Naturally Dyeing Yarn & Fiber: Common Plants To Use
Dyeing yarn and fiber is nothing new to us, but this past year a new journey unfolded. This past year, we began naturally dyeing our yarn and fiber with plants grown in our own garden and with our currently established plants.
This past year we planted several plants which (based on research) yielded a few colors we desired. We’ll see what next year hold for us!
Stay tuned for pictures and videos as we share our journey!
Now, onto the reason for this post. I want to share with you the common plants we plant and grow to naturally dye our own yarn and fiber.
Please keep in mind there is a process to dyeing yarn & fiber. There is a "recipe" involved with many variants which I cannot explain. I'm not a scientist. I'm not a botanist. I'm not an expert. I simply love using my creativity and creating with nature!
I cannot explain why one plant works to create a color. I don't know the answer to why different mordants work with different plants or fibers.
I do know there is something greater at work here. I do know it's fun. I do know watching the transformation and dyeing process is amazing.
So, are you ready to look at common plants to grow and use in naturally dyeing yarn and fibers?
Let's begin...
YELLOW
Marigold (flower)
GoldenRod (plant)
Turmeric (root or powder)
Brown Onion (skins)
Annatto (seed)
Sage (leaf)
Rosemary (leaves)
ORANGE
Eucalyptus (leaves)
Alder (bark)
Carrot (roots)
Lilac (twigs)
Sassafras (leaves)
Sunflower
GREEN
Black Eyed Susan (flower)
Echinacea (flower)
Sage (leaf)
Snapdragon (flower)
Rosemary (leaves)
BLUE
Cornflower (flower)
Hyacinth (flower)
Geraniums (flower)
Basil (leaves) - gray/purple color
RED
Hibiscus (flower)
Roses (flower)
Avocado (fruit)
GREY/BLACK
Iris (roots)
Black Beans (dried)
Basil (leaves) - grey/purple color
BROWN
Coffee (grounds)
Tea (leaves)
Hollyhock (flower)
Echinacea (flower)
Dandelion (root)
Have you used these plants to naturally dye your yarn or fiber? I would love to hear your stories in the comments below...
