Frequently asked questions

We source our dyes from growers and producers we trust. Many of our plant powders and extracts come from a long-established natural dye maker in India. Others come from specialist suppliers in Europe and here in Australia. Supporting the artisans and growers who keep these traditions alive is at the heart of Alkemi.

A raw dye powder is the whole plant material (root, bark, wood, flower or leaf), dried and finely ground. An extract is the colour drawn out of the plant and concentrated into a powder. Extracts are much stronger and dissolve easily, so you use far less and have no plant matter to strain. Raw powders give rich, complex shades and have a more traditional feel.

Natural dyers measure dye as a percentage of the dry weight of fibre (WOF). As a starting guide, extracts are often used at around 1–10% WOF and raw powders at around 10–100% WOF, depending on the plant and the depth of colour you want. Each product page lists our recommended amounts.

Store your dyes in a sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place, away from moisture. Extracts are susceptible to going hard if they are exposed to moisture so be sure to keep them in a sealed container. Kept this way, natural dye powders and extracts last for years. Mordants should also be kept dry and sealed, clearly labelled, and out of reach of children and pets.

Most plant dyes are gentle to work with, but they are still craft materials, not food. Keep a separate set of pots, spoons and utensils just for dyeing. Wear gloves, avoid breathing in fine powders, and work in a well-ventilated space. Please read the safety notes on each product page, especially for mordants.

With good preparation, many natural dyes are beautifully wash- and lightfast. Results depend on the dye, the fibre, how it was scoured and mordanted, and how it's cared for. Some colours, like those from many flowers and berries, are naturally more fugitive. Wash naturally dyed pieces gently in pH-neutral soap and dry them out of direct sun.

Our starter kits are the easiest way to begin. They bring together dyes, a mordant and instructions so you can dye your first pieces with confidence. Extracts are also very beginner-friendly because they're easy to measure and dissolve.Find our kits here

We import in small batches, so some products sell out between shipments. You may pre order which generally takes 3 weeks to arrive depending on seasonal availability. Email us at alkemidyes@gmail.com and we'll let you know when it's back.