natural color dye

 Plant-Based Dyes

Madder Root 

1. Madder Root (Rubia tinctorum)

   • Color: Red, pink, orange
   • Usage: Textiles, particularly wool and cotton

2. Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria)

   • Color: Blue
   • Usage: Denim, cotton, silk, wool

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

   • Color: Yellow
   • Usage: Textiles, food (curry, mustard)

4. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

   • Color: Red, pink
   • Usage: Textiles, food (teas, syrups)

5. Walnut Hulls (Juglans nigra)

   • Color: Brown
   • Usage: Textiles, wood staining

6. Onion Skins (Allium cepa)

   • Color: Yellow to orange
   • Usage: Textiles, Easter eggs

Animal-Based Dyes

1. Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus)
   • Color: Red, crimson
   • Usage: Textiles, food (cosmetics, drinks)

Mineral-Based Dyes

1. Ochre
   • Color: Yellow, red, brown
   • Usage: Textiles, paints, pottery

Dyeing Process

1. Preparation:

   • Clean the fabric thoroughly to remove any impurities.
   • Use a mordant (a substance that fixes the dye to the fabric) such as alum, iron, or tannin to enhance the color and ensure it is long-lasting.

2. Dye Extraction:

   • Plant materials are usually chopped or ground and then boiled in water to extract the dye.
   • For mineral dyes, the mineral is ground into a fine powder and mixed with water.

3. Dyeing:

   • Submerge the fabric in the dye bath.
   • Maintain a consistent temperature to ensure even coloring.
   • The time required for dyeing can vary from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the desired intensity of the color.

4. Rinsing and Drying:

   • Rinse the fabric in cool water until the water runs clear.
   • Dry the fabric away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Environmental Benefits

• Sustainability: Natural dyes are biodegradable and renewable.
• Low Toxicity: They are generally less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic dyes.
• Cultural Preservation: Using natural dyes supports traditional crafts and knowledge.

Considerations

• Color Fastness: Natural dyes can be less colorfast than synthetic dyes, meaning they may fade more quickly.
• Variability: Colors can vary based on the source of the dye, water pH, and mordant used.
• Availability: Some natural dye sources may be seasonal or region-specific.