{"title":"Dye Assists \u0026 Modifiers","description":"\u003cp\u003eDye assists help you prepare fibers, adjust the dye bath and fine-tune color. \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/products\/soda-ash-sodium-carbonate\"\u003eSoda ash\u003c\/a\u003e scours cotton and linen and raises the pH of indigo vats. \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/products\/cream-of-tartar\"\u003eCream of tartar\u003c\/a\u003e is added to alum baths for wool and silk to keep colors bright and fibers soft. \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/products\/calcium-carbonate\"\u003eCalcium carbonate\u003c\/a\u003e (chalk) brightens madder reds in soft water. \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/products\/gum-arabic-powder\"\u003eGum arabic\u003c\/a\u003e thickens natural dye pastes and inks, and \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/products\/fructose-indigo-vat\"\u003efructose\u003c\/a\u003e is the reducing sugar for a fruit indigo vat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eModifiers and color shifts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChanging the pH of a dye bath changes color: alkaline baths push many dyes warmer, acidic baths make them cooler or brighter. Combine assists with \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/collections\/alum-iron-mordants\"\u003ealum and iron\u003c\/a\u003e to widen your palette from a single dye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePrinting, painting and ink making\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMix gum arabic with \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/collections\/natural-dye-extracts\"\u003edye extracts\u003c\/a\u003e to make pastes for block printing and painting. Gum arabic is also the classic binder for ink making with \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/collections\/natural-tannins\"\u003eoak galls\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is soda ash used for in natural dyeing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor scouring plant fibers before mordanting and for raising the pH of indigo vats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy add cream of tartar to alum?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps alum bond evenly to wool and silk, keeps colors brighter and the fiber softer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does calcium carbonate do?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChalk adds calcium to soft water and helps madder give deeper, truer reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore more:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/collections\/natural-indigo\"\u003eNatural Indigo\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/collections\/mordants-and-assists\"\u003eAll Mordants \u0026amp; Assists\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is soda ash used for in natural dyeing?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"For scouring plant fibers before mordanting and for raising the pH of indigo vats.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Why add cream of tartar to alum?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It helps alum bond evenly to wool and silk, keeps colors brighter and the fiber softer.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What does calcium carbonate do?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Chalk adds calcium to soft water and helps madder give deeper, truer reds.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cream-of-tartar","title":"Cream of Tartar","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) is a traditional \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003edyeing assistant\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e used together with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ealum\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e when mordanting—especially on \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ewool and silk\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. It helps the mordant bath stay gently acidic, supports \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003emore even uptake\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, can help keep protein fibres feeling \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003esofter\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and is often used to \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ebrighten \/ clarify\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e certain shades (especially some reds).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCream of tartar works best with \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eprotein fibres\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (wool \u0026amp; silk) and is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eseldom used with cellulose fibres\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (cotton\/linen). It is typically used alongside alum:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/themazi.com\/products\/aluminium-potassium-sulphate-mordant-modifiers\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eAlum (Aluminium Potassium Sulphate)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eUse rate (starting point):\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 5–6% WOF (Weight Of Fibre).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFor protein fibres, a practical mordanting starting point is \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e10–15% alum (WOF)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, then add \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e5–6% cream of tartar (WOF)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e after alum is fully dissolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eQuick use:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Dissolve alum completely in hot water, add cream of tartar and stir until dissolved, then add fibres and heat gently (avoid boiling). Allow fibres to cool in the bath for more even uptake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNew to cream of tartar?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/themazi.com\/blogs\/news\/cream-of-tartar-natural-dyeing-guide\" style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eSee our step-by-step guide (dosage + best pairings).