Natural dye

Natural dye refers to a type of dye derived from plants, invertebrates, or minerals. The majority of natural dyes are vegetable dyes from plant sources such as roots, berries, bark, leaves, and wood, and other organic sources such as fungi and lichens.

History

Archaeologists have found evidence of textile dyeing dating back to the Neolithic period. In many cases, the techniques used in dyeing, the dyes themselves, and the mordants (or substances that fix the dye to the textile) were kept secret by the dyers.

Types of Natural Dyes

Natural dyes can be sorted into three categories: direct dyes, mordant dyes, and vat dyes.

Direct Dyes

Direct dyes, also known as substantive dyes, are used with fibers like cotton or linen. These dyes require no mordant and are applied directly to the textile.

Mordant Dyes

Mordant dyes require a mordant, which is a chemical that combines with the dye and the fiber. Mordants often used include tannic acid, alum, urine, chrome alum, sodium chloride, and certain salts of aluminium, chromium, copper, iron, iodine, potassium, sodium, and tin.

Vat Dyes

Vat dyes are insoluble in water and cannot dye fibers directly. However, they can be converted into soluble form by reduction in alkaline solution, which allows the dye to affix to the fiber.

Uses

Natural dyes are used primarily for dyeing textiles but also have uses in printing inks and food colorings. They are also used in the production of many types of handicrafts, including batik, shibori, and ikat.

Environmental Impact

Natural dyes are generally considered more environmentally friendly than synthetic dyes. However, the cultivation of plants for natural dyes can have environmental impacts, and the mordants used with some natural dyes can be toxic.

See Also

• Synthetic dye
• Textile arts
• History of dyeing