Madder (Rubia tinctoria) is one of the oldest known dyestuffs and, for me, the queen of natural dyes. Across centuries of textile history, it has been used to create a rich spectrum of colour — from deep reds and mulberry tones to warm terracotta, coral, soft pinks and dusty purples.
Cultivated for generations throughout India, Turkey and Iran, madder once formed part of Greece’s own dye heritage. Although cultivation declined with the rise of synthetic dyes, the plant can still be found growing wild in regions such as Paros island, Evros and Zagorohoria, quietly carrying its history through the landscape.
Madder is a remarkably complex dye material, containing multiple colourants that respond sensitively to different dyeing processes. By adjusting temperature, pH, and the use of mordants or modifiers, dyers can unlock an extraordinary range of shades — making it both technically fascinating and deeply expressive.
Offered here as cut roots for immersion dyeing, bundle dyeing and experimental textile practice.
For textile and artistic use only.
Want to explore its full colour range? Learn more at the Advanced Natural Dyeing Workshop.
Madder (Rubia tinctoria) is one of the oldest known dyestuffs and, for me, the queen of natural dyes. Across centuries of textile history, it has been used to create a rich spectrum of colour — from deep reds and mulberry tones to warm terracotta, coral, soft pinks and dusty purples.
Cultivated for generations throughout India, Turkey and Iran, madder once formed part of Greece’s own dye heritage. Although cultivation declined with the rise of synthetic dyes, the plant can still be found growing wild in regions such as Paros island, Evros and Zagorohoria, quietly carrying its history through the landscape.
Madder is a remarkably complex dye material, containing multiple colourants that respond sensitively to different dyeing processes. By adjusting temperature, pH, and the use of mordants or modifiers, dyers can unlock an extraordinary range of shades — making it both technically fascinating and deeply expressive.
Offered here as cut roots for immersion dyeing, bundle dyeing and experimental textile practice.
For textile and artistic use only.
Want to explore its full colour range? Learn more at the Advanced Natural Dyeing Workshop.
Our favourite technique, a contemporary process where we use fresh and dried flowers to create prints on fabric. Each one is unique, and even if we wanted to we can't create the same pattern twice!
