The green outer hulls of walnuts are dried and ground for this natural dye. Use them alone to dye a range of browns, tans, and taupes. With a very strong concentration of walnut and an afterbath, charcoal grey and black can be achieved- these are very elusive colours in the natural dyeing world! Leaving fibres in the bath overnight will achieve darker colours.

This listing includes 20g of organic ground walnut hulls in a recycled paper envelop. They are USDA Certified Organic.

Walnut is what's known as a substantive dye- that is, it does not need to be used with a mordant to be colourfast.

As with most natural dyes, the colours will be stronger on protein fibres such as wool or silk. Walnut on cellulose fibres like cotton and linen tend to be paler and more subdued. Synthetic fibres tend not to take up natural dyes.

Equipment and Safety

Always add powder to liquid, not liquid to powder (to prevent powder from flying everywhere). Wear gloves and an apron to avoid staining your hands and clothes. Always dye in a well ventilated area and use separate pots and utensils from your cooking pots.