Vegetable Dying

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VEGETABLE DYEING
9 151 RECIPES FOR DYEING YARNS AND
FABRiCS WiTH NATURAL MATERIALS.
by Alma Lesch
Here is a comprehensive modern guidebook to the

ancient craft of vegetable dyeing for every crafts-
man who works with yarns and fabrics. A revival of
interest in this craft is currently taking place be-
cause the distinctive color qualities that vegetable
dyeing produces can be recognized almost imme-
diately and cannot be duplicated-weavers in par-
ticular have found this method allows them to
produce a unique variety and range of color. This
book not only explains how to make and use dyes
from a wide range of natural materials, but pro-
vides 151 recipes for the reader to try out.
Alma Lesch, a recognized authority in the field,
describes all the processes involved in vegetable
dyeing; especially important, the author replaces ALMA LESCH received her Master of Education
chemical and botanical terms with terminology degree from the University of Louisville in 1961
that every layman can understand. Specific in- and is currently an Instructor in Textile Design at
structions are given on equipment and work space; the Louisville School of Art. She has also taught at
on collecting dye materials and preserving and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts and has been
documenting them; on making and preserving a leader in workshops and seminars at Philadelphia
dye baths; on different fibers and their particular College of Textiles and Science, Memphis Acad-
qualities; on making skeins of yarns; on scouring, emy of Art and Paducah Community College. Mrs.
stripping, and mordanting yarns to prepare them Lesch has had a number of one-man shows
for dyeing. throughout the United States and her work is in
The recipes-which provide instructions for many public and private collections, including
dyeing specific fibers with specific dye substances OBJECTS: USA. She has received more than 50
-are divided into eight main color ranges (pri- awards in the various craft media. Her architec-
mary and secondary ranges, plus ranges of browns tural commissions range from linoleum block
and blacks) and carefully explain the shade of printed draperies to weaving-knit-stitchery wall
color and degree of color fastness produced by hangings and fabric collage wall hangings.
each dye. The special properties of the different Mrs. Lesch is consultant on needlework and
mordants used, and their effects on color and vegetable dyeing to VITA, an organization which
fiber, are documented within each recipe. gives assistance and information to people through-
The reference material includes sources of sup- out the world on a broad variety of technical and
ply for chemicals, fibers, and dye substances practical subjects. Her work is included in a
which may not be easily available. Special charts course, prepared for high school teachers by a
provide a quick guide to color and dye substances. yarn company, showing the use of textile tech-
The bibliography lists books which supply informa- niques as an artistic medium.
tion on additional aspects of vegetable dyeing. In addition to her regular teaching, she finds
96 color samples show the beautiful colors that time to be a producing craftsman, execute com-
can be obtained on yarns dyed by the recipes in missions, and teach seminars and workshops.
this book.
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144 Pages. 6 x 9. 4 pages of color charts. ”
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Bibliography. Reference charts. Index. ISBN O-8230-5600-7 .!
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Jacket design by James Craig !
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WATSON-GUPTILL PUBLICATIONS
WATSON-GUPTILL PUBLICATIONS s
AlmaLesch
ElCOLORRECIPES
FORDYEING,YARNS
ANDFABRICS
WITH
NATURALMATERIA
WATSON-GUPTILLPUBLICATIONS/NEWYORK
Dedicuted to the nremory of Nelle Peterson
Copyright 0 1970 by Watson-Guptill Publications

First published 1970 in New Ycrk by Watson-Guptill Publications,
a division of Billboard Publications, Inc.,
1515 Broadway, New York, N.Y 10036
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or used in any form or by any means-graphic,
electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording,
taping, or information storage and retrieval tystems-without
written permission of the publish+.
Manufactured in U.S.A.
ISBN O-8230-5600-7 ’ A
Library of Congress Catalog*Q?r- ,’ ‘: 71-125647
First Printing, 1970
Second Printing, 1971
Third Printing, 1972
Fourth Printing, 1974
Fifth Printing, 1979
a
The purpose of this book is to provide an informative guide for those who wish to
dye their own fibers with natural substances.
The general information gives instructions for making dyes from the various
types of natural substancesand instructions for dyeing natural fibers with them.
The recipes provide instructions for dyeing specific fibers with specific substances.
I have attempted to relate this information to the tradition of vegetable
dyeing by eliminating many chemical and botanical terms. It is a practical guide
rather than an exhaustiveand technical one.
I am indebted to the American Crafts Council, especially Lois Moran, Director
of Education and Research; Dr. J. J. Oppenheimer, former Dean of Arts and
Sciencesand former Chairman of the Education Department, University of Louis-
vi.lIe;Martha Christensen,Supervisor of Art for the Louisville Public Schools; and to
present and former students at the Louisville School of Art for their encouragement
and assistancewhile this work was being completed.
Alma Lesch
ShepherdsviE Kentucky
Novei,dber I969
5
AUTHOR’S PREFACE, 5
I. GENERAL INFORlWAlION, 6
Equipment and work space,9

Documenting, 12
Collecting dye materials, 12
Preservingdye materials, 14
Preservingdye baths, 15
Water, 16
Fibers, 16
Making skeins of yarns, 17
Scouring fibers, 17
stripping, 20
Mordanting of fibers, 20
Dyeing fibers, 25
Leveling dye lots, 27
Color fastness,27
II. VEGETABLE DYE RECIPES, 26
Ill. REDS AND PINKS. 26
IV. YELLOWS, GOLDS, AND BRASSES, 37
V. BLUES, 66
VI. ORANGES AND RUSTS, 62
VII. GREENS, 73
VIII. LAVENDERS AND PURPLES, 67
IX. TANS AND BROWNS, 68
X. GRAYS AND BLACKS, 117
Xl. SOURCES OF SUPPLY, 126
XII. COLDR INFORMATION CHART, 132
XIII. DYE SUBSTANCE INFORMATION CHART, 138
BIBLIOGRAPHY, 141
INDEX, 143
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Vegetable dyeing is a craft which has existed since the earliest times, and it has a
celebrated history. The distinctive color quality that it creates can be recognized
almost immediately. The present generation of textile craftsmen is extremely
sensitive to color, and perhaps this is the main reason for the recent interest in this
particular craft.
This book is designedto provide somepractical information on vegetabledyeing.
The information is divided into three parts: general information, specific informa-
tion, and reference material.
The general information provides a background to the general practices in the
preparation and performance of activities relating to dye substances,fibers, and
dyes.
The recipes give specific information for making dyes in primary and secondary
color ranges,and rangesof browns and blacks. These samplerecipes use yarns, in a
variety of fibers, in combinations with dye substancesand mordants. They show
the properties of the mordants and their effect on color and fiber.
It is important to understand that there is a considerable amount of risk in
vegetable dyeing because of the variables involved. Plants grown in different
geographical areaswhich have their own particular seasonalandclimatic conditions,
may produce different shades,and sometimes different colors, from the plants used
to make the dyes in these recipes. Commercially supplied dyestuffs also produce
color variances for the same reasons.Even with specific directions the -+ults are
often unpredictable.
The reference material lists sources of supply for chemicals, fibers, and dye
substances,which may not be easily available. The charts provide a quick informa-
tional guide in the areasof color and dye substances.The bibliography lists books
which supply information on additional areas of vegetable dyeing, such as plant
identification, poisonous plants, the history of dyestuffs, and other methods of
dyeing.
The material in this book should be treated as a point of departure for making
vegetable dyes, and as an indication of how they can be used to one’s own
advantage.
EQUIPMENT AND WORK SPACE
Vegetable dyeing can be done in any area-a kitchen, laboratory, workshop, or

school room-as long as the work spacehas ventilation, light, water, heat, storage
space, counters or tables. and stools for physical comfort. The picturesque kettle,
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hanging in outdoor areasfrom a tripod with a wood fire under it, makes a delightful
environment but it both prolongs the time requirements for the processesand is
only possible in certain seasons.It is easierto do vegetabledying indoors.
Also, if the equipment for the job is assembledand grouped according to the
activity and progression of the jobs, the work will be easierand quicker. Suggested
equipment for the VCous vegetable dyeing activities is as follows:
For skeining:
Yarn winder or improvised apparatus
Scissors
string
For collecting dye mate&h:
Scissors
Hand pruners-short one and long handled one
Leather gloves
Sharp knives-long blade one and short blade one
Axe
Small hand saw
Paper bags-one-sixth of a barrel size
Cardboard boxes
Labels
Insect repellent-for collector
For storing dye ma&vials:
Accessto refrigeration
Accessto freezer
Dry, ventilated space, such as attic, garage, shed, or extra room, for storing dry
materials
One gallon buckets, plastic or glassjugs, and jars
Cardboard boxes
Paperand cloth bags
Labels
Freezerbags
For Jtoring and miwing chemicals:
Glass bottles with screw on glass tops for sulfuric acid and other dangerous
chemicals. Let the number and size fit the need.
Airtight glasscontainers
Rubber gloves
Glassrods for stirring
Dowels for mixing
Glassfunnel or flask
Glassmeasures-pint, quart, and gallon
Set of kitchen measuring spoons
One ounce shot glass
MS
(Store chemicals in manufacturer’s container if possible)
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For stotig dye hztbs:
Covered glassor plastic jars or jugs
Accessto freezer
For scouring:
Two or three, two or three gallon enamel dish pans
Two or three, one gallon enamel pans
Three or four, twenty quart size enamel home cannerswith covers
Dowels and sticks for stirring and lifting yarns
Ragsand towels
For mordhnting:
Three or four, twenty quart size, enamel home cannerswith covers
Glassbowls, quart and-gallon sizes
Glassmeasures,pint, quart, and gallon sizes
Dowels, glassrods, sticks
Scalesthat will weigh ouncesand pounds
Apothecary or metric scale(useful but not essential)
Mortar and pestle (useful but not essential)
Ragsand towels
Set of kitchen measuringspoons
For making dye batbs:
Three or four, twenty quart size, enamel home cannerswith covers
Glassor plastic one gallon measures
Enamel food strainer or cheesecloth
Five pound size, cotton bags
Dowels and sticks
l-w3
Set of kitchen measuringspoons
Glassmeasures,pint and quart sizes
For dyeing:
Three or four, twenty quart size enamel home cannerswith covers
Ragsand towels
Dowels and sticks
Rubber gloves
Gallon measures
This equipment can serve more than one function-the same pans and honlle
canners can be used for scouring, mordanting, and dyeing. It should be assembled
to fit the need and in relation to the number of people working at the sametime.
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DOCUMENTING
Documenting and keeping records are very important in vegetabledyeing.
Chemicals should be labeled and stored in the proper kind of container in a safe,
dry place, preferably one that is locked. Special caution should be taken with
sulfuric acid and other dangerouschemicals.
The purchased dye materials, such as powders, berries and barks, should be
labeled and stored in the proper kind of container in a dry place.
The dye materials one collects for oneself should be labeled and stored according
to the nature of the materials.
Dyed yarns should be tagged and the information pertaining to the particular
dyed yarn should be listed on the tag. This will prevent future mistakes, it avoids
the making of duplicates, and helps in experimenting with additional dyes and
mordants. Shadesof color are often too close to distinguish by memory. Docu-
mented dyed yarns are often needed to level a batch of yarns from the same dye
material and mordant, dyed at different times, to make them into one shade.
Information on the tag attached to the dyed yarns should include:
Seasonof collection or purchase
If dye bath is used more than once, note number of times

Kind of fiber
Date yarn was dyed
A tag cut from brown paper, looped over and taped to one of the strings tied
around the skeins of yarns, could read like this:
Collected in summer
Chrome mordant
Second dye bath
Wool fibers
Dyed-August, 1969
COLLECTING DYE MATERIALS
The often used term veg?tabZe due could be misleading, and the term natural dye is
actually more correct. Some of the natural materials which make dyes are not
vegetable matter. Cochineal, for instance, comes from an insect; some clays make
dyes, and there are other exceptions. Most of the traditional dye materials-such as
indigo, cochineal, barks of trees not native to this country, madder in quantity,
etc.-must be purchasedfrom commercial suppliers.
Natural materials differ according to climate conditions and geographicalregions
and the vegetable dyer should collect the dye materials in any area for the dyer to
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obtain a working assortment of vegetabledye colors, and his own assortment can be
supplemented from cornmerical suppliers.
The time of the year when the material is collected, and the growing conditions
of the season,determine the quality of color that most vegetablematerials contain.
Berries, blossoms, and most above the ground plant parts must have a lot of hot
sunshine to produce strong dye colors. Hot and dry, but not too dry, weather
produces the best colors. Material should generally be cut as late in the seasonas
possibie and when it is in peak growth condition. Vegetable dyers have good years
and bad for collecting dye materials.
The large paper bags, one sixth of a barrel size, are good containers to use when
collecting materials. One full bag, fairly tightly packed, will make the four gallons
of cut up materials called for in many of these recipes and will dye a minimum of
one pound of yarns.
To collect burks and roots: Barks and roots should be collected in late winter or
spring, when the sap is up. Theoretically, they contain more color substanceat this
time. It is foolish to destroy a tree to get bark for a dye bath, but a small amount of
bark can be removed from the trunk of a tree without killing it. It is a good idea to
utilize the barks and roots from trees that have to be removed.
When entire roots of a plant are dug, it will, of course, die. However, small
sections of roots or root systems can be removed without permanent injury to the
plants and trees.
Commercial suppliers often do a better job of collecting and supplying barks and
roots than the do-it-yourself collector.
1
To collect berries and fresby @its: As a general rule, only the dark color berries
and fleshy fruits make dyes and not all of them. This group of materials should be
picked when they are completely ripe.
To collect blossoms: Blossoms for vegetable dye purposes can be cut when the
flower fast reachesfull bloom. Not all blossomsmake dyes.
To colfect clays: Clays can be collected at any time of the year. Collect generous
amounts to allow for loss causedby drying and by removal of foreign matter.
To collect grasses, leaves, stalks, stems, twigs, and vines: Collect this group of
materials as late in the seasonas the plant part is still in good physical condition.
These need a season’sweather to make dye substances.Twigs and vines should
usually have one to two years growth. Sprouts and seedlings do not make good
dyes; it is better to cut two to three feet lengths from branches. Some grassesare
good sourcesof dye if they are collected between late spring and the first frost.
To collect nut bulls and shells: It is usually the hull or shell of the nut that yields
the dye. These should be collected only when the nuts are mature, usually after
they have fallen to the ground, and sometimes after frost. It is not advisable to
make dyes from nut hulls or shells after they have been on the ground through a
winter’s weather. The hulls and shells of nuts can be broken off by hand, or tapped
with another object to loosen the hull.
Black walnuts, for instance, make stronger dyes if they are used when they
appear green with brown spots on them.
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It is important to understand that plants are known by different names in
different locations. If there is any difCculty in making identifications of vegetable
&terials, a book on horticulture should be consulted.
F’liESERVING DYE MATERIALS

The dye materials which have been purchasedfrom commercial suppliers should be
labeled and stored in a dry place. Since they are expensive,it is worth storing them
carefully.
Dye materials collected for oneself can be preservedby freezing, or by drying
them in a very slow oven or in the air. Some color may be lost from the
dehydration or drying, but little or no color is lost from freezing.
To preserve barks and roots: It is preferable to dry barks and roots in the air
becauseof the slower drying process,and the possibility of causing a fire by oven
drying. To do this, place the barks and roots one layer deep in a dry, well ventilated
spaceand allow them to remain there until completely dry. If they are turned over
or their arrangement is shifted, it speedsup the drying.
When they are dry, label them, place them in porous containers, such as paper or
cloth bags, and store in a dry place. Large roots and chunks of barks can be labeled,
placed in a pile, and stored out of the weather.
Barks and roots should be soaked from twenty-four to seventy-two hours before
they are used for dye baths; the length of time needed for soaking will, of course,
depend on the size of the material.
To presme b&s and fleshy fruits: Some of the berries and fleshy fruits can be
dried, but often in the drying processthere is either some loss of color, or an actual
change in color. For example, pokeweed berries turn brown when dried, and make
dye bath colors other than red.
To dry berries and fleshy fruits, place them in a dry, well ventilated space,one
layer deep, and allow them to dry naturally in the air. They should be turned over
at least once daily. After they are dry, label them, place them in porous containers,
such as paper or cloth bags,and store them in a dry place.
It is, on the other hand, possible to freeze berries and fleshy fruits with little or
no loss of color. Just measure them, place the unwashed berries or fruits in plastic
freezer bags, label each one and store the bagsimmediately in a food freezer. It will
not be necessaryto thaw these materials before using them. To make the dye bath,
cover the measured amount of berries or fruits with the right amount of water, and
boil gently until the color is removed.
To preserve blossoms: There are some blossomswhich cannot be preserved,such as
goldenrod and dandelion, and these must be used fresh. However, others can be
dried in the air, or in a very slow oven.
To dry blossoms in the air, just spread them one layer deep in a dry, well
ventilated spaceand allow them to remain there until dry. Turning or shifting their
positions, especially those of the large blossom heads, tends to speed up the
process. If there are large flowers among them, their petals can be picked off and
dried by themselves.Blossomssometimeslose some color from drying.
If the slow oven process is going to be used to dry the blossom, the cooking
14
stove oven should be set on the lowest warm temperature. Then the blossoms
should be placed in a large metal container and allowed to remain there until dry.
The time it will take dependson the size of the blossoms.It is a good idea to stir or
move the blossoms often, and to leave the oven door open to help maintain a very
low temperature. When the blossoms are dry, label, place them in porous con-
tainers, such as paper or cloth bags,and store in a dry place.
Do not freeze blossoms.
To presume clays: Clays should be allowed to dry naturally. Then label them and
store in a dry place. If the clays are dried in a kiln or oven it will not affect the
color, but this is unnecessary.Dry clays are easier to pulverize and separate from
foreign matter than wet clays.
To preserve grusses, leaves, stalks, stems, twigs, and vines: This group of materials
should not be frozen. They should be preservedby air drying, although this method
often causesthe loss of some color content.
!Placethe materials one layer deep in a dry, well ventilated spaceand allow them
to dry naturally from air. Again, turning or shifting their positions will speedup the
drying process. When the material is dry, place small pieces in porous containers,
such as paper or cloth bags, then label and store them in a dry place. The grasses,
stalks, and vines can be tied in bunches, labeled, and hung from ceilings, rafters, or
walls. It is not a good idea to attempt to dry this group of materials in an oven
becauseof the danger from fire.
This group of materials should be soaked before they are made into a dye bath.
Of course, the length of the soaking time will depend on the size of materials.
To preserve nut bulls and shells: The hulls and shells of nuts can be preservedon or
off the nut. In this case,natural air drying is preferable to oven drying. To preserve
the nuts, hulls: or shells,just spread them one layer deep in a dry, well ventilated
spaceand allow them to remain there until dry. When they are dry, place them in
porous containers, label, and store in a dry place. The hulls and shells can be broken
off the.nuts any time after being dried. Some color is always lost from dehydration.
The dried hulls and shells should be soaked for about twenty-four hours before
using them for a dye bath.
PRESERVING DYE BATHS

Vegetable dye baths will spoil, ferment, or mold at room temperature within two or
three days, unless precautions are taken to preserve them. If they are to remain
fresh enough to use for several days, they must be stored in a cool place or
refrigerated. Spoiled vegetable baths are often unfit for use; they will changecolor
or give off toxic fumes when heated.
However, some of the dye baths can be used after they have molded; these retain
their original color and the mold can be simply dipped off. Others that have
changed colors can be used if desired. Still others should not be used at all. The
dyer will learn from experience when and whether to use dye baths that are not
freshly made. For example, when the pokeweed berry ferments, the dye bath turns
brown and dyes brown, giving off a repugnant odor and fumes which may be toxic
15
to sensitive individuals. This is why all vegetable dyeing and mordanting should be
done in a well ventilated space.
To premve dye b&s by freezing: Dye baths can be preservedalmost indefinitely
by freezing. Plastic or glasscontainers should be filled about three fourths full with
the dye bath and placed in the freezer. Leave the top off until the liquid is frozen,
and then cover it. The frozen dye bath will remain fresh with little loss of color. If
thawed it will be ready for use.
To preserve u’ye batbs witb sodium bemoate: Sodium benzoate is commonly used
as a preservative and it also preservesvegetable dye baths. It can be purchased or
ordered from drug stores. Technically, sodium benzoate is used in the amount of
one tenth of one percent of volume measure, but one teaspoon per gallon of dye
bath is satisfactory. The sodium benzoate powder should be added to the hot liquid
and sealed in airtight containers. It will remain fresh for months with little or no
loss of color. Vegetable dye bat,C,F.
Should never be stored in metal containers.
WATER
Soft water is best for all of the processesof vegetable dyeing, but it is not
absolutely necessary.The colors may not be as bright and clear unlesssoft water is
used. Rain water is naturally soft, and it should be used if it is available.
However, since most dyers are not fortunate enough to have a supply of rain
water, they must rely on water from central water supply systems. This water is
usually hard, becauseit contains dissolved mineral salts. The water department can
supply information on the degree of hardness of any particular supply and well
water samplescan be sent to city and state laboratories for analysis.
There are other ways in which water can be softened. The most practical
solution to water hardnessis to use a packagedwater softener that is sold in grocery
stores.
Alternatively, the dyer can make his own fairly efficient water softener by
dissolving one pound of sal soda, known as washing soda, in one quart of boiling
water. Stir this until it is completely dissolved.If the water is moderately hard, add
two tablespoons of the solution for each gallon of water. A water softener made at
home in this way can be bottled and kept almost indefinitely.
Since water temperatures are important to natural fibers, it is wise to know
something about them. Lukewarm water temperatures range from 95” to 105°F.;
temperatures over 145” are considered hot; simmering temperatures range from
about 180” to 2 lo”; and water boils at 2 12”.
FIBERS
Becauseof their affinity for vegetabledyes, only the fibers of animal and vegetable
origin are used in these vegetable dye recipes, and the fibers are in the form of
yarns.
Usually, the form of the fibers is a yarn, since yarns are basic to textiles.
However, fabrics and fleeces can be dyed by using the samerecipes-they apply to
one pound quantities of dry fibers in any form. Yarns, fabrics, and scoured fleeces
16
should always be weighed when they are dry. Often fabrics will dye to lighter
shades of color than yarns, and fleeces generally dye to darker tones. It is
important to note that the fiber content prevents any two kinds of fibers from
appecrringto be the samedye lot, even though they were dyed in the samedye bath
at the sametime.
The common fibers that originate on animals are wool and silk. Those that have
a vegetable origin are cotton, grassesand raffia, jute, linen, and sisal. In every case,
it is the natural unbleached fibers that give the best results. Although bleached
fibers can be used, some of the resiliency has already been destroyed. Any fibers
which have had the color stripped from them are not recommended even though,
economically, it &naybe necessaryto use them on rare occasions.
There are specific instructions in this book for scouring, mordanting, and dyeing
each of the yarn fibers. As far as fabrics, fleeces, and grassesare concer;red, the
processis much the sameas that for yarns, unlessspecifically mentioned.
MAKING SKEINS OF YARNS
The material in this book is primarily concerned with fibers after they have been
spun into yarns. These yarns, either the hand spun or purchased ones, must be
made into skeins or hanks for conveniencein handling during the processesinvolved
with vegetabledyeing.
The yams can easily be wound into skeins, and four ounce size skeins make for
comfortable handling. A yarn winder can be used if one is available; if it is not,
primitive devicescan be substituted. For example, skeins can be made by wrapping
the yarn around the legs of a stool or a chair, turned upside down. Or, long nails or
spikes can be driven into surfaces about 18” to 24” apart and the yarns wound
around them. Yarn can be wound around the backs of two straight back chairs
placed back to back. Another way is to bend your arm and wind yarn around the
hand and elbow. Four ounce skeins are convenient to handle.
After skeins are made, strings should be tied loosely around them in three or
four places while they are in the form of an oval or circle. This will prevent tangling
when severalskeins are placed in the samecontainer.
SCOURING FIBERS
Vegetable dyeing is a processundertaken in three steps: scouring, mordanting, and

