The Complete Guide to Natural Dyeing: Techniques and Recipes for Dyeing Fabrics, Yarns and Fibres at Home

by Eva Lambert

Exploring natural and foolproof dyeing techniques--to coincide with the high demand for organic and rustic approaches to fiber arts--this colorful guide expertly utilizes the many modern and traditional methods intrinsic to creating beautiful fibers. Demonstrating that the use of natural dyes to create fabric, yarn, or fiber can be simple, eco-friendly, and surprisingly affordable, this thoughtful instructional is ideal for quilters looking to give their projects an edge, spinners searching for an eco twist, and knitters on a quest for that perfect color of yarn--all of whom will learn how different natural dyes will affect the colors obtained on various mediums and how to mix dye baths for unique results. Including comprehensive lists for measuring, weighing, and dyeing; step-by-step sequences to simply and concisely explain techniques for collecting and preparing dyestuff; and methods for both solid and semisolid dyeing, this quintessential dyeing manual provides novices and seasoned artists alike with plenty of thoughtful inspiration to get creative the natural way.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Art, How To, Reference

143 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the recipes this one gave, as well as ways to produce variegated yarn for natural dyes! I liked the new ideas it gave, even if the rest was pretty standard.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This is one of the better books, but it has significant flaws. There are separate sections for dyeing fiber and yarn, and dyeing fabrics. This means that very few dyestuffs are covered. There's not many dyestuffs listed that you can easily gather, find in your kitchen, or grow in your garden; this isn't my focus, but still, it's a pity to leave them out. Meanwhile, there doesn't seem much benefit to trying to address these two separately; fiber is my focus right now, and there isn't much information on that. It doesn't seem like there's substantial information on fabric, either.

I think this book would have been a lot better if it was bigger and more thorough. The idea of treating fiber and fabric separately could be a good one, under those circumstances. Still, in the dyestuff pages they should be listed adjacently per dyestuff.

This book is worth getting, but I think Wild Color will get you more bang for your buck, as a basic natural dye book.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of natural dyeing process with recipes for several dye sources and modifications. Methods to achieve variegated yarn was my main interest. I thought it could have promoted sustainability a bit more in particular to the harvesting of foliage and bark.

[Adelaide · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information and recipes

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good reference for Mordants and Modifiers. Good examples on wool, less for cotton or linen. Good Indigo section.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A color feast for the eyes! The instructions seem easy to follow. Worth looking at just for the beautiful colors

[L Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing and really in depth with pictures and covers many fabrics & natural ways to dye fabric. This is a book I will defintely be picking up when we have more space!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good info about what color different plants make when used as dye. Info probably also available online.