Intro to Natural Dyes

Join artist and printmaker Kirstie Williams on this one day workshop exploring how to extract colour from natural materials and apply to cloth.

On this one day natural dyeing workshop, you will develop a range of dyed fabric samples using vegetable and plant dyes such as turmeric, madder, onion skins and logwood. You will also investigate the application of mordants, a binding agent that influences the stability and vibrancy of natural dyes, and their affect on the dying process.

During the session, you will learn about using natural dyes to apply colour to cotton, silk & wool and will create your own technical colour chart of small fabric samples (swatches) using the different dyes. You’ll leave with the skills and confidence to independently explore the colourisation of cloth and the many exciting possibilities and combinations of colours you can achieve!

Itinerary :

• Introductions, health and safety, showing examples.
• Demonstration – mixing up a dye pan and mordant solution.
• Students all help to prepare and use dye pans throughout the day.
• Practical activity to dye fabric samples. 

What do I need to prepare beforehand?

If you wish, you can bring samples of natural fibre fabrics to try, or any other natural dyes you may have. However, all materials will be provided so you can just turn up on the day with out any preparation!

Your tutor: Kirstie Williams

Experience level

This is ideal for complete beginners in fabric dyeing. Those who already have a creative practice, especially one focused around working with textiles, may benefit from learning about the natural dyeing process.

What’s included?

All course prices include basic materials such as dyes, fabrics, tools and equipment.

What’s next?

Sign up for membership within one month of attending the course and you will receive a £5 discount. Find out more about membership here: https://www.wypw.org/shop/standard-membership/

Cancellation Policy:

• If you have to cancel:

If you are unable to attend your booked course, we may accept the fee paid as payment towards a place on the same or another course that takes place within the same financial year (running 1 April-31 March) following the originally booked event. Such a transfer will be on condition that we are informed in writing of your intentions four weeks prior to the originally booked event. Bookings can only be transferred once. If you are unable to attend, and not in a position either to transfer to another event, then the following charges will apply: Cancellation charges

• 16-12 weeks before the course: 50 % of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Less than 12 weeks before the course: 100% of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Please note that full payment is required for non-attendance on a booking that has been transferred.

If you have any further questions about our cancellation policy, please contact us on info@wypw.org

• If we have to cancel:

West Yorkshire Print Workshop reserves the right to cancel or re-arrange courses if there are insufficient participants enrolled to run a viable course or for other unforeseen circumstances. We will do our best to give those who have already enrolled at least one weeks’ notice of cancellation. In such circumstances you will be offered a free transfer to another course date or a full refund of fees paid. By enrolling in our courses, participants agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined above.