Getting Started: My Favorite Textile Sources for Natural Dyeing
Getting Started: My Favorite Textile Sources for Natural Dyeing
When I first started working with natural dyes, Joann’s fabric store was my go-to destination. Growing up, weekends with Grandma often included a trip to Joann’s – a magical place for a little Lily with its colorful silks and endless possibilities. Even now, the store in midtown Anchorage remains a highlight of many trips.
In those early days, I scoured Joann’s (and other popular textile retailers) for anything I could dye with a lot of trail and error. Over time, I've curated a small list of my favorite sources, hoping to create a good resource for any dyer just starting out.
Before delving into the list, here are a few things to consider:
Choosing Natural Fabrics:
Opt for unbleached and undyed fabrics, recognizable by their natural khaki color, often referred to as "greige goods" in the industry.
Ensure the material is 100% natural fiber for optimal dye absorption; synthetic fibers do not bond well with natural dyes.
Natural fibers fall into two categories: cellulose (plant-based) and protein (animal-based).
Common Natural Fibers:
Cellulose: Cotton, Linen, Hemp
Protein: Silk, Wool
Note: Bamboo cloth, while derived from bamboo, is often a bamboo viscose and considered synthetic.
Shop Local
If you have a local fabric store nearby, explore their offerings before turning to larger companies. Many small businesses are willing to go the extra mile to meet your needs, even offering special orders if items are not in stock.
Joann’s Fabric’s: The Magical Store: joann.com
Joann’s offers a fantastic selection of unbleached and undyed muslin, my preferred choice being the standard 36” width dyers cloth. The fabric has excellent hand feel, scours well, and absorbs color beautifully. I recommend visiting the store to find the best cloth for your project. They sometimes have great linen options as well. Plus, Joann’s often provides great coupons!
Maiwa Textiles: maiwa.com
Maiwa is my favorite for premade and undyed blanks like napkins, scarves, and bags. While slightly pricier, their quality is top notch, with a diverse range of options. They also stock a variety of dyestuff and tools. They are located in Canada, but they offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount, even to the US.
Etsy: etsy.com
Surprisingly, Etsy is a treasure trove for fabric shopping. You can find beautifully textured, heirloom-quality, stonewashed linen from international manufacturers in Europe. With luck, you might snag a treasure at a great price!
Dharma Trading Co: dharmatrading.com
As a dyer, Dharma Trading is essential. They have such a great and extensive selection of natural fabrics, yarns, and blanks at reasonable prices. However, shipping to Alaska can be costly so keep that in mind when ordering. You can always visit their store as well. They are located in San Rafael, California.