dyeing. All fibers should be scoured before they are mordanted, and the best results
are obtained by using fibers in their natural state. If bleached yarns are used, the
length of the time involved in scouring should be about half of the time required
for unbleached ones. The water level should be maintained at a height that
completely covers the yarns. It is extremely risky to leave the yarns in solutions
longer than the prescribed time, since strong acid and alkaline solutions may injure
or destroy their resiliency. On the whole, yarns may be left in plain water for a day
or two. And, it never hurts to cover the container when scouring, mordanting, and
dyeing. This will also help to control steam and odor in the working area. A clothes
dryer should not be used in vegetable dyeing; instead, allow the yarns to dry
outside in the shade,away from direct sunlight, or inside, at room temperature.
17
Most wet fibers can be roIled in towels and kept for several days at room
temperature, or refrigerated and kept for two weeks, without injury to the fibers.
In fact, keeping fibers wet for a few days often increasestheir affinity for the next
process. If wool fibers are refrigerated, they should be allowed to warm to room
temperature before beginning the next step; never freeze wool.
The twenty quart size home canner is a good container to use when scouring,
mordantmg, or dyeing. Of course, the size of the yarns will essentially determine
the amount of water needed for each process-a pound of tightly twisted, small
size, silk fibers requires, less water than a pound of cotton chenille. It is quite
possible to scour more than one pound of yarns at the same time, in the same
container, if solution requirements are increasedaccordingly. Basically, the size of
the yarn and the tightness of its twist will dictate the length of time requirements
for the processes.Severalply, tightly twisted yams, such as ropes, require a longer
time than loosely spun, single ply yarns. Liquids should be squeezedor shaken from
animal fibers and most vegetable fibers can withstand twisting and wringing. Any
form of mild soap may be used for scouring, but cold water soaps should not be
used.
General instructions for scouring are as follows. The scouring bath should be
prepared by using a generousamount of warm water for the bulk of yarn, adding
water softener, if needed,until water lu
:* *Jick, and adding soap until sudsare formed
by stirring. Then the yarn should be immersed in the scouring bath and simmered
or boiled from twenty minutes to one hour, depending on the kind of fiber and
whether it is natural or bleached. Finally, cool the yarn, rinse it until all the soap is
removed, and remove the water and mordant immediately or let it dry naturally.
ANIMAL I;IBERS: The natural oils in anir.4 fibers melt at lower temperatures
than the oils in vegetable fibers, and becauseof this animal fibers should be kept
below boiling point, while most vege+ &e fibers can be boiled. It is never a good
idea to subject wool to quick temperature changes; this will cause matting and
felting. Wool fibers that are very dirty and oily may have to be scoured more than
one time before they are clean. Even more than wool, silk fibers require delicate
handling. The timing of the processes,and the additives for solutions, should be less
for silk than for wool.
To SCOUY silk yurns: About two gallons of warm water should be used for one
pound of dry silk yarns. Water softener can be added, if needed,until water is slick.
To scour the yams, add soap until mild sudsare formed by stirring, then immerse
them in the liquid and simmer for thirty minutes. Finally, cool the yarns and rinse
until soap is removed. Mordant immediately or dry at room temperature.
To scour wool fibers: Two to three gallons of water should be allowed for scouring
one pound of dry wool fibers. Again, add water softener, if needed, until water is
slick and add soap until mild suds are formed by stirring. Then immerse the wool
fibers and simmer for about forty-five minutes. Mohair and other delicate wools
should be simmered for about fifteen minutes. If bleached wools are used, simmer
them about twenty to thirty minutes. When the fibers have simmered for the
appropriate time, cool and rinse until all the soap is removed. Mordant, dry at room
temperature, or roll in towels.
If any of the fibers are dried after scouring, they should be soaked in warm
water until they are thoroughly wet before mordanting them.
18
VEGETABLE FfBERS: Vegetable fibers can withstand boiling and quick tempera-
ture changes without injury; they can be twisted to remove water from them.
However, they normally have less aftity for vegetable dyes than animal fibers, and
often do not dye as well or as dark in color.
~0 SCOLDS cotton fibers: Up to two or three gallons of hot water should be used.
Add water softener, if needed, until water is slick. Add enough soap to make rich
suds by stirring. An additional one half cup of sal soda should be added in this case.
Then the cotton fibers should be immersed and boiled for one to two hours,
&pen&.ng on the size and tightness of the twist in the plys of yarns. After boiling,
cool the fibers; rinse until soap is removed; remove water; mordant or dry.
To scour jute fibers: The natural jute ropes and strings found in hardware and farm
supply stores are darker in color than most other natural fibers. Naturally, this
influences the choice of colors for dyeing. The best idea is to obtain bleached or
natural jute from yarn suppliers becausethis will dye to almost any color.
To prepare the scouring bath for one pound of dry jute fibers, run two or three
gallons of hot water into ename! container; add water softener, if needed, until
water is slick; add soap until rich s&s are formed by stirring. An additional half a
cup of Sal soda should be added, aqd stirred until dissolved. The jute fibers should
then be immersed in the scouring bath, and the hardware variety of jute must be
boiled for two hours. Weaving and bleached jute should be boiled for one hour.
Cool the jute; rinse until soap is removed; remove water; mordant or dry.
To scour linen: In general, linen fibers are difficult to dye with vegetable dyes.
Handkerchief weight linen fabric and soft twist few ply linen yarns will dye fair to
good, but heavy linen fabric and linen rug warps are very difficult to dye.
To scour linen, heat about three gallons of water until hot; add water softener, if
needed, until water is slick; add enough soap to make rich sudsby stirring; also add
an additional one half cup of sal soda. Then immerse the fibers in the scouring bath
and boil one to two hours, depending on the type of linen fibers. Cool; rinse until
soap is removed; remove water; dry or mordant.
To scour raffi and grasses: Special care should be taken in the handling of raffia
and grassesbecauseharsh treatment, such as twisting, or the use of chemicals, may
destroy them. Usually it’s only necessaryto soak them in mild soapy water until
they are soft, and to rinse them and place them on towels or other absorbent
surface to dry. The mordant should be included in the dye bath to eliminate one of
the handling processes.
To scour sisal: The sisal ropes and twines found in hardware, farm, and fishing
supply stores dye well with dark colors. Sisal bags can be dyed and the yarns from
the bagscan be pulled out and dyed.
To about three gallons of hot water, add water softener, if needed, until water is
slick; add soap until rich suds are formed; add an additional half a cup of sal soda.
This should be stirred until the sal soda is completely dissolved.then, immerse sisal
fibers in the scouring bath and boil for one to two hours, depending on the size of
the yarqs. Cool the fibers; rinse until soap is removed; remove water; mordant or
dry-
19
STRIPPING
Although stripping the color from yarns so they can be used again is not a
recommended process, there may be times when it is economically necessary.
Unfortunately, stripped yarns often lose their natural resiliency and become lifeless.
This is due to the chemicals and the number of processesinvolved. When aniline
dyed yarns are stripped, it meansthat they have already been bleached and dyed at
least one time; vegetable dyed yarns have been scoured, mordanted, and dyed.
Stripping the original color and mordanting and dyeing a secondtime is extremely
hard on any fiber content.
Further, stripping does not bring the yarns back to their original natural color.
Some of the dyed color is often still left in the yarns; this should always be taken
into consideration when choosing the vegetable dye color. Vegetable dyed colors
and shadesused on stripped yarns are more unpredictable than those used on new
fibers.
Perhaps the least harmful stripping method for natural fibers is that of simmer-
ing them in a mild soap solution for about thirty minutes and then rinsing them. A
new soap solution should be made for each repetition of this processand it should
be repeated until as much color as will come out has been removed. After the final
rinsing no scouring is needed. The next steps are mordanting and dyeing with
vegetabledyes.
The samemethod can be used for fabrics and fleeces.
MORDANTING OF FIBERS
Mordanting is very important to successfulvegetabledyeing and must be done with
care. Theoretically, a mordant is any substance which will combine with a dye
substance to form a permanent color. However, this is not always true with
vegetable dyed fabrics and yarns-come of them may fade even when every
precaution is taken. The mordants and Glauber’s salts in the recipesof this book are
used as aids in making the color fast; without the use of mordants and salts most
colors soon wash out or fade becauseof various environmental conditions.
Often mordants are metallic salts which produce color ranges peculiar to the
particular kind of metal from which the salt is made. Tin makes bright colors;
copperas darkens colors and gives them greenish, purple, and black tones; chrome
makes shadesof blue, brasses,golds, and rusts; blue vitriol makes greenish tones.
Especially rewarding and unusual results can be achievedby mixing mordants.
Mordants are manufactured in more than on.e quality. The commercial grade is
inexpensive and is quite satisfactory for use in vegetable dyeing. The more refined
quality, prepared for pharmaceuticals, can be used, but this is unnecessaryand
expensive. Remember to handle all chemicals with caution; store them according to
the manufacturer’s directions, preferably in locked cabinets.
Different amounts of mordants produce different results. For example, in some
dyes a small amount of copperas will turn the dye purple, wh!ie a larger amount
will make it black. However, too much of any mordant will injure the fibers.
To make a mordant solution, three gallons of water is usually’ enough. The
mordants may be mixed with water to form percentage solutions, or they can be
measured by the spoonful or ounce. Whichever method of measurement is used,
20
identical repetition of the dye lots cannot be produced. It is possible, however, to
use mordant solutions more than one time if half of the original amount of
mordant is added for each additional use. Also, different fibers can be mordanted
together if the time requirements are the same or, for example, wool can be
mordanted with vegetable fibers, removed at the end of one hour and the vegetable
fibers left in the mordant for a longer time.
There are probably severalmethods for mordanting. Three successfulones are:
1. To mordant before the yams are dyed.
2. To mordant while the yarns are dyeing.
3. To mordant before and after the yarns are dyed.
There are advantagesto each method. When the yarns are mordanted before
they are dyed, the colors are clearer and there is more control over the mordanting
results. However, it is quicker to mordant while the yams are dyeing, and this
eliminates one handling process. And, if the yarns are mordanted before, and after,
they are dyed, it can make the colors faster, make brighter and stronger colors, and
change the color. In the third method, the yarns can be mordanted with one
mordant before dyeing, and another after dyeing. Usually the second mordant
should be only half of the amount that would be used in mordanting before dyeing.
This amount will not change the basic color, it will only changethe tone. A yellow
may be made into a different yellow tone by mordanting it with alum before
dyeing to produce a green tone, by dyeing, and finally, by mordanting again with a
half amount of copperas or blue vitriol. The basic color would be changedif a full
amount of mordant is used for the secondmordanting, so be careful to use the right
amount.
To mordant before tbe yarns are dyed: For one pound of dry yarns, put three
gallons of warm water in a five gallon enamel container, add mordant, and stir until
completely dissolved. Wet scoured yarns should then be added. Animal fibers
should be allowed to simmer for one hour and vegetable fibers boiled for two
hours. After this, cool and rinse the yarns, dye or dry them.
To mordant while the yarns are dyeing: The mordant should be added to the warm
dye bath and stirred until completely dissolved.The wet, scoured yarns can then be
added and they should simmer or boil for thirty minutes. Then dissolve four
tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot
water and add this mixture to the liquid. Simmer another thirty minutes, and cool
the yarns in the liquid. The yams must then be rinsed in warm water until the rinse
is clear. After this, remove water from the yarns and hang them in the shadeto dry.
To mordant before and after yarns are dyed: Put three gallons of warm water in
a five gallon enamel container, add mordant and stir until it is completely dissolved.
Then add wet, scoured yarns and simmer or boil them for one hour, depending on
whether they are animal or vegetablefiber yarns. Cool the yarns; rinse; and dye.
If the second mordanting is only intended to produce color fastness,put dyed
yams back in the original mordant and simmer them for about thirty minutes. On
the other hand, if the second mordant is intended to changethe color, add half the
normal amount of mordant to fresh water, dissolve the mordant, add the dyed
21
yarns and simmer them for about thirty minutes, or until the desired color change
has taken place.
Some of the substancesused as mordants are listed below together with their
characteristics, and directions for their use on animal, and vegetable,fiber yarns.
ALUM: There are different kinds of alum. Aluminium potassium sulfate is the kind
most commonly used in vegetable dyeing, but other kinds can be used with fairly
satisfactory results. Either the granular or powdered form may be used, and it can
be purchasedfrom chemical companies, from some vegetabledye companies and in,
or by special order from, drug stores. This type of alum is fairly inexpensive and a
pound of it will mordant four to five pounds of yarns. It should be stored in a dry
place. If too much alum is used it will make yarns sticky and gummy, so watch the
amounts. Alum givesbest results when used as a mordant before the yarns are dyed;
however, it gives fair to good results when mixed with the dye bath. It is good for
all fibers.
To mordant animal fibers witb alum: For one pound of dry fibers, put three gallons
of warm water in a four to five gallon size enamel container, add three ounces of
alum and stir until completely dissolved. (One and a half tablespoons alum equals
approximately one ounce of alum.) Add the wet, scoured fibers and simmer them
for cne hour. After they are cool, and the fibers have been rinsed, they are ready
for dyeing. Wool yarns can be rolled in towels and kept damp for a few days, or
refrigerated and kept damp for several days before dyeing; silk should be dried or
dyed immediately. It must be understood that alum does not change the color of
the fibers; the yarns turn the dye bath the color the bath would be without the use
of any mordant. For example, alum mordanted yarns will dye yellow from
goldenrod blossom, brass or gold from chrome mordant, and dark green from
copperasmordant.
To mordunt vegetable fibers witb alum: For one pound of dry vegetablefibers, put
three gallons of warm water in a four or five gallon enamel container, add four
ounces of alum and one fourth of a cup of sal soda and stir this mixture until it is
completely dissolved. The wet, scoured fibers can then be added and should be
boiled for one to two hours, depending on whether the fibers are coarse or fine,
large or small. Cool the fibers; rinse them; dry or dye.
BLUE VITRIOL: Blue vitriol, commonly known as bluestone, is copper sulfate. It

can be purchased in lump and crystal form from drug and farm supply stores in
packages;the amount can be as small as four ounces. If this mordant is needed in
large amounts, it can be purchased from chemical companies and from some
vegetable dye supply companies. It is fairly inexpensive and four ounces will
mordant one to three pounds of fibers, depending on the desired depth of the dyed
color. Blue vitriol colors fibers green, and this is a good mordant if one wants to
add greenish tones to the colors. It works best for wool fibers, fair to good for silk
and some vegetable fibers. Good results can be obtained from any of the mor-
danting methods.
22
To mordant unimu2 fibers witb blue vitriol: For one pound of animal fibers, put
three gallons of warm water in an enamel container, then add two ounces of blue
vitriol and dissolve it completely. The wet, scoured yarns can then be added and
these should simmer for about one hour in order to produce a dark green, a little
lessfor lighter shades.Cool the yams, rinse them and they may be dyed or dried.
To mordant vegetable fibers witb blue vitriol: For one pound of vegetable fibers,
put three gallons of warm water in an enamel container, add three to four ounces of
blue vitriol, depending on the coarsenessof the fibers. Now add the wet, scoured
yams and boil them for one to two hours; a,gain,this varies with the coarsenessof
the fibers. The yarns may now be cooled, rimted, and dried or dyed.
CHROME: There is more than one kind of chrome, but potassium dichromate, in
granular form, is the one commonly used in vegetable dyeing. It is called bichro-
mate of potash-dichromate and bichromate are the same. Chrome colors yams in a
range from tan to orange and will make gold, brass,and rust colors.
Potassium dichromate is expensive but as little as half a pound goes a long way
in mordanting. It can be purchased from chemical companies and from some
vegetabledye companies, or by special order through some drug stores.
Since chrome is very sensitive to light, the container should be kept covered
during the mordanting process.If light gets to the mordanting fibers, they will turn
green, and green tones will appear, instead of yellow ones, in the dyed yarns. The
granular chrome should be stored in a dry container from which all light is sealed
off. Most important, chrome is poison; do pleaseavoid inhaling the fumes.
Chrome givesbest results when used as a mordant before the yarns are dyed, and
is good with all fibers, excellent for wool.
To mordant animal fibers witb home: For one pound of animal fiber yarns, put
three gallons of warm water in an enamel container, add one tablespoon of chrome
and dissolve completely. Now add the wet, scoured yarns, cover the container
immediately, and simmer for one hour. The yarns should be cooled in the covered
container and then rinsed. It is preferable to dye the yarns immediately. It’s not
absolutely essential to cover the dye bath container, but it is a good precaution. If
the yarns must be dried, dry away from strong light, store in a dark place.
To mordant vegetable fibers witb home: For one pound of vegetablefiber yarns,
put three gallons of warm water in an enamel container, add one tablespoon of
chrome for light color, two tablespoons for dark color, and dissolve completely.
Wet, scoured yams, can now be added. Cover the container; boil for one to two
hours, depending on the coarsenessof the fibers; cool the yarns in the covered
container; rinse. It is preferable to dye the yarns immediately. Again, it is not
essentialto cover the dye bath container. If the yarns must be dried, dry them away
from strong light and store them out of light.
COIIF’ERAS: Copperas is iron or ferrous sulfate. It is inexpensive and can be
purchased in drug and farm supply stores in packaged amounts as small as four
ounces. It can be purchasedin larger quantities from chemical companies and from
some vegetable dye companies. Four ounces will mordant two to four pounds of
yarns. Copperas darkens the fibers and produces greens, purples, and blacks from
certain dyestuffs. However, too much copperas streaks and injures fibers. As a
23
mordant for wool and some vegetable fibers it works very well, although it often
works poorly for silk. It will give shadesthat are darker when used in the dye bath
while the yarns are dyeing. Lighter shades can usually be obtained when the
mordanting is done before the yarns are dyed. Note that too much copperas will
produce a bronzed effect in black.
To mordant animal fibers witb copperus: To prepare the dye bath use two and a
half to three gallons of dye bath liquid for one pound of animal fiber yams. Three
ounces of copperas should be added to the dye bath (two tablespoons equals
approximately one ounce) and it should be stirred until completely dissolved.Then
add the wet, scoured yarns and simmer for thirty minutes. When this is completed
dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid, and half a cup of Glauber’s salts, in one
pint of hot water, and add this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty
minutes. The yams should be cooled in the dye and mordant bath and then rinsed
in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake water from the yarns and hang in the
shadeto dry.
To mordant vegetable fibers witb copperus: To prepare the bath use three gallons of
dye bath liquid for one pound of vegetable fibers. Add four ounces of copperasto
this and stir until completely dissolved. The wet, scoured yarns should be added
and boiled for about one hour. Then dissolvefour tablespoons tartaric acid and half
a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add it to the mordant-dye
bath. Boil for another thirty minutes. The yams should be cooled in the dye bath,
rinsed until the rinse is clear, and all water should then be removed from the yarns.
Hang the yarns in the shade to dry. It’s difficult to mordant and dye coarse,large
hard twist linen yarns.
TANNZC ACID: Tannic acid is also referred to as tannin and it turns fibers tan to
brown. This should be taken into consideration when selecting the colors to be
dyed over tannic acid mordanted fibers. It works especially well with tans and
brown dyes on vegetablefibers.
The colors dyed from tannic acid mordanted yarns have a tendency to become
darker with age. Also, some barks, galls, leaves, and twigs have a natural supply of
tannic acid in them; sumac, in particular, is a good natural source of tannic acid.
Yarns can be mordanted by using parts of the sumac tree, but only the red berry
variety should be used as the white berry variety is deadly poison. The red berry
sumacalso makes dyes, and other mordarits can be used with this dye.
The fluffy, powdered tannic acid can be purchased from chemical companies
and by special order through drug stores. It is fairly expensivebut a little goes a
long way. One fourth of a pound will more than fill a pint size fruit jar and will
mordant severalpounds of yarns. Tannic acid should be stored in a dry place, in a
light tight container. Oxgalls and nutgalls are sold by vegetabledye suppliers for the
same use as tannic acid; they both contain tannic acid and can be used instead of
the powder.
To mordant animal fibers witb tannic acid: For one pound of dry animal fiber
yams, put three gallons of warm water in an enamel container, add four table-
24
spoons tan& acid and dissolve. Now immerse the wet, scoured yarns in thi!s
mixture and simmer for one hour. Cool yarns in the mordant, then rinse them, dye
or dry.
When tannic acid is used with the dye bath, add the same amount to the dye
bath before the yarns are put in, then follow the standard dyeing recipe.
TO mordht vegetabZe fib witb tunnic acid: For one pound of dry vegetable fiber
yarns, put three galIons of warm water in an enamel container, add eight table-
spoonsof tannic acid and dissolve.The wet scoured yarns should then be added and
boiled gently. If the fibers are small and fine, boil them for one hour and allow two
hours for large coarse fibers. Cool the yams in the mordant. The vegetable fibers
can be left in this mordant overnight. Finally, rinse; dye or dry.
When tannic acid is used with the dye bath, add the same amount to the dye
bath before the yarns are put in, then follow the standard dyeing recipe.
TIN: Tin is stannous chloride, and the crystal or powder form can be used. Again, it
is expensivebut a little goesa long way-one fourth of a pound of tin will mordant
several pounds of yarns. It can be purchased from chemical companies and from
some vegetable dye supply companies or by special order through some drug stores,
Tin is a good mordant for animal fibers, fair to good for some of the soft twist
vegetable fibers, but is often poor for linen. It makes bright colors, and is especially
good for reds and yellows. It is best to use tin in mordanting before the yarns are
dyed. However, it can be used to brighten colors after they have been mordanted
w+th another mordant and dyed-the first mordant color will not be changed,only
brightened.
To mordhnt animal fibers and soft vegetable fibers with tin: For one pound of dry
fibers, put three gallons of warm water in an enamel container, add two teaspoons
of tin and dissolve thoroughly. The wet, scoured fibers should now be added and
allowed to simmer for one hour. If a cover is placed over the container, it will
reduce fumes in the working area. Let the yarns cool in the mordant, then rinse,
dry or dye.
To brighten colors ufier they bave been dyed: Yarns that have been dyed with any
of the other mordants may be brightened with tin. To do this, put three gallons of
warm water in an enamel container for one pound of dry dyed yarns, add one
teaspoon of tin and dissolvethoroughly. Simmer the wet, dyed yarn in this mixture
for fifteen to thirty minutes. The simmering time will depend on the coarsenessand
the size of the fibers. The mixture can now be cooled, but do not allow fibers to
remain in it until it becomescold. Rinse the fibers once in mild soap.
DYEING FIBERS
Tbe dye butb: The dye bath is the liquid in which the dyestuffs are boiled. It
should be lukewarm when the yarns are put into it and of a sufficient amount to
completelybcover the yarns. If additional water is added to the dye bath, it will
make the colors dye lighter shades.Two and a half to three gallons of dye bath is
usually enough liquid to dye a pound of yam. Tartaric acid and Glauber’s salts must
be added to the dye bath at the mid-point of the dyeing process.
25
For the recipesin this book the dye baths are made by extracting the color from
the dyestuffs with boiling water but the process varies slightly. In some, the
dyestuffs are covered with water, and boiled until the color is transferred from the
dyestuEs to the water. In others, the dyestuffs are soaked, and then boiled in the
soaking water. When powders are used, they can be made into water based pastes
and allowed to set for different lengths of time, before mixing with water and
boiling. Or, other powders can be put into cloth bags, covered with about three
gallons of water, soaked, and then boiled in the soaking water.
The length of time it takes for soaking and removing the color depends on the
type and condition of the dyestuffs.
Dyeing yms: The yarns should be thoroughly wet when they are put into the
lukewarm dye bath. Raise the temperature of the dye bath to a simmer temper-
ature, which is 180” to 210°F. and begin to time the bath. This temperature should
be maintained about twenty minutes for light shadesof color, and thirty minutes
for dark shadesof color. The recipes that follow are for the medium dark shades.
Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one
pint of hot water, lift the yarns out of the dye bath and pour in the dissolved
tartaric acid and Glauber’s salts. Mix this well into the bath and then return the
yarns to the mixture and simmer or boil them another twenty to thirty minutes.
The time will depend on the kind of fibers of the yarns, and the desired shade of
color. If the yams are cooled in the dye bath it will darken the colors; this is
especially true for cotton.
Tartaric acid and Glauber’s salts are part of the standard recipes for dyeing
yarns. Tartaric acid and the commercial cream of tartar give the sameresults, and it
is used to make bright clear colors. If the yarns are dyed without it, and they can
be, they will lack luster. Cream of tartar can be purchased in grocery stores and
drug stores, and tartaric acid may be purchasedfrom chemicu bompaniesand from
somevegetable dye supply companies-either one is fairly inexpensive.
The Glauber’s salts are used as a leveling agent; it exhausts the color from the
dye bath and makes for uniform dyeing. If Glauber’s salts are used it’s unnecessary
to constantly stir the bath while the yarns are dyeing, and this whole processis
eliminated. Although yams can be dyed without Glauber’s salts, it’s not to be
recommended. Also, the salts are inexpensive when purchased from chemical
companies in one and two hundred pound quantities. It is expensive to purchase
the salts by the pound from drug stores.
The first rinse after the yarns have been dyed should be almost the same
temperature as the dye bath the yams were taken from. Three rinses are usually
enough, ending with a rinse of lukewarm temperature.
All yarns should be dried out of direct heat and light-they can be dried outside
in the shadeor inside at room temperature. Don’t use a clothes dryer. However, the
yarns will dry faster if their drip direction is rearranged.
If the dye doesn’t turn out well, it can sometimes be corrected by putting the
yarns back in the samedye bath and simmering them for another fifteen minutes to
one hour. The faulty dye can also be top dyed with another color and this will
often turn out well.
A few other tips-one fourth of a cup of white vinegar per gallon of water or half
26
a teaspoon acetic acid in the last rinse will soften wool. A mild soap rinse can
sometimes brighten colors that have been dyed yellow and red with a tin mordant.
As far as cleaning up is concerned, any commercial household powdered cleanser
will remove dye and mordant stains from pots and pans.
LEVELING DYE LOTS

Glauber’s salts will level dye lots. When yarns are dyed from the same dyestuff, at
different times, they can be made the sameshadeby simmering them in a Glauber’s
salts bath. However, the colors may be slightly dulled.
To level dye lots with Climber’s s&s: Dissolve one cup of Glauber’s salts in one
quart of hot water for each poyll
-0 of the dry yarns that have to be leveled. Add the
dissolved Glauber’s salts to enough ‘~arrn water to comfortably cover the batch of
yarn; add the wet yarns; simmer for thirty minutes to one hour, depending on the
amount of difference between the shadesof color. Rinse the yams and hang them
out of direct light to dry.
COLOR FASTNESS
There are tests for color fastness, and these may be made in a number of ways.
These tests are made for light or sun fastness,and for water fastness.The need for a
test for bleeding and cracking is eliminated by using Glauber’s salts in the dye
baths.
To test vegetable dyed yarns for sun and light fastness,just expose a piece of the
yarns to direct sunlight, or artificial light, for certain periods of time, and then
compare it with another piece of the same yarn which has received no light. For
example, part of a skein can be hung outside in the sun, while another part of the
skein is kept in a paper bag for the same length of time. The results should be
compared and recorded by weeks or months.
To test for water fastness, a piece of the dyed yarn can be washed under
ordinary washing conditions and then compared with an unwashed piece of the
sameyarn. However, it is much better to dry clean vegetable dyed fabrics than to
wash them.
27
IL EgetabZeDye Recipes
These dye recipes are listed by color range instead of by color becausethe hues
produced by vegetable dyes do not match the hues produced by aniline dyes. Nor
do shadesof vegetable dyes fall into specific categoriesin color charts. If vegetable
dyes were the sameas aniline dyes, it would be pointless to make them.
Each person who follows any recipe in this book will more than likely create a
shade of color that’s a little different from anyone else’s becauseof conditions he
cannot control. The time of year when the dyestuff is collected perhaps most
influences the final color. The amount of moisture during a season,the number of
daylight hours, and the type of soil where the plant grows are also factors that will
affect its dye properties. Generally, parts of the plant above ground need a lot of
sunshine to produce strong dyes. Barks may be an exception. And each dyer’s
individual difference in measurements,in the composition of the water, in timing,
and in temperature contribute to preventing uniformity of color.
It follows that the color of each vegetabledye is unique.
28
III, Redsmd Piaks
Some of the dye materials for colors ranging from reds to pinks can be found
growing in your own geographical area; others must be purchasedfrom commercial
sources. Pokeweed berries, bloodroot, and other red dye materials grow wild.
Cochined, madder, alkanet and cudbear can be purchased commercially.
The fiber being dyed influences the final shadeof red: vegetablefibers normally
dye lighter shadesthan animal fibers. Pinks for animal fibers can often be obtained
by diluting a red dye.
The permanenceof a color is determined by the dye substance.
1. BLOODROOT WITH TIN MORDANT

The bloodroot plant can be found growing wild in many sections of the country.
The dried roots can be purchased from commercial suppliers, but fresh roots make
brighter dyes.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with tin
1 pound fresh bloodroots
4 tablespoons tartaric acid
?4cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye bath: Cut the roots into 1” to 3” lengths, place in an enamel
container, cover with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for twelve
hours. After soaking, simmer the roots in the same water in which the roots have
been soaked for about two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse, and the liquid becomes
the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath.
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the wool yarn in warm water until the
rinse is clear. Finally, squeezeaLlthe water out of the yarn and hang it in the shade
to dry.
Color: This recipe makes a color range of reds and pinks. The lighter shadesmay be
obtained by using the dye bath a secondand third time. The colors are fast.
Alternate fibers: Although wool dyes best, other natural fibers can be dyed fairly
well.
29
2. COCHINEAL WITH ALUM MORDANT
In this cochineal recipe for red, the mordant is alum.
hgredients:
I pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with alum
$5pound powdered cochineal
4 tablespoonstartaric acid
To muke dye butb: Mix the cochineal powder with enough warm water to make a
thin paste. Make certain to use an enamel or glasscontainer that is larger than you
appear to need becausethe mixture will thicken and expand. Let the mixture set
for about twelve hours and stir three or four times. After the twelve hours, transfer
the mixture to a five gallon enamel container. Slowly add three gallons of warm
water, stirring to dissolvelumps and thick massesof powder in the mixture. Heat,
then simmer for about ten minutes. This is the dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add the wet, alum mordanted wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for about thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half
a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath.
Simmer for another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse in warm water until the rinse is
clear. Shake out the water and hang in the shadeto dry.
Coloc This recipe makes a purple-red and the color is fast. The dye bath may be
used again and until the color is gone. Each successivedyeing will give a lighter
shadethan the one before it.
Alternutefibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton dye lighter shadesthan wool
and silk. Mohair dyes well.
3. COCHINEAL WITH TIN MORDANT

The insect from which cochineal is made is not native to the United States;
therefore the dye substance has to be purchased from natural dye supply com-
panies. It is available in powder form, ready for use. Some suppliers stock two
colors of cochineal-ruby and carmine red. It is one of the most dependable red dye
substances.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn, previously lmordanted with tin
1 pound powdered cochineal
% cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye butb: Mix the cochineal powder with enough warm water to make a
thin paste.
Make certain to use an enamel or glasscontainer that is larger than you appear to
need because the mixture will thicken and expand. Let the mixture set for about
twelve hours, stirring it occasionally. Transfer the mixture to a five gallon enamel
30
container. Slowly add three gallons of warm water, stirring to dissolveall lumps and
thick massesin the mixture. Heat and then simmer for about ten minutes. This is
the dye bath.
To dye wool yam:- Add the wet, tin mordanted wool yarn to the dye bath and
a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer
for another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake
out the water and hang in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a bright red and the color is fast. The dye bath may be
used again and until the color is gone. Each time the dye bath is used the color will
be lighter.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye very well. Linen and cotton dye lighter shadesthan
wool and silk.
4. CRAB APPLES WITH ALUM MORDANT

Pick the crab apples when they are red in color and ripe.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yam, previously mordanted with alum
4 gallons red, ripe, ornamental crab apples
To make dye batb: Place the crab apples in a five gallon enamel container, cover
them with water and boil until the apples are soft. Cool. Strain. The liquid has now
become the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted wool yarn to the dye bath and
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool the wool yarn in the dye bath. Rinse in warm
water until the rinse is clear. The last rinse should be in warm water which has had
about one fourth cup of vinegar per gallon added to it, as this will help to remove
sugaror any sticky feeling from the yarn. Finally, shake all water from the yarn and
hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof pink, and it is fairly fast.
Altemate fibers: Silk fibers will respond to this dye processin about the sameway
as wool. However, the color is too light for vegetablefibers.
5. CUDBEAR WITH ALUM MORDANT

Cudbear powder can be purchased from commercial sources.This dyestuff is made
from lichens. However, making dyes from lichens can be a separate area of
vegetable dyeing, and dyes made from other types of lichens are not included in
this book. This one is included becauseof its beauty and commercial availability.
31
Ingredients:
1 pound of wool yarn, previously mordanted with alum
4 ouncespowdered cudbear
To make dye batb: Mix four ounces of cudbear with one cPiart of warm water in a
glass or an enamel container. Stir and mix until the powder has completely
dissolved into a thin paste. Put three gallons warm water in another enamel
container and add the mixture a little at a time. Stir with the hand and rub any
remaining lumps of powder between the fmgers to dissolve them. Heat to simmer
and keep the mixture simmering at the same heat for fifteen minutes. After this,
again stir the mixture well. This is the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for twenty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye
bath. Simmer another twenty minutes. Cool. Rinse in warm water until the rinse is
clear. Shake water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof wine r-edand the colors are fast. The dye bath
can be used three or four times for lighter shadesof red.
Alternate fibers: This dyestuff is excellent for all naturd fibers-linen, cotton, and
some silk may, however, dye lighter shadesthan wool and jute.
6. LAVENDER AND ROSEMARY EXTRACT WITH ALUM MORDANT
Pharmaceutical extracts of plants often make rare shadesof color, and old stocks of
drugs are good sourcesof supply. This particular extract not only yields an exotic
color, but also gives a permanent perfume to the fibers. The recipe may be divided
into smaller amounts if desired; one fourth of this recipe will dye four ounces of
yarn.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with alum
8 ounces fluid extract of lavender and rosemary
M cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye bath: Pour eight ounces of extract of lavender and rosemary in a five
gallon enamel container. Stir in about three gallons of warm water and heat to
simmer temperature. This is the dye bath.
TG dye wool yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted wool yarn to the dye bath and
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer another
thirty minutes. Cool yarn in the dye bath. Rinse in warm water until the rinse is
clear, then shakethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shade to dry.
32
Color: This recipe makes a dark dusty rose color that is fast. The color from the
dye bath was exhausted with one dyeing.
A&mate fibers: No other fibers were tested.
7. MI~DDER (POWDER FORM NO. 1) WITH ALUM MORDANT

Madder is not grown in quantity in this country but can be purchased from
commercial natural dye companies. This variation of the previous recipe calls for
alum :ISa mordant.
Ingredients:
?4pound madder in powder form
$5cup Glauber’s salts
TCI make dye batb: Place half a pound of powdered madder in a one gallon enamel
or glasscontainer and add enough water to make a thin paste. Let the mixture soak
for about twelve hours. It will thicken and expand during this time. After soaking,
transfer the mixture to a five gallon enamel container and add three and a half
gallons of water. Stir until .all thick massesof powder are dissolved.Heat the liquid
to a simmer temperature (180” to 200°F.) and hold there for ten to fifteen minutes.
Do not boil the liquid; boiling will bring out the yellow dye substance in the
madder. Cool. This is the dye bath.
To dye wool ymn: Add the wet, alum mordanted wool yarn to the dye bath and
hold at about 180°F. for twenty minutes or until the desired shade of red is
obtained. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup Glauber’s salts in
one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Hold at 180°F. for another twenty
minutes. Cool. Rinse the yam in warm water until the rinse is clear, then shake the
water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a red that is color fast. The dye bath may be used again
for lighter shades.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton fibers dye lighter shades
than do wool and silk. Mohair dyes very well.
8. MADDER (POWDER FORM ~0.2) WITH TIN MORDANT

