Dyeing FAQs
I haven't dyed with natural dyes before - where do I start?
We suggest you begin with one of our introductory kits for dye extracts or Aquarelle dyes.
If your appetite for natural dyes has been developed as a result, we highly recommend the Earthues booklet
which has a wealth of information for both beginners and experienced dyers.
Can I grow some dye plants?
You certainly can and ' Wild Colour', the book by Jenny Deane that we stock, has a very comprehensive
description of both the growing and the dyeing process.
Why use Morning Star Crafts natural dyes?
You can be assured that our dyes are all ethically sourced; many are from fair trade organic farms and some are from wild populations.
What is a mordant?
Most natural dyes require a mordant, or compound which makes the dye attach itself to the fibre.
We only recommend two types, which are non-toxic to use and safe to dispose of.
Are there dyes which don't need a mordant?
Yes, there are - many eucalypts do not need a mordant, and tannin and walnut extracts can be used without.
Eco dyeing has become very popular for dyeing fabric lengths, felt pieces and paper and is well described in the
India Flint book of the same name.
Can I dye with indigo without using toxic chemicals?
Yes - two ways
I haven't dyed with natural dyes before - where do I start?
We suggest you begin with one of our introductory kits for dye extracts or Aquarelle dyes.
If your appetite for natural dyes has been developed as a result, we highly recommend the Earthues booklet
which has a wealth of information for both beginners and experienced dyers.
Can I grow some dye plants?
You certainly can and ' Wild Colour', the book by Jenny Deane that we stock, has a very comprehensive
description of both the growing and the dyeing process.
Why use Morning Star Crafts natural dyes?
You can be assured that our dyes are all ethically sourced; many are from fair trade organic farms and some are from wild populations.
What is a mordant?
Most natural dyes require a mordant, or compound which makes the dye attach itself to the fibre.
We only recommend two types, which are non-toxic to use and safe to dispose of.
- Aluminium sulphate for protein fibres (wool, alpaca, silk)
- Aluminium acetate for cellulose fibres (cotton, linen, bamboo)
- VegePlus and Vege Disperse pretreatments for liquid Aquarelle dyes.
Are there dyes which don't need a mordant?
Yes, there are - many eucalypts do not need a mordant, and tannin and walnut extracts can be used without.
Eco dyeing has become very popular for dyeing fabric lengths, felt pieces and paper and is well described in the
India Flint book of the same name.
Can I dye with indigo without using toxic chemicals?
Yes - two ways
- with our lovely Aquarelle liquid indigo - see the our Aquarelle section
- with an easy recipe - see the link in the Extract Section