some natural fading or evolution of the colour is acceptable.
Storage and safe handling
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Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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For textile dyeing, paper dyeing and craft use only.
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Not sold for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or herbal preparations.
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Organic certification does not establish food- or cosmetic-grade status.
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Avoid creating or breathing dust, particularly when handling the ground form.
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Prevent contact with the eyes, mouth and open wounds.
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Wear gloves and suitable protective equipment when handling dusty material.
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Follow the safety instructions for every mordant and modifier used.
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Use iron sparingly; excessive iron can damage fibres.
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Use dedicated dyeing utensils and containers - never food-preparation equipment.
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Keep away from food and out of reach of children and pets.
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For textile dyeing, paper dyeing and craft use only - not for consumption.
What you receive
Your chosen net weight of organic cut or organic ground Rosehip shells, supplied in a pouch.
Select the required form and pack size from the available options.
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 and other photographic props are not included.
Learn with us
Join The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share your results and explore natural colour alongside fellow dyers and dye-plant growers.
