RHUBARB ROOT
Dye Colour: Yellow Brown, Green (with Iron), Pink (with Soda Ash) – pH and Mordant Dependent | Country of Collection: China
Rhubarb root is a captivating natural dye, producing a spectrum of colours that vary depending on the pH of the dye bath and the mordant used. Known as a Quinone dye, it is rich in tannins, which yield earthy yellow-brown and green hues with iron. A higher pH will shift the colour to delicate pinks or reds, though these tones are less colourfast. Notably, the yellow and green shades are more stable, maintaining their colour for longer.
Colour Fastness:
- Green and Yellow: Good
- Pink to Red: Poor
pH Sensitivity: High pH will shift the colour to red.
Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio & pH/Mordant:
- 25% WOF Dye (Rhubarb Root): Yields a soft yellow-brown.
- 50% WOF Dye (Rhubarb Root): Produces a deeper yellow-brown with greenish hues when combined with iron.
- 100% WOF Dye (Rhubarb Root): Results in a rich yellow or green, depending on the pH and mordant used. Pink shades will develop with Soda Ash for a red hue.
Basic Recipe for Wool:
- Ingredients: 100% cut Rhubarb or 50% ground Rhubarb, Wool (mordanted with Alum)
- Optional: 3-5% Iron or 15% Soda Ash for different shades.
Instructions:
- Soak the Rhubarb root in water overnight.
- For wool, mordant with Alum before dyeing.
- Simmer the Rhubarb root in water for 1-2 hours, and then strain.
- Add the wool to the dye bath and simmer for 1 hour.
- Leave the wool in the dye bath overnight for deeper colour.
- Rinse and dry to reveal your stunning dye results.
Explore the versatility of Rhubarb Root as a natural dye and unlock a range of rich, pH-dependent colours in your yarn and fabric projects!
