Crafting your own dyes from nature

There are a bounty of beautiful colours available in nature, why not use them to make your own dyes? With some basic ingredients and a simple dyebath you're on your way to creating your own custom-dyed wool.

Most of the dye materials listed here are commonly available in the wild or can be grown in your garden; others can be purchased. Quantities given will make nine litres (nine quarts) of dye bath, enough for dyeing 250 grams (1/2 pound) of wool. Mordants are indicated in parentheses.

Simmer for time indicated, remove the dyestuff and add sufficient water to make nine litres (nine quarts).

• Unless otherwise noted, start with 250 grams (1/2 pound) of premordanted wool
• Wet the wool with water
• Add to the dyebath
• Heat the bath slowly and simmer the wool for the time indicated
• Let the bath cool
• Rinse the wool until rinse water runs clear
• Dry the wool

• Red river gum (copper): Put 750 grams (1 1/2 pounds) of wood shavings into water and soak overnight. Put pot on stove and boil for 30 minutes. Strain, then add wool and simmer for 15 minutes or more to get desired colour.
• Blue gum (copper): Put 750 grams (1 1/2 pounds) of leaves into water and soak overnight. Put pot of leaves and water on stove and boil for 30 minutes. Strain, then add wool and simmer for 30 minutes or more to get desired colour.
• Lemon-scented gum (iron): Put 750 grams (1 1/2 pounds) of leaves into pot with water and soak overnight. Put pot of leaves and water on stove and boil for 30 minutes. Strain, then add wool and simmer for 30 minutes or more to get desired colour.
• Logwood (copper) and Logwood (alum): Purchase 60 grams (two ounces) of chips from a dye ­supplier. Soak chips in water overnight, then boil 45 minutes. Add wool and simmer for half an hour.
• Onion skin (alum): Collect 500 grams (one pound) dry outer skins. Simmering time: 20 minutes, do not ­overcook. Add wool and simmer for 20 minutes.
•  Madder (alum): Purchase 15 grams (one tablespoon) dried root from a dye ­supplier. Soak dried root in water overnight, then simmer for half an hour. Add wool and simmer for half an hour.
• Cochineal (alum): Purchase 25 grams (one ounce) dried powder from a dye supplier. Soak powder in water to dissolve (about 30 minutes), then boil 15 minutes. Add wool and simmer for half an hour.