I've gathered information on plants and mordants in preparation for dyeing using the three methods described in the
Straw Textiles Badge.
Resources
Walsh, P. (2010). Spinning, dyeing, & weaving: Self-sufficiency. In Spinning, dyeing, & weaving: Self-sufficiency (pp. 60-85). New York: Skyhorse Pub.
Kendall, T. (2011). The fabric & yarn dyer's handbook: Over 100 inspirational recipes to dye and pattern fabric. London: Collins & Brown.
Dyestuff
plants with dyes that are colorfast, reliable, and easy to use that you can grow
woad
madder
safflower
weld
goldenrod
marigold
coreopsis
buckthorn
iris
camomile
Ladies Bedstraw
Dyer’s Greenwood
dalia
more plants and weeds
Alkanet
apple twigs
gorse
heather
rhubarb
tansy
nettles
dandelion
feverfew
gallnuts - gall wasp nests on usually found on oak
trees
oak bark (tanins give brown - seen used on pig hide)
acorns
natural dyes without a garden - most need a mordant
avocado skin - pinks
beetroot
union skins
carrot tops
carrot parings
swede skins
tired spinach leaves
weeds
nettle
ragwort
dandelion
ivy leaves
more natural dye options
indigo
turmeric
saffron
blueberries
fustic
logwood
murex seashell
cochineal
mordant
dye and mordant as two separate steps for plant material/fiber to ensure colorfast (see pages 68-71 (Walsh) for recipes)
mordants improve takeup of dye and to fix the color
ALUM: gives truest color - other mordants five greenish or yellowish tinge
use 10% - example 32 ounces fiber & 3.2 ounces alum
mordant recipes from Kendal p.24)
for 4 ounces of wool and silk use 1/2 tablespoon alum, 1/2 tablespoon cream of tartar, and 2/3 cup of
water
for 4 ounces of cotton and
linen use 4 teaspoons alum, 4 teaspoons tannic acid, and 1 cup of water
plant mordants
rhubarb stalks
rhubarb leaves
privet leaves
sumac leaves
nettles
lemon skins
basic or alkaline
urine
woodash
washing soda
Acidic
citric fruits
rhubarb
sumac leaves
vinegar
copper coins surface is alkaline and reacts with acid - not sure how to use as mordant