Dye Books

A Dyer's Garden: From Plant to Pot: Growing Dyes for Natural Fibers

Rita Buchanan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great for re-enactors 4 out of 5 stars.
47 of 48 people found this review helpful.

I particularly recommend this book as a visual source for historical re-enactors.

Too often there are descriptions of what dye-plants were used to color garments, but, no examples of what those colors would look like. This book provides clear, vivid color photos on a whole range of dye-plants grown during pre-medieval, medieval, Colonial, and later times. Additionally, it shows the same dye used on different fibers, sometimes with different mordants (fixers). Fiber samples include linen, wool, silk, and cotton.

I recommend this book to people interested in making clothing from "modern" material...it gives them the best opprotunity possible to try to find close color-matches. Alternately, it provides solid information to dye cloth by hand.

Also, the low price can't be beat!

Editorial Review:

Touching on the history and nature of dye plants, this comprehensive guide walks readers through a garden season from design to planting to harvesting for the dyepot, discussing 18 dye plants in detail.

The Surface Designer's Handbook: Dyeing, Printing, Painting, and Creating Resists on Fabric

Holly Brackmann

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Beginning with studio practices and safety rules, this information-packed handbook is appropriate for both newcomers and experienced dyers but assumes that readers have a serious interest in textile design. An overview of dyeing starts with fibers and fabrics and discusses all aspects of the dyes favored by textile studios—fiber reactive, acid, vat, and disperse—before explaining discharging, screen printing, monoprinting, stamping, stenciling, resist dyeing, dévoré, and painting. Would-be fabric artists are advised along the way to identify a personal approach to dyeing—free spirit? rule-follower?—and color photographs of work by today's top fiber artists elucidate prevailing styles. Recipes and techniques are accompanied by step-by-step instructions with photographs, and a concealed spiral binding allows the book to lie flat. Ten appendices include a worksheet for recording chemicals, procedures, and costs for all projects; a guide to washing fabric; descriptions of stock solutions, thickeners, and steaming; a metric conversion table; and a guide to water temperatures.

The Art and Craft of Natural Dyeing: Traditional Recipes for Modern Use

J. N. Liles

Amazon Price: $13.26 List Price: $19.50 Usually ships in 24 hours By: University of Tennessee Press Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $10.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Best Ever Book on Natural Dyeing! 5 out of 5 stars.
82 of 82 people found this review helpful.

I have read all the current and out-of-print books on natural dyeing that are available, and I have tried a large number of the "recipes". This is the only book I would recommend. The information is factual, as opposed to annecdotal--a fault most of the others suffer from--and you actually get the colours given, if you follow the steps accurately. It is definitely the best book if you are interested in the classic natural dyes, such as indigo and madder, and it is the only one I have found that gives you a good procedure for Turkey Red! If you use this book, you won't need any others (although they are fun to read!).

The ULTIMATE reference book for the Serious Natural Dyer 5 out of 5 stars.
58 of 58 people found this review helpful.

This book is a must for anyone studying the history and techniques of natural dyeing. I study as well as teach techniques for historical dyes and this is the only reference that helped me with difficult questions. For example, Liles covers how the roots of the Madder plant can dye orange, red, or brown depending on the temperature of the dye bath, which he provides in great detail. I could never have consistently achiedved that red red without it. Liles give an excellent overview of the evolution of natural dyes from ancient times to modern day. He inludes excellent tables for chemical names, and his advise on disposal of chemicals is excellent and very much appreciated. Liles thoroughly explains the nature of dyes on various fibers and his recipies are fiber specific, although because the recipies are chaptered by color/fiber you sometimes have to look in several different sections to find out everything you may want to know about a specific dye. For natural dyers in the Society for Creative Anachronism and other historical research groups, this book is a must.

Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing

Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada, Mary Kellogg Rice, Jane J. Barton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Potential for creating designs in textiles can be seen even in the physical properties of cloth. The simple fact that cloth tightly compressed into wrinkles or folds resists the penetration of dye is an opportunity-an opportunity to let the pliancy of textiles speak in making designs and patterns.
People around the world have recognized this opportunity, producing resist designs in textiles by shaping and then securing cloth in various ways before dyeing. Yet in no other country has the creative potential of this basic principle been understood and applied as it has in Japan. Here, in fact, it has been expanded into a whole family of traditional resist techniques, involving first shaping the cloth by plucking, pinching, twisting, stitching, folding, pleating, and wrapping it, and then securing the shapes thus made by binding, looping, knotting, clamping, and the like. This entire family of techniques is called shibori.
Designs created with shibori processes all share a softness of outline and spontaneity of effect. Spontaneity is shibori's special magic, made possible by exploiting the beauty of the fortuitous things that happen when dye enters shaped cloth.
Usually it is in response to the fact that a craft is being lost that the need for preserving and documenting it arises. The motivation behind this book is no exception, but the authors have gone far beyond simple documentation. Extensive research and experimentation have led to the revival here of shibori techniques that were once well known but have now been largely forgotten in Japan. In addition to more conventional techniques, the work of contemporary fiber artists in Japan and abroad in shibori textile art and wearable art is presented, to suggest the extent of the creative innovation possible.
The 104 color and 298 black-and-white plates include a photographic Gallery of Shibori Examples, based on Japan's largest collection of traditional shibori fabrics. Included also are a detailed guide to basic natural dyes used in Japan, the making and care of an indigo vat, and a list of suppliers in North America, as well as a glossary and bibliography. Now available in paperback, this full documentation of one of the world's most inventive and exciting dyeing techniques continues as a classic in the textile field.

The Yarn Lover's Guide to Hand Dyeing: Beautiful Color and Simple Knits

Linda Labelle

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Take your craft to the next level.

For rich, unique yarns of your very own creation, The Yarn Lover’s Guide to Hand Dyeing is your essential go-to guide.

Now you can create gorgeous, unique, handpainted yarns in your very own kitchen. In this practical guide to dyeing yarn at home, you’ll learn simple techniques for creating beautiful, colorful yarns–and pick up some new patterns to highlight your new hues along the way.

Fiber artist, knitter, and teacher Linda LaBelle provides her own valuable expertise and insight and gives readers a peek into a typical day in the lives of seven professional hand dyers through lush photographs and personal interviews in which they share their thoughts, advice, and sometimes dyeing secrets!

You’ll learn a variety of hand-dyeing processes, including faux ikat, used to create a fun tie-dyed effect; quick stovetop techniques that yield tons of color; space dyeing, which uses several colors to create a pattern; a way to dye already
knitted pieces; and trouble-free methods for immersion and handpainting. There’s also info on different types of dye–from Kool-Aid and food coloring to Jacquard Acid and PRO One Shot.

Once you’re finished, show off your rich and quirky new hues with 20 original knit and crochet patterns. Designs are easy yet sophisticated, and include everything from ponchos to scarves and hats to arm warmers. You’ll find clear instructions, entertaining projects, and plenty of how-to tips.

Color in Spinning

Deb Menz

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Learned a lot about color, dyeing and fiber 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Coming from a formal art background, I really appreciate this book. Not only does it cover the basics of dyeing and carding/combing well, but it also provides lessons in color (beyond the basic color wheel) where you directly see the results of mixing and using different color combinations. There are samples of finished knitted pieces using similarly-colored yarn yet with slightly different properties. Readers are encouraged to use the exercises for future self-directed study. Great cataloguing ideas are offered.

I highly recommend this book!

Editorial Review:

Written expressly for the hand spinner seeking new adventures in color, this manual presents in-depth discussions and step-by-step photographed demonstrations of immersion dyeing, painting rovings, blending colors and fibers, and spinning and plying multicolored preparations. A chapter on understanding color principles offers novice spinners the skills needed to easily work with color while providing advanced spinning techniques for the expert dyer. A gallery of finished pieces as well as appendixes on dye workshops and metric conversions are included.

Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Dyeing: Create Colorful Fabric for Quilts, Crafts & Wearables

Lynn Koolish

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Love it!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I have lots of dye books in my studio, but this one really hits the spot with me! Everything is clear and Lynn de-mystifies the process. I am especially excited about trying Lynn's shibori methods and multi-layered dye experiments. Thanks, Lynn!

Dyeing fun! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Lynn Koolish's Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Dyeing is very inspiring. I am a novice dyer. The more I dye, the more I want to try new things. I try to just experiment but I generally have a project in mind and want to have good results. I wasn't really in the market for another dye book but Lynn's section on shibori-like dyeing makes it seem very do-able. In addition to chapters on solids, she also covers dyeing gradations, direct dye application, and dyeing wool. This book is a great resource for exploring a variety of dye techniques.

Editorial Review:

Want to make quilting and fabric crafting more fun? Add color. Rich, vibrant color, plus blends,
patterns, even textures! Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Dyeing features twelve can’t-miss, no-fail, easy-as-Sunday-morning techniques for adding color to clothing, linens, household goods, anything made of fabric. Readers will want to get started right away with supply lists, step-by-step photos and directions, and an inspiring photo gallery of finished pieces. The latest in the popular Fast, Fun & Easy series (more than 450,000 copies sold), Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Dyeing is the book crafters everywhere will be dyeing to get.

