Natural Dye Instructions

On the following pages you will find step by step instructions on how to prepare fibers and yarn for dyeing and how to use natural dyes from Blue Castle Fiber Arts. If it sounds complicated, it's really not, especially after going through the process a few times. In fact, it's very easy and lots of fun.

Before actually dyeing yarn or fiber, it must be prepared by using a process called mordanting. Mordants are used to help fiber take up the dye colour better and to make the dye more wash-fast and light-fast. Mordants are either plant-based or metallic salts such as alum, iron, copper, tin and chrome. Please go to the following page:

Wash and Mordant

The next step is the actual dye process. Material can be dyed from plant material or dyestuff you have collected yourself - fresh or dried. You can also buy dried dyestuff from a variety of sources. The following page contains instructions for using natural dyes from Blue Castle Fiber Arts.

Dye Instructions



Supplies and Material You Will Need to Get Started



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(Article by Teresinha Roberts of Wild Colours UK)