Using Natural Dye Extracts

摘要

Like many natural dyers I enjoy every aspect of dyeing process. Wherever possible, 1 grow my own dye plants and I like to experience the satisfaction of starting with the raw materials and coaxing colours from what often seem rather unpromising pieces of root or bundles of leaves and flowers. But all this takes time and there are occasions when time is in short supply. This is when natural dye extracts can be so useful - and they have many other advantages too. Natural dye extracts are concentrated natural dyes in powder or crystal form, which dissolve in water. A little goes a long way, so they are generally no more expensive to use than natural dyes in plant form, and many are actually cheaper. Using extracts saves time and energy as it eliminates the process of simmering the plant materials first to extract the dye colour. Most natural dye extracts require fibres to be pre-mordanted and the extract dyebath, once made, can be used the same way as dyebaths made from raw plant materials. Also, if one uses the percentage system to measure quantities meticulously, it is much easier to match colours. Extracts can be combined to create new colours, and strong extract solutions can be painted onto pre-mordanted fabrics or yarns to create patterned fabrics and variegated yarns for knitting and weaving. Once set by steaming or air curing, these painted dye colours are fast to washing.