Natural Dyeing course

This natural dyeing course is intended for those who wish to learn to dye textile fibres with natural dyestuffs. It covers fibre preparation and mordanting, dyeing with different dyestuffs and finishing textiles after dyeing.

The programme begins with the principles of natural dyeing, the materials and equipment required, and the preparation of protein and cellulosic fibres. It also covers mordanting processes and their influence on dyeing results.

The practical component includes dyeing with traditional dye plants, such as madder and weld, and other dyestuffs, including cochineal, various flowers and lichens. Experimentation allows participants to observe the colours obtained from each material and explore ways of modifying them.

The course is taught by Guida Fonseca, with an emphasis on technical rigour, the selection of dyestuffs and auxiliary products, and environmental care in dyeing practice.

The course includes all materials and a complimentary copy of the Introduction to Natural Dyeing Manual, written by Guida Fonseca and Alice Bernardo, produced and published by Saber Fazer. Each participant will take home a set of colour samples produced during the course.

Course content

- Basic principles of natural dyeing;
- Equipment and materials required;
- Preparation of textile fibres for dyeing: protein and cellulosic fibres;
- Mordanting processes;
- Dyeing with different dyestuffs and their specific processes: madder, weld, cochineal, onion skins, flowers, lichens and others;
- Colour modification;
- Finishing textiles after dyeing;
- Experimentation, testing and sample production.

Orientation: Guida Fonseca
Date: 8th and 9th June 2024 (Saturday and Sunday);
Time: 9h30-13h/14h30-18h (Saturday and Sunday);
10:00-13:00 / 14:30-17:00 (Sunday);