Cochineal

Main color: Pink

Origin: Canary Islands

Scientific name: Dactylopius coccus (whole bugs)

50 grams of cochineal dye 2 kilograms of fiber in a medium shade.

Cochineal is a versatile and long-lasting natural dye that has been used for centuries to create a wide range of beautiful pink and red hues. Its unique properties make it one of nature's most sought-after dye sources.

Our high-quality, whole cochineal is sourced from the Canary Islands and is grown organically, ensuring that it is both sustainable and of the highest quality. With its ability to yield vibrant and long-lasting colors, it is a favorite among natural dyers and textile artists. Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to natural dyeing, our cochineal is sure to inspire your creativity and add a touch of magic to your dyeing projects.

HOW TO DYE:

Cochineal is an insect dye and it comes as dry whole bugs. So please follow the instructions below for extracting the color:

Grind the dry cochineal into a powder using a pestle and mortar or a spice grinder. Place the powdered cochineal in a muslin bag or cheesecloth and tie it securely. Boil the bag of powdered cochineal in a pot of water for about 20-30 minutes. Allow the dye bath to cool or let it sit overnight to allow the color to deepen and then remove the bag of cochineal. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible before discarding the bag. The liquid in the pot is your concentrated dye solution.

Then add enough water and dip your mordanted fiber, and heat until the desired color is reached. The intensity of the color will depend on the amount of dye used and the length of time the fiber is left in the dye bath. It is important to note that the amount of water used is not critical, as long as the fiber is able to move freely in the dye bath. The amount of dye to use is a personal preference, but generally, a ratio of 3% of the dry weight of the fiber will produce vibrant colors.

Natural dyeing is an incredible realm of endless possibilities that always encourages experimentation. Rather than focusing on a specific outcome, embrace the process of dyeing as a collaboration between you, the dye plants, the fiber, the water, the heat, and all other factors that affect the color. One quick tip: using different mordants, such as ferrous sulfate or copper sulfate, can produce variations in color.

For more detailed and precise instructions, please visit our blog pages.