|
![]() |
| | ||
|
A simple recipe for dyeing reds, pinks and purples with Cochineal. |
||
| HOME | FORUM | CHAT | NEWSLETTER | CALENDAR | SITE SEARCH | ODP SEARCH | TRAVEL |
Please report Broken Links to Link Report.
|
|
![]() |
Cochineal is a natural dye substance that comes from the crushed bodies of insects, Dactylopius coccus, found on prickly pear cacti. Cochineal can be used with or without mordants and produces reds, pinks and purples. |
Time Required:
12 hours
Weigh out the amount of cochineal that you need. Crush and grind the cochineal into a fine powder. (You can use an old coffee grinder.) Place the ground cochineal into a small glass jar and cover with water. Add tartaric acid to the cochineal/water mixture to release more of the colour. Let the cochineal mixture sit overnight. The following day, fill a dyepot with hot water, sufficient to cover the fibre completely. Bring the water to a boil and add the cochineal mixture. Boil for 15 minutes, and skim off the froth and cochineal that has risen to the surface. The cochineal can be dried and reused. Add the clean, wet fibre or yarn to the dyebath. Let the dyebath simmer for 35 - 40 minutes. Remove the fibre/yarn, rinse in warm water and dry.
|
| Wool dyed with Cochineal Alum Mordant |
|
|
|
| Affiliate Links |
|
eBay Canada - Find Great Deals on eBay.ca! |
| eBay UK - Click here! |
|
Amazon US
A great place to find weaving, spinning and craft books, videos and lots of other great stuff. |
| Amazon Canada |
| Amazon UK |
| All Stitched Up Craft supplies for crewel, embroidery, needlepoint, candle and soapmaking. |
|
Dick Blick Art Materials |
|
Fabric.com - Free Shipping |
|
Joanne.com - Knitting, sewing and craft supplies | Flax Art & Design A place to find art supplies and creative gifts. |
|
Clotilde.com - For all your sewing needs. |
| Feature Articles | Newsletter |
|
| All Fiber Arts | All Gluten Free | All Organic Living | All Treks.com | Paivatar |
| Helen Halonen |
| ©2001 Paivi Suomi. |