A

Avocado - We get a delicate pink from the seeds and peels. The color is surprisingly lightfast and gives textiles a special vintage look.

Scouring - Thoroughly washing the fabric before dyeing. Removes factory residues, oils and dirt. Without this step, the color may be uneven or not adhere well.

B

Mordant - A natural additive that strengthens the bond between fiber and dye. We mainly use tannin and aluminum acetate, a mineral mordant.

Logwood - A traditional dyewood that produces deep blues and purples.

Bundle Dye - A dyeing technique in which plants are placed directly on the fabric, rolled tightly and steamed. The plants leave their shape and color on the textile. This technique creates unique, non-reproducible prints and patterns.

C

Cochineal - A natural red dye made from dried scale insects. Produces rich red tones from carmine to pink.

D

Direct dyeing - Some plants like turmeric can be dyed directly without mordant.

E

Oak - The bark contains tannins and produces warm brown tones.

Iron - Available as a stain in two forms:

• Iron sulfate: Also called "green vitriol." Darkens colors and creates gray and black tones.
• Iron acetate: A gentler version of iron mordant. Gives softer grey tones and is less aggressive to the fibres.

Extraction - The process by which we extract the color pigments from the plants

F

Woad - One of the oldest indigo plants in Europe. Gives a unique, light blue.

Fermentation - An important process especially when dyeing with indigo.

G

Gerber Acacia (Cutch) - A traditional dye made from the bark of the acacia tree. Produces warm, earthy brown tones and is particularly lightfast.

Tannins - Natural substances in many plants that produce brown tones and enhance the color strength of other pigments.

Goldenrod - The flowers produce sunny yellow tones.

Pomegranate - The peels produce yellow to brown tones.

H

Hammering - A direct dyeing technique in which plant parts are transferred to the textile by gently tapping with a hammer. The plant dyes are mechanically worked into the fiber. Juicy flowers and leaves are particularly suitable. Produces delicate, detailed prints.

Hibiscus - The flowers are pink to purple and are rich in antioxidants.

I

Indigo - the king of natural colors. The characteristic blue is created through fermentation.

K

Chamomile - The flowers produce delicate yellow tones and are particularly suitable for light-colored fabrics.

Chestnut - The shell contains tannins and produces warm brown tones.

Madder - One of the most important dye plants for red tones. The root contains various red dyes.

Turmeric - Gives bright yellow tones and is easy to work with.

L

Lightfastness - The resistance of the color to sunlight. Varies greatly with natural colors.

M

Mordant - French for mordant. Traditional term from the dyeing industry.

N

Post-treatment - rinsing and fixing the dyed textiles.

O

Oxidation - Important chemical process in dyeing, especially indigo.

P

pH value - Strongly influences color development. Every plant has its optimal pH range.

R

Tansy - The flowers produce greenish-yellow tones.

Reseda - Dyer's Wau, a classic dye plant for yellow.

Rhubarb - The root produces yellow to orange tones.

S

Acidity - Often determines the color. Lemon makes it lighter, baking soda darker.

Shibori - Japanese reserve technique for patterns.

Hollyhock - The dark flowers produce shades of purple and blue.

T

Tannins - Natural tanning agents that can act as a stain.

U

Ultramarine - Historical pigment made from lapis lazuli.

V

Pre-treatment - Important first step for even coloring. See preparation.

W

Willow bark contains salicin and gives reddish tones

Z

• Red onions: Produce reddish-brown to purple tones
• Yellow onions: Produce golden to orange-brown tones

One of the most accessible dye plants for getting started with natural dyeing, as the shells are usually available free of charge in organic stores.

Tip for getting started

Start your dyeing journey with simple dye plants like turmeric or onion skins. These produce beautiful results even without mordant and are perfect for experimenting.

Important instructions

• Color results may vary depending on fabric, water and season
• Natural colours develop over time and tell their own story
• Each dyeing process is unique and creates unique pieces