\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNotes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cream of tartar is an \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eassistant\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, not a stand-alone mordant. Results vary with fibre type, water chemistry, dye material, and process. Avoid inhaling fine powder; store sealed in a cool, dry place. SDS is available upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork out exact grams for your fabric with our free \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/pages\/natural-dye-wof-calculator\"\u003enatural dye calculator and WOF chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"100 g (3.5 oz)","offer_id":39304937865373,"sku":"CREAMofTARTAR","price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 g (14.1 oz)","offer_id":45855127240938,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 kg (2.2 lb)","offer_id":45855127273706,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/files\/themazi-cream-of-tartar-dyeing-assistant-with-alum-pouch-bowl.jpg?v=1771421754"},{"product_id":"gum-arabic-powder","title":"Gum Arabic Powder","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGum arabic\u003c\/strong\u003e is a natural gum from acacia trees (mainly \u003cem\u003eAcacia senegal\u003c\/em\u003e). In natural dyeing it is used as a \u003cstrong\u003ethickener and binder\u003c\/strong\u003e: it turns liquid dye extracts and mordant solutions into a paste you can print, stamp, stencil or paint onto fabric without the color spreading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 g and 400 g.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you can do with gum arabic\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrint with dye extracts:\u003c\/strong\u003e thicken \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/collections\/natural-dye-extracts\"\u003enatural dye extracts\u003c\/a\u003e such as madder, weld or buckthorn to paint or block print on mordanted fabric.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrint with mordants:\u003c\/strong\u003e thicken alum or iron solutions to print patterns, then dye the whole cloth: the color is strongest where the mordant was printed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMake natural inks and paints:\u003c\/strong\u003e gum arabic is the traditional binder for \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/how-to-make-oakgall-ink\"\u003eoak gall ink\u003c\/a\u003e and watercolor paints.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to make a printing paste\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSprinkle gum arabic powder into warm water while stirring, and leave it for about 30 minutes to dissolve and thicken. As a starting point, try about 1 part powder to 4 parts water by weight, then adjust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStir in your dissolved dye extract or mordant solution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTest on a scrap of fabric. If the print bleeds, add more gum; if it is too stiff to spread, add a little water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrint or paint, let the fabric dry completely, then fix the print: rinse, or for mordant prints give the fabric a chalk bath with \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/products\/calcium-carbonate\"\u003ecalcium carbonate\u003c\/a\u003e before dyeing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTips\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGum arabic washes out after printing, so it does not stiffen the finished fabric.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor very fine lines, a stronger thickener such as guar gum needs much less material; gum arabic gives a softer, smoother paste for painting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore the powder sealed and dry. Mixed paste keeps for a few days in the fridge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelated:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/how-to-dye-fabrics-with-natural-extracts\"\u003eHow to dye fabric with natural extracts\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/collections\/dye-assists-and-modifiers\"\u003eDye assists and modifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is gum arabic used for in natural dyeing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt thickens dye extracts and mordant solutions into a paste for printing, stamping and painting on fabric, and it binds natural inks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes gum arabic stay in the fabric?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It washes out after the print is fixed, so the fabric stays soft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much gum arabic should I use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with about 1 part powder to 4 parts water by weight and adjust until the paste prints cleanly without bleeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead the guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/soda-ash-for-natural-dyeing-chalk-gum-arabic\"\u003eSoda ash, chalk and gum arabic guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork out exact grams for your fabric with our free \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/pages\/natural-dye-wof-calculator\"\u003enatural dye calculator and WOF chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is gum arabic used for in natural dyeing?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It thickens dye extracts and mordant solutions into a paste for printing, stamping and painting on fabric, and it binds natural inks.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does gum arabic stay in the fabric?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. It washes out after the print is fixed, so the fabric stays soft.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much gum arabic should I use?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Start with about 1 part powder to 4 parts water by weight and adjust until the paste prints cleanly without bleeding.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50gr","offer_id":39305258565789,"sku":"GUMARABIC50","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 gr","offer_id":43590017384682,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/image_c664ba5e-6ae0-45d1-ac27-997ef00b2ab7.jpg?v=1684439382"},{"product_id":"calcium-carbonate","title":"Calcium Carbonate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium carbonate\u003c\/strong\u003e (chalk) is a \u003cstrong\u003edye assist\u003c\/strong\u003e, not a mordant. Natural dyers use it in two ways: to add calcium to soft water so that madder and weld give deeper, truer colors, and as a \u003cstrong\u003echalk bath\u003c\/strong\u003e that fixes aluminum acetate and printed mordants on cotton and linen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 g and 400 g.