Yellow dye from Nature

“Tagetes Lemmonii” Dye production

A burst of sunshine in the garden, this hardy, perennial plant has a profusion of small

bright yellow flowers and a strong fragrance. In common with others in the marigold family, Tagetes Lemmonii produces a blurred but very bright yellow print and also a lovely buttery yellow dye.

The prunings from the plant (stems, leaves and flowers) are put into a large dye pot and covered with water. The water needs to simmer for about an hour, and is then left to cool.

When cool the contents is strained using muslin and a sieve, and is then ready to be used as a dye.

Silk or wool fabrics only need to be wet through to bond with this natural dye. I simmer fabric for an hour, and then allow to rest in the dye bath overnight (or longer if I am patient).

Once fully dry, the dye is set, however, to aid the bond between fabric and natural dye, I allow the fabric to rest for a week before washing it ready for use.

Habutai silk and silk and wool broadcloth after dying with Tagetes Lemmonii.