Botanical Dye: Nettle (Gray-Green)
Natural dyeing of wool and silk using fresh nettle greens and alum mordant.
Equipment
- Large stainless steel pot (do not use for food)
- Scale and measuring cup
- Fine sieve or muslin cloth
- Gloves
Ingredients
- 1 kg fresh nettle leaves
- 75 g Alum Potassium aluminum sulfate as a mordant (corresponds to 15% of the fiber weight)
- 500 g Wool or silk pre-washed
- Optional: 1 tsp Iron II sulfate (for darker olive tones)
Instructions
- Mordanting: Dissolve alum in warm water, add damp wool, and heat gently at 80 °C (176 °F) for 60 minutes. Let it cool down in the pot.
- Dye Bath: Chop the nettles, cover with water, and simmer for 60 minutes. Then strain the liquid.
- Dyeing: Place the pre-mordanted wool into the dye bath and let it steep for 60 minutes at 80–90 °C (176–194 °F).
- Rinsing: Remove the wool, rinse with lukewarm water, and dry in the shade.
Notes
Application: Produces a subtle to vibrant gray-green on protein-based fibers (wool/silk).
Technical Term: Alum is a mineral salt that acts as a bridge between the fiber and the dye.
Safety: Work only in well-ventilated areas. Do not use the pots for food after dyeing.