Natural Dye Basics: Learn How to Mordant Plant Fibers

In this video I show the method I use to mordant cotton using Aluminum acetate. I also show how to scour plant fibers and how to do an optional tannin bath. The mordant process isn't my favorite - but it must be done when using natural dyes on cellulose fibers. And the work is worth it!

If you'd also like to learn how to mordant animal fibers like wool, please check out my previous video.

Come say hi and see what I'm dyeing/knitting:

Or check out what I'm writing here:

[kimcup]

P.S. Thanks for not rushing your videos! Everyone acts like they have to pack all kinds of info. into a 12 minutes attention span video!

[nancyskinner]

Sometimes we just have to experience the old ways of doing things. ( crushing oak galls with a sledgehammer) Then we find once is enough. I love the way you do your math calculations.

[kristlwebb]

Thank you for an informative and well organized video! I took notes throughout.

[KnittingsAndSewings]

Wow, this is so informative. I have to admit, I also dread mordanting, but now see the importance of it, especially with dyeing cotton. Thanks for explaining it all. I didn't even know what chalk was used for, and never heard of the wheat bran stuff. I love everything about this video and will watch all of yours I can find.

[kedricwilliams]

What an informative, and in depth video. Thank you so much.

[kristindyrfjord]

I love your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[anitradoesthings]

Incredibly informant. I appreciate the teaching you include in your videos and I can’t wait to watch all of them! Love your video and am excited to jump into dying some clothing items. Thank you so much for providing this as a source for inspiration and learning

[kimcup]

The whole process is so beautiful to me. How I wish you had been around when I was young as I was so into the idea of natural dyeing but couldn't find good instructions! But I'm still going to try it as an older chick. 😉 Thanks for all your great videos!

[dhpondj]

I love your video! So exaustive. Thank you. ❤

[anuruddhadesilva]

Very well explained, about the best out there. Thank you so much.

[carolbeebee]

Very helpful video!! Thank you so much! 😘

[Eternal_Hope_Q]

Wonderful video! As always ❤️
You can grind the oak galls in a pestle and mortar. Also you can powder them in a food blender (blender reserved for crafts, not food) Saves damaging your poor shoulder 😬
Lovely results from these processes 🙂

[MrsSandy]

How much water is in the pot? What size is the pot? Either one would help us know how much water is being used. Thank you, great job.

[shaylasonline]

Thanks for the thorough tutorial! I am trying to screen print using the natural dyes (with gum thickener), so it will obviously need to be dry before I print. Hoping it all goes well!

[EmalieTanos]

thank you. All is easy to understand when you explain. The only thing I´m not sure, the water in the end can I dumping in the garden or is dangerous for animals or plants?

[patdavies]

Ok I get mixed up, step 1: scoured, step 2: tannin Step 3: mordant? Is that correct

[audiotinker]

Thank you! So how much alum for how much water? Or does the water amount not matter? Thank you 😊

[arpamor]

The tannin my friend is blowing in the wind :D

[slvrcross]

Myra have you ever experimented with mixing dye baths? curious if a deep red Cortinarius will make a beautiful purple if mixed w Indigofera

[jacquelynsmith]

Thanks for this. My sister wants me to dye a cotton jacket of hers from a very, very pale green to a light/medium olive green. If it was wool, no problem. I have everything I need except the experience (I can dye one or two hanks of yarn at a time, but she could be a guinea pig for a full jacket). A cotton jacket? I told her maybe some other time...