Walnut Leaf Natural Dye
Juglans regia L. · Cut or Powdered
Walnut leaves are a traditional botanical dye material producing muted golden yellows, warm tans, camel shades and earthy browns.
The leaves contain naturally occurring tannins, flavonoids and naphthoquinone colourants. They generally extract more readily than hard walnut shells and can provide useful colour without requiring fresh green walnut husks.
Choose cut leaves for easier straining and slower extraction, or powdered leaves for quicker colour release.
At a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Juglans regia L. |
| Plant part | Dried leaves |
| Forms | Cut or powdered |
| Latin trade name for powder | Juglandis Fol. pulv. |
| Material | Raw botanical dye material - not an extract |
| Colours | Muted gold, golden tan, camel and warm brown |
| With iron | Olive-brown, taupe, grey-brown and deeper earthy shades |
| Fibres | Wool, silk, cotton and linen |
| Best affinity | Wool, silk and other protein fibres |
| Colourfastness | Generally good when suitably prepared, dyed and finished |
A naturally tannin-rich leaf dye
Walnut leaves contain a mixture of tannins, flavonoids and other phenolic colourants.
Protein fibres generally develop the strongest shades. Cotton, linen and other cellulose fibres require suitable preparation for more reliable colour uptake and durability.
Because this is a natural leaf material, colour strength varies according to the cultivar, growing conditions, harvest season, drying and storage.
Choosing a form
Cut walnut leaves
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Suitable for overnight soaking and gentle extraction
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Easier to contain and strain from the dye bath
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Well suited to longer extractions
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May be extracted again for a paler second bath
Powdered walnut leaves
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Finely powdered dried walnut leaves
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Greater surface area encourages quicker colour release
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Produces more sediment than the cut form
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Best contained in a fine cloth or dye bag
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Requires regular stirring to prevent settling and scorching
The powdered form is made from the same dried walnut leaves. It is not a concentrated extract.
How much to use
For lighter golden tan and camel shades, begin with:
50–100g dried walnut leaves per 100g dry fibre
Equivalent to 50–100% WOF - weight of dry fibre.
For stronger warm brown shades, use:
100–200g dried walnut leaves per 100g dry fibre
Equivalent to 100–200% WOF.
Powdered leaves may release their available colour more quickly than the cut form, but the same starting quantities can be used.
These quantities are starting points. Sample first when working towards a particular result.
Basic dyeing guide
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Prepare: Scour and prepare the fibre using a method appropriate for the fibre type. Wet the fibre completely before dyeing.
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Soak: Cover the walnut leaves with water and leave overnight. Powdered leaves may require less soaking but still benefit from thorough wetting.
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Extract: Heat gently at approximately 80–90°C for one hour. Avoid vigorous boiling.
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Strain: Strain the liquid through a cloth. Powdered leaves are best contained inside a fine dye bag or strained through a closely woven cloth.
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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 dye bath or leave it overnight.
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Finish: Rinse thoroughly and wash gently.
Avoid vigorous boiling, particularly when working with wool or silk.
Dyeing cotton, linen or another cellulose fibre? Find our cellulose mordanting guide here.
Tips from the dye pot
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Match the form to your process | Cut leaves are easier to strain and suit longer extractions. Powdered leaves release colour more quickly but create more sediment. |
| Contain the powder | Keep powdered leaves inside a fine cloth or dye bag whenever possible. |
| Stir regularly | Loose powder can settle and scorch if left undisturbed on the bottom of the pot. |
| Protect protein fibres | Use gentle heat and avoid prolonged vigorous boiling when dyeing wool or silk. |
| Consider alum | An alum mordant can encourage clearer golden and warm brown shades. |
| Shift with iron | Iron moves the colour towards olive-brown, taupe, grey-brown and deeper earthy shades. Begin with approximately 1–3% WOF. |
| Use iron carefully | Iron acetate is generally gentler on fibres than ferrous sulphate. Excessive iron can dull the colour and weaken fibres over time. |
| Expect variation | Cultivar, growing conditions, harvest time, drying and storage affect the strength of the leaves. |
| Keep notes | Record the fibre, preparation, mordant, water chemistry, dye quantity, temperature and processing time. |
Colourfastness
Walnut leaf dyes have produced generally good wash, rubbing and lightfastness results under suitable dyeing conditions.
Studio performance still depends on the fibre, preparation, mordant, depth of shade, extraction method, water chemistry and aftercare.
Protein fibres generally take walnut leaf dye more strongly than cellulose fibres. Cotton and linen require careful preparation to achieve reliable results.
Storage and safe handling
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Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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For textile dyeing, paper and craft use only.
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Not for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or herbal preparations.
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Avoid creating or breathing dust, particularly when handling the powdered form.
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Work in a well-ventilated area when handling fine powder.
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Prevent contact with the eyes, mouth and open wounds.
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Wear suitable protective equipment when handling dusty material.
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Walnut and its naturally occurring compounds may cause irritation or an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
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Follow the safety instructions for every mordant and modifier used.
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Use dedicated dyeing utensils and containers - never food-preparation equipment.
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Keep away from food, children and pets.
What you receive
Your chosen net weight of dried walnut leaves in either cut or powdered form, supplied in a pouch.
Mordants, iron and other dyeing supplies are sold separately.
Display jars and photographic props are not included.
Learn with us
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