Madder in powder form is sold by suppliers of natural dyestuffs.
Ingredients:
?4pound madder in powder form
33
To make dye batb: Place half a pound of powdered madder in a one gallon enamel
or glasscontainer and add enough water to make a thin paste. Let the mixture soak
for about twelve hours. It will expand and thicken during this time. After soaking,
transfer the mixture to a five gallon enamel container and stir in three and a half
gallons of water. Mix until all thick massesof powder are dissolved.Heat the liquid
to a simmer (180” to 200°F.) and hold there for about ten minutes. Do not boil the
liquid; boiling wiIl bring out the yellow dye substancein the madder. Cool. This is
the dye bath.
TO dye woolyam: Add the wet, tin mordanted wool yarn to the dye bath and hold
the temperature just under the simmering point for about twenty minutes. Dissolve
four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot
water and add to the dye bath. Hold just under simmer for another twenty minutes.
Cool. Rinse in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn
and hang it in the shadeto dry.
color: This tin mordant recipe makes a red that is much brighter than the red that
results when alum mordant is used. The dye bath can be used again for lighter
shades.The color is fast.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye well but in lighter shades
than the colors that are produced on wool and silk.
9. MADDER (ROOTS) WITH ALUM MORDANT

Madder roots are sold commercially. The preparation and use of a madder dye bath
is a very sensitive procedure, whether you use madder in root or powder form. The
roots contain red and yellow dye substances.When boiled, the red is lost. Long and
hard boiling turns madder roots (and the dye bath) black and makes an unsatis-
factory dye.
Ingredients:
1 pound madder roots
To make dye bath: Cut the madder roots into %” to $5” lengths and place in a five
gallon enamel container. Cover with three and a half gallons of water and soak for
twelve hours. The roots will expand and absorb some of the water. At the end of
twelve hours, add one gallon of water to the soaking mixture and simmer for about
forty-five minutes. Cool. Remove the roots. The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye zuoolyam: Add the wet, alum mordanted wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on the shade desired. Dissolve four
water and add to the dye bath. Simmer another fifteen to twenty minutes. Cool.
Rinse in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and
hang in the shadeto dry.
34
CO~OY:This recipe makes red and the color is fast. The dye bath may be used again
Color:
and again as long as it contains color. Each dyeing will give a lighter shadethan the
previous one.
AZtematefibms: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton dye lighter shadesthan wool
and silk.
10. POKEWEED BERRIES WITH ALUM MORDANT

Pokeweek berries should be picked late in the summer after they have turned dark
purple. They can be used fresh or stored frozen.
Ingredients:
4 gallons pokeweed berries on stems
To make dye batb: Cut the pokcweed berries and stems into 1” to 3” lengths. Place
in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water, and boil for about forty-five
minutes. Crushing the berries while they boil will releasemore dye. Cool. Remove
all solid matter, and the liquid becomesthe dye bath;
To dye wczol yam: Add the we’L, alum mordanted wool yarn to the dye bath;
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer thirty
minutes longer. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear, then
shakethe water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof red and fades from sunlight, but the color does
not disappearentirely. The dye bath may be used more than one time.
Alternate fibers: Silk dyes red, cotton and linen dye pink.
11. POKEWEED BERRIES WITH TIN MORDANT

Pokeweed berries should be picked late in the summer after they have turned to a
dark purple color. They can be used fresh, or frozen for later use. The dried
pokeweed berries make shadesof brown.
Ingredients:
4 gallons fresh pokeweed berries on stems
To make dye bath: Cut the pokeweed berries and stemsinto 1” to 3” lengths, place
in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water, and boil for about forty-five
minutes. Crush berries while cooking to obtain all the color substance.Cool. Strain.
The liquid is the dye bath.
35
TO dye wool yam: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath; simmer
for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of
Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath.
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse
is clear. Shake all the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a red that has a yellow tone and the color will fade to
some extent. However, yarn dyed with pokeweed berries will not lose its color
completely and it is a good base for top dyeing. The dye bath may be used more
than one time.
Ahmate fibers: Silk fibers will dye to about the same shadesas wool. Linen and
cotton will dye to shadesof pink.
12. SCARLET SAGE BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

The scarlet sage plant is also called salvia. The growing season will affect the
amount of pigment in scarlet sage blossoms; extended hot weather is best for
blossoms to be used for making the dye and they should be used only after the
blossoms have reached maturity. The blossoms may be used fresh or dried and
stored for later use.
Ingredients:
4 gallons scarlet sageblossoms
To make dye bath: Pick the blossoms from their stems, place them in a five gallon
enamel container, and cover them with water. Boil for about thirty minutes. Cool.
Remove the blossomsand the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
is clear. Squeezeall the water out of the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Colou: This recipe makes various shadesof dusty rose; the colors will fade to some
extent.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye very well, sometimes better than wool. Linen and
cotton fibers do not dye satisfactorily.
36
I?? lUows, Golds,und Brasses
Dye substancesfor making yellows, golds, and brassesabound in most geographical
locations and they may also be obtained from commercial suppliez
The shadesof color that can be achievedfrom growing substanceswill be largely
determined by the seasonin which the materials are cut. For instance, spring and
early summer cuttings often give shadesof yellow, but late summer and fall cuttings
from the sameplant will give golds and brasses.
Mordants, of course, affect the color and frequently changeit.
13. ANNATTO AND RED ONION SKINS WITH TIN MORDANT

Annatto is a .dye substance and it can be purchased from vegetable dye supply
companies.It is sometimesused for coloring cheese,butter, and varnishes.
To make this dye, equal parts of dyes of approximately the samestrength, made
separatelyfrom annatto and red onion skins, have to be combined.
Ingredients:
1 pound WG~1yam, previously mordanted with tin
2 gallons of red onion skins
?4pound powdered annatto
?4cup Glauber’s salts.
To make the first half of dye bath: Tie the annatto in a cheeseclothbag, place it in
a three to four gallon enamel container, cover it with about two gallons of warm
water and let it soak for about twelve hours. The bag should be large enough to
leave spacefor the powdered annatto to expand when it becomeswet, and it should
be boiled in the same water in which it has been soaked for about two hours. Cool.
Remove the bag. The liquid is now half of the dye bath.
To make the second half of dye bath: Place two gallons of red onion skins in an
enamel container, cover them with about two gallons of water and boil until the
skins are clear. Cool. Remove the skins. The liquid is now the second half of the
dye bath. The final step is to combine the two dyes in a five gallon enamel
container.
simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoonsof tartaric acid and half a cup
Simmer the dye bath and the mixture for another thirty minutes, or ur.til the color
37
is as dark as desired. Cool. Rinse the wool yarn in warm water until the rinse is
clear. Squeezeall the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a bright dark yellow color which has good fastness.The
dye bath may be used more than one time to prcduce lighter shades.
Alternate fibers: Silk yarns will dye well in this bath. Linen and cotton yarns also
respond to the dye but the color it produces will be much lighter than that of silk
and wool.
14. BUTTERFLY WEED BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

Gather the butterfly weed blossoms when they are in full bloom and use fresh
blossomsto make the dye bath.
Ingredients:
1 pound silk yarn, previously mordanted with alum
4 gallons butterfly weed blossoms
To make dye bath: Place the butterfly ;irtreedblossoms in a five gallon enamel
container, cover it with water and boil for about forty-five minutes. Cool. Remove
the cooked blossoms.The liquid has now become the dye bath.
To dye silk yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted, silk yarn to the dye bath and
simmer it for .thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
cup of Glauber’s saltsin one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer the
mixture in the dye bath for another thirty minutes. Allow the yarn to cool in the
dye bath. Rinse in warm water until rinse is clear. Shake all the water from the yarn
and hang in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof yellow and the color is reasonably fast.
Alternate jibers: The recipe is suitable for all natural fibers. However, vegetable
fibers will dye lighter shadesof color than animal fibers.
15. CHRYSANTHEMUM BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

The red, yellow, and bronze chrysanthemum blossoms will produce shades of
yellow, and they may be combined to make one dye. The blossoms can be used
fresh or dried in the sun or a slow oven for later use. The blossoms should be picked
when they are in full bloom.
InRedien ts:
4 gallons chrysanthemum blossoms
38
To make dye batb: Place four gallons of chrysanthemum blossoms in a five gallon
enamel container, cover with water and boil for about forty-five minutes. Cool.
Removethe refuse, and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath and
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water, add this mixture to the dye bath and
simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse
is clear. Shake the water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof yellow and the color is fast. The dye
bath may be used again to make lighter shades.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. It is difficult to obtain good shadesof yellow
with linen and cotton fibers from the recipe.
16. CHRYSANTHEMUM BLOSSOMS AND MARIGOLD BLOSSOMS

WITH ALUM MORDANT
When there are not enough blossoms of one kind available, these two types of
blossomscan be mixed. For this recipe, any variety of either plant is satisfactory.
Ingredients:
2 gallons chrysanthemum blossoms
2 gallons marigold blossoms
*%cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye bath: Place the combined blossomsin a five gallon enamel container,
cover with water and boil for about forty-five minutes. Ccol. Remove the refuse.
The liquid is now the dye bath.
thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake water from
the yarn and hang in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe will produce various shadesof brass. These may vary according
to different combinations of the two varieties of blossoms.The color is fast.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers will dye very well. Linen and cotton dye to a very light
yellow.
17. COCKLEBUR WITH ALUM MORDANT

Cockleburs should be picked in late summer and can be used fresh or dried for later
use.
39 I
Ingredients:
4 gallons cockleburs
To make dye batb: Cut the cockleburs from their stalks, place them m a five gallon
enamel container, cover with water and allow to soak for twelve hours. After twelve
hours boil the cockleburs in the water in which they have been soaked for about
two hours. Add extra water as it boils away. Cool. Remove the cooked cockleburs.
simmer it for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
bath. Simmer the dye bath and the mixture for another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse
the wool yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn
Color: This recipe makes a brasscolor and the color is fast. The dye bath may be
used again for lighter shades.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers and soft spun cotton fibers dye well. Linen fibers do
not dye.
18. DAHLIA BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

The red, pink, and yellow dahlia blossoms will produce a dye of various shadesof
yellow. Seasonal conditions and soil may also have an effect on the color. The
blossoms should be cut when they are in full bloom. They may be used fresh, or
dried in a slow oven or in the sun and kept for later use. Dahlia blossoms should
never be frozen for later use as dye.
Ingredients:
4 gallons dahlia blossoms
To make dye batb: Place four gallons of dahlia blossoms in a five gallon enamel
container, cover them with water and boil for about forty-five minutes. Cool.
Remove the refuse and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
simmer it for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer the
dye bath with the mixture for another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm
water until the rinse is clear. Shake all the water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
40
Color: This recipe makes various shades of yellow and the color is fast. The dye
bath may be used again for lighter shades.
Altemate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton fibers do not respond well
to this dye.
19. DANDELION BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

The dandelion blossoms should be cut as late in the seasonas they last. The more
sullshine they have received, the stronger the dye substance.Only the flower heads
should be used. Dandelion blossomshave to be used fresh; they cannot be frozen or
dried.
Ingredients:
3 gallons dandelion blossoms f
To make dye batb: Place the dandelion blossomsin a five gallon enamel container,
cover them with about three and a half gallons of water and boil for about
forty-five minutes. Cool. Remove the refuse and the liquid becomes the dye bath.
To dye wool ymn: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water, add to the dye bath and simmer this
mixture for another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the
rinse is clear. Shake water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof soft yellow and the color is fast.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers and soft spun cotton fibers dye well. Linen fibers
do not dye.
20. DANDELION BLOSSOMS WITH TIN MORDANT

Cut the dandelion blossomsas late in the seasonas they last. The more sunshinethe
blossoms have received, the stronger the dye will be. Only the flower heads should
b’eused. Dandelion blossomscannot be frozen or dried; they must be used fresh.
Ingredients:
3 gallons dandelion blossoms
‘55cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye batb: Place the dandelion blossomsin a five gallon enamel container,
cover with about three and a half gallons of water and boil for about forty-five
minutes. Cool. Strain. The liquid is now the dye bath.
41
thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof yellow which are brighter in color than
the shadesproduced when alum mordant is used. The color is fast.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye lighter shadesof color
than the animal fibers.
21. DAY LILY BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

For dye purposes day lily blossoms should be cut when they are in full bloom.
Different varieties may be combined as all varieties tested made yellow dyes with
tin and alum mordants.
Ingredients:
1 pcund wool yarn, previously mordanted with alum
4 gallons day lily blossoms
To make dye batb: Place four gallons of day lily blossoms in a five gallon enamel
container, cover them with water and boil for about forty-five minutes. Coo,l.
Remove the cooked blossomsand the liquid is now the dye bath.
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water, add this mixture to the dye bath, and
simmer the bath another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath, then rinse it
in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof yellow. The colors usually fade or soften a little.
A&mate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Wool yarn that has metal spun with it dyes
very well. This dye only produces very light shadeswhen used on vegetablefibers.
22. DAY LILY BLOSSOMS WITH CHROME MORDANT

Cut day lily blossoms when they are iii full bloom and use them within a few hours
after cutting. The different varieties may be combined to make one dye bath.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with chrome
4 gallons fresh day lily blossoms
42
To make dye batb: Place four gallons of fresh day lily blossoms in a five gallon
enamel container, cover with water and boil for about forty-five minutes. Cool.
Remove the cooked blossomsand the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. The container should be kept covered when chrome is
used. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup o$ Glauber’s salts in
one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer anothx;r thirty minutes,
cool, then rinse yarn in warm water until rinse is clear. Shakewater from the yarn
C&or: This recipe makes a color range of gold and brass colors. The color fades
very little, ifat all. The dye bath may be used more than one time.
Al&mate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye a color range of tan and
brown colors.
23. DAY LILY BLOSSOMS WITH TIN MORDANT

The day lily blossoms should be cut when they are in full bloom for dye purposes.
Different varieties may be combined to make one dye bath.
Ingredients:
4 gallons day lily blossoms
1Acup Glauber’s salts
To make dye bath: Place four gallons of day lily blossoms in a five gallon enamel
container, cover them with water and boil for about forty-five minutes. Cool.
Remove the cooked blossomsand the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath and then rinse it in
warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof yellow which are brighter than those produced
when alum mordant is used. The colors will fade or soften a little from exposure to
sunlight.
Al&mate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye lighter than animal
fibers.
24. FUSTIC WITH ALUM MORDANT

Fustic is one of the yellowwood tropical trees, and makes a good yellow dye. The
chips are sold by commercial suppliers.
43
Ingredients:
1 pound fustic chips
To make the dye butb: Put the fustic chips into a cheesecloth bag, place in an
enamel container, cover with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for
twelve hours. The chips should be looseiy packed in the bag. After the bag of chips
has been allowed to soak, boil it in the soaking water for about one hour. Pressand
squeezethe color from the bag severaltimes while it is boiiing. Cool. Remove the
bag and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
is clear, and then squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a strong bright yellow which is fast.
Alternote fibers: This-recipe is good for all natural fibers except linen.
25. FUSTIC WITH CHROME MORDANT

Fustic will give a wide range of colors if different mordants are used with it. Chips
from the trees are used for the dye, and these are sold by commercial suppliers.
Ingredients:
To make dye butb: Put the fustic chips into a cheesecloth bag, place the bag in an
enamel container, cover it with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for
twelve hours. The chips should fit loosely in the bag. After the bag of chips has
been allowed to soak, boil it in the same water for about one hour. Press and
squeezethe color from the bag several times while it is boiling. Cool. Remove the
bag. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye woolyarn: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons oCtartaric acid and half a cup
is clear. Squeezewater from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes colors which range from golds to brasses.The shadewill
be determined by the amount of chrome that is used in the mordanting bath. The
dye bath may be used more than one time for lighter shadesof colors. It is fast.
Alterrwefibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
44
26. GOLDENROD BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT
The goldenrod blossomsshould be cut when they first reach full bloom, and should
be used within a few hours after cutting. They cannot be frozen or dried for later
USC
Ingredients:
4 gallons goldenrod blossoms
To muke dye butb: Cut the goldenrod blossoms and that part of the stem nearest
the blossom into 1” to 3” lengths, place in a five gallon enamel container, cover
with water and boil for about two hours. The water may need to be replenished as
it boils away. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid has now become the dye bath.
To dye wool yurn: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
is clear. Shake water from the yarn and hang in the shadeto dry.
Coloc This recipe makes shades of yellow which are much softer than those
produced when tin mordant is used. The dye bath may be used again for lighter
shades.It is fast.
Alternatefibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton dye very light yellow.
All of the goldenrod varieties tested for this book have produced good dyes. The
shade of the color depends on the growing season, type of soil where the plant
grows, and the variety of the plant. Goldenrod blossoms should be cut when they
are first in full bloom, and they should be used within a few hours after cutting.
Ingredients:
1 pound of wool yarn, previously mordanted with chrome
4 tablespoons-tartaric acid
To make dye bath: Cut the goldenrod blossoms and that part of the stem nearest
the blossoms into 1” to 3” lengths, place in a five gallon enamel container, cover
with water and boil for two hours. The water may need to be replenished as it boils
away. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the dye hath.
simmer for thirty minutes. Remember, the container should be kept covered when
working with chrome mordanted fibers. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid
and half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to
45
the dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water
until the rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto
w-
color: This recipe makes shadesof gold and it is fast. The dye bath may be used
again for lighter shades.
Ahmutefibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton fibers dye fairly well but the
shadeswill be lighter.
28. GOLDENROD BLOSSOMS WITH TIN MORDANT

All of the varieties of goldenrod blossoms tested have produced good dyes. The
shade of color depends on the growing season,type of soil where the plant grows,
and the variety of goldenrod. The blossoms should be cut when they are well
opened and ripe, but not brown or falling from the stems. Use the blossomswithin
a few hours after cutting.
@redients:
1 Found of wool yam, previously mordanted with tin
‘A cup Glauber’s salts
To muke dye butb: Cut the goldenrod blossoms and that part of the stem nearest
the blossoms into 1” to 3” lengths, place in a five gallon enamel container, cover
with water and boil for about two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse and the liquid
becomesthe dye bath.
‘To dye wool yum: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath, cover
the container with a lid, and simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons
of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add
this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the wool
yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake out the water from the yarn and
Coloc This recipe makes a color ranging from bright yellow to gold. It is reasonably
fast but should not be left in sunshinefor extended periods of time.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton dye much lighter shades
than wool and silk.
29. LILY OF THE VALLEY WITH TIN MORDANT

The lily of the valley plant is strongly affected by the growing season. In early
spring it yields no color; in late spring and early summer it yields a yellow-green; in
iate summer and fall shadesof gold and rust may be obtained from it. The stems
and leavesare used to make the dye.
46
Ingredients:
1 pound of wool yarn, previously mordanted with tin
4 gallons lily of the valley stems and leaves
To muke dye butb: Cut the lily of the valley stems and leavesinto 1” to 3” lengths.
Place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water, and boil for one
hour. Cool. Remove refuse and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yum: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. The yarn should be kept covered with liquid while the
dye bath is simmering to prevent streaking. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric
acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture
to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse in warm water until
the rinse is clear. Shake water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shades of yellow and gold. The dye bath may be used
again to make lighter shades.It is fast. .
Al&mute fibers: Silk fibers dye very well. Linen and cotton fibers do not dye well.
30. MARIGOLD BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

The variety of the marigold blossoms will determine the shadeproduced, but all the
varieties tested produced some shade of yellow or gold. Blossoms from different
varieties of marigolds may be mixed, and blossoms from different flowers can be
rnred, such as chrysanthemum blossoms and marigold blossoms.The blossomscan
be dried in the sun, or in a slow oven, and used later. The blossoms should be
picked when they are in full bloom.
Ingredients:
4 gallons marigold blossoms
To make dye butb: Place the marigold blossoms in a five gallon enamel container,
cover them with water and boil for about forty-five minutes. Cool. Remove the
refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
Simmer the dye bath another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water
until the rinse is clear. Shake water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof yellow and it is fast. The dye bath may be used
again to produce lighter shades.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton do not dye well.
47
31. .MULLElN WITH ALUM MORDANT
For dye purposes mullein should be cut in late summer, until the first frost. It can
be used fresh or dry. The dry materials make a lighter color dye.
Ingredients:
4 gallon%cut up piecesmullein
4 tablespoonstartar& acid
To mclRe&e butb: Cut the stalks and leaves of the mullein plant into 3” or 4”
lengths, place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with three and a half
gallons water and soak for about twelve hours. After soaking, boil the mullein in
the same water for about three hours. Enough extra water should be added to keep
the materials covered during the boiling time. Cool. Remove the refuse and the
liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool ym~: Add wet, alum mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath and
Simmer another thirty minutes. Allow the yam to cool in the dye bath, and then
rinse it in warm water until rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it
in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof yellow and the color is fast.
Altemutefibers: The recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
32 MULLEIN WITH CHROME MORDANT

Cut mullein for dye purposes during the late summer until the first frost. Mullein
that has been cut in spring and early summer contains very little dye substance.
Mullein cut for dyeing can be used fresh, or dry, but dry materials make a lighter
color.
Ingredients:
4 gallons cut up piecesmullein
To muke dye butb: Cut the stalks and leaves of the mullein plant into 3” or 4”
gallons of water and soak for twelve hours. Boil the mullein in the water in which it
has been soaking for three hours. Enough extra water should be added to keep the
materials covered with water while they are boiling. Cool. Remove refuse. The
liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath;
48
Simmer itlother thirty minutes. Remember, when working with chrome the con-
tainer should be kept covered. Allow the yarn to cool in the dye bath, then rinse it
in warm water until rinse is clear. Shakethe water from the yam and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof gold and it is a fast color.
Altemute fibers: All natural fibers respond well to this dye.
33. MULLEIN WITH TIN MORDANT

Mullein should be cut for dye purposes during the late summer until the first frost.
Mullein that has been cut in spring and early summer contains very little dye
substance.Mullein cut for dye purposes can be used fresh or dry, but dry materials
will produce a lighter color.
Ingredients:
4 gallons cut up piecesmullein
To muke &e butb: Cut the stalks and leaves of the mullein plant into 3” or 4”
gallons of water and soak for twelve. hours. Boil the mullein in the same water in
which it has been soaked for three hours. Enough extra water should be added to
keep the materials covered with water while the water is boiling. Cool. Remove
To dye wool yum: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath; simmer
Simmer another thirty minutes. Allow the yam to cool in the dye bath, and rinse it
in warm water until rinse is clear. Shakethe water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes various shades of yellow which are brighter than those
produced with alum mordant. It is a fast color.
Altemutefibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
34. PEACH LEAVES WITH ALUM MORDANT

Dyes can be made from peach leaves; the shade of color will be determined by the
variety of the peach tree, the growing conditions during the season,and the time of
seasonwhen they are picked. The best times to pick leavesfor dye is during the late
summer until the first frost. The leavesmust be used fresh.
49
Ingredients:
4 gallons peach leaves
4 tablespoons tartar&zacid
IA cup Glauber’s salts
To muke dye butb: Place the fresh peach leavesin a five gallon enamel container,
cover them with water and boil for about two hours. Remove the cooked leavesand
the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yum: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yam in warm water until the rinse
is clear, then shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadescf yellow and it is a fast color. One dyeing usually
exhauststhe color so that it cannot be used sgain.
Altemutefibers: Silk dyes well. Vegetable fibers will dye a very pale yellow.
35. PEACH LEAVES WITH TIN MORDANT

The peach leavesshould be picked during the late summer until the first frost for
strong dyes. They should be used fresh.
Ingredients:
4 gallons fresh peach leaves
To make dye butb: Place the fresh peach leavesin a five gallon enamel container,
cover them with water and boil for about two hours. Cool. Remove the leaves.The
liquid has now become the dye bath.
To dye wool yum: Add wet, tin mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer
Simmer the dye bath another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water
dry*
Color: This recipe makes shadesof yellow which are brighter than those produced
with alum mordant. It is a good base for top dyeing with a mild indigo solution to
make bright greens.The dye bath can usually be used only once.
Altemutefibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye very pale.
36. QUEEN ANNE’S LACE WITH ALUM MORDANT
Queen Anne’s lace is also known as wild carrot. This plant should be gathered when
it is in bloom and the stems,leaves,and b!ossomsused for dye materials. They must
be used fresh.
Ingredients:
1 pound silk yarn, previously mordanted with alum
4 gallons cut up piecesQueen Anne’s lace
To make dye bath: Cut the whole plant, including the blossoms, into 3” or 4”
lengths, place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water and boil for
about two hours. Extra water should be added if it boils away. Cool. Remove the
To dye silk yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted, silk yarn to the dye bath; simmer
Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer the dye
bath another thirty minutes. Allow the yarn to cool in the dye bath, and then rinse
it in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it
in the shadeto dry.
Colon This recipe makes a range of yellow colors. The colors are fast.
Al&mute f&em The recipe is suitable for all natural fiber yarns. Vegetable fibers
dye lighter shadesof color than animal fibers.
37. RED ONION SKINS WITH CHROME MORDANT

The onion is a versatile dye substanceand the variety of the onion used in the dye
bath will determine the color which is produced. Different varieties may be mixed
when desired, or when it is necessary,but the results are unpredictable. The onion
bulb will also make a dye.
Grocery stores and supermarkets are the usual sources of supply. They some-
times collect the skins when requested to do so, and some supermarkets haveonion
peeling machines and sell or give away the skins.
Ingredients:
4 gallons dry red onion skins
To make dye butb: Place the f.:.u gallons of dry red onion skins in a five gallon
enamel container, cover them with water and boil the water until the skins are
almost clear. Cool. Remove the cooked skins. The liquid has now become the dye
bath.
51
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. Remember to keep the container coveredwhen working
with chrome mordanted fibers. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer
another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear.
Shakethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes dark gold and the color is fast. The dye bath may be used
again to make lighter shades.
Altemute fiberJ: Silk fibers dye well and about the same shadesas wool. Linen and
cotton fibers dye to colors which range from tan to brown.
38. SAFFLOWER WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Safflower powder can be purchased from commercial natural dye suppliers. The
powder is made from the dried blossomsof the plant.
Iqgredknts:
1 pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with copperas
1 pound saffIower powder
To make dye batb: Place the safflower powder in a lightweight cotton bag, about
12” square in size, tie the top, and place it in a five gallon enamel container. Cover
the bag with three and a half gallons of warm water and soak it until all of the
powder is wet. Boil for about two hours. Remove the bag of powder. The liquid is
now the dye bath.
To dye wool y-: Add the wet, copperas mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath
and simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the
rinse is clear, and then shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shade to
dry-
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof brass and the colors are fast. The dye
bath may be used more than one time to produce lighter shadesof color.
Altenzute fibers: Silk dyes well. Linen and cotton dye lighter shadesof color than
silk and wool.
39. SEDGE WITH CHROME MORDANT

Sedgeis a tall grasslike plant that usually grows in clumps in wet ground. The time
to cut it for dye purposes is from spring until frost. The whole plant, except the
roots, is used. It is a very fast dye.
52
Ingredients:
4 gallons cut up sedge
4/rcup Glauber’s salts
To muke dye butb: Cut the sedgeinto 6” to 12” lengths until there are about four
gallons in quantity, place it in an enamel container and cover with about three and
a half gallons of water. Boil for two hours. Replenish the water if it boils away.
Cool. Remove the refuse and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yum: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. Remember to keep the container covered when working
with chrome. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s
salts in one pint hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer the bath
another thirty minutes. Allow the yarn to cool in the dye bath, and then rinse it in
warm water until the rinse is clear. Shakethe water from the yam and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Colon This recipe makes shades of gold and the color is very fast. The dye bath
may be used more than one time to produce lighter shadesof color.
Alternatefibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
A dye can be made from turmeric in the form in which it is sold as a condiment, or
in the packagedform sold by commercial suppliers especially for dyes.
Ingredhts:
1 pound wd yarn, previously mordanted with alum
8 ouncesturmeric
To make dye butb: Put the turmeric into a cheesecloth bag, place the bag in an
enamel container. cover it with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for
twelve hours. The bag should be large enough to allow the turmeric to expand while
it is soaking. After the turmeric has been soaked, boil the bag in the soaking water
for about two hours. Pressand squeezethe color from the bag severaltimes while it
is boiling. Cool. Remove the bag and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear, then
squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes yellow. The color fastnessis fair to good.
Altemutefibets: Other natural fibers dye lighter shadesof yellow than wool.
53
41. TURMERIC WITH CHROME MORDANT
A dye can be made from the turmeric which is sold as a condiment or from the
form sold by commercial suppliers and packaged especially for dyes. The mordant
determines the shadeand sometimes changesthe color.
Ingredients:
8 ounces turmeric
To muke dye butb: Put the turmeric into a cheesecloth bag, place it in an enamel
container, cover with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak the bag for
it is soaking. After the bag has been soaked, boil it in the soaking water for about
two hours. Pressand squeezethe color from the bag severaltimes while it is boiling.
Cool. Remove the bag and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath, then rinse it in warm
water until the rinse is clear. Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a color range of golds and brasses.It is fairly fast.
Altemutefibers: Natural fibers other than wool dye lighter shadesof color.
42. YELLOW ONION SKINS WITH ALUM MORDANT

The variety of the onion will determine the color-yellow onion skins make yellow,
red skins make shadesof gold and rust. T’he onion bulb makes a lighter shade of
yellow than its skins.
Grocery stores and supermarkets will often collect skins when requested to do
so; some supermarkets have onion peeling machines and sell or give away the skins.
Ingredients:
I pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with alum
4 gallons dry yellow onion skins
To make dye bath Place four gallons of dry yellow onion skins in a five gallon
enamel container, cover them with water and boil until the skins are clear. Cool.
Remove the cooked skins and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
54
is clear, then shake the water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof yellow and the color is fast. The dye bath may
be used again to make lighter shades.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well and to about the same shadesas wool. Linen
and cotton do not dye well.
43. ZINNIA BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

