Natural Yellow & Orange Dyes

Yellow is the easiest color to find in nature, and the most useful for overdyeing. Our natural yellow dyes for fabric include weld powder and weld extract (Reseda luteola), buckthorn seed powder, whole buckthorn seeds and buckthorn extract, pomegranate peel, onion skins and safflower.

Choosing a yellow

  • Weld: the clearest, most lightfast lemon yellow.
  • Dyer’s buckthorn: warm golden yellows from the berries.
  • Pomegranate: golden khaki tones, rich in tannin.
  • Onion skins: orange, rust and copper.

Greens and oranges

Overdye yellows with indigo for greens, or with madder for oranges. A touch of iron turns yellows olive.

Frequently asked questions

Which natural yellow is most lightfast?

Weld is traditionally the most lightfast natural yellow.

How do I get green with natural dyes?

Dye yellow first with weld or buckthorn, then dip in an indigo vat, or the other way round.

Do yellow dyes need a mordant?

Yes. Alum is used for wool and silk, and tannin plus alum for cotton and linen.

Explore more: Red & Pink Dyes · All Natural Dyes

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