Natural Dyes come from three main sources: plants, animals and fungi. All of these sources provide a wealth of colour which from early human existence has enriched our world. There are two main fibre types which are used, animal fibres: silk and wool, and vegetable fibres: cotton, linen and more recently hemp and bamboo.
Before dyeing, fabric must be prepared with a mordant, this is a process which ensures the fabric will be colour fast. The type of mordant depends on the fabric and dye stuff used, typical mordants include: alum, copper, woodash, vinegar, sorrel roots, Oak galls and many more.
There is a wealth of colour to be found in nature, a dyer could find an abundance of dye stuff locally and internationally. There is an awareness of what is foraged or brought for these purposes, never taking too much from one plant or taking dye matter from rare species.
In the last two decades scientists have realised that products from the petrochemicals industry would have to be replaced with renewable resources which may see a revival of small scale dyers and natural dye industry.
Before dyeing, fabric must be prepared with a mordant, this is a process which ensures the fabric will be colour fast. The type of mordant depends on the fabric and dye stuff used, typical mordants include: alum, copper, woodash, vinegar, sorrel roots, Oak galls and many more.
There is a wealth of colour to be found in nature, a dyer could find an abundance of dye stuff locally and internationally. There is an awareness of what is foraged or brought for these purposes, never taking too much from one plant or taking dye matter from rare species.
In the last two decades scientists have realised that products from the petrochemicals industry would have to be replaced with renewable resources which may see a revival of small scale dyers and natural dye industry.
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