Cochineal Insects (Dactylopius coccus) are found in Central and South America and Mexico. Dyeing with Cochineal has excellent light and wash fastness, producing rich reds, fuchsias, scarlets and purples.
You will only need 3-8% WOF for a medium depth of shade. 2 tablespoons of Creme of Tartar per 500g WOF into the dye bath will shift the colour from a crimson/carmine to a more brilliant red if desired.
Bugs can be ground in a spice mill, old coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle (but will also leave these things red!!)
The colouring principle is chiefly carminic acid, derived from the insect. Use alum mordant at 15% WOF for protein fibres. Mordant with tannin at 8% WOF and then alum at 15% for cellulose fibres. Iron mordanting can produce purples.
For really good bright mid reds, overdye with Madder. If you overdye with Indigo you will get violets and purples also.
Online orders are sent using Australia Post during business hours Monday to Friday. Orders are usually sent 1-2 days after your order is placed or when a pre-ordered item arrives. We email shipping confirmation with tracking information when your order is dispatched.
Shipping : Australia
Shipping is calculated at checkout according to the weight of the order, and your address location.
Most orders will have the option of:
- Australia Post Standard Shipping (estimated delivery in 3-5 days)
- Australia Post Express Shipping (estimated delivery in 2-3 days)
Kraftkolour cannot guarantee expected delivery times.
Kraftkolour may use other carriers from time to time for bulky or heavy shipments.
Shipping : International
We currently ship outside Australia to many countries using Australia Post’s International Express service. Rates will be automatically calculated at checkout.
Click & Collect : Thomastown
When ordering online you can choose 'Click & Collect' for order collection at our premises at 2/99 Heyington Ave, Thomastown, Victoria. We will email you confirming when your order is ready to collect.
Orders can be collected 10am 4pm Monday to Friday and we would appreciate it if you could collect your order within a week.