Tie Dye! The How-To Book

Virginia Gleser

Amazon Price: $10.36 List Price: $12.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Book Publishing Company (TN) Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $7.48

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Good, but not good enough 2 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Virginia has a good starter book for tie-dye, but like the majority of tie-dye content - only skims the surface. I prefer Jacquard's "Tie Dye To Die For & Batik You Can't Resist" book at $5.95 vs. this how-to book. To be fair, I would purchase it to see her lovely tie-dye work, but as a "how-to" I might look elsewhere.

Michael Fowler

Excellent guide for a beginner 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I've purchased several tie dye books and DVDs, this is my primary "go to" book. Author does a fantastic job:

1. Tells you at a high level the end-to-end process of tie dying

2. Has text, accompanied by black and white photos on how to tie.

3. Has at least one color photo of each finished tie dye project.

You will understand how to tie dye several different types of patterns, and be successful at your first attempt, if you follow the information and advice.

Editorial Review:

Learn the secrets of tie dying and create your own beautiful fabrics. Tie dying is an ancient art form developed in the Far East over a thousand years ago. This user-friendly book will show you how to create seven unique and beautiful designs. Clear, simple instructions, including photos of each stage of the tying and dying, will guide you through the process. Full color photos show the stunning results possible. Includes a source listing for permanent, high quality dyes.

Hands on Dyeing (Hands on)

Betsy Blumenthal, Kathryn Kreider

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

My fabric dying bible 5 out of 5 stars.
31 of 41 people found this review helpful.

I have used this book over the past several years, and find I can't be without it. I have worn it out, and it is stained with dye. It is time to buy a new one soon!!!!! This book is the best.

Bear Paw Quilting Studio

A great resource for the dyer 5 out of 5 stars.
16 of 25 people found this review helpful.

This book has clearly written instructions for all types of dyeing. From the beginner, to the expert - Hands on Dyeing will be used over and over again.

The Definitive Guide 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is the best semi-technical reference on dyeing fiber and yarn I have found. Less of a technique book and more of a process manual, it covers everything a novice dyer needs to know to become proficient in quality, reproducible dyeing results.

This book isn't touting art yarns, and yet anyone interested in advanced, creative techniques needs a solid foundation. I have found the authors give just enough technical information to shore up the knowledge of the dyer without overwhelming them. They match it with quality basic skills from safety and dye mixing process to types of dye and finishing techniques and from this platform almost any advanced method can be employed.

I am of the opinion that full creativity cannot be had unless the basics are understood - this text opens up enough solid theory that a dyer can go forth confidently and have an extensive knowledge with which to create their own works of art.

One key thing of value to note about this text is the dye measuring method - though it is technical they have the EASIEST, lowest-tech process for creating good, reproducible results. They have a good system for standard volume measurements instead of weight - so only a normal teaspoon measuring set and some pyrex measuring cups are needed - not a fancy balance scale or electronic gram scale. This allows home dyers to be reasonably accurate without a huge outlay of money or complicated dye concentration measurements to be learned. For this alone I give "Hands on Dyeing" five stars.

The balance between a solid technical reference and accessibility to a novice dyer is one few books on the subject can match. And those that do are often entirely focused on fabric design and gloss over or ignore yarn. I am pleased to say that is absolutely not the case here. Furthermore, the advice is just generic enough that it can be easily applied to things not touched upon - like dyeing wood, paper, or bulk fiber - with confidence and ease.

HIGHLY recommend this text - a must for any hobbyist and a wonderful core reference for professional textile artists.

Editorial Review:

It's all here: dip dyeing, overdyeing, color gradations and variegation, fold dyeing, batik, fabric painting, and more. Includes complete project instructions.

A Weaver's Garden: Growing Plants for Natural Dyes and Fibers

Rita Buchanan

Amazon Price: $8.76 List Price: $10.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Dover Publications Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $5.59

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great book! 5 out of 5 stars.
23 of 32 people found this review helpful.

I am a fanatic when it comes to dyeing and weaving my own yarn. I really enjoyed this book's dyeing techniques and the methods of extracting natural dyes from their sources. This book is great when it comes to teahing other people about hoow to make their own dyes. I even got my son into dyeing whit natural methods, my son is 14 and usually hates to take any of my advice. This showshow great this book really is!!

Editorial Review:

Valuable hints from a veteran botanist and weaver on dyeing fibers and fabrics, what soap plants to use for cleaning textiles, advice on fragrant plants to scent and protect fabrics, plant materials to use as tools, suggestions for planning and creating a garden featuring cotton, flax, indigo, and much more. Includes glossary, pronunciation guide and an abundance of illustrations. An informative and inspiring volume for weavers, gardeners, textile artists, and craftspeople.