A four-day intensive natural dyeing course that will introduce students to using natural dyes on fabrics, yarns and other fibres, how to get good results and all the techniques needed for dyeing with plants and plant-based colour. You’ll learn how to use plants to dye fabrics, yarns and other fibres with artist Jacqui Symons from Slow Lane Studio.

You’ll learn about various natural dyes and their applications on both cloth and yarn, including the differences between cellulose and animal fibres, and how to achieve optimal results on each.

We’ll use a number of natural dyes over the course of the four days including madder, weld, rhubarb root, buckthorn bark and buckthorn berry, alongside the set-up of two different indigo vats and how to maintain them. You’ll spend time learning about fabric and yarn preparation including how to scour and mordant properly. We will also explore the process of over-dyeing with indigo to create further colours

This course will equip you with the basic skills, knowledge, and confidence to continue using natural dyes at home or in your studio. Practical activities will be complemented by essential theoretical knowledge, ensuring you leave with a selection of fabric and yarn samples to kickstart your journey into the wonderful world of natural dyes.