Natural Red & Pink Dyes

Our natural red dyes for fabric and yarn give everything from soft pink and coral to brick and deep "Turkey red". Madder root powder and madder extract (Rubia tinctorum) are the classic plant reds, and our madder is grown in the Aegean region of Turkey. Safflower petals give clear pinks and also yellows, and the madder dye kit is the easiest way to start.

Getting the best reds from madder root dye

Keep the madder bath below about 70 °C (160 °F); boiling brings out browns. Hard water or a little calcium carbonate deepens the red. Mordant wool with alum, and cotton or linen with a clear tannin and alum.

Shades to explore

Exhaust baths give pinks and peaches, iron shifts madder toward plum and burgundy, and overdyeing with indigo makes purples.

Frequently asked questions

Which natural dye gives the brightest red?

Madder gives the strongest, most lightfast natural red, especially on alum-mordanted wool.

Why did my madder turn brown or orange?

Usually the bath was too hot or the water too soft. Keep the temperature lower and add calcium carbonate.

Can I dye cotton red naturally?

Yes. Prepare cotton with tannin and alum first, then use madder extract for the deepest shades.

Explore more: Yellow & Orange Dyes · All Natural Dyes