Natural Dyeing (theory)

Natural dyeing is a process of coloring fabrics using pigments derived from plants, minerals, or animals. The process begins with extracting colors from sources like berries, roots, leaves, or shells through methods such as boiling or fermentation. These natural dyes are then applied to textiles, often with mordants—substances that help fix the dye to the fabric—for better color fastness. Unlike synthetic dyes, natural dyes are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The final colors can vary based on the material, mordant, and dyeing conditions, resulting in unique, often softer, and more organic hues.