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much calcium carbonate to use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn a madder dye bath:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–6% WOF (2–6 g per 100 g of fiber) if your water is soft. It gives deeper, redder madder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn a weld dye bath:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4–8% WOF, added with the weld from the start, for stronger, brighter yellows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChalk bath (fixing):\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 g per liter of warm water. Soak fabric for about 10 minutes after mordanting with aluminum acetate or after printing a mordant paste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMix the weighed powder with a little water into a smooth slurry; it does not fully dissolve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor dye baths, stir it into the water before adding the dye and fiber.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor a chalk bath, stir it into warm water, add the mordanted fabric, move it for about 10 minutes, then rinse and dye.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen not to use it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf your tap water is already hard (lots of limescale), you usually do not need it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not use it as a mordant: it does not fix dyes on its own. For that, use \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/products\/aluminium-potassium-sulphate-mordant-modifiers\"\u003ealum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlackboard chalk, climbing chalk and garden lime are different compounds and are not substitutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelated:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/how-to-dye-with-madder-rubia-tinctorum\"\u003eHow to dye with madder\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/weld-powder-dye-recipes\"\u003eWeld dye guide\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/a-guide-to-mordanting-cellulose-fibres-cotton-and-linen\"\u003eMordanting cotton and linen\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs calcium carbonate a mordant?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is a dye assist. It improves madder and weld colors in soft water and fixes aluminum acetate mordant, but it does not fix dyes by itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need chalk for madder?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly if your water is soft. In soft water, 2–6% WOF calcium carbonate gives deeper, redder madder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is a chalk bath?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bath of about 10 g calcium carbonate per liter of warm water, used for 10 minutes after aluminum acetate mordanting or mordant printing to fix the mordant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead the guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/soda-ash-for-natural-dyeing-chalk-gum-arabic\"\u003eSoda ash, chalk and gum arabic guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork out exact grams for your fabric with our free \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/pages\/natural-dye-wof-calculator\"\u003enatural dye calculator and WOF chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is calcium carbonate a mordant?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. It is a dye assist. It improves madder and weld colors in soft water and fixes aluminum acetate mordant, but it does not fix dyes by itself.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do I need chalk for madder?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Only if your water is soft. In soft water, 2–6% WOF calcium carbonate gives deeper, redder madder.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is a chalk bath?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A bath of about 10 g calcium carbonate per liter of warm water, used for 10 minutes after aluminum acetate mordanting or mordant printing to fix the mordant.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50gr","offer_id":39305367421085,"sku":"CALCIUM50","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400gr","offer_id":43590011617514,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/image_c2e73ca5-870e-499f-82e2-ef864637527a.jpg?v=1684871119"},{"product_id":"soda-ash-sodium-carbonate","title":"Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoda ash (sodium carbonate)\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most useful helpers in natural dyeing. It cleans (scours) cotton and linen before dyeing, it is used with alum when mordanting plant fibers, and it shifts madder toward redder tones. It is also used to raise the pH of indigo vats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 g (1.76 oz), 100 g (3.5 oz) and 400 g (14.1 oz).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow much soda ash to use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScouring cotton and linen:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–5% WOF with a little pH-neutral soap. Simmer for about an hour, then rinse well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWith alum on cotton and linen:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.5–2% WOF together with 12–15% alum, after a tannin bath.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMadder:\u003c\/strong\u003e a small pinch in the rinse or dye bath shifts color toward red and pink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to scour cotton and linen\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeigh the dry fabric and weigh 2–5% soda ash.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDissolve the soda ash in hot water in a large pot, add a drop of pH-neutral soap and the wet fabric.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimmer for about an hour, stirring now and then. You will see the water turn yellow or brown as oils and starch come out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinse well. The fabric is now ready to mordant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not use soda ash on wool or silk.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is too alkaline for protein fibers; wash them with a pH-neutral soap instead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen mordanting, dissolve soda ash and alum separately: they fizz when combined.