Using yoghurt as a mordant sits in the same family as milk‑protein or soy‑milk pre‑treatments: you’re essentially adding a thin layer of protein to plant fibres so that natural dyes have something to “cling” to. It’s soft, accessible, and beautifully low‑tech — perfect for small‑batch experiments or historically inspired textile work. Why Yoghurt Works Plant…
As I explore different ways to integrate sustainability into my creative practice, I’ve become increasingly drawn to the art of natural dyeing. The thought of working with plant-based, renewable materials to create vibrant, organic colours deeply resonates with my desire to minimise my environmental impact and to gain a deeper understanding of how I can…
I have recently embarked on an exciting new journey into the world of natural dyeing and experimenting with organic materials like wool fleece, bamboo velour and fleece fabric. There’s something so satisfying about working with natural fibres, knowing that the end result will be sustainable, and beautifully unique. However, like most creative endeavours, there have…
The vibrant magenta colour of cochineal dye has always captivated me. It’s a shade so rich and striking that I couldn’t resist the idea of trying it out in my own dyeing projects. Excited by the prospect, I purchased some cochineal dye from Etsy, envisioning the beautiful textiles I could create. But as my excitement…
I had never come across Kermes before, and I was curious to learn more about it. Kermes is one of the oldest known red dyes and has a fascinating history and profound cultural significance. Kermes is derived from the dried bodies of the female Kermes vermilio insect, and it was historically used to produce a…
I wanted to share my experiments with raw fleece which I did some time ago now but this is how it went. After dyeing the fabric in the onion skin dye bath I introduced a sample of raw fleece leaving it to soak overnight. The raw fleece has been lightly treated with a boiling hot…
Natural dyes have been used for centuries to colour fabrics, yarn, and even paper. The best part? You can find many dye sources in nature, and they are completely free! Spring and summer are excellent seasons to forage for plants, flowers, and other materials rich in natural pigments. Here’s how to find and use them…
During the Industrial Revolution, textile dyeing underwent significant transformations, transitioning from traditional natural dyes to the advent of synthetic alternatives. This period marked a pivotal shift in dyeing techniques, influenced by technological advancements and the demands of mass production. Traditional Dyeing Techniques Prior to the mid-19th century, natural dyes were the primary means of colouring…
Working with natural dye is a beautiful, andsustainable way to bring colour to textiles. Using plants, roots, flowers, and even kitchen scraps like onion skins or avocado stones, it’s possible to create a rich palette of earthy, organic tones. From golden yellows to deep rusts and soft pinks, each dye bath tells its own story…
There’s a kind of thinking that happens through the hands — a dialogue between fabric, water, and intention. Shibori, the Japanese art of resist dyeing, is one of those languages. Each fold, stitch, bind, or twist shapes how indigo breathes across cloth — never fully controlled, always partly a conversation with chance. Origins: A Craft…