Zinnia blossoms should be picked when they are in full bloom. The different
varieties and colors may be mixed. All varieties and colors tested made shadesof
yellow when used with alum mordant.
Ingredients:
3 gallons zinnia blossoms
To muke dy butb: Place the fresh zinnia blossoms in a five gallon enamel
container, cover them with three gallons of water and boil for about thirty minutes.
Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid has now become the dye bath.
To dye wool ym: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath and
water until the rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shade
to dry.
Color: This recipe makes a color range of yellows and the colors are fairly fast.
A1tenratefilw-c Silk dyes well. Vegetable fibers do not dye well.
55
Indigo is the best source of blue dye. It is also a good substanceto use in top dyeing
because the amount of the extract can easily be controlled by measuring-it is
added to the water in measured amounts and tests with colored yams can be made
for desired shades.
Indigo work: well as a top dye over yellow to make green, over red to make
purple, and over brown to make black.
A few other plant parts will produce shadesof blue.
44. ALKANET ROOTS WITH NO MORDANT

AIkanet roots exist in several varieties-some of them are known as henna roots,
bloodroots, and puccoon. The variety of the alkanet roots and the mordant used
with them will determine the color of the dye. The roots can be found in most
areasand they can also be purchased from commercial sources.
Ingredients:
1 pound scoured wool yarn (no mordant)
?4pound dried aIkanet roots
To m&e dye bath Place the dried alkanet roots in an enamel container, cover them
with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for twelve hours. After the
roots have been soaked, boil them gently in the same water for about two hours.
Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, scoured, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer it
for one hour. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake the
Color: This recipe makes shadesof grayish blue and the color is fairly fast.
Altematefiks:
.* The dye is not suitable for fibers other than wool.
45. ELDERBERRIES WITH CHROME MORDANT

The purple-black elderberries were used for this recipe. They should be picked
when completely ripe and used within a few hours.
56
I
Ingredients:
4 gallons elderberries
To make dye batb: Cut the elderberries and their immediate stems into 1” to 3”
about one hour. Crush the berries while they are boiling and add more water if
needed. Cool. Strain. The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaiic acid and half a cup
Simmer another thirty minutes. Remember to keep the container covered when
working with chrome mordanted fibers. Cool. Rinse the yam in warm water until
the rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
dolor: This recipe makes shadesof greenish blue and the color is reas0nabF.rBst.
The dye bath may be used again to produce lighter shades.
Al&mute fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton dye very light colors and do
not justify the effort.
46. HOW TO MAKE INDIGO EXTRACT, METHOD NO. 1

Indigo is the best natural source of blue dye. The plant can be grown in this
country and powder made from the plant, for dye purposes, can be purchasedfrom
commercial suppliers of vegetable dyestuffs. The powder should be made from the
parts of the plant which are above the ground and not the roots.
The indigo powder which is sold commerciallj/ is not soluble in water. However,
sulfuric acid can be used to dissolve the indigo powder which in turn will make an
indigo extract. The indigo extract can then be diluted with water to make a dye
bath. The extract will remain in a usable condition almost indefinitely. This method
of obtaining an indigo extract is less complicated and the extract is easier to use
than the one that can be obtained by the vat method.
It is important that extreme caution be used when working with sulfuric acid.
Do not breathe the fumes or allow the acid to -come in contact with the body or
clothing. Sulfuric acid bums can easily be lethal and it is deadly poison. It is wise to
mix the extract outside when the air is still.
Ingredients:
4 ounces fresh, 100% strength, sulfuric acid
1 ounce indigo powder
?4ounce precipitated chalk
To make indigo extract with sulfutic acid: Slowly pour the sulfuric acid into a wide
mouth glass bottle which has a screw on glass top, or stopper. Add the indigo
powder to the sulfuric acid, a little at a time, and mix gently with a glassrod. Only
57
a glassrod should be used for mixing; the acid will literally eat up wood or metal
rods. The container becomes hot when the indigo is added to the acid, but if it is
added slowly and a little at a time, then stirred gently, the container will not break.
Continue adding and gently mixing until the one ounce of indigo has been
added. Screw on the glasstop of the bottle and place the bottle in safe place in at
least a 75” temperature for four days. The extract should be mixed once or twice a
day during this time. The bottle may again become hot when the mixture is stirred,
but with cautious stirring, it will not break.
At the end of four days, add half an ounce of precipitated chalk-the chalk can
be purchased at most drug stores. Add the chalk a little at a time and mix it in
gently. The mixture wilI again become hot and slowly spew while ihe chalk is being
added. Do not allow the spewing particles to touch the body. Continue adding the
chalk a little at a time and use a glassrod to stir the mixture after each addition,
until the half ounce of chalk has been added. After the spewing stops, screw on the
glasstop and allow the mixture to set in at least a 75” temperature for another four
days. During this time, the mixture should be stirred once each day.
The extract should be ready to use after eight days. If it is not, place the bottle
in a warmer temperature, up to 85”, for two or three days longer. Time and
temperature are important.
When the extract is ready it will be similar to a thin paste. Half an ounce of the
indigo extract, added to two and a half gallons of water, will dye one pound of yarn
to a medium shadeof blue.
INDIGO (METHOD NO. 1) WITH ALUM MORDANT

This recipe is for dyeing with indigo extract made from sulfuric acid. ’I
Ingredients:
?4ounce indigo extract
To make dye batb: Put two and a half gallons of warm water into an enamel
container, add half an ounce of indigo extract and mix well. Always add the extract
to the water. Heat the water until it is very warm to the touch and hold it at that
temperature for five minutes. This is the dye bath.
bath. Simmer another twenty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until
the rinse is clear. Squeezethe water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a shade of medium blue. It is fast. To obtain darker or
lighter shadesincreaseor decreasethe amound of indigo extract added to the dye
bath.
Alternate fibers: This recipe is good for cotton and silk. Linen respondsvery poorly
to this dye. Sisal,jute, and raffia dye well.
58
47. HOW TO MAKE INDIGO EXTRACT, METHOD NO. 2
A safe and simple method of dissolving indigo powder is with fermented human
urine. It requires a minimum of two weeks to complete the process.This method
can be used safely with groups involving children or other people who are untrained
in handling dangerouschemicals.
Ingredients:
1 pint human urine
8 tablespoonsindigo powder
To make indigo extract with human urine: Put the human urine in a tightly sealed
glassjar and place the jar in the sunshine until the urine ferments. This will take
about a week to ten days if the temperature is above 75” for severalhours each day.
When the urine ferments, the odor is very offensive and the liquid spews when
the jar is unsealed. Eight tablespoons of powdered indigo should now be added, a
little at a time, and stirred well into the urine after each addition. Allow the
mixture to remain in the sunshine,or in a temperature above 75”, for another week
to ten days. Stir or shake it well at least once each day. When the powder is
dissolved,the liquid is the extract.
When the extract is diluted with water to make the dye bath, the odor is no
more offensive than many other vegetable dye odors. One cup of this indigo extract
added to two and a half gallons of water will dye one pound of yarn a medium
shadeof dull blue.
This extract is not satisfactory for top dyeing or mixing with other colors.
INDIGO (METHOD NO. 2) WITH ALUM MORDANT

This recipe is for dyeing with indigo extract made from human urine.
Ingredients:
1 cup indigo extract
To make dye bath Put two and a half gallons of warm water into an enamel
container, add one cup of indigo extract and mix well. Heat to very warm and hold
there for about ten minutes. This is the dye bath.
To dye wool y-: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath znd
is clear. Shake or squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes dull medium blue shades.It is fast. The amount of indigo
extract used determines the shade and darker or lighter shadesmay be obtained by
increasingor decreasingthe amount of indigo extract added to the dye bath.
AItmate fibers: This recipe is suitable for cotton and silk. Linen fibers do not dye.
59
48. LOGWOOD WITH NO MORDANT
The dye is made from logwood chips and the chips can be purchased from
commercial suppliers of vegetable dyestuffs. A variety of colors can be made from
them.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
1 pound logwood chips
To make dye bath: Put the logwood chips in a cheeseclothbag, place the bag in an
twelve hours. The chips should be packed loosely in the bag. After the bag has been
allowed to soak, simmer it in the same water for one hour. Leave the bag in the
water until the water is cool. Remove the bag. The liquid has now become the dye
bath.
To dye wool yatn: Add the wet, unmordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot
water and add this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer the bath another thirty
minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear, then squeeze
the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a range of blue colors. The dye bath can be used as long as
it contains color, but the shadesproduced will be lighter each time the bath is used.
The color is fairly fast.
Alternate fibers: This recipe will produce different shadeson different fibers.
49. LOGWOOD WITH CHROME MORDANT

The dye is made from logwood chips and these can be purchasedfrom commercial
suppliers of vegetable dyestuffs. The wood comes from a tropical tree which grows
in Central America and the West Indies. A variety of colors can be made from it by
using different mordants.
Ingredients:
1 pound silk yarn, previously mordanted with chrome
% pound logwood chips
To make dye bath Put the logwood chips in a cheeseclothbag, place the bag in an
enamel container, cover with two gallons of warm water and soak for twelve hours.
The chips should be packed loosely in the bag. After the bag of logwood chips has
been allowed to soak, boil it in the soaking water for about forty-five minutes. The
logwood should be boiled longer if the pieces of wood are in chunks instead of
small chips. Cool. Remove the bag. The liquid is now the dye bath.
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To dye silk yarns: Add the wet, chrome mordant&, silk yarn to the dye bath and
bath. Simmer another twenty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until
the rinse is clear. Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Cubr: This recipe produces dark blue on silk fibers. The color is fast.
Alternate fibers:This recipe will make different colors on different fibers-for
example, it makes black on wool fibers.
50. LOGWOOD WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

This dye is made from logwood chips which can be purchased from commercial
suppliers of vegetable dyestuffs. The logwood tree is a tropical one, native to
Central America and the West Indies. A variety of colors can be made from it by
using different mordants and different fibers.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yam
3 ouncescopperas
?4pound logwood chips
To make dye bath: Put the logwood chips in a cheeseclothbag, place the bag in an
allowed to soak, simmer it in the soaking water for one hour. Cool. Remove the
bag. Add three ounces of copperas and dissolveit completely in the dye bath. This
is the dye bath.
To dye wool ylrrn: *Add the wet, unmordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer it for twenty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
bath. Simmer another fifteen minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the
rinse is clear, then squeezewater from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe produces a dark blue with gray tone. The color is fast. If four
ounces of copperas is added and allowed to remain one hour in the dye bath, a
black will be produced.
AZternatefibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
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VI. Omtzgesund RzGsts
Yarns that have been dyed yellow can be top dyed with red in order to obtain
orange and rust shades.Yellow and red dye baths can be combined. Raw materials,
such as goldenrod blossoms and scarlet sageblossoms, can be cooked together to
make orange and ‘rust dye baths. Annatto, also, is a good source of orange and
chrome mordant can often be used to make orange and rust out of a yellow dye
material.
51. ANNATTO WITH ALUM MORDANT

The powdered annatto or annatto seedsused for this dye can be purchased from
commercial natural dye suppliers. It is most commonly used for food and varnish
coloring, but it makes a color that is rare among vegetable dyes-orange.
Ingredients:
% pound powdered annatto
To make dye bath: Put the powdered annatto into a lightweight cotton bag, about
12” square in size, tie the top and place the bag in a five gallon enamel container.
Cover the bag with three and a half gallons water and soak it until all of the powder
is wet. After the bag has been allowed to soak, boil it in the soaking water for about
one hour. The bag should be squeezedand pressedoften while it is boiling to help
releasethe color. Cool. Remove the bag of powder. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath;
rinse is clear, then shake the water from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Coloc This recipe produces an orange color and it is fairly fast. Although, sunlight
may soften the color to some extent, it will not destroy it. The dye bath may be
used more than once to produce lighter shades.
Alternate fsbers: Silk fibers dye well. Cotton fiber-; dye lighter shadesthan silk and
wool fibers.
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,
-----
52. BLouunuOT ‘WiTH ND MORDANT
The bloodroot plant can be found growing wild in many sections of the country
and the fresh roots will make brighter dyes than dried ones. The dried roots can be
purchasedfrom commercial suppliers of vegetable dyestuffs.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yam
1 pound dried bloodroots
To make dye bath: Place the dried bloodroots in an enamel container, cover them
with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for twelve hours. After the
bloodroots have beensoaked, simmer them in the soaking water for two hours.
Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, scoured, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for
thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of
rinse is clear, then squeezethe water from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes different shadesof orange. The color is fairly fast.
Alternatefibers: Other natural fibers will dye to lighter shadesthan wool.
53. BLOODROOT WITH ALUM MORDANT

The bloodroot plant can be found growing wild in many sections of the country.
When digging the roots, only a part of them should be taken from each plant so the
plant will not be destroyed. The roots can also be purchased from commercial
suppliers. They may be used fresh or dry.
Ingredients:
1 pound dried bloodroots
To make dye bath: Place the dried bloodroots in an enamel container, cover them
with two and a half gallons of warm water and allow the dried bloodroots to soak
for at least twelve hours. After soaking, simmer the bloodroots in the soaking water
for about two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartar-k acid and half a cup
of Ghmber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath.
ZQmmeranother twenty minutes. Cool. Rinse the wool yarn in warm water until the
rinse is clear, then squeeze or shake the water from the yarn, and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
63
C&r: T&s recipe - ---lfir-
vVlv 3 lUL~L
rn3l-p L-c izige frolm rust to orange, and the coior is fast.
The dye bath can be used again to produce lighter shadesof color; the bath may
also be used with different mordants but again the color will be lighter. The basic
color will remain rust to orange, but different shades can be obtained by using
chrome and tin mordants.
Alternate fibers: Linen does not dye well. Other natural fibers will dye to lighter
shadesthan wool.
54. FUSTIC AND MADDER ROOTS WITH ALUM MORDANT

Grange can be made by dyeing 2 yarn that has been previously dyed yellow with a
red dye. For example, orange can be obtained by dyeing a yarn with fustic the first
time and then with madder the second time.
Ingredients:
$5pound madder roots
To make first dye batb: Put the fustic chips in a cheesecloth bag, place the bag in
an enamel container, cover with two and a half gahonsof warm water and soak for
twelve hours. After the bag has been allowed to soak, boil it in the samewater for
one hour. Leave the bag in the water until the water is cool. Remove the bag. The
liquid is now the first dye bath.
To dye wool yam tbe first time: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the
dye bath and simmer for forty-five minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water
until the rinse is clear. Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto
dry-
To make second dye bath: Cut the madder roots into $5”lengths, place them in an
twelve hours. Simmer the roots in the water in which they have been allowed to
soak for about forty-five minutes. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is the
second dye bath.
To dye wool yam tbe second time: Wet the fustic dyed yarn in warm water, add it
to the madder dye bath and simmer for fifteen minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoons
of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salt; in one pint of hot water and add
this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer the dye bath another fifteen minutes or until
the desired shade is obtained. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is
clear, then squeezethe water from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: The recipe makes an orange color. The color is fast.
Alternate fibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers. The shade of color
variessomewhat depending on the fiber.
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55. GUM CATECHU WITH NO MORDANT
Gum catechu (also known as cutch) is one of the best natural dyes. It does not
grow in this country but it can be purchasedfrom commercial suppliers.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
?4pound gum catechu
To make dye batb: Place the gum catechu in an enamel container and add two and
a half gallons of very warm water. Stir the water with your hands until the gum
catechu has dissolved. The substanceis resin like and it becomessticky and gummy
when water is added so time must be allowed to dissolveit. This usually takes about
thirty minutes of mixing and stirring. This is the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, scoured, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for
rinse is clear. Squeezeor shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto
W-
Color: This recipe makes colors which range from rusts to red-browns. The color is
fast without using a mordant.
Altematefibers: This dye is suitable for all natural fibers.
56. GUM CATECHU AND MADDER ROOTS WITH ALUM MORDANT

Rust, and a variety of shadesof red-brown, can be made by dyeing yarns red that
have been previously dyed medium brown or vice versa.An example would be yarn
dyed a first time with gum catechu, and then dyed a second time with madder.
Ingredients:,
?4pound gum catechu
?4pound madder roots
l%cup Glauber’s salts
To make first dye bath: Placethe gum catechu in an enamel container, add two and
a half gallons of very warm water. Stir and mix the water with your hands until the
gum catechu has dissolved.This is the first dye bath.
To dye wool yam the first time: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the
until the rinse is clear, then squeeze the water from the yarn, and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
65
To make second dye batb: Cut the madder roots into ?P lengths, place them in an
enarnei container, cover with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for
twelve hours. Simmer the roots in the water in which they have be+ allowed to
soak for about forty-five minutes. Leave the roots in the water until’ the water is
cool. Remove the refuse and the liquid becomesthe second dye bath.
To dye wool yam the second time: Wet the gum catechu dyed yarn in warm water,
add it to the second dye bath and simmer for fifteen minutes. Dissolve four
water and add this mixture to the second dye bath. Simmer the bath another
fifteen minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear, then
squeezethe water from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes colors which range from rust to red-browns. The color is
fast.
Al&mate fibers: This recipe is suitable for other natural fibers, but they will dye
lighter shadesof color than wool. It is fast.
57. HENNA WITH TIN MORDANT

The powdered Egyptian henna sold by drug stores as a hair dye will also dye natural
fiber yarns. Commercial natural dye companies also sell henna leaves for dyeing
fabrics and yams. Either form will make a good dye.
Ingredients:
?4pound powdered Egyptian henna
To make dye bath: Mix half a pound of powdered Egyptian henna with one quart
of hot water and let it set for about one hour. Stir the mixture often to dissolvethe
powder, and then transfer it to a five gallon enamel container and add about three
gallons of hot water. Mix well. This is the dye bath.
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath, and then rinse it in
warm water until rinse is clear. Shake water from the yarn and hang it in the shade
to dry.
Color: This recipe produces rust and rich red-brown colors. It is a fast color and the
dye bath may be used more than one time. Of course, each time the dye bath is
used, the color will be lighter.
Alternate fibers: Silk and mohair dye very well. Vegetable fibers will dye to lighter
shadesthan animal fibers.
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58. HOLLYHOCK BLOSSOM!S WITH CHROME MORDANT
The different colors of hollyhock blossoms can be mixed to make one dye bath.
The blossomsshould be picked when they are in full bloom and used fresh.
Ingredients:
3 gallons hollyhock blossoms
To make dye butb: Place the hollyhock blossomsin a five gallon enamel container,
cover them with two and a half gallons of warm water and boil for about thirty
minutes. Cool. Removethe refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wooZyurn: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
is clear, then squeezethe water from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes colors which range from orange to rust. It is fairly fast.
Alternutefibers: Vegetable fibers will dye to lighter shadesthan animal fibers.
59. LILY OF THE VALLEY WITH CHROME MORDANT

The lily of the valley will produce different colors, depending on the time of
seasonwhen it is used. In early spring it has no color, in late spring it makes shades
of yellow-green, and in the fall it makes shadesof gold and rust. The leavesand
stems of the plant are usedto make dyes.
Ingredients:
4 gallons fresh lily of the valley stems and leaves
*%cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye batb: Cut lily of the valley stems and leavesinto 1” to 3” lengths.
Place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover them with water and boil for
one hour. Cool. Remove the refuse and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye zooolyam: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
with chrome mordanted fibers. Dissolvefour tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water, and add this mixture to the dye
rinse is clear, then shake the water from the yarn, and hang it in the shade to dry.
Color: This recipe makes different shadesof rust and the color is fast. The dye bath
may be used again for lighter shades.
Ahrnatefibers: Silk dyes very well. Linen and cotton dye fairly well.
67
66. MADDER from) WITH CHROME MORDANT
In this particular recipe madder roots were used, but the powder can be used with
similar results. Madder roots can be purchasedfrom commercial suppliers of natural
dye materials.
Ingredients: I
1 pound jute yam, previously mordanted with chrome

1 pound madder roots
To tneke dye bath: Cut i’;.? madder roots into W’ to W’ lengths, place them in a
five gallon enamel container, cover with three and a half gallons of water and soak
for about twelve hours. The roots will expand and absorb some of the water. After
the roots have been soaked, add one gallon of water to the mixture and boil
for about forty-five minutes. (Boiling brings out the yellow dye substancein the
madder roots.) Cool. Removethe roots. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To d$ejr?te yarn: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, jute yarn to. the dye bath and
boil it for thirty minutes or until the desired shade is obtained. (It is safe to boil
jute fibers.) Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s
salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer for
thirty minutes or less, depending on the shade desired. Cool. Rinse the yarn in
warm water until the rinse is clear, then wring or shake the water from the yarn,
Colon This recipe makes colors which range from orange to rust, and the color is
fast. The dye bath may be used more than one time to produce lighter shadesof
color.
Ahernate fibers: Linen and cotton fibers will dye in about the same way as jute.
Silk and wool dye well.
61. MADDER AND SEDGE WITH ALUM MORDANT

This recipe involves combining two dye baths; the dye baths are made separately
and then combined, in equal parts.
Ingredients:
$5pound madder roots
To make first buJf of dye batb: Cut the madder roots into $6” to ?4” lengths, place
them in a three gallon enamel container, cover with two gallons of water and soak
for twelve hours. During this time the roots will expand and absorb some of the
water. After they have been allowed to soak, simmer the roots in soaking water for
68
about forty-five minutes. Cool. Remove the roots. The liquid is the first half of the
dye bath.
To make secdn’d bdf of dye butb: Cut about two gallons of sedgeinto 6” to 12”
lengths and place in an enamel container. Cover the sedgewith two gallons of water
and boil for two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is rhe second half of
the dye bath.
Combine the equal parts of the two dye baths (one and a half gallons of each).
This is the completed dye bath.
To dye zuool yarn: Add wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
Simmer another fifteen minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse
is clear, then shake the water from yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes different shadesof rust and the color is fast.
Altemutefibets: The recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
62. MADDER ROOTS AND YELLOW ONION SKINS WITH ALUM MORDANT
An orange color can be made by dyeing any strong yellow over yarns previously
dyed a medium red or vice versa. For example, yarn can be dyed a first time with
madder, and then a second time with yellow onion skins.
Ingredients:
?4pound madder roots
3 gallons dry yellow onion skins
To make fitst dye hztb: Cut the madder roots into $5” lengths, place them in a five
gallon enamel container, cover with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak
for twelve hours. Simmer the roots in the water in which they have been allowed to
soak for about forty-five minutes. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is the first
dye bath.
To dye wool yum the first time: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the
dye bath and simmer for thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until
the rinse is clear, then squeezethe water from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto
dry.
Tu muke second dye 6atb: Place the yellow onion skins in an enamel container,
cover them with two and a half gallons of water and boil clntil the skins are clear.
Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid becomesthe second dye bath.
To dye wool yurn the second time: Wet the madder dyed yarn in warm water, add
it to the second dye bath and simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoons
69
this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer another fifteen minutes. Cool. Rinse the yam
in warm water until the rinse is clear. Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it
in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes an orange color and is fast.
Alternate fibers: Other natural fibers will dye lighter shadesand these colors are
fast.
63. POKEWEED BERRIES WITH CHROME MORDANT

Pokeweed berries should be picked late in the summer, after they have turned to a
dark purple color. They can be used fresh or they can be dried and frozen for later
use.
Ingredients:
3 to 4 gallons pokeweed berries on stems
To make dye butb: Cut the pokeweed berries and stems into 1” to 3” lengths, place
them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water and boil for about
forty-five minutes. If the berries are crushed while they are boiling, it will help to
release the color from them. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the dye
bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shade to dry. After the
yarn has dried, wet it again in warm water and return it to the same dye bath.
Simmer for twenty minutes. Cool. Rinse. Dry. The second dyeing will practically
eliminate fading.
Color: The recipe produces shadesof rust and the color is fast.
Altematefibers: This recipe can be used on all natural fibers.
64. POKEWEED BERRIES AND RED ONION SKINS WITH ALUM MORDANT
this recipe employs the top dyeing method in which a second dye is dyed on top of
the first dye. It makes little or no difference which color is dyed first. The results
obtained by top dyeing are similar to those obtained from mixing any two liquid
dyes or dye substanceswhich are compatible.
Ingredients:
4 gallons red onion skins
4 gallons pokeweed berries
70
1 cup Glauber’s salts
TO make tbe frrst dye batb: Fill a five gallon enamel container nearly full of red
onion skins, cover them with water and boil until the skins are almost clear. Cool.
Remove the cooked onion skins. The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
TO dye wool yam: Add wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye
bath. Simmer for another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yam in warm water until
the rinse is clear.
The wool yarn may be dried in the shade, or added immediately to the second
dye bath. If it is dried before the second dyeing, wet the yarn thoroughly before
adding it to the second dye bath.
To make second dye batb: Fill a five gallon enamel container nearly full with cut
up pokeweed berries, cover the berries with water and boil for about an hour. Cool
the berries in the water. Remove the refuse. The liquid becomes the second dye
bath.
To top dye wool yarn: Add the wet, previously dyed, wool yarn to the pokeweed
berries dye bath and simmer for about thirty minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoons of
tartaric acid *andhalf a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this
mixture to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the wool yarn
in warm water until the rinse is clear, then shake the water from the yarn, and hang
it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof rust and the color remains fast in water
and sunlight.
Alternate jib-s: Silk will dye well, but the dyeing time should be cut to half to
prevent the silk fiber from disintegrating. Linen and cotton dye fairly well.
65. SAFFLOWER WITH TIN MORDANT

powder is made from the dried blossomsof the plant and makes a good dye.
Ingredients:
1 pound safflower powder
To muke dye bath: Place the safflower powder in a lightweight cotton bag, about
12” square in size. Tie the top and place it in a five gallon enamel container. Cover
with three and a half gallons of warm water and soak until all of the powder is wet.
Boil the bag of powder in the water in which it has been allowed to soak for about
two hours. Cool. Remove the bag of powder and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
71
To dye wool ymn: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath and
is clear, then shake water from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
dolor: This recipe makes colors which range from rust to dark gold. It is a fast
color. The dye bath may be used more than once to produce lighter shades.
Ahmute fiti: Silk fibers dye wel;. Vegetable fibers dye lighter shadesof color
than animal fibers.
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VII, Greens
Shadesof dark green and yellow-green can be made from some plants by using blue
vitriol or copper-asas a mordant. Bright green shades are usually made by top
dyeing or by mixing two dye baths.
66. BARBERRY PLANT WITH BLUE VITRIOL MORDANT

Any variety of the barberry plant wiII make a dye. It should be cut in late summer
and fall for dyeing purposes,and it can be used fresh or dry.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with blue vitriol
4 gallons cut up piecesbarberry plant
To make dye bath: Cut the barberry canesand leaves into 3” or 4” lengths. The
canes should be crushed before cutting to help release the color. Place the cut up
pieces in an enamel container, cover them with three gallons of warm water and
soak for twenty-four hours. After the barberry has been allowed to soak, boil it in
the same water for two to three hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now
the dye bath.
To dye woo1yarn: Add the wet, blue vitriol mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath
and simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
rinse has become clear, then squeeze the water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a range of green colors. The shade will be determined
largely by the time of seasonin which the plant is cut. It is a fast color.
Alternate fibers: This recipe is good for all natural fibers.
67. BARBERRY PLANT WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

The green and red leaf varieties of the barberry plant make good dyes and the color
that results is very similar. The plant should be cut in late summer and fall, and it
may be used fresh or dry. The dry plant will, however, produce a lighter color.
73
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
4 ounces copperascrystal (ferrous sulfate)
4 tablespoons tartar&zacid
To muke dye butb: Cut the barberry canes and leavesinto 3” or 4” lengths and
bruise or crush the canes to help release the color. Place them in a five gallon
enamel container, cover with three and a half gallons of water and soak for
twenty-four hours. After the barberry has been allowed to soak, boil it in the same
water for three hours. Enough water to keep the materials covered should be added
if it boils away. Cool. Remove the refuse. Add four ounces of copperas crystals
(ferrous sulfate) to the liquid, and stir until they have completely dissolved.This is
the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add wet, wool yam to the dye bath and simmer for thirty
minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts
in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer another
thirty minutes. Keep the yarn covered with the liquid in the dye bath to prevent
streaking. Allow the yarn to cool in the dye bath. Rinse the yarn in warm water
diy.
Color: The recipe makes shadesof dark green and the color is very fast.
Altemutejibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers except silk.
68. BURLEY TOBACCO WITH BLUE VITRIOL MORDANT

Green burley tobacco leavee were used to make this dye bath. However, cured
tobacco and some of the natural leaf twists of commercially packaged chewing
tobacco may also give good results. Green tobacco should be used in late summer.
Ingredients:
2 pounds green burley tobacco leaves
‘$4cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye butb: Cut the tobacco leavesinto 4” to 6” length pieces,place them
in a five gallon enamel container, cover with two and a half to three gallons of
water and boil for about one hour. Cool. Remove refuse. The liquid is now the dye
bath.
To dye ZLWCyua: Add wet blue vitriol mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath
bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath. Rinse the yarn
in warm water until rinse is clear. Shakewater from yam; hang in shadeto dry.
74
I) .^
color: This recipe makes shadesof green with a brown tone and the color is fast.
Altetnate fibers: Silk sbers dye well. Linen and cotton fibers dye lighter shades
than wool and silk.
69. COCKLEBUR WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

