Alkanet (Alkenna tinctoria)

The root of the alkanet plant, native to Europe. It gives shades of lavender, purple and grey, and if steeped in oil can be used as a natural pigment in soapmaking.

Annatto (Bixa orellana)

An imported dye made from the seeds of a tree native to Central and South America, it gives rich orange colours. Annatto is oil-soluble and is used to colour soaps and food.

Brazilwood (caesalpinia sp.)

An imported dye made from the heartwood of the tree, Brazilwood gives red/orange/plum colours according to the water used. The dyebath can be re-used several times to give paler colours.

Golden Rod (Solidago virgaurea)

A native English plant giving soft yellow-green colours.

Logwood (haemotoxylon campechianum)

An imported dye made from shredded wood, it gives wonderful rich purple and lavender colours. Logwood gives an intensely dark purple if used at regular strength (i.e. equal parts dyestuff to fabric/yarn) so you may want to use it at half strength for your first dyebath. The dyebath can be re-used many times, with the colour getting softer each time.

Madder (rubia tinctorum)

Madder is native to Europe, though not often seen growing in the British Isles. It was an important and widely used dye in medieval times, and gives a rich brick red colour. The dyebath can be re-used several times, giving paler results each time.

Madder (rubia tinctorum)

Madder is a popular dye and it gives really good reds. This madder is in a larger pack for those of our customers who use it a lot. The root in cut in larger chunks.

Marigold petals (calendula officinalis)

Marigold is a European flower often grown in gardens, and often used in herbal medicine for its healing properties. It was grown in medieval times as a pot herb, and it gives a soft yellow dye.

Walnut husks (juglans nigra)

A popular dye for rich deep browns.

A strong natural blue, dyeing with woad is a complex but very rewarding process. It's always a good moment to take the dyed cloth out of the dyebath and watch the pale yellow-green colour change to an indigo blue.