Eupatorium is supplied as a raw plant powder for natural dyeing. The petals of a genus of flowering plant belonging to the aster family, it offers soft yellows and green-yellows to the dyer.

This is a plant-based dye suitable for use on natural fibres. It can be used on its own or as part of layered and over-dye processes to build depth and complexity in colour.

How to Use

Preparing the Dye Bath
Use 30–100% Weight of Fibre (WOF) of Eupatorium powder, depending on the depth of colour desired. For lighter shades, begin at the lower end of the range. For deeper tones, increase the percentage.

Soak the powder in water before heating to help release colour. Gently simmer (do not boil vigorously) to extract the dye. Strain if a clearer dye bath is preferred, or leave the plant material in for more textured results.

Mordanting

For protein fibres (silk, wool):
Pre-mordant with alum at approximately 10–15% WOF. Ensure fibres are clean and well wetted before entering the dye bath.

For cellulose fibres (cotton, linen):
Use a suitable mordant process for plant fibres, such as alum combined with tannin. Incliding a tannin mordant will produce deeper colours, especially if post-modifying.

Post-mordanting may be explored to shift or deepen tones, though results will vary.  For yellow-greens and grey-greens, try Iron. Always test first if working toward a specific outcome.

Dyeing

Add mordanted, well-wetted fibre to the prepared dye bath. Slowly raise the temperature and maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the fibre to remain in the bath until the desired depth of colour is reached. Leaving fibres to cool in the dye bath often deepens the result.

Rinse gently in cool water until clear and dry away from direct sunlight.

Important Notes

As a natural dye, Eupatorium will produce variations in tone depending on season, harvest and water conditions. Subtle shifts and irregularities are part of the beauty of botanical dyeing.

Always record your percentages and processes if you wish to repeat a result. We recommend sampling before committing to larger projects.