AU of the varieties of cockleburs tested for this book make very good natural dyes.
They should be picked in late summer and can be used fresh or dry.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
4 ouncescopperascrystals (ferrous sulfate)
35cup GIauber’s salts
To muke dye butb: Cut the cockleburs from the stalks, place them in a five gallon
enamel container, cover with watr: and allow to soak for twelve hours. After the!/
have been allowed to soak for twelve hours, boil the cockleburs in the samewater
for about two hours. Additional water may be needed to keep them covered while
they are boiling. Cool. Remove the cooked cockleburs. Add four ounces of
copperascrystals (ferrous sulfate) and stir them into the dye bath until they have
completely dissolved. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool y-: Add the wet, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for thirty
thirty minutes. The yarn should be kept covered with the dye bath to prevent
streaking. Cool. Rinse the yam in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake the
color: This recipe makes various shadesof dark green and the color is fast.
Akernute fibers: No other fibers should be used. Do not use copperason silk fibers.
Linen and cotton will dye muddy gray.
70. FLORIBUNDA ROSE WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Rose plants can be used to make dye; the plant need not be destroyed in order to
obtain a dye from it. Trimmin gs from the plant should be cut in the fall, up until
frost. The stems, canes,and leavesmake the dye and these should be used fresh.
Ingredients:
\
1 pound wool yarn
4 ouncescopperas crystals (ferrous sulfate)
4 gallons floribunda rose stems, canes,and leaves
75
TO make dye bat& Cut thei’canes, stems, and leaves of the floribunda rose into 3”
or 4” lengths, place them ih a five gallon enamel container, cover with water and
soak for about twelve hours. The stems and leaves should then be boiled in the
soaking water for about two hours. Extra water can be added if it boils away. Cool.
Remove the refuse. Add four ounces of copperas crystals (ferrous sulfate) to the
hquid. Stir the copperas crystals into the liquid until they have completely
dissolved.The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool ymn: Add the wet, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for thirty
in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye’bath. Simmer another
thirty minutes. Allow the yam to cool in the dye bath. Rinse the yarn in warm
water until the rinse is clear, then shake the water from the yarn, and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
color: This recipe makes colors which range from dark green to black. The color is
fast.
Almnate fi6e~~: Copperasshould not be used on silk fibers. The recipe is suitable
for vegetablefibers but they dye lighter shadesthan wool.
Fustic is a versatile dye when different mordants are used with it. It is one of the
tropical yellowwood trees and chips for making dyes are sold by commercial
suppliers.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yam, previously mordanted with blue vitriol
To nruke dye htb: Put the fustic chips into a cheesecloth bag, place the bag in an
allowed to soak, boil it in the soaking water for about one hour. Pressand squeeze
the color from the bag several times while it is boiling. Cool. Remove the bag. The
liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool ym: Add the wet, blue vitriol mordanted, yarn to the dye bath and
is clear. Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: The recipe makes a green color and it is fast.
Alternate fit)ers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers. Linen will dye very
light. The dye bath may be used more than once to produce lighter shadesof color.
76
72. FUSTIC AND INDIGO WITH ALUM MORDANT
A variety of shadesof green can be made by dyeing indigo over various yellow dyed
yarns. An example is yarn that is dyed a first time with fustic, and then dyed a
second time with indigo.
Ingredients:
indigo extract (amount is determined by the dyer)
To make frist dye bath: Put the fusti; chips into a cheeseclothbag, place the bag in
an enamel container, cover with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for
twelve hours. After the bag has been allowed to soak, boil it in the soaking water
for one hour. Cool. Remove the bag. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool yam tbe first time: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the
dry-
To make second dye 6utb: Put two and a half gallons of warm water in an enamel
container. Add the indigo extract a little at a time and mix it well into the water.
Wet the fustic dyed yarn, then use small amounts of the yam and test the color
after each addition of indigo extract until the desired shade of green is obtained.
The color in the test will be a little lighter than that of the simmered yarns. When
the desiredshadehas been obtained, the liquid is ready for use as the dye bath.
To dye wool yum the second time: Add the wet, fustic dyed, yarn to the dye bath
and simmer for fifteen minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
rinse is clear. Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof green. The shadewill be determined by
the amount of indigo extract in the second dye bath. The color is fast.
Altemutefihm: Linen is very difficult to dye, but other natural fibers dye well.
73. GOLDENROD BLOSSOMS WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Goldenrod blossoms should be cut when they first reach full bloom. They should
be used within a few hours after cutting.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
4 ounces copperascrystals (ferrous sulfate)
77
TO mcIke dye butb: Cut goldenrod blossomsand the stems nearestthe blossomsinto
1” to 3” lengths. Placethem in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water and
boil for about two hours. Cool. Remove the cooked blossoms.Add four ounces of
copperas crystals and stir until completely dissolved.The dye bath is now ready.
To dye wool yut~: Add the wet, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for thirty
minutes. The yarn should be kept covered with the dye bath at all times to prevent
streaking. Dissolvefour tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of C&tuber’s salts
the water out of the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: ‘Ibis recipe makes shadesof olive green and the color is fast.
Alrernatefibets: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton do not dye well.
74. GOLDENROD BLOSSOMS AND INDIGO EXTRACT

WITH ALUM MORDANT
This recipe is made by combining two dyes; the yarn is first dyed ydlow with
goldenrod blossoms, then top dyed with indigo extract.
Ingedents:
% ounce indigo extract
To muke jiirst dye htb: Cut the goldenrod blossoms and the stems nearest the
blossoms into 1” to 3” lengths, place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover
with water and boil for about one and a half hours. The water should be
replenished if it boils away. Cool. Remove refuse. The liquid is the yellow dye bath.
To dye wool yum yellow: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye
bath and simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and
half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the
dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the wool yarn in warm water
until rinse is clear, then shake the water from the yarn. The yarn can be dried and
dyed later with indigo extract, or it can be dyed with indigo extract before drying.
To make second dye htb: Indigo extract should be made in quantity and kept on
hand in a glass bottle with glass screw type top. To about two gallons of warm
water, add about one fourth of an ounce of indigo extract and mix well. Usea small
piece of yellow dyed yarn in the dye bath to test for the desired color of green. If
the yam does not appear dark enough, a,dd remainder of indigo extract. Half an
ounce of the extract will make fairly dark green. Remember, too, that wet yarns are
darker than they are when they dry. When the yarn becomesthe shadeof color you
want, the whole yarn can be dyed in the strength of indigo extract dye bath you
have chosen.
78 ,:
To dye wool yum the second time: Add the wet, yellow dyed, wool yarn to the
indigo extract dye bath and simmer for about twenty minutes. Cool. Rinse the
wool yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. If the rinse does not clear, put the
yarn back in the indigo dye bath, add one fourth of a cup of Glauber’s salts and
simmer another ten to fifteen minutes. With this method the color should not bleed
but it doessometimes, and this is one way to stop it. Shake the water from the yam
Color: This recipe makes a range of green colors, depending on the strength of both
dye baths. It is fast.
AZtenrate fibers: Silk and cotton fibers dye well. Linen fibers are often difficult to
dye.
75. GOLDENROD PLANT WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

The goldenrod plant contains dye substance and it makes a satisfactory dye when
used with copperas for a mordant. It should be cut in the late summer or fall.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yam
4 ouncescopperas crystals (ferrous sulfate)
4 gallons goldenrod plants (stalks and leaves)
To make dye barb: Cut the goldenrod stalks and leavesinto 1” to 3” lengths, place
them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water, and boil for about two
hours. The water may need to be replenished as it boils away. Cool. Remove the
refuse and add four ounces of copperas (ferrous sulfate) and stir it until it is
completely dissolved. This is the dye bath.
To dye wool ym: Add the wet, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for thirty
in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath. Keep the yarn
covered with the dye bath to prevent streaking. Simmer another thirty minutes.
Color: This recipe makes a dark green color and it is fast. The dye bath may be used
again for lighter shades.
Alternate fibers: Copperas should not be used on silk fibers. Linen and cotton
fibers will dye shades of dark greenish-gray. If some metal is spun with the
vegetablefibers, they will dye very well.
76. GUM CATECHU (METHOD NO. 1) WITH BLUE VITRIOL MORDANT

Gum catechu is also known as cutch. It is a good dye and a very versatile one. It can
be purchasedfrom commercial suppliers.
79
Ingredients:
$5pound gum catechu
To make dye bath Place the gum catechu in an enamel container and add two and
a half gallons of very warm water. Stir the liquid with your hands until the gum
catechu has dissolved. The resin-like substance becomes sticky and gummy when
water is added, and it must be stirred and mixed for about thirty minutes before it
dissolves.This is the dye bath.
TO dye wool ymn: Add the wet, blue vitriol mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath
rinse is clear. Squeezeor shakewater from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Colot: This recipe makes a khaki color and is fast.

Alternutefi6tvs: Other natural fibers do not dye this shade.
77. GUM CATECHU (METHOD NO. 2) WITH BLUE VITRIOL MORDANT
Gum catechu is also known as cutch. It is one of the best natural dyes and produces
a number of different colors when different mordants are used. It can be purchased
from commercial suppliers. ._
Ingredients:
35pound gum catechu
To make dye bath: Place the gum catechu in an enamel container and add two and
catechu is dissolved. The resin-like substance becomes sticky and gummy when
water is added and must be stirred and mixed for about thirty minutes before it
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, blue vitriol mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath
and simmer for fifteen minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
rinse is clear, then squeezethe water from the yam and hang it in the shade to dry.
Color: This recipe makes olive green and the color is fast. When the yarn simmers
for a longer period of time the color becomeskhaki.
Alternate fibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers, but the shadesof color
will vary.
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78. INDIGO WITH CHROME MORDANT
Indigo is an important vegetable dye becauseit is the best source of blue. It can be
combined with yellow dyes or with chrome mordant to make green. The powder
and lump forms can be purchasedfrom commercial suppliers.
Ingredients:
1 ounce indigo extract
4 tablespoonst’artaric acid
To make dye barb: Add one ounce of indigo extract to three gallons of warm
water in an enamel container. Mix well. Heat the mixture to very warm, 100” to
120”’ and hold there for ten minutes. This is the dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for fifteen minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup
is clear. If the dye rubs off on your hands while rinsing the yarn, put the yarn back
in the samedye bath and simmer another ten minutes. Rinse again. Shakethe water
from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof green and the color is fast.
Altetnote fibers: Cotton dyes well, but to lighter shadesthan wool. Silk will dye
fairly well. Linen does not dye well.
79. INDIGO AND TURMERIC WITH ALUM MORDANT

A variety of shadesof green, including bright green, can be made by dyeing indigo
over various yellow dyed yams. Yam dyed a first time with turmeric then dyed a
secondtime with indigo is an example.
Ingredients:
35pound turmeric
indigo extract (the amount is determined by the dyer)
To make first dye batb: Put the turmeric into a cheeseclothbag, place the bag in an
it is soaking. After the turmeric has been allowed to soak, boil it in the soaking
water for about two hours. Pressand squeezethe color from the bag severaltimes
while it is boiling. Cool the bag in the water. Remove the bag. The liquid is now the
first dye bath.
To dye wool yurn tbe first time: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the
dye bath and simmer for forty-five minutes. Cool. Rinse the wool yarn in warm
81
water until the rinse is clear. Squeeze the water from the yam and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
To make second dye batb: Put two and a half gallons of warm water into an enamel
container. Add indigo extract a littIe at a time, and mix it well into the water. Wet
the turmeric dyed yarn. Use small amounts of the yarn and test the color obtained
after each addition of indigo extract. Remember the test always appears a little
lighter than the simmered yarns. When the yam becomes the desired shade, the
liquid is ready for use as the dye bath.
To dye wool yarn tbe second time: Add the wet, turmeric dyed, yarn to the dye
bath and simmer for fifteen minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoons of tartaric acid and
dye bath. Simmer another fifteen minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water
until the riise is clear. Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto
f-b-
Color: This recipe makes bright green and the color is fast.
Alternote fibers: Other natural fibers will dye lighter shades than wool. Linen is
extremely difficult to dye and often does not take the color. The colors are fast on
wool and other natural fibers.
80. LILY OF THE VALLEY WITH ALUM MORDANT

The color obtained from lily of the valley is largely determined by the time of the
season when it is cut for use. If it is used in late spring, the color will be a
yellow-green. Later in the season,the color changesto yellow, gold, and rust. The
leavesand stems of the plant are used to make the dye bath.
Ingredients:
4 gallons fresh lily of the valley stems and leaves
‘55cup Glauber’s salts
TO make dye bath: Cut lily of the valley stems and leavesinto 1” to 3” lengths.
Place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water and boil for one
hour. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof yellow-green, more green than yellow. It is a fast
color.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye too pale to be considered
a color.
82
81. YRIVET WITH BLUE VITRIOL MORDANT
Cuttings from a privet hedge can be used for making dyes if they are cut from
midsummer until frost. The cuttings should be used while they are fresh.
Ingredients:
4 gallons cut up privet cuttings
To make dye bath: Cut the pieces of privet into 1” to 3” lengths, place them in an
enamel container, cover with three gallons of warm water and soak for twelve
hours. After the cuttings have been allowed to soak, boil them in the same water
for about two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add the wet, blue vitriol mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath
Color: The recipe makes a variety of shades of green. The shade will be largely
determined by the time of the seasonwhen the plant is cut. The green is brighter
than when copperas mordant is used.
Alternute fibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers. The shade will vary
with the fiber.
.
82. PRIVET WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Cuttings from a privet hedge can be used for making dyes if they are cut between
midsummer and frost. The cuttings should be used while they are fresh.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
4 gallons cut up privet cuttings
l/11
cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye bath: Cut the pieces of privet into 1” to 3” lengths, place them in a
five gallon enamel container, cover with three gallons of warm water and soak for
twelve hours. After the cuttings have beeu allowed to soak, boil them in the same
water for about two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. Add three ounces of copperas
to the liquid and dissolveit completely. This is the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for thirty
minutes. The yarn should be kept covered with the dye bath to prevent streaking.
Dissolve r’our tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one
pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty
83
!
minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. Squeezethe
CO~OY:This recipe makes a range of dark green colors. It is fast.
Alternate fibers: Vegetable fibers are likely to dye a muddy color. Silk does not dye
well.
83. SEAWEED WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

The geographic location and the variety of the plant may have an effect on the
colors obtained from seaweed. The seaweed for this particular dye was collected
along the coast of Deer Isle, Maine, in July. The odor from boiling seaweedis
pungent.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
4 gallons seaweed
To muke dye batb: Place the seaweedin a five gallon enamel container, cover it
with water and boil for about two hours. Extra water should be added as it boils
away, and putting a cover on the container will help to reduce the pungent odor
while the water is boiling. Cool. Remove the refuse. Add four ounces of copperas
crystals (ferrous sulfate) to the liquid and stir it until completely dissolved.This is
the dye bath.
To dye wool yarrr: Add the wet, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for thirty
minutes. The yarn should be kept covered with the dye bath to prevent streaking.
pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath. S;,mrneranother thirty
minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake the
Colot: This recipe makesa dark yellow-green color. It is a fast color. If the dye bath
is used more than once, the color may turn muddy.
Altemate j%e~s: Copperas should not be used on silk fibers. Linen and cotton dye
muddy shadesof greenishgray.
84. SEDGE WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Sedgeis a grasslikeplant which usually grows in clumps in wet ground. It can be cut
for dye purposes between spring and frost. The whole plant, except roots, is used.
It is a very fast dye.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
84
4 gaiions cut up sedge
To make dye bath Cut the sedgeinto 6” to 12” lengths, enough to make about
four gallons in quantity. Place in a five gallon enamel container, cover with three
and a half gallons of water and boil for two hours. Enough extra water should be
added to keep the materials covered while boiling. Cool. Remove refuse. Add four
ounces of copperas crystals (ferrous sulfate) to the liquid. Stir until completely
dissolved.This is the dye bath.
thirty minutes. The yarn should be kept covered with the dye bath to prevent
streaking. Allow the yarn to cool in the dye bath, then rinse it in warm water until
rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Coloc This recipe makes dark gray-greenand this is a fast color.
Alternate fibers: This recipe should not be used for silk. It is suitable for all ot!ler
natural fibers.
85. SUMAC WITH BLUE VITRIOL MORDANT

The sumac, which has red berries, makes a good dye. The parts of the tree used for
dye purposes should be cut late in the summer and fall, after the berries have
turned red. They may be used fresh and they can also be dried for later use. The
white berry variety should rrtit be used; it is poison.
Ingredients:
4 gallons sumac berries, cut up twig or leaves
IAcup Glauber’s salts
To make dye bath Cut the sumac into small pieces, put them into a five gallon
enamel container, cover with three gallons of warm water and soak for twelve to
twenty-four hours. After the sumac has been allowed to soak, boil it in the same
water for two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add the wet, btue vitriol mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath
and simmer for thirty minutes. Eissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof green and it is fast.
Alternate fibers: The recipe is good for all natural fibers.
85
86. SUNFLDWER SEEDS WITH BLUE VITRIOL MORDANT
The color that can be obtained from sunflower seedsdependson the mordant used
with them. The mature dried seedsshould be used.
Ingredierrts:
2 pounds dried sunflower seeds
?4cup Glauber’s salts ’
To make dye batb: Place the sunflower seedsin an enamel container, cover them
with three gallons of warm water and soak for twelve to twenty-four hours. After
the seedshave been allowed to soak, boil them in the same water for two hours.
Cool. Remove the seeds.The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add the wet, blue vitriol mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath
bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn until the rinse is clear in
warm water. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makesvarious shadesof green on wool and the color is fast.
Altematefibers: The recipe produces gray on silk. Vegetable fibers do not dye.
87. TURMERIC WITH BLUE VITRIOL MORDANT

A dye can be made from the turmeric which is soid as a condiment, or from the
form sold by commercial suppliers and packagedespecially for dyes.
Ingredients:
8 ouncesturmeric
To muke dye bath: Put the turmeric into a cheesecloth bag, place the bag in an
it is soaking. After the turmeric has been allowed to soak, boil it in the soaking
water for about two hours. Pressand squeezethe color from the bag severaltimes
while it is boiling. Cool. Remove the bag. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add the wet, blue vitriol mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath
bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath. Rinse yarn in
warm water until rinse is clear. Squeezewater from yarn and hang in shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a green color and it is fairly fast.
Alternatefibers: Other natural fibers dye lighter shadesof color than wool.
86
I
VIII. Ldvenders dzndPnrpZes

Lavender and purple dye naterials are fairly easy to fmd. Some varieties of grapes,
berries, plums, and blossoms make a purple dye. These colors can also be obtained
by top dyeing blue over red, or red over blue, or by mixing a red dye bath with a
blue one. In the top dyeing method, it seemseasierto dye blue over red.
The lavender color is usually a light shade of purple, and a purple dye bath,
diluted with water, will make lavender. Other materials, such as mulberry, produce
a lavender color which is as dark as the dye wilt be.
Mordants are often a determining factor in making purple.
88. ALKANET ROOTS WITH NO MORDANT

Alkanet roots can be purchased from commercial suppliers and the variety of the
plant, as welI as the mordant, wilI determine the color.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
*Apound alkanet roots
1 cup 36% acetic acid
To make dye bath: Placethe dried alkanet roots in an enamel container, cover them
with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for twelve hours. Aiter the
roots have been allowed to soak, boil them in the sa-mewater for about two hours.
Coot. Remove refuse. Add one cup 36% acetic acid; mix. This is the dye bath.
To dye woolyam: Add the wet, scoured, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for
thirty minutes. Dissolve half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and
add this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the
yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. Squeezeor shake water from the yarn,
Color: This recipe makes a reddish-purple color with brown tones. It is fast.
AItenmtefi6ers: This is not a very good dye for other fibers.
89. BLACKBERRIES WITH ALUM MORDANT

A dye bath can be made from fresh or frozen blackberries. The blackberries should
be picked when they are absolutely ripe.
87
Ingredients:
2 gallons fresh or frozen ripe blackberries
To m&e dye bath: Place the two gallons of blackberries in a five gallon enamel
container and cover them with three and a half gallons of water. Boil the black-
berries for about one hour, or until the color has been boiled out of the berries. The
berries should be crushed while they are boiling to obtain all of the color. Cool.
Strain. The liquid is the dye bath.
TO dye WOOZ JWYZ:Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath;
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water, and add this mixture to the dye bath.
is clear. Shakethe water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a purple which often has a brown tone. The color will
fade in the sunlight, but it will not lose color completely. The dye bath may be
used more than once to produce lighter shades.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye about the sameshadesof color as wool. Linen and
cotton dye lighter in color.
90. BLACKBERRIES WITH TIN MORDANT
The wild or cultivated varieties of blackberries will make a dye when they are ripe.
They can be used fresh or they can be frozen for later use.
Ingredients:
2 gallons fresh or frozen ripe blackberries
To make dye bath: Piacethe two gallons of ripe blackberries in a five gallon enamel
container and cover them with three and a half gallons of water. Boil the black-
berries for about one hour, or until the color has been boiled out of the berries. The
berries should be crushed while they are boiling to releaseall of the color. Cool.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath; simmer
for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half d cup of
rinse is clear, then shake the water from yarn, and hang it in the shade to dry.
Color: This recipe makesvarious shad of bright purple. The color will fade a little
but it will not lose color entirely. The dye bath may be used more than once to
obtain lighter shadesof purple.
Alternate fibers: Silk, linen, and cotton fibers dye well.
88
91. COCHINEAL WITH CHROME MORDANT
Co&meal is an excellent natural dye substance.It can be purchasedin powder form
from natural dye supply compa.nies.If different mordants are used with it, shades
of red, purple, and black can be obtained.
Ingredients:
1 pound of wool yarn, previously mordanted with chrome
% pound powdered cochineal
35cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye bath: Mix the cochineal powder with enough warm water to make a
thin paste. Use a one gallon glassor enamel container to allow for the thickening
and expansion of the mixture. Allow the mixture to stand for about twelve hours
and stir it three or four times during this time. After the mixture has been allowed
to stand, transfer it into a five gallon enamel container and add three gallons of
warm water. Add the water slowly and stir at the same time to dissolvethe lumps
and thick massesof powder in the original mixture. Heat to simmer and hold it at
that temperature for about ten minutes. This is the dye bath.
To dye woolyarn: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer it for about thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and
dye bath. Simmer for another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water
until the rinse is clear, then shake out the water and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makesa purple color and it is fast. The dye bath can be used over
again until the color is gone. Each successivedyeing will produce a lighter shade.
Ahrnatefibers: Silk fibers dye well.
92. COCHINEAL AND INDIGO WITH ALUM MORDANT

A variety of shadesof purple and lavender can be made by using an indigo dye over
yarns previously dyed red. The blue-reds or a true red must be used, since
yellow-reds dyed with indigo will produce browns and shadesof greens. If yarn is
dyed a first time with crimson cochineal, and then dyed a second time with indigo,
it will be purple in color.
Ingredients:
‘/i pound crimson cochineal powder
indigo extract (the amount is determined by the dyer)
*Acup Glauber’s salts
To make first dye bath: Mix the cochineal powder with enough warm water to
make a thin paste, and allow the mixture to set for twelve hours. The container
should be large enough to allow for expansion. After twe1v.ehours, transfer the
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mixture to an enamel container and add two and a half gallons of warm water. Mix
the liquid well with your hands and dissolveall the lumps. Heat to simmer and hold
there for ten minutes. This is the first dye bath.
To dye wool ymn tbe f’iit time: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the
dye bath and simmer it for thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until
the rinse is clear. Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
To make second dye batb: Put twoand a half gallons of warm water into an enamel
container. Add indigo extract a little at a time. Mix the extract well into the liquid.
Wet cochineal dyed yarn. Use small amounts of the yarn to test the color after each
addition of indigo extract is added until desired shade of purple is obtained.
Remember, the test will be a little lighter than the simmered yarns. When the
desiredshadeis obtained, the liquid is the second dye bath.
To dye wool ymn tbe second time: Add the wet, cochineal dyed, yarn to the dye
bath and simmer for fifteen minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoonsof tartaric acid and
dye bath. Simmer another fifteen minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water
&Y-
Coloc This recipe makes a purple color and it is fast.
Alternate fibers: Other natural fibers dye lighter shadesthan wool. Linen dyes very
poorly.
93. COCHINEAL AND MADDER WITH ALUM MORDANT

This recipe combines two dye baths. The dye baths are made separately then
combined, in equal parts, to make one dye bath.
Ingredients:
?4pound powdered cochineal
35pound madder roots
?-4cup Glauber’s salts
To make fist baIf of dye batb: Mix the cochineal powder with enough water to
make a thin paste. A larger container should be used than that which appears
necessary,becausethe mixture will expand and become thick. The mixture should
be allowed to set for about twelve hours and stirred three or four times during that
time. After the mixture has set, transfer the mixture to a large enamel container
and add two gallons of warm water. Add the water slowly and stir to dissolvelumps
and thick massesof powder. This is the first half of the dye bath.
To make second half of tbe dye batb: Cut the madder roots into 1/4”to 55” lengths,
place them in a three gallon enamel container, cover with two gallons of water and
soak for twelve hours. The roots will expand and absorb some of the water. After
they have been allowed to soak, simmer the roots in the same water for about
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forty-five minutes. Cool. Remove the roots and the liquid is the second half of the
dye bath. Pour one and a half gallons of each liquid into a five gallon enamel
container and heat to simmer for fifteen minutes. The liquid has now become dye
bath.
TO dye wool yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath;
of Glauber’s salts in one pint hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath.
Simmer another fifteen minutes. Allow the yam to cool in the dye bath. Rinse in
warm water until rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Coloc This recipe makes various shadesof purple that have a brown tone; the color
is fast. The dye bath may be used more than once to produce lighter shades.
Ahernate fibers: The recipe is suitable for all natural fibers. Vegetable fibers will
dye lighter shadesthan animal fibers.
94. CONCORD GRAPES WITH ALUM MORDANT

The purple grape, known as Concord, contains dye substance when it is ripe. It
should be used fresh.
Ingredients:
3 gallonsConcord grapespicked from stems
To make dye bath: Pick three gallons of Concord grapes from their stems, place
them in a five gallon enamel container and cover with about three and a half gallons
of water. Boil them for about one hour or until color has boiled out of the grapes.
Crush the grapes while boiling to help remove the color. Cool. Strain. The liquid is
the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath;
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool yarn in the dye bath. Rinse in warm water
until the rinse has become clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang in in the
shadeto dry.
color: The recipe makes a color range of lavendersand purples; the colors often
have a brown tone. It is fairly fast.
Altemute fibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
95. CONCORD GRAPES WITH TIN MORDANT

The purple grape, known as Concord, contains dye substance when it is ripe. It
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Ingredients:
3 gallonsConcord grapespicked from stems
To make dye bath: Pick three gallons of Concord grapes from their stems, place
them in a five gallon enamel container and cover with about three and a half gallons
of water. Boil for about an hour or until color has boiled out of the grapes.Crush
the grapeswhile they are boiling to help remove the color. Cool. Strain. The liquid
is the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath; simmer
Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath,
water until rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto
dry-
Color: The recipe makes various shadesof purple. The color is brighter than that
obtained when alum mordant is used. It is fairly fast.
Altertratefibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
96. CUDBEAR WITH TIN MORDANT

Cudbear can be purchased from commercial suppliers. The powdered dyestuff is
made from lichens.
Ingredients:
1 pound of wool yarn, previously mordanted with tin
4 ouncespowdered cudbear
5 cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye bath: Mix four ounces of cudbear with one quart of warm water in a
glass or an enamel container. Stir and mix the water until the powder has
completely dissolved;it will then be a thin paste. Put three gallons of warm water in
an enamel container and add it to the mixture a little at a time. Stir the liquid with
your hand and rub any remaining lumps of powder between your fingers to dissolve
them. Heat to simmer and hold the mixture at that temperature for fifteen minutes.
Stir it again thoroughly. This is the dye bath.
simmer for twenty minutes. Disso)ve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a
bath. Simmer it another twenty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until
the rinse is clear. Shakethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shade to dry.
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Color: This recipe makes a color range of purples and the color is fast. The dye bath
can be used three or four times to produce lighter shades, such as violet and
lavender.
Alternate fibers: This is a good dyestuff for all natural fibers. Linen, cotton, and
silk dye lighter shadesthan wool.
97. ELDERBERRIES WITH ALUM MORDANT

The purple-black elderberries were used in this recipe. They should be picked when
completely ripe, and used within a few hours after they have been picked. The
berries can also be frozen for later use.
Ingredients:
To make dye batb: Cut the elderberries and the part of the stem nearest the berry
into 1” to 3” lengths. Place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with
water and boil for about one hour. The berries should be crushed while they are
boiling and enough water should be added to keep the berries coveredwith liquid.
Cool. Strain. The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
rinse has become completely clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in
the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof purple. The dye bath may be used again
to obtain shadesof lavender. It is fast.
Alternatefibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton fibers do not dye well.
98. LOGWOOD WITH ALUM MORDANT

The dye is made from logwood chips and these can be purchasedfrom commercial
suppliers of vegetable dyestuffs. The chips come from a tropical tree which grows in
Central America and the West Indies. A variety of colors can be made by using
different mordants and different natural fibers.
Ingredients:
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To ntaRedye batb: Put the logwood chips in a cheeseclothbag, place the bag in an
allowed to soak, simmer it in the same water for one hour. Cool. Remove the bag.
To dye wool yum: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
Simmer another fifteen minutes. Cool. Rinse the wool yarn in warm water until the
Color: This recipe makesa dark purple color. It is fast.
AZ&mate fibers: The recipe is a good one for all natural fibers. Vegetable fibers dye
well.
99. MULBERRIES WITH ALUM MORDANT

Mulberries should be picked for dye purposes when they are ripe. They do not
make a particularly good dye, but they can be used as a last resort.
Ingredients:
4 gaIIonsripe mulberries
To make dye batb: Place the mulberries in a five gallon enamel container, cover
them with three and a half gallons of water and boil for about forty-five minutes.
Cr -.;h the berries while they are boiling to remove as much color as possible. Cool.
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool the wool yarn in the dye bath., then rinse it in
warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn, and hang it in
the shadeto dry.
Coio~: This recipe makes a gray-lavender; it is not a desirable color. One use of the
dye bath exhausts the color.
Alternate fibers: No other fibers were tested.
100. WILD GRAPES WITH ALUM MORDANT

