Marigold has been used as a dye plant for centuries. It's cheery petals produce rich yellow tones. Dye anything from deep mustards to buttery pastels, or overdye for gorgeous secondary colours.
The powdered flower is available in 15 and 30g quantities, and each comes in a recycled paper envelope. I will also include basic dyeing instructions to get you started! 15g will dye 700g of fibre a light-medium shade or 300g a dark shade; 30g will dye 1300g of fibre a light shade or 600g a light shade.
For colourfastness, use marigold with a mordant such as alum or iron. Simmer for 2-3 hours in water before adding fibre to fully extract pigment.
As with most natural dyes, the colours will be stronger on protein fibres such as wool or silk. Marigold on cellulose fibres like cotton and linen tend to be paler and more subdued. Synthetic fibres tend not to take up natural dyes.
Equipment and Safety
Pre mix each dye vat ingredient in small containers of water to avoid lumps. Always add powder to liquid, not liquid to powder (to prevent powder from flying everywhere). Wear gloves and an apron to avoid staining your hands and clothes. Always dye in a well ventilated area and use separate pots and utensils from your cooking pots.
* Please note that none of the fibres or jars shown are included. This listing is for powdered marigolds in a paper envelop.
