Natural Dyeing

The Art of Natural Dyeing in Iran: A Rainbow from Nature on Fabric

Natural dyeing is an authentic and ancient Iranian art in which various plants are used to dye fabrics, threads, and other materials. This art, in addition to its beauty and color variety, is also very environmentally friendly.

History of Natural Dyeing in Iran

Natural dyeing in Iran has a long history dating back to ancient times. In the past, Iranians used plants growing around them to obtain various colors for dyeing their fabrics. This art flourished during various historical periods, especially during the Safavid era, and was used in the production of fine fabrics and valuable carpets.

Raw Materials and Tools Required

Dye plants: The most important raw material in natural dyeing is dye plants. Plants such as madder, weld, indigo, walnut husk, pomegranate peel, and many others contain natural pigments that can be used for dyeing.

Mordant: Mordants are substances that help fix the color on the fibers. Substances such as alum, iron, and tin are used as mordants.

Dyeing pot: A large pot for boiling plants and dyeing fabrics

Wooden or ceramic containers: For storing dyes and various solutions

Fabric or thread: For dyeing

Stages of Natural Dyeing

Preparing the plants: Dye plants are dried and then ground or crushed.

Boiling the plants: The crushed plants are boiled in a dyeing pot with water to release their pigments.

Adding mordant: After boiling the plants, the appropriate mordant is added to the solution.

Dyeing the fabric: The fabric or thread is prepared and then placed in the dye solution and boiled for a specific period.

Washing and drying: After dyeing, the fabric is washed with water and dried.

Types of Natural Dyes

Red: Madder, cochineal

Yellow: Weld, saffron

Blue: Indigo, woad

Green: Combination of indigo and yellow

Purple: Combination of indigo and red