Cochineal extract

Cochineal extract (Latin: Dactylopius coccus) is a highly prized natural dye known for its vibrant red, pink, and purple hues, derived from the dried bodies of Dactylopius coccus insects. This historic dye has been used for centuries in textiles, art, and cosmetics due to its rich, long-lasting color. Our high-quality cochineal is perfect for natural dyeing, offering beautiful, lightfast shades on wool, silk, and other natural fibers.

Name: cochineal extract

Latin name: Dactylopius coccus

Other names: Grana Cochinilla, Nocheztli, Carmine

Type: mordant dye

Part of the insect used:  dried bodies of cochineal insects

Main colorants: carminic acid

Main colors: red

Other colors: various shades in a red spectrum such as fuchsia, purple, burgundy, lavender, pink, orange, peach, as well as brown

Purpose: natural dye for textiles, leather, wood, candles, and other natural materials. Can be used for making botanical inks, pastels, watercolors, printing paste, etc. 

Dyeing with cochineal extract:

• A small amount of cochineal extract can dye a lot - start with using 1-4% WOF and observe the results. Use less for lighter shades and a bit more for deep red shades, especially for plant-based fibers..

• Dissolve the powder in a small amount of warm water and add to your dye pot.

• Optional - add a pinch of Cream of tartar. It will turn color from fuchsia to brilliant red. Use around 4% WOF of cream of tartar, dissolve in water and add to your dye bath.

• Fibers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before adding to the dye solution. Use pre-mordanted fibers.

• Add wet fibers to the dye solution and slowly bring temperature to 70-80 C. Simmer for 30-60 minutes depending on the shade you want. Leave to cool. You may soak fibers for a day or two for the deepest colors.

• Cochineal reacts beautifully with iron sulfate which will turn red shades to burgundy, purple, or violet. You may use it in different ways: 1. Add a very small amount of iron directly to the dye bath. 2. Use iron-mordanted fibers. 3. Modify color with iron after dyeing.

• After the first dyeing session you will still have some colorants left in the dye bath so you can use the same dye bath for the second dyeing and it will produce lighter shades.

Information about natural dye extracts

First and foremost, a small amount of extract goes a long way. Colorants are extracted from dyestuff in an eco-friendly manner that conserves space while retaining all dyeing properties. With the extract, you need 5 to 10 times less than the original dye. For example, 10 grams of madder extract can stand in for 100 grams of dried madder roots. This not only saves on storage but also reduces shipping costs. Moreover, extracts are quicker and simpler to prepare, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for quicker results. Additionally, for those bursts of inspiration where time is of the essence, having extracts ready is a game-changer, eliminating the lengthy wait of traditional dye solution preparation.