An Introduction to
Natural Dyes 

Learn the art and beauty of using plants to dye fabrics and yarns with artist Jacqui Symons from Slow Lane Studio.

This two-day course will show you how to get started, which plants make great dyes and how to create a range of tones using colour modifiers. There will be a focus on using plants that can be cultivated in your own garden or gathered locally.

Jacqui will also take you out into Compton Verney’s grounds, teaching you how to identify and forage for dye plants and where to find sources of colour in your local environment. You’ll spend the first day learning about the different types of natural dyes, the different formats they come in and how to use them. You’ll learn about different fibres and how to achieve good results. We’ll make up the first set of dye baths including madder and weld, alongside an indigo vat ready for creating blues and for over-dyeing on the second day.

On Day Two we’ll go out into Compton Verney’s grounds to look at potential sources of natural dye. We’ll also visit the Compton Verney dye garden before returning to the studio to learn how to use mordants and modifiers to achieve a greater range of tones and explore over-dyeing to create even more colours.