Madder Dye

Description

Madder Dye is a foundational red dye extracted from the roots of Rubia tinctorum, a flowering plant cultivated across Europe, the Middle East, and Western Asia since antiquity. Celebrated for its versatility and depth, madder yields a broad spectrum of reds, from delicate peachy pinks to earthy orange-reds, brick tones, and deep oxblood. Its primary colorant, alizarin, binds strongly to both protein and cellulose fibers, making it one of the most lightfast and historically significant natural dyes available. Madder’s gentle, buildable tone is ideal for complex color layering and overdyeing in traditional and contemporary practice.

Recommended Use

Use at 5–10% WOF for medium saturation; up to 15% for deeper hues. Soak and simmer gently (below 160°F / 70°C) to preserve the brightest reds, excess heat can shift the color toward brown. Madder pairs especially well with alum and calcium-rich water. For cellulose fibers, pre-mordant with alum and tannin for best results.

Historical Significance

Madder has colored the textiles of humanity for over 5,000 years, from Egyptian tombs and Roman togas to medieval tapestries and Ottoman silks. It was central to the famous Turkey Red process and used in British military uniforms and French royal silks. The development of synthetic alizarin in the 19th century marked the first natural dye to be chemically replicated, demonstrating madder’s historical and scientific significance.

Dye Details

Name: Alizarin and purpurin from Rubia tinctorum

Origin: Western Asia or Southern Europe

Dye Type: Botanical root extract

Recommended Fibers: Wool, silk, cotton, linen, and bast fibers

Lightfastness: Excellent on protein; good on cellulose with proper mordant

Mordants & Modifiers:

Alum – brilliant reds, oranges, soft pinks

Cream of Tartar – shifts tone warmer and brightens reds

Calcium Carbonate (chalk) – intensifies red hues

Iron – rust, oxblood, and earthy tones

Soda Ash (alkaline bath) – orange and brick tones

Citric or Acetic Acid – pinker hues and coral reds

Packaging

Available in resealable, eco-conscious kraft pouches with full instructions for traditional extraction and modern techniques.