Tannin Mordant Recipe for Dyeing Plant Fiber

By Sasha Duerr
Published on December 30, 2013
1 / 2

When using a tannin mordant with plant fibers like cotton, linen, or hemp, allow extra time for the process, sometimes up to 2 to 3 days.
When using a tannin mordant with plant fibers like cotton, linen, or hemp, allow extra time for the process, sometimes up to 2 to 3 days.
2 / 2

“The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes” by Sasha Duerr is full of helpful tips and recipes for home dyeing enthusiasts.
“The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes” by Sasha Duerr is full of helpful tips and recipes for home dyeing enthusiasts.

Home dyeing can be a gamble if you are new to the idea, but even if you are experienced in the art, knowing the different reactions given by plant based fibers and animal fibers can be crucial to proper dye absorption. Using The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes (Timber Press, 2010) Sasha Duerr walks you through using mordants and natural dyes in perfect harmony. Using a tannin mordant recipe like the one in this excerpt will help natural dyes bond with plant fibers for the most colorful results.

Basic Tannin Mordant Recipe With Plant Fiber

Two popular sources for making a tannin mordant are oak galls (from Quercus species) and sumac leaves (Rhus species). This recipe is for oak galls, but you may substitute sumac leaves of the same fiber weight. Work with thoroughly scoured fiber.

4 ounces (113 g) plant fiber
1 ounce (1 teaspoon) powdered oak galls

Soak the fiber overnight in cool water.

Place the oak gall powder in a stainless steel pot with 4 to 6 gallons (16 to 23 L) of water, and stir to dissolve. Bring the solution to a simmer, 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius), and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368