Wild grapes will only make a dye when they are ripe. When they are ripe they make
a dark bluish-purple color. They can still be used for a few weeks after the frost has
hit them.
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Ingredients:
1 pound of wool yam, previously mordanted with alum
4 gaIIonsof wild grapes
To make dye batb: Pick the grapes from the stems, place them in a five gallon
enamel container, cover them with water and boil for ,about an hour. The grapes
should be crushed while they are boiling to releaseall of the coloring matter. Cool.
Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath and
Simmer for another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the
Color: This recipe makes various shades of lavender. The color will fade if it is
exposedto sunlight for long periods of time.
Alternatefibers: Silk fibers dye well but they will fade if exposedto sunlight. Linen
and cotton fibers do not dye well.
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IX. Tdns ad Browns
There are an abundant number of dye materials for tans and browns; many grow
wild and others can be purchased commercially. Some materials ‘~*i;l dye only as
dark as tan. However, this color can also be obtained by diluting 2%
4rown dye with
water. Browns are top dyed with blue to make black.
102. ACORNS WITH ALUM MORDANT

The acorns should be collected after they are mature. They can be picked from the
tree or off the ground. Last season’ssupply should not be picked from the ground
becausethe color has been bleached from them by the weather.
Ingredients:
3 gallons acorns nuts and hulls
!4 cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye batb: Place the acorns in a five gallon enamel container, cover them
with about three and a half gallons of water and soak for twelve to twenty-four
hours. After they have been allowed to soak, boil the acorns in the samewater for
two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is the dye bath.
To dye wool ym: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty rninutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Simmer
another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath. Rinse in warm water until
the rinse has become completely clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it
in the shade to dry.
Color: This recipe makesshadesof tan and the color is fast.
Aitmate fibers: Silk fibers dye about the same as wool. The color is too light for
vegetablefibers.
102. ALKANET ROOTS WITH ALUM MORDANT

Alkanet roots can be purchased from commercial suppliers and the variety of the
plant, as well as the mordant, determines the color.
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Ingredients:
% pound dried alkanet roots
4 tablespoons tartaric acid ;
To make dye bath: Place the dried alkanet roots in an enamel container, cover with
two and a half gallons of warm water and soak for twelve hours. After they have
been allowed to soak, boil the roots in the same water for about two hours. Cool.
Removethe refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yam in warm water until the rinse is clear.
Shakeor squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof tan that have a reddish tone. It is fast.
Altematejibers: All other natural fibers dye but the color will be very light.
103. BARBERRY PLANT WITH ALUM MORDANT

The green and red ieaf varieties of the barberry plant make good dyes with little
difference in the colors which result. The plant should be cut in late summer and
fall. It may be used fresh or dry. The dry plant givesa lighter color.
Ingredients:
To make dye batb: Cut the barberry canesand leavesinto 3” or 4” lengths, and
twenty-four hours. Boil the plant in the soaking water for three hours. Enough
water should be added to keep materials covered if it boils away. Cool. Remove the
thirty minutes. Allow the yarn to cool in the dye bath. Rinse the yarn in warm
water until the rinse is clear. Shake water from the yarn and hang it in shade to dry.
Color: This recipe makes a range of tan colc;rsand is very fast.
Alternate fibers: The recipe is suitable for all natural fibers, including jute, sisal,
raffia, and other grasses.Mohair dyes very well.
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104. BEETS WITH ALUM MORDANT
Beets do not make the quality or color of dye that they appear to make. They can
be used as a last resort, but they are not recommended asa good dye substance.
Ingredients:
10 pounds beets
To make dye butb: Washthe soil from the beets, place them in a five gallon enamel
container, cover with about three and a half gallons of water and cook until the
beets are soft. The beets may be used for food and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
simmer for about thirty minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoons of tartaric acid and half
is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Coioc This recipe makesvarious shadesof tan and is fast.
AJterwate fibers: Silk fibers dye about the same as wool. Vegetable fibers do not
dye dark enough to be considered a color.
105. BLACKBERRY VINES WITH ALUM MORDANT
The vines and leaves of young blackberry plants produce stronger dyes than old
plants. One and two year old plants will make good dyes. A good seasonaltime for
making dye from blackberry vines is about the middle of the summer, after the
plants have had severalweeks of hot sunshine. The cultivated or wild varieties may
be used.
Ingredients:
1 pound of wool yam, previously mordanted with alum
4 gallons young blackberry vines and leaves
To make dye batb: Cut the young blackberry vines and leavesinto 1” to 3” lengths
and fil a five gallon enamel container nearly full with them. Cover them with water
and let them soak for about twelve hours. Boil for three to four hours. Cool.
Remove the vines and leavesand the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool ~~SVJ:Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath, heat
slowly to simmer and hold there for thirty minutes. Add half a cup of Glauber’s
salts and four tablespoons of tartaric acid which has been previously dissolved in
one pint of hot water. Mix it well into the liquid and simmer for another thirty
minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in the warm water until rinse is clear. Squeezethe
rinse from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a reddish-tan and it is very fast.
Alternate fibers: Silk dyes well and to about the same shade as wool. Linen and
cotton fibers are not receptive to this dye.
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106. BLACK WALNUT HULLS WITH ALUM MORDANT
Black walnut hulls produce their best dye when they are used fresh and when the
hulls are green and spotted with brown. However, they can be dried and used later.
Do not make dye from walnuts that have been on the ground for a season.
Ingredients:
4 gallons black walnut hulls
To make dye batb: Break the hulls from the walnuts, place them in a five gallon
enamel container, cover with water and allow them to soak for about twenty-four
hours. At the end of twenty-four hours, add enough water to nearly fill the
container. The water will be absorbed while the hulls are soaking. Boil for about
three hours. Additional water may be needed to keep the hulls covered with liquid
while they are boiling. Cool. Remove the solid matter. The liquid is now the dye
bath.
To dye wool ym: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath;
a cup of Giauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer
Shakethe water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes brown and the color is fast. The brown may become
darker with age.
Alternate fibers: Silk dyes well. Linen and cotton do not dye brown and there are
better methods for obtaining tan. Mohair dyes a rich dark brown. Raffia dyes well.
107. BLOODROOT AND CUDBEAR WITH ALUM MORDANT
This dye is made by combining equal parts of approximately equal strength dye
liquids made from bloodroot and cudbear.
Ingredients:
I pound wool yam, previously mordanted with alum
4 ounces dried bloodroots
1 ounce cudbear
To make first half of dye batb: Soak four ounces of dried bloodroots in one and a
half gallons of warm water for twelve hours. Simmer the roots in the water in which
they have soaked for about one hour. Cool. Remove the roots. This is one half of
the dye bath.
To make second baif of dye batb: Dissolve one ounce of cudbear in one gallon of
warm water. Combine the two liquids. This is the entire dye bath.
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To dye wool y’ltll: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four ounces of tartaric acid and half a cup of
Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Simmer
another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear,
then squeezeor shake the water from the yarn, and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Colon This recipe makes shadesof rich tan and the color is fast.
Alternate fib: The recipe is not suitable for linen. Other natural fibers dye lighter
shadesof color than wool.
108. BURLEY TOBACCO WITH ALUM MORDANT

Green burley tobacco leaveswere used to make this dye bath. The cured tobacco,
its stalks, and some of the commercially packaged natural leaf chewing tobaccos
may give other good results. The green tobacco should be used in late summer.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with.alum
2 pounds green burley tobacco leaves
3-5cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye ha&: Cut the tobacco leavesinto 4” to 6” length pieces, place them
in a five gallon enamel container, cover with two and a half to three gallons of
water and boil for about one hour. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid becomes
the dye bath.
To dye wool ymn: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
another thirty minutes. Cool the yam in the dye bath. Rinse in warm water until
the rinse is clear. Shakethe water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof tobacco brown and is fast.
Altentatefibers: The recipe is suitable for all fibers.
109. COCKLEBUR WITH CHROME MORDANT

Cockleburs should be picked in late summer and can be used fresh or dried.
Ingredbzts:
4 tablespoonstartar& acid
To muke dye 6utb: Cut the cockleburs from the stalks, place them in a five gallon
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enamel container, cover with water and soak for about twelve hours. If dried
cockleburs are used, they should be soaked twenty-four hours. Boil the cockleburs
in the water in which they have been allowed to soak for about two hours. Extra
water should be added if needed. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the
dye bath.
To dye zvooZyanr: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yam to the dye bath;
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof rich brown. It is a fast color. The dye bath may
be used again for lighter shades.
Mtenrrrtefibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye well but the shadewill be
lighter than that produced in animal fibers.
110. COFFEE WITH ALUM MORDANT

The grounds from any of the percolator grinds of coffee will make dye after they
have been used for making coffee beverage. The coffee bean and other forms of
coffee may make dye, but they were not tested in these experiments.
Ingredients:
1 pound cotton yarn, previously mordanted with alum
3 one pound coffee cans packed tightly with coffee grounds
2 tablespoonstannic acid
To muke dye bath Place the coffee grounds in a lightweight cotton bag. The bag
should be large enough to allow the grounds to move around inside it. Tie the top
of the bag and place it in a five gallon enamel container. Cover with three gallons of
warm water and boil for one hour. Remove the bag of coffee grounds. Add two
tablespoonsof tannic acid to the liquid. This is the dye bath.
To dye cotton ym: Add the wet, alum mordanted, cotton yarn to the dye bath
and boil for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup
Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Boil another
thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. Remove
the water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
color: This recipe makes a coffee color, and it is fast.
Ahwute fibers: Soft linen fibers dye well. Wool and silk fibers also dye well and it
is not necessaryto use tannic acid in the dye.
111. DRIED POKEWEED BERRIES WITH ALUM MORDANT

Dried pokeweed berries can be used to make a dye. The berries can be dried by the
dyer or they can be purchasedfrom suppliers of vegetable dyes.
101
Ingredients:
2 pounds dried pokeweed berries
To muke dye butb: Place two pounds of dried pokeweed berries in a five gallon
enamel container, cover them with about three and a half gallons of water and
allow to soak twelve hours. After twelve hours, boil the dried berries in the water in
which they have been allowed to soak for one hour. Cool. Strain. The liquid
To dye wool y-: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
Shakethe water out of the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: Ibis recipe makesvarious shadesof brown and is fairly fast.
Altemutefibers: Silk dyes well. Linen and cotton fibers do not dye well.
112. FLORIBUNDA ROSE WITH ALUM MORDANT

Rose plants can be used to make dyes. If the rosesare trimmed in the fall, before
frost, the trimmings will make a dye. It is not necessaryto destroy the plant as the
canesand leavesthat are used to make the dye are used only after they have had a
summer’s sunshine.Cut and use fresh late in the season,before frost.
Ingredients:
4 gallons floribunda rose stems and leaves
To make dye butb: Cut four gallons of floribunda rose stems and leavesinto 3” or
4” lengths, place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water and soak
for twelve hours. Roil the stems and leavesin the water in which they have been
allowed to soak for about two hours. Add extra water as it boils away. Cool.
Remove the refuse. Ihe liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye wool ya: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath, then rinse it in warm water
until the rinse is clear. Shake the water from yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makesvarious shadesof tan and the colors are fast.
Altmute fibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers. Vegetable fibers should
be boiled in the dye bath but animal fibers should only be simmered.
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113. GUM CATECHU WITH ALUM MORDANT
Gum catechu is also known as cutch. It will make a variety of colors when different
mordants are used with it.
Ingredients:
$5pound gum catechu
4FIcup Glauber’s salts
catechu has dissolved. The resin like substancebecomes sticky and gummy when
water is added and it must be stirred and mixed for about thirty minutes before it
Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makesa color range of browns and the color is fast.
Alternu~ fibers: The recipe is suitable for all natural fibers but the shadeof color
avary.
114. GUM CATECHlj WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Gum catechu is also known as cutch. It is one of the best natural dyes and can be
purchasedfrom commercial suppliers.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with copperas
% pound gum catechu
catechu has dissolved. The resin like substancebecomes sticky and gummy when
the water is added and it must be stirred and mixed for about thirty minutes before
it dissolves.This is the dye bath.
To dye wool yartc Add the wet, copperas mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath
cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Simmer
Squeezeor shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
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Color: This recipe makes shadesof dark brown. The copperas mordant will make
darker shadesthan alum mordant with this I. lrticular dyestuff. It is fast.
Alterrratefzh: Other natural fibers dye lighter shadesthan wool.
115. HICKORY WITH ALUM MORDANT

Hickory twigs about finger size in diameter should be selected for dye purposes.
The leaves can also be used to make dye. Hickory should be cut in late summer
until frost and it can be used fresh or dry. Fresh materials make stronger dyes.
Inphts:
4 gallons pieces of hickory twigs and leaves
To make dye batb: Cut the hickory twigs and leavesinto 1” to 3” lengths. Place
them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water, and soak for twenty-four
hours. Boil the twigs and leaves in the soaking water for about three hours. The
water should be replenished as it boils away to keep the materials covered with
water. Cool. Remove refuse. The liquid is now the dye bath.
another thirty minutes. AIlow the yarn to cool in the dye bath. Rinse the yarn in
warm water until the rinse is clear. Shakethe water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof tan and is fast.
Alternutefibers: This recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
116. IRONWEED WITH ALUM MORDANT

To make a dye from ironweed, it should be cut when it is in bloom and used fresh.
The entire plant, except the roots, may be used.
Ingredients:
4 gallons cut up piecesironweed
To make dye butb: Cut the ironweed plant, blossoms, stems, and leavesinto 3” to
4” lengths, cover with &bout three and a half gallons water and soak for about
twelve hours. Boil the pieces of the plant in the water in which they have been
allowed to soak ior about two hours. More water may have to be added if it boils
away. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
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To dye 20001yutn: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath;
simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve fcur tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Simner
another thirty minutes. Allow the yarn to cool in the dye bath. Rinse the yam in
warm water until the rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes various shadesof tan and the color is fast.
Altmutefibers: Silk fibers dye well. The color is too light for vegetablefibers.
117. LOGWOOD WITH NO MORDANT

This dye is made from logwood chips which can be purchased from commercial
suppliers of vegetable dyestuffs. The trees grow in Central America and the West
Indies. Many colors can be made with different mordants and different fibers.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
To make dye butb: Art the logwood chips in a cheeseclothbag, place the bag in an
allowed to soak, simmer i”; in the same water for one hour. Cool. Remove the bag.
This is the dye bath.
To dye woof yam: Add the wet, unmordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
Color: This recipe makes a yellowish-red brown. It is fast.
Alternate fibers: The recipe is good for all natural fibers.
118. MADDER AND MULLEIN WITH CHROME MORDANT

This recipe combines dye baths. The dye baths are made separately then combined,
in equal parts, to make one dye bath.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yam, previously mordanted with chrome
!4 pound madder roots
2 gallons cut up pieces mullein
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To make first half of dye bath: Cut the madder roots into %” to $5” lengths, place
them in a three gallon enamel container, cover with two gallons of water and soak
for twelve hours. The roots will expand and absorb some of the water. Simmer the
roots in the water in which they have been allowed to soak for about forty-five
minutes. Cool. Removethe roots. The liquid is the first half of the dye bath.
To make second half of dye batb: Cut the mullein stalks and leavesinto 3” or 4”
lengths, place them in a container, cover with two gallons of water and soak for
twelve hours. After the stalks have been allowed to soak, boil them in the same
water for three hours. Extra water may need to be added to keep materials covered.
Cool. Remove refuse. This is second half of the dye bath. Combine equal parts of
the two dye baths, one and a half gallons of each. The liquid is now ready for use as
the dye bath.
To dye wool yam: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath;
salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer another fifteen
minutes. Cool the yarn in dye bath, then rinse it in warm water until the rinse is
clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a brown color that has a red tone; it is an unusual shade.
This is an extremely fast color.
Afternatefibers: Suitable for all natural fibers.
119. MULTIFLORA ROSE WITH ALUM MORDANT

The canes and leaf fronds of the multiflora rose can be used as a dye substance.
They should be cut for dye purposesin late summer until frost.
Ingredients:
4 gallons fresh, cut up, multiflora rose stems and leaves
4 tablespoons tartaric acid 1
To make dye bath: Cut the canes and leavesof the multiflora rose into 1” to 3”
lengths. Place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water and soak for
twenty-four hours. After they have been allowed to soak, boil the rose canes and
stems in the same water for two hours. Extra water should be added if the water
boils away. Cool the rose canes in the water. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now
the dye bath.
To dye wool yutrr: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
Shakethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shade to dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof tan and the color is fast.
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Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton fibers dye lighter shadesof
color than wool and silk. Vegetable fibers dye very well if some metal is spun with
the fibers.
120. PECAN HULLS WITH CHROME MORDANT

The green hulls from mature pecans make the best dye. Pecanscan be picked off
the ground or from the tree in late summer; the mature nut has a green hull with
brown spots on it. The whole fruit can be used if it is crushed and soaked. Green
pecan leavesand twigs will also make dye. Dried pecan materials make much lighter
dyes than fresh ones.
Ingredients:
2 gallons crushed pecan hulls
To make dye batb: Crush the pecan hulls, the nut and shell may be left inside the
hulls, place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with three gallons of water
and soak for twelve to twenty-four hours. After the hulls have been allowed to
soak, boil them in the same water for about two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse.
To dye wool ym: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath. Rinse the yarn in warm
to dry.
Color: This recipe makes shadesof rich dark golden brown and the color is fast.
Alternute fibers: This recipe is suitable for all fibers. Jute dyes exceptionally well.
121. PRIVET WITH ALUM MORDANT

The clippings from a privet hedge can be used to make a dye if they are cut from
midsummer to frost. Fresh clippings should be used.
Ingredients:
4 gallons cut up privet clippings
1%cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye batb: Cut the pieces of privet into 1” to 3” lengths, place them in a
five gallon enamel container, cover with three gallons of warm water and soak for
twelve hours. Boil the cuttings in the soaking water for about two hours. Cool.
Remove the refuse and the liquid becomesthe dye bath.
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To dye wool yatw: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear. Squeeze
Color: This recipe makes a color range of tans and light browns. It is fast.
Altenrate fibers: This recipe can be used with any natural fiber.
122. QUEEN ANNE’S LACE WITH CHROME MORDANT

Queen Anne’s lace is also known as wild carrot. This plant should be gathered when
it is in bloom and the stems, leaves, and blossoms used for dye materials. They
Ingredients:
1 pound silk yarn, previously mordanted with chrome
4 gallons cut up piecesQueen Anne’s lace
To make dye batb: Cut the whole plant, including the blossoms, into 3” or 4”
about two hours. Extra water should be added if it boils away. Cool. Remove
refuse. The liquid is the dye bath.
To dye silk yanr: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, silk yarn to the dye bath;
salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty
minutes. Allow the yarn to cool in the dye bath, then rinse it in warm water until
rinse has become completely clear. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in
the shadeto dry.
color: This recipe makes colors which range from tan to light brown. The colors are
fast.
Alternate fibers: The recipe is suitable for all natural fibers.
123. RED CEDAR WITH CHROME MORDANT

The red cedar is known asjuniper in some geographicalareas.The berries and twig
were collected in late August for this recipe. However, other seasonsmay give
different colors.
Ingredients:
4 gallons red cedar berries and twigs f
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To make dye batb: Cut the twigs with berries on them into 4” to 6” length pieces,
place them in a five gahon enamel container, cover with about three and a half
gallons of water and soak for twenty-four hours. After they have been allowed to
soak, boil the twigs and berries in the samewater for two hours. Cool. Remove the
TO dye 20001 JUPW:Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the warm dye
bath and simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and
half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath.
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cod the yarn in the dye bath, then rinse it in warm
water until the rinse is clear. Shake tile water from the yarn and hang it in the shade
to dry.
color: The recipe makes various shadesof red-brown and the color is fast.
Alternate @~YS: This recipe is good for silk yarns. Vegetable fibers will dye lighter
shadesthan animal fibers.
The dye gives the yarns a strong cedar odor which may make them moth-proof.
124. RED ONION SKINS WITH TIN MORDANT

Fibers, as well as mordants and natural conditions, will affect the color that is
obtained in natural dyeing. Red onion skins are a good example of this-they
produce a brown color range on vegetable fibers and a gold range on animal fibers.
The dyer wiIl find that each dye batch will be a slightly different shade, regardless
of the type of fiber.
Ingredients:
1 pound cotton chenille or
soft spun cotton yarn, previously mordanted with tin
4 gallons red onion skins
To make dye batb: Place four gallons of dry red onion skins in a five gallon enamel
container, cover them with water and boil until the skins are almost clear. Cool.
Remove the cooked skins. The liquid is now the dye bath.
To dye cotton chenille yam: Add the wet, alum mordrinted, chenille yarn to dye
bath and boil for thirty minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoons of tartaric acid and half
a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Boil
another thirty minutes. (AlI vegetable fibers should be boiled in the dye bath.)
Allow the yarn to cool in the dye bath, then rinse it in warm water until rinse has
becJme completely clear. Squeeze out the water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes colors which range from tan to brown and the colors are
reasonably fast.
Alternate fibers: If red onion skins are used with tin mordant, the dye is suitable
for all natural fibers. The color will vary with the fiber.
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125. SAFFLOWER WITH ALUM MORDANT
powder is made from the dried blossoms of the plant and it makes a good dye.
Ingredients:
1 pound safflower powder
To make dye batb: Place the safflower powder in a lightweight cotton bag, about
12” square in size, tie the top and place it in a five gallon enamel container. Cover
with three and a half gallons of warm water and soak until all of the powder is wet.
Boil for about two hours and then remove the bag of powder. The liquid is the dye
bath.
To dye wool yum: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
of Glauber’ssalts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer another
Cofo~: This recipe makes shadesof yellowish-tan and the color is fast. The dye bath
may be used more than once to obtain lighter shadesof color.
Alternate @ers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton fibers dye lighter shades
than silk and wool.
126. SASSAFRAS WITH ALUM MORDANT

Sassafrastwigs and leavescan be used to make a dye if they are cut in late summer
until frost.
Ingredients:
4 gallons sassafrastwigs and leaves
To make dye batb: Cut the sassafrastwigs and leaves into 1” to 3” lengths. Place
them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water and soak for twenty-four
hours. Aftter they have been allowed to soak, boil the twigs and leavesin the same
water for about three hours. More water may need to be added if it boils away.
Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool ya: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. Dissoive four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup
of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Simmer for
another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until the rinse is clear,
then shakethe water from the yam and hang it in the shade to dry.
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~oloc This recipe makes various shadesof tan, which often have a reddish tone.
The dyed yarn retains the color very well.
Alternate fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Linen and cotton dye a shadethat is too light
to be considered a color.
127. SCARLET SAGE BLOSSOMS W6TH COPPERAS MORDANT

This plant is also known as salvia. The blossomsshould be picked when they are in
full bloom and they can be used fresh or dry. If the blossoms are exposed to
extended hot sunshine it will make the pigment stronger and these blossoms give
the best dye.
Ingredients:
1 pound soft spun linen yarn
4. ouncescopperascrystals (ferrous sulfate)
4 gallons scarlet sageblossoms
To muke dye Mb: Rick the blossoms from their stems and place them in a five
gallon enamel container, cover with water, and boil for about thirty minutes. Cool.
Remove the blossoms. Add four ounces copperas crystals (ferrous sulfate) to the
dye bath and stir them until the copperashas completely dissolved.This is the dye
bath.
To dye linen ym: Add the wet linen yarn to the dye bath and boil for thirty
mirmies. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts
in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. The yarn should be kept
covered with the dye bath to prevent streaking. Boil another thirty minutes. Cool
the yarn in the dye bath, then rinse it in warm water until the rinse is clear. Wring
the water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: The recipe makes colors which range from tan to brown. It is fast.
Alternutefibers: This recipe may be used on cotton, but it is not suitable for animal
fibers.
128. SEAWEED WITH ALUM MORDANT

The seaweedfor this dye was collected from the coast of Maine. The color of the
dye obtained from seaweedoften varies according to the geographical area of its
origin and the variety of the plant used to make the dye. Seaweedhas a pungent
odor when it is heated.
Ingredients:
1 po.lnd of silk yarn, previously mordanted with alum
4 lallcns of seaweed
4 t Jblespoonstartaric acid
?4cu? Glauber’s salts
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To make dye bath: Rackthe seaweedin a five gallon enamel container, cover it with
water and boil for about two hours. Additional water should be added as the water
in the container boils away, and putting a lid on the container helps to reduce the
odor while the seaweed is boiling. Cool. Remove the solid. matter. The liquid
To dye silk ynm: Add the wet, alum mordanted, silk yarn to the dye bath and
is clear. Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
dolor: This recipe makesa light tan color which is fast.
Alternate fibers: Wool will dye gray when this recipe is used. The color is too light
to be used on linen and cotton.
129. SEDGE WITH ALUM MORDANT

Sedgeis a tall grass that grows in clumps in wet ground. It can be cut for dye
purposes from spring untii frost. The whole plant, except roots, yields dye
substance.
Ingredients:
To muke dye bath Cut the sedgeinto 6” to 12” lengths, place them in a five gallon
enamel container, cover with water, and boil for about two hours. The water may
boil away and extra water should then be added. Cool. Remove the refuse. The
liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yntn: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse in warm water until the rinse is clear, then
shake water from the yarn and hang it in the shade to dry.
Color: This recipe makesshadeswhich range from greenish-tanto brass. It is one of
the fastest of all the vegetabledyes.
Ahmute fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Cotton and linen dye reasonably well but not
as dark in color as wool and silk.
130. SUMAC BERRIES WITH ALUM MORDANT

The red sumac makesone of the fastest of vegetable dyes becauseit contains tannic
acid. Its berries, twigs, and leavescan be used fresh or dried. The berries should be
used only after they have turned dark red, not later than a few weeks after frost.
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Last year’s berries, if they have been left out in the weather, will have been
bleachedtoo much to make dye. Do not use the white berry becauseit is poisonous.
Ingredients:
4 gallons fresh or dried sumac berries
To muke dye but&: Cut or break the berry headsinto small pieces,place them in a
five gallon enamel container, cover with about three and a half gallons of water and
soak for about twenty-four hours. Extra water may need to be added to keep the
berries covered. After the berries have been allowed to soak, boil them in the same
water for two to three hours, depending on whether a dark or light color is desired.
Cool. Removethe refuse. The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: In this case mordanting is not absolutely necessarybut it is
preferable because the fibers can be top dyed later. Add wet, alum mordanted,
wool yam to the dye bath and simmer for thirty minutes. Dissolvefour tablespoons
this to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm
water until rinse is clear, then shake water from yarn and hang it in the shade to
dw.
color: This recipe makes shadesof tan and the color is very fast.
Altemutefibers: The recipe may be used with all natural fibers.
131. SUNFLOWER SEEDS WITH ALUM MORDANT

The mature dried sunflower seedsshould be used.
Ingredients:
2 pounds dried sunflower seeds
To make dye hth: Place sunflower seedsin an enamel container, cover with three
gallons of warm water and soak for twelve to twenty-four hours. After the seeds
have been allowed to soak, boil them in the same water for two hours. Cool.
Remove the seeds.The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the shade to dry.
Color: This recipe makesa yellowish-tan color and it is fast.
Alternate fibers: The color is too light to dye other fibers.
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132. TEA WITH ALUM MORDANT
The black teas, sold for beverages,will make dyes and experiments can be made
with the various commercial forms. Tea leavescan also be used for dye purposes
after they have been used for making beverages.Allow two to three times the
original amount when fresh dry leavesare not used.
Ingredients:
?4pound fresh dry black tea leaves
To make dye bath Put the tea leavesin an enamel container. Pour two gallons of
boiling water over the leaves and steep them for one hour, Strain. The liquid
Squeezethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry,
color: This recipe makes shadesof tan. It is fast.
Altematefihrs: The recipe can be used with all natural fibers.
133. TERRA-COTTA CLAY WITH ALUM MORDANT

The terra-cotta clay used by potters will make a dye. Experiments can also be made
with other clays the dyer finds in his own area to seeif they will make dyes.
Ingredients:
2 pounds dry terra-cotta clay
To make dye bath Place the dry terra-cotta clay in a five gallon enamel container,
add three and a half gallons of water and mix until the clay has dissolved. Boil the
mixture and stir at the sametime for about forty-five minutes. Cool. This is the dye
bath.
To Fryewooi yam: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
simmer for thirty minutes. Move the dye bath around while it is simmering to keep
the clay from settling to bottom of container. Dissolvefour tablespoons of tartaric
acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the
dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes, keeping the yarn moving in the dye bath.
Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until rinse is clear and make sure all the clay
has been removed from the yarn. Shake the water from the yarn and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
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Color: This recipe m&es various shadesof brown, and the color is fast.
AIternrte fibers: Cotton fibers dye shadesof brown. Silk and linen fibers were not
tested.
134. TOMATO VINE WITH ALUM MORDANT

The tomato vine was used the next morning after frost. Fresh tomato vines may
also be used for dyes.
Ingredients:
4 gallons cut up piecesof tomato vine
To make dye butb: Cut the tomato vine, leaves,and stalk into 3” or 4” lengths,
about four gallons in quantity. Race them in an enamel container, cover with water
and boil for about two hours. Extra water should be added if it boils away. Cool.
Removethe refuse. The liquid is the dye bath.
To dye wool ym: Add the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath;
of Giauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Simmer
dry.
Color: This recipe makesshadesof tan and the color is fast.
Alterrtatefibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye very pale.
135. TOMATO VINE WITH BLUE VITRIOL MORDANT

The green tomato vine was cut in August and used fresh. All of the plant parts
above the ground were used. The variety of the tomato and the growing seasonwill
influence the shadeof color.
Ingredients:
1 pound jute yarn, previously mordanted with blue vitriol
2 large tomato vines
4 tablespoons tartarie acid
To make dye htb: Cut the tomato vines into 4” to 6” length pieces.The two vines
should make approximately four gallons of cut up pieces. Place them in a five
gallon enamel container, cover with water, and boil for one and a half to two hours.
Cool. Remove refuse. The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye jute yam: Add the wet, blue vitriol mordanted, jute yarn to the dye bath
and boil for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup
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of Glauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Boil
another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath, then rinse it in warm water I
until the rinse is clear. Wring the water from the yarn and hang it in the shade to
dry.
Color: This recipe makes a range of tan colors that have green tones. The color is
fast.
Altemate fibers: The recipe is suitable for all fibers.
136. TOMATO VINE WITH TIN MORDANT

