Yarrow is one of my absolute favourite natural dyes, not to mention it's value as a pollinator friendly garden plant! Using an alum mordant, yarrow makes a whole range of yellow shades. With an iron mordant or afterbath, the most amazing olive greens and dusky grey-greens can be achieved.
Yarrow is native to North America, and can often be found growing wild throughout Ontario. It's also used medicinally.
This listing includes 20g of organic dehydrated yarrow in a recycled paper envelop. The yarrow flowers are USDA Certified Organic.
In order to ensure colour fastness, yarrow should be used with a mordant such as alum or iron.
As with most natural dyes, the colours will be stronger on protein fibres such as wool or silk. Yarrow 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
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.
