Natural Dyeing Extracts

Natural dyeing extracts are highly concentrated powders or liquids derived from whole dyestuffs such as leaves, roots, bark, wood, and in the circumstance of cochineal, an insect. 

When working with natural dyes, we advise first applying a mordant to the goods you would like to dye. The step of mordanting allows for the widest range of color and the best light-fastness.

To dye with extracts, they are measured or weighed, dissolved in water, and added to the dyebath. Extracts expand your dyeing horizons past the plants which are available in your immediate environment. They are faster to use than whole dyestuffs and easy to store. To purchase scour or mordant, click here.

Cochineal, weld, and logwood are offered in smaller quantities because they are more potent. To learn more about the intricacies of each dye listed below, about obtaining the widest range of colors, and for instruction of the natural dyeing process, pick up a copy of our book, The Modern Natural Dyer.

The smallest quantity of each extract will dye 500g of protein-based goods a medium to dark shade. Purchase the larger quantity if you are dyeing more than 500g of protein-based goods or if you would like dark shades and are using cellulose-based fibers. 

Dyeing with indigo requires a different process, to purchase indigo dye and learn more, click here.

Please note that our madder and fustic sources have changed. Our new madder is half as strong as the one used in The Modern Natural Dyer. Our new fustic is 1/3 as strong as the one used in The Modern Natural Dyer.

Please take care when working with natural dyes. Always use separate pots and tools dedicated to the dyeing process. Wear protective eyewear and gloves. By purchasing these materials you are agreeing to taking all responsibility when using. 

When working with goods dyed with indigo, it is common and natural for the blue dye to rub off on one’s hands while sewing. This is called crocking. Although the goods have been washed, it takes pressured contact to release the extra indigo dye. Your handwork is part of the indigo dyeing process. The blue dye can be removed with hot water and soap. From working closely with indigo dyed materials through the making process, typically, the excess dye has been removed, and the crocking will cease.

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Once dyed, based upon the fiber content, follow the applicable instructions for the longterm care of them: 

Plant-based fibers such as cotton or linen - Machine washable on cool cycle. Hang or lay flat to dry.

Silk - Handwash with cool water recommended. Hang to dry.

Superwash Wool - Machine washable on cool cycle with pH neutral soap, though hand wash recommended. Lay flat to dry.

Wool and Wool blends - Handwash only in lukewarm water with pH neutral soap. Lay flat to dry.

This item is a final sale. Once purchased, there are no cancellations, exchanges, store credits, or returns. 

If you would like to add-to-order, please click here to review the instructions. We cannot refund shipping charges.

If you would like to apply a discount code, please click here to review the instructions. We cannot refund discounts.

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Packages ship Tuesday through Saturday via USPS. Once shipped, you will receive a confirmation email and tracking number. Please use the tracking number provided and contact the shipping carrier directly with any questions about transit and delivery. 

Please select the insured option at checkout to ensure compensation for a lost package. Once the package has been picked up by the shipping carrier, we are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged packages. We do not offer refunds or credits for lost or stolen packages.

If you select an insured option and need to file a claim with USPS, we will provide you with the documentation needed to complete your claim. Packages are insured for the order total. If your package is stolen, please contact your credit card company to receive any possible compensation. 

Please note: If you choose the 6-7 business day option, we will ship your package within 6-7 business days of receiving your order. If you would like us to ship your package sooner, please choose the 3 or 4-5 business day option.

US orders $110.00 pre-tax and above:
Free - 6-7 business days, uninsured
$5 - 4-5 business days, insured
$12 - 3 business days, insured

US orders under $110.00 pre-tax:
$9.00 - 6-7 business days, uninsured
$11 - 4-5 business days, insured
$20 - 3 business days, insured

Canada: $28*
International: $35*

*For packages weighing 2 pounds plus, there will be additional shipping charges. Please contact us for a quote.

International Orders
All international orders are shipped uninsured USPS First Class Parcel Post. We are not responsible for packages which are held in customs or lost. International orders may incur customs fees. We are not responsible for fees you may incur. International shipments can take two months to reach their destination. We caution against placing an order if you live outside the United States. At this time, we are unable to ship to the United Kingdom due to the complicated VAT situation. 

Curbside Pick-Up
To pick up your order at our shop, when checking out, under shipping method, choose Pick up at our Oakland store - 6328 San Pablo Ave.

You will receive an email when your order is ready. Orders placed Tuesday-Saturday are typically ready within 2-3 hours. To pick up your order, come to the shop between 11am - 3pm, Tuesday-Saturday. Knock on the front door and give us your name. 

Pre-orders
Pre-orders will ship on the date listed on the product’s webpage. If you ordered additional items, all items will be shipped with your pre-order. If you would like those items shipped separately, please place two separate orders.