The tomato vine was cut and used fresh in August. All of the green parts which
were above the ground were used. The variety of the tomato and the growing
conditions of the seasoninfluence the shadeof color.
@redients:
1 pound wool yam, scoured only
2 large tomato plants
1 teaspoon tin
To make dye barb: Cut the tomato plants into 4” to 6” length pieces. The two
plants should make approximately four gallons of cut up pieces. Place in a five
gallon enamel container, cover with three and a half to four gallons of water and
boil for one and a half to two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. Add one teaspo,>nof
tin and mix well. This is the dye bath.
To dye woolyum: Add the wet, scoured, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for
Clauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Simmer
&Y.
Color: This recipe makes a range of red-brown colors and is fast.
Altemarcfibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers were not tested.
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X Gnzys.andBlacks
There are comparatively few sources of black dye substancesamong the vegetable
dye materials. About the only sourcesare some barks, a few of the varieties of wild
roses, cochineal mixed with vinegar using a copperas mordant, and black walnut
hulls. However, black can be made by top dyeing brown with blue.
Grays are easily obtained. Many plant parts make a dye as dark as gray and all of
the black dyes can be diluted with water to make gray. After a black dye has been
used once to produce black, it usually gives a gray the second and third times it is
used. Vegetable fibers are much more difficult to dye black than animal fibers.
A small amount of black dye bath added to colors such as red and green will
make them darker.
137. BARBERRY PLANT WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

The greenand red leaf varietiesof the barberry plant make good dyes and very little
difference in color results. The plant should be cut in late summer and fall. It may
be used fresh or dry. The dry plant givesa lighter color.
Ingredients:
1 pound jute yam
To make dye bath Cut the barberry canes and leavesinto 3” or 4” lengths and
twenty-four hours. After the barberry has been alloaed to soak, boil it in the same
water for three hours. Enough water should be added to keep the materials covered,
if it boils away. Cool. Remove the refuse. Add four ounces of copperas crystals
(ferrous sulfate) to the liquid and stir until completely dissolved. This is the dye
bath.
To dJte jute yam: Add the wet, jute yarn to the dye bath; boil for thirty minutes.
pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath. Boil another thirty minutes.
l&p the yarn covered with the dye bath to prevent streaking. Allow the yarn to
117
cool in the dye bath, then rinse the yam in warm water until the rinse is clear.
Wring the water from the yam and hang it in the shadeto dry.
COIOC This recipe makes colors which range from gray to black. It is fast.
Altematefibers: The recipe is suitable for all vegetablefibers.
13%. BLACK WALNUT HULLS WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Black walnut hulls will make a stronger dye if they are picked and used while the
hulls still have some green coloring on the outside of the hull. After turning brown
the hulls will still make a dye but it will not be as strong. The whole walnut may be
dried and used later, although the results are variable. The walnuts should not be
left lying on the ground for a seasonand then used for dye purposes. as they will
Ingredihts:
1 pound wool yarn
To nuke dye butb: Break the hulls from the walnuts, place them in a five gallon
enamel container, cover with water and allow them to soak about twenty-four
hours. At the end of this time add enough water to nearly fill the container. The
water will be absorbed while the hulls are soaking. Boil for about three hours.
Additional water may be needed to keep the hulls covered with liquid while they
are boiling. Cool. Remove the solid matter. The liquid is now the dye bath. Add
four ounces of copperas (ferrous sulfate) and stir until dissolved. The dye bath is
ready to use.
To dye wooiyum: Add wet, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for about thirty
in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes.
Color: This recipe makes black and the color is fast. The dye bath may be used
again to make shadesof gray.
Al&mate fibers: Copperas should not be used on silk fibers. Linen and cotton will
dye various shadesof gray.
139. BLACK WALNUTS AND INDIGO WITH ALUM MORDANT

A good black can be obtained by dyeing the yarn brown with black walnut hulls
and then dyeing it a second time with indigo.
ingredients:
118
1 ounce indigo extract
To make first dye bat&: Break the hulls from the walnuts, place them in a five
gallon enamel container, cover with three gallons of warm water and soak for about
twenty-four hours. After the walnuts have been allowed to soak, boil them in the
same water for about three hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. The liquid is now the
dye bath.
To dye wool ym t&e fit time: Add the wet, alum mordanted wool yarn to the
dye bath and simmer for about one hour. Cool. Rinse the yarn in warm water until
To make second dye batb: Put two and a half gallons of warm water in an enamel
container, add one ounce of strong indigo extract and mix well. This is the second
dye bath.
To dye woolyarn tbesecond time: Wet the walnut dyed yarn in warm water, add it
to the second dye bath and simmer for fifteen minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons
of tartaric acid and half a cup of Ciauber’s salts in one pint of hot water and add
this mixture-to the dye bath. Simmer another fifteen minutes. Cool. Rinse the yarn
in warm water until the rinse is clear, then squeezethe water from the yarn, and
hang it in the shade to dry.
Color: This recipe makes black and the color is fast.
Altertiatefibers: Other natural fibers dye various shadesof gray and thesecolors are
fast.
140. COCHINEAL WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Cochineal may be purchased in powder form from natural dye supply sources.
When it is used with different mordants, shadesof red, purple, and black may be
obtained.
Ingredients:
I pound of wool yarn
1 pound powdered cochineal
2 cups white vinegar
To make dye barb: Mix the cochineal powder with the white vinegar to form a
paste. A one gallon glassor enamel container should be used for this becausethe
mixture will expand and become very thick. Allow the mixture to stand for about
twelve hours and stir it three or four times during this time. After this, transfer the
mixture to a five gallon enamel container and add three gallons of warm water. The
water should be added slowly and stirred at the sametime to dissolve the lumps and
L’
119
.
thick massesof powder in the original mixture. Add four ounces of copperas
crystals (ferrous .!sulfate) and mix until completely dissolved. Heat the liquid,
simmer and hold :$ere for about ten minutes. This is the dye bath.
To dye wool ypnr: Add the wet yarn to the dye bath and simmer for thirty
in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath. Simmer for another
the water out of the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes black and the color is fast. The dye bath may be used
again to obtain shadesof gray. Each successivedyeing will produce a lighter shade.
AZzm fibers: Copperasshould not be used on silk fibers. Linen and cotton will
dye shadesof gray. Jute dyes shadesof dark gray.
141. ELDERBERRIES WITH TIN MORDANT

The purple-black variety of elderberries is used for this recipe. The berries may be
used fresh or frozen, but in either case they should be used before they ferment.
Berries that are absolutely ripe will make the strongest dye.
Ingmdients:
I pound wool yarn, previously mordanted with tin
To muke dye bath: Cut the elderberries and the part of the stem nearest the berry
into 1” to 3” lengths. Place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with
water and boil for about one hour. The berries should be crushed while they are
boiling and more water can be added if needed. Cool. Strain. The liquid is the dye
bath.
To dye ,wool yarn: Add the wet, tin mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath; simmer
it for thirty minutes. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of
to dry.
Color: This recipe makes a dark blue-gray and the color is reasonably fast. The dye
bath may be used again to produce lighter shades.
Alternute fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye lighter shades than
animal fibers.
142. ELDERBERRIES AND POKEWEED BERRIES WITH CHROME MORDANT

This recipe combines:dye baths. The baths are made separately, then combined into
one dye bath.
120
Ingredients:
2 gaEonselderberries
2 gallons pokeweed berries
To muke first hffofdye bath Cut elderberries and the stem nearestthe berry into
1” to 3” lengths. Place them in a container, cover with water, and boil for about
one hour. Cool. Strain. This is one half of the dye bath.
To make second half of dye batb: Cut pokeweed berries and the stem nearest the
berry into 1” to 3” lengths. Place them in a container, cover with water, and boil
for about forty-five minutes. Cool. Strain. This is the second half of the dye bath.
Pour the two liquids into a five gallon enamel container and stir. This is the
completed dye bath, consisting of equal parts of the two dye liquids.
To dye zvool yurn: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath;
simmer for thirty minutes. Remember, keep the container covered when working
salts in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty
minutes. Cool. Rinse the wool yarn in warm water 6&i rinse is clear, then shake
~olot: This recipe makes various shades of green-gray which have a brown tone.
When two dye liquids are combined they often produce unusual shadesof color
which are difficult to describe. It is fast.
AItemute fibers: Silk fibers dye well. Vegetable fibers dye lighter shades than
animal fibers.
143. GUM CATECHU WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Gum catechu is also known as cutch. It is a good dye and makesa variety of colors
when different mordants are used with it. It can be purchased from commercial
suppliers.
ingredients:
1 pound wool yam
I%pound gum catechu
4 tab!espoonstartaric acid
H cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye butb: Place the gum catechu in an enamel container and add two and
catechu has dissolved. The resin-like substance becomes sticky and gummy when
water is added, and it must be stirred and mixed for about thirty minutes before it
dissolves. Add four ounces of copperas and mix well. Heat to simmer and hold
there for five minutes. This is the dye bath.
121
To dye 20001yum: Add the wet, scoured, wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for
thirty minutes. The yarn should be kept entirely covered with the dye bath to
prevent streaking. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of
Simmer another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse the wool yam in warm water until the ’
rinse is clear. Squeezeor shake water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes black and the color is fast.
AItemutefibers: Natural fibers, other than, wool, dye various shadesof gray.
144. LOGWOOD WITH CHROME MORDANT

The dye is made from logwood chips which can be purchased from commercial
suppliers of vegetable dyestuffs. The chips come from a tropical tree native to
Central America and the West Indies. A variety of colors can be made from this dye
by using it with different mordants and different natural fibers.
Ingredients:
3&cup Glauber’s salts
To make dye 6&: Put the logwood chips in a cheesecloth bag, place the bag in an
enamel container, cover with two and a half gallons of warm water and soak it for
allowed to soak, simmer it in the same water for one hour. Cool. Remove the bag.
The liquid becomesthe dye bath.
To dye wool ym: Add the wet, chrome mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
Coiot: The recipe makes black color on wool. It is fast.
Alternate fibers: This recipe produces different colors on different natural fibers. It
makes dark blue on silk.
145. MULTIFLORA ROSE WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

The canesand leaf fronds of the multiflora rose yield a dye substance.They should
be cut for dye purposesbetween late summer and frost.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
4 gallons fresh cut up multiflora rose stems and leaves
122
TO make dye bath Cut the canesand leavesof the multiflora rose into 1” to 3”
lengths. Place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover them with water and
soak for twenty-four hours. After they have soaked, boil the canesand leavesin the
same water for two hours. Extra water may be needed as it boils away. Cool.
Remove the refuse. Add four ounces of copperas crystals (ferrous sulfate) to the
liquid and stir the crystals into the liquid until they have completely dissolved. This
is the dye bath
the water from the yam and hang in the shadeto dry.
Coloc This recipe produces colors which range from black to gray and is fast.
AItetrrate @ers: Copperas should not be used on silk fibers. Linen and cotton
fibers dye shadesof gray.
146. PECAN HULLS WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

The green hulls from mature pecans make the best dye. The pecanscan be picked
off the ‘ground, or from the tree, in late summer. When it is picked, the nut should
be mature; the hull is still green but it has brown spots on it. The whole fruit can be
used if it is crushed and soaked. Green pecan leavesand twig also make dye. Dried
pecan materials will make lighter dyes than fresh ones.
Ingredients:
1 pound jute yarn
2 gallons crushed pecan hulls
2 ouncescopperas
To make dye bath: Crush the pecan hulls, the nut and shell may be left inside the
hulls, place them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with three gallons of water
and soak for twelve to twenty-four hours. Boil the hulls in the water in which they
have been allowed to soak for about two hours. Cool. Remove the refuse. Add two
ouncesof copperas to the liquid, and stir until dissolved.This is the dye bath.
To dye jute yarn: Add the wet, jute yarn to the dye bath and boil gently for about
one hour. Dissolvefour tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of Glauber’s salts
in one pint of hot water and add this mixture to the dye bath. Boil gently for
another thirty minutes. Cool the yarn in the dye bath. Rinse the yarn in warm
water until the rinse is clear. Wring the water from the yarn, and hang it in the
shadeto dry.
Colot: This recipe makes a color range of grays and blacks. It is fast. If jet black is
desired,add four ounces of copperasinstead of two.
123
‘,
,_,
Altemute fiti: The recipe is suitable for all fibers with the possible exception of
silk. Wool fibers should be simmered in the dye bath for a total of one hour.
147. SASSAFRAS WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Sassafrastwigs and leavesmake dyes if they are cut late in the summer and until
frost. Mature leavesand twigs, about finger size in diameter, should be selected.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
4 gallons sassafrastwigs and leavescut up
To muke dye butb: Cut the sassafrastwigs and leaves into 1” to 3” lengths. Place
them in a five gallon enamel container, cover with water, and soak for about
twenty-four hours. After they have been allowed to soak, boil the twigs and leaves
in the same water for about three hours. The water may need to be replenished if it
boils away. Cool. Remove the refuse. Add four ounces copperas crystals (ferrous
sulfate) to the liquid, and stir until completely dissolved. This is the dye bath.
minutes. Keep the yarn covered with the dye bath while the liquid is simmering to
prevent streaking. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of
another thirty minutes. Cool. Rinse in warm water until the rinse is clear, then
shakethe water from the yarn and hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes colors which range from dark gray to black. The dye bath
may be used again to produce lighter shadesof gray. The color is fast.
Altemute fibers: Cotton and linen fibers dye lighter shades of gray than wool.
I
Copperasshould not be used on silk fibers.
148. SEAWEED WITH ALUM MORDANT

The color obtained from seaweedmay depend on the geographicallocation where it
is collected and on the variety of the plant. Different fibers may also produce
different colors.
Ingredients:
4 gallons of seaweed
To muke dye butb: Rack the seaweedin a five gallon enamel container, cover it with
water and boil for about two hours. Additional water should be added as the water
in the container boils away. Since seaweedhas a pungent odor, putting a lid on the
the~odor while it is boiling. Cool. Remove the solid
matter. The liquid becomesthe. dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add-the wet, alum mordanted, wool yarn to the dye bath and
has become completely clear, squeezeor shake out the last rinse and hang the yarn
in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes a gray color and is fast.
Ahmute jibers: The recipe will make a tan color when silk fibers are used. Linen
and cotton dye to a shadethat is too light to be considered a color.
149. SUMAC BERRIES WITH COPFERAS MORDANT

The berries, twigs, and leaves of the red sumac can be used to make a dye when
fresh or dry. They should be used only after the berries have turned dark red and
for a few weeks after frost. Last year’s berries should not be used if they have been
left out in the weather. The white berry variety of sumac should not be used
becauseit is poisonous.
Ingredients:
1 pound wool yarn
4 gallons of broken headsof sumac berries
To make dye bath Break the berry heads into small pieces, place them in a five
gallon enamel container, cover with water, and soak for twenty-four hours. Boil the
berry pieces in the water in which they have been allowed to soak for about three
hours. Extra water may be needed if it boils away. Keep about three and a half
gallons of water in the container. Cool. Remove refuse. Add four ounces of
copperas crystals (ferrous sulfate) to the liquid and stir until it has completely
dissolved.This is the dye bath.
To dye wool yarn: Add the wet wool yarn to the dye bath and simmer for thirty
in one pint of hot water and add to the dye bath. Simmer another thirty minutes.
Cool. Keep the yarn covered with the dye bath at all times to prevent streaking.
Rinse the yam in warm water until rinse is clear. Shake the water from the yarn and
Color: This recipe makes colors which range between gray and gray brown. It is
very fast.
AItemute fibers: Copperasshould not be used on silk fibers. This is a good dye for
vegetablefibers, but they dye lighter shadesof color than wool.
125
‘._ _ _-,
150. SUNFLOWER SEEDS WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Any variety of dried sunflower seedsmay be used for making dyes.
Ingredients: ’
1 pound jute yarn
2 pounds dried sunilower seeds
To muke dye bath Place the sunflower seedsin an enamel container, cover them
with three gallons warm water and soak for twelve hours. After they have been
allowed to soak, boil the seedsin the samewater for two hours. Cool. Removethe
seeds.Add two ounces of copperas and stir it in until it has completely dissolved.
This is the dye bath.
To dye silk yun.c Add the wet, scoured, jute yarn to the dye bath and simmer for
twenty minutes. Keep the yam entirely covered with the dye bath and stir the
liquid frequently. Dissolve four tablespoons of tartaric acid and half a cup of
Colon This recipe makes shadesof gray which usually have blue tones. It is fast.
Alternute fibers: This recipe is good for wool and cotton. It produces weak colors
on linen.
151. WOOD CHARCOAL WITH COPPERAS MORDANT

Powdered wood charcoal can be purchased from drug stores and one can make it
oneself.
Ingredients:
1 pound cotton yarn ..
8 ouncespowdered wood charcoal
4 ouncescopperascrysttils (ferrous sulfate)
4 tablespoons tartaric acid.
*Acup Glauber’s salts
To make dye but& Put about three and a half gallons of warm water in a five gallon
enamei container, stir in eight ounces of powdered wood charcoal, and let it soak
about twelve hours. Stir often. The charcoal will eventually dissolve.Heat the liquid
to boiling and add four ounces of copperas crystals (ferrous sulfate). Stir until
completely dissolved. This is the dye bath.
To dye cotton yarn: Add the wet, cotton yarn to the dye bath; boil for about thirty
in one pint of hot water and add this to the dye bath. Boil another thirty minutes,
keeping the yarn covered with the dye bath to prevent streaking. Cool the yarn in
126
II.
^
‘, .) .; ,.‘,
the dye bath. Rinse in warm water until rinse is clear and wring the water from the
. yarn. Hang it in the shadeto dry.
Color: This recipe makes colors which range between gray and black. It is fast.
Alfemufe fibers: Linen fibers should be treated in the same way as cotton. This
recipe is not suitable for animal fibers.
127
XI. Sozcrces
of Sappb
Many dye substancescan be found in local areasand some individuals may prefer to
cultivate their own supply, if the climatic conditions are favorable. Some of the dye
substanceswhich are not native to this country, and the mordants, will have to be
purchased.
Drug stores can often supply the necessary chemicals from their own mer-
chandise or by special order. Grocery stores, hardware stores, fishing and farm
equipment supply stores, and supermarkets can be sources of supply for unusual
natural fibers, condiments, beverages,soaps,etc.
Yarns are easily obtained from weaving supply companies and department
stores.
Glauber’s salts are much less expensive when purchased in one hundred pound
quantities, or more, and usually from the local distributor of large chemical
companies. It is really too expensive,from the dyer’s standpoint, to purchasethem
by the pound.
CHARLES F. BAILEY
Dye substancesand related materials can be purchased from Charles F. Bailey, St.
Aubyn, 13 Dutton Street, Bankstown, N.S.W. 2200, Australia.
Dyes: The following dyes are priced by the ounce and can be ordered in one ounce
or more quantities:
Indigo
Ruby cochineal
Carmine cochineal
Madder
Weld
Walnut
Logwood
Wools: Wools did other natural fibers are also available from CharlesF. Bailey:
Superfine merino AAA 80’s
Superfine merino AAA 70’s
Merino 64’s
Merino 58’s/6O’s XB
Merino SO’sXB
128
Natural colored merino
XB wools (black, brown, fawn, gray)
Rare fine black merino
Mobair
Mohair AAV
Superfme kid mohair
SilkS
Tussah(wild) silk
Cultured silk
Cotton
Australian strict middling
1.I 116 inch raw cotton
Mr. Bailey states: “‘The wool classing system used in Australia is the Yorkshire
Skein method%Briefly, this means that from 100’s quality wool, 100 hanks, each
consisting of 560 yards of yam, could be spun to weigh 1 lb. This is only possible
with the finest merino.” All postage is extra and postage for small packets (fastest
service) is 6~ for each two ounces or part thereof. Transit time is from four to six
weeks. Parcel charges are also extra. Postage for 1 to 5 lbs. is $2.50; 5 to 9 lbs.,
$3.40. Transit time is from six to eight weeks. The Australian banks accept personal
checks drawn on United Statesbanks, provided that 254exchange fee is added. Mr.
Bailey will send samples of wools air mail upon receipt of $1SO. Pleasenote that
prices for all materials are subject to changewithout notice.
DOMINION HERB DISTRIBUTORS

JJye substancescan also be purchased from Dominion Herb Distributors, Inc., 61
Saint Catherine Street West, Montreal 18, Quebec,Canada.
The following dyes are available and they are sold in half a pound, one pound,
and five pound quantities.
LByes:
Indigo roots
Madder roots
Cochineal
Alkanet roots
Logwood chips
Cudbear
Quercitron (oak) bark
Black walnut hulls
129
Black walnut leaves I
Red sandalwood chips
Henna leaves
Turmeric (curcurna)
Safflowers
Gum catechu (cutch)
Butternut bark
Bloodroot
Pokeberries
Fustic chips
Annatto seeds
Marigold petals (calenduL)
Peachtree leaves
Nutgalls
Brazilwood chips
Ckageorangechips
Mordunts:The following list of mordants are sold in one fourth, half, and one
pound quantities:
Blue vitriol (copper sulfate)
Tannic acid
Tartaric acid
Potassiumor sodium dichromate (bichromate of potash)
Sodium hydrosulfite
Tin (stannous chloride)
Oxalic acid
Lime (calcium oxide)
Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate)
Copperas(ferrous sulfate)
Potassiumpermanganate
Ammonium sulphate, purified
Lead sulphate
There is a postage chargeof 35aper pound on all merchandise. Two to three weeks
should be allowed for delivery. Money orders and personal checks are accepted for
payment. Again, prices are subject to changewithout notice.
NATURE’S HERB COMPANY

Various dyes are sold by Nature’s Herb Company, 281 Ellis Street, San Francisco,
California 94102.
Indigo is sold by ounce quantities, and normally this company can supply the
following dyes.
Qyes:
Madder roots
Logwood chips
Fustic chips
130
Juniper berries etc.
Pricesare subject to changewithout notice and postageis extra.
SPECTRO-CHEM INC.
Packaged quantities of some natural dyes and chemicals can be obtained from
Spectra-ChemInc., 1354 Ellison Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky 40204.
The prices of the dyes vary with the current market and the company can be
contacted for information on what dyes are available, at what price. Postage is
included in the packageprice.
CRAFT AND HOBBY BOOK SERVICE

Out of print and foreign publications can often be obtained from the Craft and
Hobby Book Service,Big Sur, California 93920.
XII, ColorlitformatiOn Cibart
DYE APPROPRIATE COLOR SUITABLE COLOR

SUBSTANCE MORDANT RANGE FIBER FASTNESS
Acorns Alum Tans Wool, silk Excellent
Alkanet roots No mordant Gray-blues Wool Good
Acetic acid Red-purple-browns Wool Good
Alum Red-tans All natural fibers Good to fair
Annatto Alum Oranges Wool, silk Fair
Annatto and red Tin Dark yellows Wool, silk Good to fair
onion skins
Barberry plant Ahtm Tans All natural fibers Excellent
Blue vitriol Greens All natural fibers Excellent
Copperas Dark greens Wool Excellent
Copperas Blacks and grays Jute Excellent
Beets Alum Tans Wool, silk Good to fair
Blackberries Alum Brown-purples Wool, silk Fair
Tin Purples All natural fibers Fair
Blackberry vines Alum Red-tans Wool, silk Excellent
Black walnut Alum Browns and tans All natural fibers Excellent
hulls Copperas Blacks and grays All natural fibers Excellent
Black walnut Alum Blacks Wool Excellent
hulls and indigo
Bloodroot No mordant Oranges Wool, silk Good
Alum Oranges and rusts Wool, silk Good
Tin Reds and pinks Wool, silk Good
Bloodroot and AlUUl Tans All fibers Good
cudbear except linen
Burley tobacco Alum Browns All natural fibers Good
Blue vitriol Green-browns Wool, silk Good
Butterfly weed Alum Yellows All natural fibers Good
blossoms
Chrysanthemum AlIll Yellows Wool. silk Good
blossoms
Chrysanthemum Alum Golds, brasses Wool, silk, cotton Good
blossoms and
marigold blossoms
132
.; ,
_I I
., I ,I
I/, , ‘..~

Cochineal Alum Purple-reds All natural fibers Good

Chrome Purple Wool, silk Good
copperas Black Wool Good
Tin Bright reds All natural fibers Good
and pinks
Fd;;real and Alum Purples Wool Good
~ac$inzal and Alum Brownpurples All natural fibers Good
Cockleburs Alum Brasses Wool, silk, cotton Excellent

Chrome FWOWIB All natural fibers Excellent
Copperas Dark greens Wool Good
Coffee Alum Tans All natural fibers Good
Concord grapes Alum Lavenders All natural fibers Fair
and purples
Tin Purples All natural fibers Fair
except linen
Crab apples Alum Pinks Wool Fair to poor
(ornamental)
Cudbear Alum Reds All natural fibers Excellent
Tim Purples All natural fibers Excellent
Dahlia blossoms Alum Yellows Wool, silk Good

~,ann~d&n Alum Light yellows Wool, silk, Good
soft cotton
Tin Light, bright Wool, silk Good
yellows..
Day lily blossoms Alum Yellows Wool, silk Good to fair
Chrome Wool, silk Good to fair
~ZFd
Chrome Tans and browns Cotton, linen Good to fair
Tin Bright yellows Wool, silk Good to fair
Elderberries Alum Purples Wool, silk Good
Chrome Blues Wool, silk Good
Tin Blue-grays Wool, silk Good
Elderberries and Chrome Green-grays Wool, silk Good
pokeweed berries
Floribunda Alum Tans All natural fibers Good
rose plant
Copperas Dark greens Wool, cotton Good
and blacks
Fust ic Alum Bright yellows All natural fibers Excellent
except linen
Blue vitriol Greens All natural fibers Good
Chrome fr;los,;nd All natural fibers Good
Fustic and Alum Greens All natural fibers Good

indigo except linen
Fustic and Alum ;ura;ges and Ail natural fibers Good
madder roots
133
p’ I
--

Alum Yellows Wool, sii:: Good

%IZEd Chrome Golds Wool, silk Good
Copperas Dark yelfow- Wool Good
greens
Tin Bright yeilows Wool, silk Good
and golds
Goldenrod Alum Greens Wool, silk, cotton Good
ptiyorns and
Goldenrod plant Copperas Dark greens, Wool, cotton, Good to fair

gray-greens linen
Gum catecha No mordant Rusts Ail natural fibers Excellent
(Cutch) Alum Browns All natural fibers Excellent
Blue vitriol Rahki and All natural fibers Excellent
0Iiie greens
Copperas Dark browns All natural fibers Excellent
Copperas frcrsand Some wools and Excellent
vegetable fibers
.
Gum catechu Alum Bright red-browns All natural fibers Excellent
and madder
Henna Tin Rusts and Wool, silk Good
red-browns
Hickory Alum Tans All natural fibers Good
~l~Uo;:k Chrome Oranges and Wool, silk Good

rusts
Indigo Alum Blues All natural fibers Excellent
(Method No. 1) except linen
Indigo Alum Dull blues Wool Good
(Method No. 2)
Indigo Chrome Greens Wool, silk Good
(Method No. 1)
Indigo and Alum Greens Wool Good
turmeric
Ironweed Alum Tans Wool, silk Good
Lavender, Alum Pinks Wool Good

and rosemary
extract
Lily of the valley Alum Yellow-greens Wool, silk Good
Chrome Golds and rusts Wool, silk Good
Tin Bright yellows Wool, silk Good
and golds
Logwood No mordant Blues Wool Good to fair
No mordant Browns Silk and Good
vegetable fibers
Alum Dark purples All natural fibers Good
Chrome Dark blues Silk Good
Chrome Black Wool Good
Copperas Dark blues, Wool Good
blacks and grays
Madder Alum Reds All natural fibers Excel&t

(powder form?) Tin Bright reds All natural fibers Excellent
and pinks
Madder Alum Reds A!1 natural fibers Excellent
(roots) Chrome Oranges and All natural fibers Excellent
rusts
Madder and Chrome Red-browns All natural fibers Excellent
mullein
Madder and sedge Alum Rusts All natural fibers Excellent
Madder and Alum Oranges and A!1 natural fibers Excellent
yettow onion sk!ns rus?s
Marigold blossoms Alum Yellows Wool, silk Good
Mulberries Alum Gray-lavender Wool Poor
&Rein Alum Yellows AR natural fibers Excellent
Ctirome Golds A!1 natural fibers Excellent
Tin Bright yellows AR natural fibers Excellent
Multiflora rose Alum Tans Al! natural fibers Excellent
plant Copperas Blacks and grays Wool and Good
vegetable fibers
Peach leaves Alum Yellows Wool, silk Good
Tin Bright yellows Wool, silk Good
Pecan hulls Chrome Golden browns All natural fibers Good
Copperas Blacks and grays Wool and Good
vegetable fibers
Pokeweed berries Alum Reds Wool, silk Good
Alum Pinks Cotton, linen Good
Chrome Rusts Wool Good
Tin Bright reds All natural fibers Good
Pokeweed berries Alum Rusts Woo!, silk Good
and red onion
skins
Dried pokeweed Alum Browns and Wool, silk Good
berries rusts
Privet Alum Tans All natural fibers Good
Blue vitriol Greens Wool Good
Copperas Dark greens Wool Good
Queen Anne’s Alum Pale yellows A!1 natural fibers Good
lace
Chrome Tans All natural fibers Good
Red cedar Chrome Red-browns Wool, silk Good
Red onion skins Chrome Golds Wool, silk Good

