Pomegranate extract

Pomegranate rinds are well-known in the world of natural dyeing, especially within Eastern traditions, having been used for millennia. They offer a spectrum of shades, from a durable warm yellow when paired with alum, to deep, near-black tones when used with iron. Beyond its color-yielding properties, pomegranate is rich in tannins, therefore it can be used as an organic mordant. Moreover, when combined with other botanical dyes, it enhances their longevity and resilience.

Name: pomegranate extract

Latin name: Punica granatum

Type: mordant dye, no-mordant dye, organic mordant

Part of plant used: rinds

Colorants: various tannins 

Main colors: yellow, grey, brown

Other colors: various shades of beige, orange, black, green

Purpose: Natural dye for textiles, leather, wood, and candles. Can be used as an organic mordant for other natural dyes.

Dyeing and mordanting with pomegranate extract:

•  Use at 5-10% WOF (weight of fiber).

• Dissolve the powder in a small amount of warm water to create your dye solution.

• Fibers, whether pre-mordanted or unmordanted, should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before adding to the dye solution.

• Immerse fibers in the pomegranate dye solution and simmer for 30-60 minutes, depending on the desired shade. Allow the solution to cool.

• To achieve a diverse color palette, consider adjusting the pH. Common agents include citric acid, cream of tartar, soda ash, or chalk.

• To further expand your color range, experiment with additional mordants like iron sulfate or various tannins.

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.