Learning to use natural dyes is like cooking with colour. And just like cooking, it takes practice and care. Don’t rush the process. Attention to detail will give results you are proud to call your own.


  • Always use clean non-reactive vessels: stainless steel, unchipped enamel, glass, or plastic. Iron or copper vessels can also be used but the metal will react with the dyebath. Iron will dull or “sadden” colours. Copper will tend to brighten them.

  • Dyeing evenly is much more difficult with piece goods than with yarns. It is also much easier to dye protein fibres (wool, silk) than cellulose fibres (cotton, linen, hemp). For best results the beginner is well advised to start with wool or silk yarns.

  • Dry all fibres out of direct sunlight.

  • Read all instructions before beginning.

  • Mixing dyes or mordants and overdyeing can result in that one desired shade. Experimentation pays off and adds an element of creativity to your dyeing. Keep records.

  • All dyes are sensitive to water quality. In almost all cases soft water is preferable for washing, scouring, mordanting and dyeing. Rainwater or distilled water can also be used.

  • Natural dyes are not recommended for synthetic fabrics or fibres.

For the dyer, nothing matches the excitement 
of the first dip in the dyebath.

Health and Safety

The following guidelines will help ensure that dyeing is a fun, enjoyable activity:

Wear a mask when working with powders such as calx, lye, or indigo. Gloves are recommended to protect against colourants, irritants, and solutions which might be acidic or basic. When mixing powders and water always add the powder to the water. Never add water to a measure of powder. Keep pots and utensils used for dyeing completely separate from items used for cooking. Clearly label all containers and substances. Store dyes and chemicals separately and away from foods. Hazardous substances such as lye should be in a locked cabinet. Be mindful of pets and children.

Testing on a sample is recommended for all projects.

Customers are responsible for dye and mordant choices and combinations. To the best of our knowledge all the information offered here is true and accurate, however, Maiwa Handprints Ltd. or its staff will not be held responsible for such advice. Dye recipes should be tested prior to all projects. Maiwa Handprints Ltd. will not be held responsible for cost of products and/or labour to produce finished projects.