Chrome Tans Cotton, linen Good to fair
Tin Red-tans All natural fibers Good
and browns
Safflower Alum Yellows and tans Wool, silk Good
Copperas Brasses Wool Good
Tin Golds and rusts Wool, silk Good
135
Sassafras Alum Red-tans Wool, silk Good
COPperas Blacks and Wool and Good
grays vegetable fibers
g==.~W A!um Pinks Wool, silk Good to fair

Copperas Tans and browns lvve;, cotton, Good
Seaweed Alum Tans Wool, silk Good

Copperas Dark yellow- Wool Good
greens Cotton, linen,
copperas Grays and some wools Good
Sedge Alum Yellow-green-tans A!1 natural fibers Excellent

Chrome Golds AIi natural fibers Excellent
Copperas Gray-greens Wool, cotton, Excellent
linen
Sumac Alum Tans A!1 natural fibers Excellent
Blue vitriol Greens All natural fibers Excellent
Copperas Grays and All natural fibers Excellent
gray-browns
Alum Yellow-tans Wool Good
2ZIt!Ower Blue vitriol Greens Wool Good
Blue vitriol Grays Silk Good
Copperas Gray-blues Wool, cotton Good
-
Tea Alum Tans All natural fibers Good
Terra-cotta clay Alum Tans and Wool, cotton Good
red-browns
Tomato vines No mordant Red-browns Wool, silk Good
Alum Tans Woo!, silk Good
Blue vitriol Green-tans All natural fibers Good
and browns
Turmeric Alum Yellows A!1 natural fibers Good to fair
Blue vitriol Greens Wool Good to fair
Chrome Golds and brasses All natural fibers Good to fair
Wild grapes Alum Lavenders Wool Fair
Wood charcoal Copperas Grays Cotton, linen Good
Yellow onion Alum Yellows Wool, silk Good
skins
Zinnia blossoms Alum Yellows Wool, silk Good
136
XIIIL Dye Substdnce
I?2folw2utio~z chdrt
~~~~~
DYE ?ART OF PLANT TIME TO COLLECT TO PRESERVE
SUBSTANCE USED FOR DYE PLANT PARTS DYE SUBSTANCE
Acorns The whole nut. Collect nuts in fall. Use fresh or dry.
Leaves, twigs, and bark Collect leaves in late Store dried parts in
l rom some of the oak summer and fall. dry place.
trees make dyes.) Collect twigs in late
summer and fali.
Collect bark in spring.
Alkanet Roots Purchase commercially. Store in dry place.
Annatto Seeds Purchase commercially. Store in dry place.
Powder
Barberry All parts of the Late summer and fall. Use fresh 0. dry. .
plant which are StE,;ied parts m
above ground.
Beets Part below ground. When beet is mature. Use fresh.
Blackberries Fruit When completely ripe. Use fresh or freeze.
Blackberry vines One to two year Late summer until frost. Use fresh.
old vines.
Black walnut Hulls, the entire The fruit, leaves, and Use fresh or dry.
nut, leaves, twigs, twigs are best when Store dried material
and bark make dye. some green is mixed in dry place.
with brown in late
summer and fall.
Collect bark in spring.
Bloodroot Roots Dig roots in summer. Use fresh or dry.
Roots can also be Store in dry place.
purchased.
Burley tobacco Leaves and stalks. Late summer. Use fresh or dry.
Store dried material
in dry place.
Butterfly weed Blossoms When in full bloom. Use fresh. I
Chrysanthemum Blossoms When in full bloom. Use fresh or dry.
Dried blossoms should
be stored in porous
container, keep in dry
place.
Cochineal Commercial powder Purchase. Store in dry place.
Cockleburs Burs Late summer and Use fresh.
early fall.
Coffee Beans, grounds, Purchase. The usual home storage
ar.d powder. is sufficient.
Concord grapes Fruit When completely ripe. Use fresh.
137
DYE PART OF PLANT T!ME TO COLLECT TO PRESERVE
SUBSTANCE USED FOR DYE PLANT PARTS DYE SUBSTANCE, ’
Crab apples Fruit When completely ripe. Use fresh.

(ornamental)
Cudbear Powder made Purchase. Store powder in dry
from lichen. place.
Dahlia Blossoms When in full bloom. Use fresh or dry.
Store dried blossoms
in dry place.
Dandelion Blossoms When in full bloom. Use fresh.
Day Iily Blossoms When blossoms are in Use fresh.
Leaves full bloom. Collect
leaves in summer and
until frost.
Elder Fruit When completely ripe. Use fresh or freeze.
F’loribunda rose The canes and From midsummer Use fresh.
leaves. until frost.
Fustic Bark huchase. Store in dry place.
Goldenrod When in full bloom. Use fresh.
EZoms Summer until frost. Use fresh.
Gum catechu A resin-!ike Purchase. Store in dry place.

(cutch) substance.
Henna Powder Purchase. Store in dry place.
Leaves Purchase. Store in dry place.
Hickory Hulls from the Collect hulls in early Use fresh or dry.
nuts, leaves, fall. Leaves and twigs Store dried materials
twigs, and bark. in late summer. Bark in a dry place.
in spring.
Hollyhock Blossoms When in full bloom. Use fresh.
Indigo Plant The plant can be grown Author does not know
Powder made from in this country. how to preserve plant.
the plant. Powder can be purchased. 3~;; powder m dry
.
Ironweed All parts of the Late summer. Use fresh.
plant which are
above ground.
Lavender, Commercial Purchase. Store in air tight
and rosemary extract bottle, keep away
extract from light.
Lily of the Leaves Late spring until frost. Use fresh.
valley
Logwood Park Purchase. Store in dry place.
Madder Roots Purchase. Store in dry place.
Powder form Purchase. Store in dry place.
Marigold Blossoms When in full bloom. Use fresh or dry.
in porous container.
Mulberry Fruit When completely ripe. Use fresh.
Mullein Leaves and stalks. Late summer and Use fresh or dry.
early fall. Store dried materials
in dry place.
Multiflora rose Leaves and canes. Late summer and Use fresh.
early fall.
138
DYE PART OF PLANT TIME TO COLLECT TO PRESERVE
SUBSTANCE USED FOR DYE PLANT PARTS DYE SUBSTANCE
Peach Leaves Summer and early fall. Use fresh.

Pecan Hulls, the entire Collect nuts in early Use fresh or dry.
nut, leaves, fall. Collect leaves Store dried materials
twigs, and bark. and twigs in late in dry place.
summer. Bark in spring.
Pokeweed Berries When completely ripe. Use fresh or dry.
Store dried materials
in dry place.
Privet Leaves and twigs. Summer and fall, Use fresh.
until frost.
Queen Anne’s All parts of the Late summer and Use fresh.
lace plant which are early fall.
above the ground.
Red cedar Twigs Late summer until Use fresh.
freezing weather.
Red onion Dry skins of the When onions are mature. Use dry skins. Store
skins mature onion bulb. dry skins in dry place.
Safflower Powder made from Purchase. %u, powder in dry
dried blossoms. .
Sassafras Leaves, twigs, and Collect leaves and twigs Use leaves and twigs
bark. in late summer. Collect fresh. Bark can be
bark in spring. dried. Store bark in
dry place.
Scarlet sage Blossoms When in full bloom. Use fresh.
Seaweed Plant Any time. Use soon after

collected.
Sedge Grass Spring until frost. Use fresh or dry.
Store dried grass in
dry place.
Sumac Berries, twigs, Collect berries when Use fresh or dry.
and leaves. ripe and until Store dried materials
freezing weather. in dry place.
Twigs and leaves in
late summer until
frost.
Sunflower The mature dried When seeds are mature Store in dry place.
seeds. and dried. Can be grown.
Can be purchased.
Tea Leaves, tea bags Purchase. The usual home storage
and powdered tea. is sufficient.
Terra-cotta clay Clay useU for Purchase. Store dry or wet.
ceramics.
Found clays. Any time. Any practical way.
Tomato Vines Late summer and Use fresh.
early fall.
Turmeric The condiment. Purchase. Home storage is
Powder made from Purchase. sufficient. Store dye
the plant for dye. powder in dry place.
Wild grapes Fruit When completely ripe. Use fresh.
Wood charcoal Charcoal from Any time. Store in dry place.
burned wood.
Charcoal can be
purchased in chunk
and powder forms.
139
Dry skins from the When onions are mature. Store dry skins and
mature onion bulb. mature bulbs in dry
The mature bulb. When onions are mature. place.
Zinnia Blossoms When in full bloom. Use fresh or dry.
in porous container
in dry place.
Bibliogrzizphy
Bailey, L-H. Ille Standard Encyclopedia of Horticulture. (second edition) 3 ~01s.

New York: The Macmillan Company, 1928.
Bolton, Eiieen M. Lichens for vegetable Dyeing. Newton Center, Massachusetts;

CharlesT. Branford Company, 1960.
Colton, Mary-Russell Ferrell. Hopi Dyes. Flagstaff, Arizona: The Museum of

Northern Arizona, 1965.
Conley, Emma. Vegetable Dyeing. Penland, North Carolina: Penland School of

Handicrafts, Inc., n.d.
Dana, Mrs. William Starr. How to Know the Wild Flowers. (revised edition) New
York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1963.
Davidson, Mary Frances. The Dye Pot. Middlesboro, Kentucky: Published by the
author, 1950.
Furry, Margaret S. and Viemont, Ekss M. Home Dyeing with Natural Dyes.
Miscellaneous Publication No. 230, United States Department of Agriculture.
Washington: Government Printing Office, 1934.
Holding, May. Notes on Spinning and Dyeing Wool. (fourth edition) London:
Skilbeck Brothers Limited, 1949.
Kierstead, Sallie Pease.Natural Dyes. Boston: Bruce Humphries, Inc., 1950.
Leggett, William F. Ancient and Medieval Dyes. Brooklyn: Chemical Publishing

Company, Inc., 1944.
Mairet, Ethel M. Vegetable Dyes. (eleventh edition) London: Faber and Faber,
Ltd., 1952.
Schetky, Ethel Jane and Staff. (ed.) Dye PZants and Dyeing. Brooklyn: Brooklyn
Botanic Garden, 1964.
Thurstan, Violette. The Use of Vegetable Dyes. (seventh editionj London: The
Dryad Press,1957.
Wyeth Laboratories. 77ze Sinister Garden. New York: Wyeth Laboratories, Division
of American Home Products Corporation, 1966.
141
Acetic acid, 27 Black walnuts and indigo, with alum
Acorns, with alum mordant, 97 mordant, 118-l 19
Alkanet roots, with alum mordant, Bloodroot, with alum mordant, 63-64;
96-97; -with no mordant, 56,87 with no mordant, 63; with tin
Alum, 22; to mordant animal fibers, mordant, 29
22; to mordant vegetablefibers, 22 Bloodroot and cudbear, with alum
Aluminum potassium sulfate, 22 mordant, 99-100
Animal fibers, 18; mordanting with Blossoms,collecting, 13; preserving,
alum, 22: mordanting with blue 14-15
vitriol, 22-23; mordanting with Bluestone, 22
chrome, 23; mordanting with cop- Blue vitriol, 22-23; to mordant animal
peras,24; mordanting with tarmic fibers, 23; to mordant vegetable
acid, 24-25; mordanting with tin, fibers, 23
25, seealso Silks Wool Burley tobacco, with alum mordant,
Annatto, with alum mordant, 62 100; with blue vitriol mordant,
Annatto and red onion skins, with tin 74-75
mordant, 37-38 Butterfly weed blossoms,with alum
mordant, 38
Bailey, Charles F., 128-129; quoted,
129
Barberry plant, with alum mordant, Cedar, see Red cedar
97; with blue vitriol mordant, 73; Charcoal, seeWood charcoal
with copperasmordant, 73-74, Chrome, 23; to mordant animal fibers,
117-118 23; to mordant vegetablefibers, 23
Barks and roots, collecting, 13; pre- Chrysanthemum blossoms,with. alum
serving, 14 mordant, 38-39
Beets,with alum mordant, 98 Chrysanthemum blossomsand mari-
Berries and fleshy fruits, coilecting, gold blossoms,with alum mordant,
13; preserving, 14 39
Bichromate of potash; 23 Clays, collecting, 13; preserving, 15;
Blackberries, with alum mordant, seealso Terra-cotta clay
87-88; with tin mordant, 88 Cochineal, with alum mordant, 30;
Blackberry vines, with alum mordant, with chrome mordant, 89; with
98-99 copperasmordant, 119-120; with
Black walnut hulls, with alum tin mordant, 30-31
mordant, 99; with copperas Cochineal and indigo, with alum
mordant, 118 mordant, 89-90
142
Co&meal and madder, with alum Dye materials, barks and roots, 13;
mordant, 90-9 1, berries and fleshy fruits, 13;
Cocklebur, with ahummordant, 39-40; blossoms, 13; clays, 13; collecting,
with chrome mordant, 1O&l 01; 12-l 3; grasses,leaves,stalks, stems,
with copperasmordant, 75 twigs, and vines, 13; nut hulls and
’ Coffee, with alum mordant, 101 shells, 13; preserving, 14-16
Collecting dye materials, 12-13; barks Dye substanceinformation chart,
and roots, 13; berries and fleshy 139-141
fruits, 13; blossoms, 13; clays, 13;
grasses,leaves,stalks, stems, twigs, Elderberries, with alum mordant, 94;
and vines, 13; materials for, 10; nut with chrome mordant, 56-57; with
hulls and shells, 13 tin mordant, 120
Color fastness,27; testing, 27 Elderberries and pokeweed berries,
Color information chart, 132-136 with chrome mordant,‘12@121
Concord grapes,with alum mordant, Equipment, 9-11; for collecting dye
92-93; with tin mordant, 93 materials, 10; for dyeing, 11; for
Copperas,23-24; to mordant animal making dye baths, 11; for
fibers, 24; to mordant vegetable ’ mordanting, 11; for scouring, 11;
fibers, 24 for skeining, 10; for ,storing and
Copper sulfate, 22 mixing chemicals, 10; for storing
Cotton, 16; scouring, 19 dye baths, 11; for storing dye
Crab apples, with alum mordant, 31 materials, 10
Craft and Hobby Book Service, 13 1
Cream of tartar, 26
Cudbear, with alum mordant, 31-32; Fastness,color, 27; light, 27; water, 27
with tin mordant, 93-94 Ferrous sulfate, 24
Cudbear and bloodroot, with alum Fibers, 16-17; animal, 18; mordanting,
mordant, 100-101 20-22; scouring, 17-l 8; stripping,
20; vegetable, 19
Floribunda rose, with alum mordant,
102; with copperasmordant, 75-76
Dahlia blossoms,with alum mordant, Fustic, with alum mordant, 43-44;
40-41 with blue vitriol mordant, 76; with
Dandelion blossoms, with alum chrome mordant, 44
mordant, 41; with tin mordant, Fustic and indigo, with alum mordant,
41-42 77
Day lily blossoms,with alum mordant, Fustic and madder roots, with alum
42; with chrome mordant, 42-43; mordant, 64
with tin mordant, 43
Documenting, 12
Dominion Herb Distributors, 129-l 30 Glauber’s salts, 20, 26, 27
Drying, 26-27 Goldenrod blossoms,with alum
Dye bath, 26; amount of, 26; materials mordant, 45; with chrome
for making, 11; temperature of, 26; mordant, 45-46; with copperas
to preserveby freezing, 15-16; to mordant, 77-78; with tin mordant,
preservewith sodium benzoate, 16 46
Dye lots, leveling, 27 Goldenrod blossomsand indigo
Dyeing, 25-27; materials for, 11 extract, with alum mordant, 78-79
143
Goldenrod plant, with copperas Light fastness,27; testing, 27
mordant, 79 T,ilv of the valley, with alum mordant,
Grapes,seeConcord grapes;Wild 82-83; with chrome mordant, 67;
grapes with tin mordant, 46-47
Grasses,16; collecting, 13; preserving, Linen, 16; scouring, 19
15;scouriug, 19 Logwood, with alum mordant, 94-95;
Gum catechu, with alum mordant, with chrome mordant, 60-6 1, 122;
103; with blue vitriol mordant (No. with copperasmordant, Gl ; with no
I), 79-80; with blue vitriol mordant mordant, 60,105
(No.~), 80; with copperasmordant,
103-104, 121-122; with no mordant,
65
Gum catechu and madder roots, with
alum mordant, 65-66 Madder and cochineal, with alum
mordant, 9 1-92
Henna, with tin mordant, 66 Madder and mullein, with chrome
Hickory, with alum mordant, 104 mordant, 105-106 .
Hollyhock blossoms,with chrome Madder and sedge,with alum mordant,
mordant, 67 68-69
Madder (Powder Form No. 1), with
Indigo, with alum mordant (Method alum mordant, 33-34
No. l), 58; with alum mordant Madder (Powder Form No. 2), with tin
(Method No. 2 .59; with chrome mordant, 34-35
mordant, 81 Madder (roots), with alum mordant,
Indigo and black walnuts, with alum 35; with chrome mordant, 68
mordant, 119-120 Madder roots and fustic, with alum
Indigo and cochineal, with alum mordant, 64
mordant, 9@91 Madder roots and gum catechu, with
Indigo extract, how to make (Method alum mordant, 65-66
No. 1),57-58; how to make Madder roots and yellow onion skins,
(Method No. 2), 59 with alum mordant, 69-70
Indigo extract and goldenrod Marigold blossoms,with alum
blossoms,with alum mordant, mordant, 47
78-79 Marigold blossomsand chrysan-
Indigo and fustic, with alum mordant, themum blossoms,with alum
77 mordant, 39
Indigo and turmeric, with alum Mixing and storing chemicals,
mordant, 81-82 materials for, 10
Iron, 24 Mordants, alum, 22; blue vitriol,
Ironweed, with alum mordant, 22-23; chrome, 23; copperas,24;
104-105 tannic acid, 24-25; tin, 25
Mordanting, 20-22; before and after
Jute, 16; scouring, 19 dyeing, 21-22; before dyeing,
21-22; materials for, 11; while
Lavender,and rosemary extract, with dyeing, 21-22; with alum, 22; with
alum mordant, 32-33 blue vitriol, 22-23; with chrome,
Leveling dye lots, 27; with Glauber’s 23; with copperas,24; with tannic
salts, 27 acid, 24-25; with tin, 25
144
Mulberries, with alum mordant, 95 Raffia, 16; scouring, 19
Mullein, with alum mordant, 48; with Recipes,28 128; for blues, 56-6 1; for
chrome mordant, 48-49:.with tin grays and blacks, 118-128; for
mordant, 49 greens,73-87; for lavendersand
Muilein and madder, with chrome purples, 88-96; for orangesand
mordant, 107 rusts, 62-72; for reds :urd pinks,
Multiflora rose, with alum mordant, 29-36; for tans and browns, 97-l 17;
106-107; with copperasmordant, for yellows, golds, and brasses,
122-123 37-55
Red Cedar, with chrome mordant,
Nature’s Herb Company, 130-131 108-109
Nut shellsand hulls, collecting, 13; Red onion skins, with chrome
preserving,15 mordant, 51-52; with tin mordant,
109
Red onion skins and annatto, with tin
Onion skins, see Red onion skins;
mordant, 37-38
Yellow onion skins
Red onion skins and pokeweed berries,
with alum mordant, 70-71
Peachleaves,with alum mordant, Rosemary extract and lavender, with
49-50; with tin mordant, 50 alum mordant, 32-33
Pecanhulls, with chrome mordant, Roses,see Floribunda rose; Multiflora
107; with’copperas mordant, rose
123-124
Pokeweedberries, with ahrm mordant,
35; with chrome mordant, 70; with Safflower, with alum mordant, 110;
tin mordant, 35-36 with copperasmordant, 55; with
Pokeweedberries and elderberries, tin mordant, 71-72
with chrome mordant, i22 Sassafras,with alum mordant,
Pokeweed berries and red onion skins, 110-l 11; with copperasmordant,
with alum mordant, 70-7 1 124
Pokeweedberries (dried), with alum Scarlet sageblossoms,with alum
mordant, 101-102 mordant, 36; with copperas
Potassium dichromate, 23 mordant, 111
Preservingdye baths, 15-16 Scouring, 17-18; and water level, 17;
Preservingdye materials, 14-l 5; barks animal fibers, 18; general
and roots, 14; berries and fleshy instructions for, 18; materials for,
fruits, 14; blossoms, 14-l 5; clays, 11; vegetable fibers, 19
15; grasses,leaves,stalks, stems, Seaweed,with alum mordant,
twigs, and vines, 15; nut hulls and 11l-l 12, 124-l 25; with copperas
shells, 15 mordant, 8485
Privet, with alum mordant, 107-108; Sedge,with alum mordant, 112; with
with blue vitriol mordant, 83; with chrome mordant, 52-53; with
copperasmordant, 83-84 copperasmordant, 84-85
Sedgeand madder, with alum
mordant, 68-69
Queen Anne’s lace, with alum Silk, 16; scouring, 18
mordant, 5 1; with chrome Sisal, 16; scouring, 19
mordant, 108 Skeins, making, 17
145
Skeining materials for, 10 Turmeric, with alum mordant, 53;
Spectro-Chem,Inc., 132 with blue vitriol mordant, 86; with
Stamous chloride, 25 chrome mordant, 54
Storing and mixing chemicals, Turmeric and indigo, with alum
materials for, 10 mordant, 81-82
Storing dye baths, materials for, 11
Storing dye materials, materials for, 10 Vegetable fibers, mordanting with
stripping, 20 alum, 22; mordanting with blue
Sumac, with blue vitriol mordant, 85 vitriol, 22-23; mordanting with
Sumacberries, with alum mordant, chrome, 23; mordanting with
112-l 13; with copperasmordant, copperas,24; mordanting with
125 tannic acid, 2425; mordanting with
Sunflower seeds,with alum mordant, tin, 25; seealso Cotton; Grasses;
113; with blue vitriol mordant, 86; Jute; Linen; Raffia; Sisal
with copperasmordant, 126 Vinegar, 27
Tannic acid, 24-25; to mordant animal Water, 16; softener for, 16

fibers, 25; to mordant vegetable Water fastness,27; testing, 27
fibers, 25 Wild grapes,with alum mordant, 95-96
Tannin, 24 Wood charcoal, with copperas
Tartaric acid, 26 mordant, 126-127
Tea, with alum mordant, 114 Wool, 16; scouring, 19
Terra-cotta clay, with alum mordant, Work space,9-10
114-115
Tin, to brighten colors, 25; to mordant Yellow onion skins, with alum
animal fibers, 25; to mordant mordant, 54-55
vegetablefibers, 25 Yellow onion skins and madder roots,
Tobacco, seeBurley tobacco with alum mordant, 69-70
Tomato vine, with alum mordant, 115;
with blue vitriol mordant, 115-116; Zinnia blossoms,with alum mordant,
with tin mordant, 116 55
146
Yellow onion skins with Alkanet roots with no Elderberries with chrome Indigo with alum mordant
alum mordant cn WOGI mordant on WOO1 mordant on wool on wool (Method No. 1)
Indigo with alum mordant Indigo with alum mordant Indigo with alum mordant Logwood with no
on sisal (Method No. 1) on cotton (Method No. 1) on WOGI (Method NG. 2) mordant on wool
LOgwOOd with copperas Annatto with alum BlGOdroot with no 6lOGdrGGt with alum
mordant on wool mordant on wool mordant on wool mordant on wool
hum catechu, no Henna with tin Henna with tin Lily of the valley with
mordant on wool mordant on wool mordantlon mohair chrome mordant on wool
Madder and sedge with Pokeweed berries with Burley tobacco with blue Cocklebur with copperas
alum mordant on wool chrome mordant on wool Vitriol mordant on WOGi mordant on wool
Goldenrod blGSSGmS with Goldenrod blossoms, indigo, Galdenrod Plant, CoPPeras Gum catechu, blue vitriol
copperas mordant on wool alum mordant on wool mordant on WGGI mordant on WOGI NG. 1
Gum catechu, blue vitriol Indigo with chrome indigo and turmeric with Lily of the valley with
mordant on wool No. 2 mordant on wool alum mordant on wool alum mordant on wool
Sedge with copperas Sunflower seeds, blue Sunflower seeds, blue Alkanet roots and acetic
mordant on mohair vitriol mordant on wool vitriol mordant on silk acid on wool
Blackberries with alum Blackberries with tin Cochineal with chrome Cochineal, madder, alum
mordant on silk mordant on cotton mordant on wool mordant on mohair
Cudbear with tin mordant Elderberries with alum Logwood with alum Logwood with alum
on wool mordant on wool mordant on wool mordant on cotton
Logwood with alum Wild grapes with alum Alkanet roots with alum Blackberry vines with
mordant on silk mordant on wool mordant on wool alum mordant on wool
Elack walnut hulls with Black walnut hulls with Bloodroot and cudbear Cocklebur with chrome
alum mordant on wool no mordant on raffia alum mordant on wool mordant on wool
:offee with alum Gum catechu. alum Gum catechu. CoPPeras Hickory twigs and leaves,
nordant On linen mordant on wool mordant on wool alum mordant on wool
lronweed with alum Logwood with no Madder and mullein with Pecan hulls with chrome
nordant on wool mordant on wool chrome mordant on wool mordant on wool
Sassafras twigs and IeaVeS. Scarlet sage blossoms, Seaweed with alum Sedge with alum mordant
alum mordant on wool copperas mordant on WOOI mordant on silk on wool
Terra-cotta clay with Tomato vine with blue Tomato vine with tin Barberry plant with
Uum mordant on CottOn vitriol mordant on jute mordant on wool copperas mordant on jute
Black walnut hulls with Cochineal with CoPPeras Cochineal with copperas Gum catechu, copperas
copperas on ~001 mordant on wool mordant on iute mordant on wool
Logwood with chrome Multiflora rose, Sassafras with copperas Sunflower seeds with
mordant on wool copperas mordant on wool mordant on wool copperas mordant on silk
Cochineal with alum Cochineal with alum Cochineal with tin Cochineal with tin
mordant on wool mordant on linen mordant on wool mordant on silk
Cochineal with tin Cudbear with alum Cudbear with alum Lavender, mace, rosemi
mordant on cotton mordant on wool mordant on jute alum mordant on wool
Madder (powder) with Madder (powder) with Madder (roots) with Pokeweed berries with
alum mordant on wool tin mordant on wool alum mordant on jute alum mordant on WOOI
Scarlet Sage blossoms, Annatto, red onion skins, Dandelion blossoms, Goldenrod blossoms,
alum mordant on wool tin mordant on vwool alum mordant on wool alum mordant on wool
Goldenrod blossoms. Goldenrod blossoms, Lily of the valley with Peach leaves with alum
chrome mordant on wool tin mordant on wool tin mordant on wool mordant on wool
Queen Anne’s lace with Red onion skins with Safflower with copperas Sedge with chrome
alum mordant on silk chrome mordant on wool mordant on wool mordant on wool

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, n

Here is a comprehensive modern guidebook to the

Copyright 0 1970 by Watson-Guptill Publications

Equipment and work space,9

II. VEGETABLE DYE RECIPES, 26

Ill. REDS AND PINKS. 26

IV. YELLOWS, GOLDS, AND BRASSES, 37

VI. ORANGES AND RUSTS, 62

VIII. LAVENDERS AND PURPLES, 67

IX. TANS AND BROWNS, 68

X. GRAYS AND BLACKS, 117

Xl. SOURCES OF SUPPLY, 126

XII. COLDR INFORMATION CHART, 132

XIII. DYE SUBSTANCE INFORMATION CHART, 138

EQUIPMENT AND WORK SPACE

Vegetable dyeing can be done in any area-a kitchen, laboratory, workshop, or

Information on the tag attached to the dyed yarns should include:

Seasonof collection or purchase

If dye bath is used more than once, note number of times

COLLECTING DYE MATERIALS

F’liESERVING DYE MATERIALS

PRESERVING DYE BATHS

MAKING SKEINS OF YARNS

Vegetable dyeing is a processundertaken in three steps: scouring, mordanting, and

BLUE VITRIOL: Blue vitriol, commonly known as bluestone, is copper sulfate. It

LEVELING DYE LOTS

1. BLOODROOT WITH TIN MORDANT

3. COCHINEAL WITH TIN MORDANT

4. CRAB APPLES WITH ALUM MORDANT

5. CUDBEAR WITH ALUM MORDANT

6. LAVENDER AND ROSEMARY EXTRACT WITH ALUM MORDANT

7. MI~DDER (POWDER FORM NO. 1) WITH ALUM MORDANT

8. MADDER (POWDER FORM ~0.2) WITH TIN MORDANT

9. MADDER (ROOTS) WITH ALUM MORDANT

10. POKEWEED BERRIES WITH ALUM MORDANT

11. POKEWEED BERRIES WITH TIN MORDANT

12. SCARLET SAGE BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

13. ANNATTO AND RED ONION SKINS WITH TIN MORDANT

14. BUTTERFLY WEED BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

15. CHRYSANTHEMUM BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

16. CHRYSANTHEMUM BLOSSOMS AND MARIGOLD BLOSSOMS

17. COCKLEBUR WITH ALUM MORDANT

18. DAHLIA BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

19. DANDELION BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

20. DANDELION BLOSSOMS WITH TIN MORDANT

21. DAY LILY BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

22. DAY LILY BLOSSOMS WITH CHROME MORDANT

23. DAY LILY BLOSSOMS WITH TIN MORDANT

24. FUSTIC WITH ALUM MORDANT

25. FUSTIC WITH CHROME MORDANT

28. GOLDENROD BLOSSOMS WITH TIN MORDANT

29. LILY OF THE VALLEY WITH TIN MORDANT

30. MARIGOLD BLOSSOMS WITH ALUM MORDANT

32 MULLEIN WITH CHROME MORDANT

33. MULLEIN WITH TIN MORDANT

34. PEACH LEAVES WITH ALUM MORDANT

35. PEACH LEAVES WITH TIN MORDANT

37. RED ONION SKINS WITH CHROME MORDANT

38. SAFFLOWER WITH COPPERAS MORDANT