Sumac is a traditional natural dye source, long valued by dyers for its high tannin content and soft, earthy hues. When used on natural fibres, Sumac produces gentle shades ranging from pale tan through to warm, smokey greys and soft browns, depending on the mordant and fibre chosen. It is especially useful as a tannin-rich base for mordanting cellulose fibres such as cotton and linen, ensuring strong, lasting colour in further dyeing.
How to Use:
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Preparation: Soak your fibres overnight and weigh them (WOF – weight of fibre) to calculate the correct amount of dye. A starting point is 50–100% WOF.
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Dye Bath: Add Sumac to water and simmer gently for 30–60 minutes. Strain or leave the plant matter in, depending on your preference.
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Dyeing: Add wetted fibres to the bath and keep at a gentle simmer for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally for even coverage.
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Finishing: Allow fibres to cool in the bath for deeper colour, then rinse and dry.
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Colour Shifts:
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With alum mordant – soft yellow-tans to beige.
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With iron afterbath – smokey greys and deeper browns.
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On cellulose fibres – enhances depth of colour and acts as a natural tannin mordant for other dyeing projects.
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Sumac is an excellent natural dye for achieving subtle earthy tones, layering with other dyes, or preparing fabrics for stronger colours.
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.
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