The wide variety of colors from natural dyes can be greatly augmented by adding an iron post-mordant or ‘saddening’. In this class we will cover some of the basic natural dyes like cochineal, fustic, logwood, pomegranate, and madder and the effect that adding iron has on the colors they give. Class will cover some of the long history of these dyes, the mordanting process, and some color theory. Students will take home dyeing instructions, many samples, and information on each of the dyes used. No experience is necessary.

Required Tools

• Apron
• Rubber gloves
• Two old towels
• One dozen small plastic bags
• Calculator
• Pen
• Paper

This course is part of Fiber Week 2026. Plan to stay a day longer for Fiber Friday on Friday, February 13, which features demonstrations, speakers, and community gatherings offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Fiber Week coursework. The full Fiber Week schedule will be available online in January 2026.