Page 92 - Shawl Weaving Artisan - TT

Our ancestors extracted and prepared dyes from these • Some natural dyes possess mosquito repellent and
natural sources. Although, all the natural materials can’t flame resistant property.
produce color there are some elements except plants • Minimal Environmental Impact – Because they come
that produce some expensive colors like sea snails, from natural sources, natural dyes are not harmful to
Cochineal insects, etc. the environment, which makes them so appealing
History and origin of natural dyes to consumers. Natural dyes are biodegradable and
disposing of them doesn’t cause pollution.
The first natural dye use was found around 2600 BC.
Originally, dyes were made with natural pigments mixed • Renewable – Natural dyes are obtained from
with water and oil used to decorate skin, jewellery, and renewable sources that can be harnessed without
clothing. Back then, natural dyes were used on caves imposing harm to the environment.
in places such as Spain. Data show that dyeing was • Safe – Some natural dyes, such as carmine found in
done by plants, barks, and insects in China about 5000 lipsticks, will not cause harm or health problems when
years ago. Navajo textile artist Nona bah Gorman Bryan ingested.
developed a two-step process for creating green dye.
First, the Churro wool yarn is dyed yellow with sagebrush, Disadvantages of natural dyes
Artemisia tridentata, and then it is soaked in black dye • Natural dyes are difficult to store.
after bath. The team of researchers discovered bright pink
pigment in rocks taken from deep beneath the Sahara • Dye extraction is a time-consuming process.
in Africa. The pigment was dated at 1.1 billion years old, • Reproducibility of the same color shade is difficult.
making it the oldest color on the geological record.
• Impurities in natural dyes fade away the color
Advantages of natural dyes produced.

• Natural dyes are extracted from natural sources and • Availability of these dyes depends on the seasons.
hence they are eco-friendly.
• The natural dyeing process is difficult to standardize.
• Produces soft and soothing colors.
Dyeing of cotton fabric method
• These dyes provide excellent protection from UV rays.
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber. It is a natural and most
• Natural dyes like turmeric have anti-microbial popular fiber. Cotton is dyed with a range of dye types,
properties and hence protect the fabrics and wearers including vat dyes, and modern synthetic reactive and
from microbial attack. direct dyes. The flow chart of cotton dyeing process of
cotton is given below.
Flow chart of cotton dyeing process
The required amount of water was taken into the machine

The fabric was loaded and run for 5-10 minutes at normal temperature

BOS, FE, CF, H-53 (Scouring Chemicals) were added at a time for 5 minutes

Caustic was added at normal temperature for 5 minutes

The temperature increased to 60ºC

Hydrogen per Oxide(H O ) was added for 5 minutes
2
2
The temperature increased at 95ºC and continue for 1 hrs

Sample check

Cold wash at 40ºC for 5-10 minutes

Hot wash at 95ºC for 5-10 minutes

82 Textile & Handloom: Shawl Weaving Artisan : (NSQF - 2024) R.T. Ex.No 1.6.55-65