Pincushion flowers Natural Dye

Fibers: Cotton, hemp & linen

Mordant: Oak Galls

Dye: Black pincushion flowers

Pincushion flowers, also known as Scabiosa, are part of the honeysuckle family and are characterized by their distinctive spherical flower heads made up of many small florets. These flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, blue, and white. Today I used a black pincushion flower, which created a beautiful teal blue.

To create a natural dye using pincushion flowers, you'll need to gather the flower petals. Add the petals to a pot of water and bring the heat just under simmering and turn your heat off. Let the mixture extract for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Once the water has taken on the color of the flowers, strain out the petals and add your fabric to the pot. Let the material swim in the dye bath for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you leave it, the deeper the color will be.

After the dyeing process is complete, remove your fabric and rinse it thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Hang it up to dry, and you'll be left with a beautiful, unique piece that showcases the beauty of natural dyes.

Pincushion flowers are a great option for natural dyeing because they produce a vibrate blue to teal color. Experiment with different quantities of flowers and fabric to create a variety of shades, and don't be afraid to mix and match with other natural materials to create your own unique color palette.