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWear gloves; soda ash is mildly irritating to skin and eyes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelated:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/how-to-prepare-fiber-fabric-for-natural-dyeing\"\u003eHow to prepare fabric for natural dyeing\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/a-guide-to-mordanting-cellulose-fibres-cotton-and-linen\"\u003eMordanting cotton and linen\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/products\/cellulose-mordant-kit-cotton-linen\"\u003eCellulose mordant kit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is soda ash used for in natural dyeing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScouring cotton and linen, helping alum bind to plant fibers, shifting madder toward red, and raising the pH of indigo vats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I scour wool with soda ash?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is too alkaline for wool and silk. Use a pH-neutral soap instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much soda ash do I need to scour fabric?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2–5% of the dry fabric weight, so 2–5 g for 100 g of cotton or linen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead the guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/soda-ash-for-natural-dyeing-chalk-gum-arabic\"\u003eSoda ash, chalk and gum arabic guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork out exact grams for your fabric with our free \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/pages\/natural-dye-wof-calculator\"\u003enatural dye calculator and WOF chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is soda ash used for in natural dyeing?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Scouring cotton and linen, helping alum bind to plant fibers, shifting madder toward red, and raising the pH of indigo vats.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I scour wool with soda ash?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. It is too alkaline for wool and silk. Use a pH-neutral soap instead.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much soda ash do I need to scour fabric?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"2–5% of the dry fabric weight, so 2–5 g for 100 g of cotton or linen.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50 g (1.76 oz)","offer_id":46226896847082,"sku":"SodiumCarbonate52","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 g (3.5 oz)","offer_id":46226896879850,"sku":"SodiumCarbonate50","price":8.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 g (14.1 oz)","offer_id":46226896912618,"sku":"SodiumCarbonate51","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/image_da949faa-a8a0-49a9-af82-da2200cab152.jpg?v=1684439564"},{"product_id":"fructose-indigo-vat","title":"Fructose Powder","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFructose\u003c\/strong\u003e (fruit sugar) is the reducing agent in the popular \u003cstrong\u003e1-2-3 fructose indigo vat\u003c\/strong\u003e, developed by master dyer Michel Garcia. In an alkaline bath with lime, fructose removes oxygen from the indigo so it can dissolve and dye fiber. It is a simple, natural and long-lasting alternative to chemical reducers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 g (1.76 oz) and 400 g. Use with our \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/products\/natural-indigo-extract\"\u003enatural indigo extract\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe 1-2-3 recipe\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy weight: \u003cstrong\u003e1 part indigo : 2 parts slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) : 3 parts fructose.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight blues:\u003c\/strong\u003e about 2 g indigo per liter of vat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedium blues:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 g per liter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDark navy:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7–10 g per liter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExample for a medium 3-liter vat: 10 g indigo, 20 g lime and 30 g fructose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to make a fructose indigo vat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFill a lidded stainless steel or plastic container with hot water (about 50 °C \/ 120 °F).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStir in the fructose until dissolved.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMix the indigo into a smooth paste with a little warm water and add it to the vat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSprinkle in the lime and stir gently in a circle, without splashing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCover and leave for about an hour, until the liquid under the surface turns clear yellow-green and a coppery \"flower\" forms on top. Vats often work even better after a day or two.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDye at 30–40 °C (85–105 °F): lower wet fiber in gently, wait a few minutes, lift out and let it oxidize to blue in the air. Repeat for darker shades.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKeeping the vat healthy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH about 9–10 for wool and silk, 11–12 for cotton and linen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf the vat turns blue or stops dyeing, add a spoonful of fructose and a spoonful of lime, stir gently and let it rest warm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse real fructose, not table sugar, and fresh lime: old lime that has absorbed air will not work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever stir up the sediment while dyeing, and do several short dips rather than one long one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/blogs\/news\/indigo-vat-guide\"\u003eIndigo vat guide with 3 blue shades\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/collections\/natural-indigo\"\u003eShop natural indigo\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy use fructose for an indigo vat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFructose is a natural reducing agent. With lime it removes oxygen from indigo so it dissolves and can dye fiber, without harsh chemical reducers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use table sugar instead of fructose?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Table sugar (sucrose) does not reduce indigo well. Use fructose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much fructose do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree times the weight of your indigo. For 10 g of indigo, use 30 g of fructose and 20 g of lime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork out exact grams for your fabric with our free \u003ca href=\"\/en-se\/pages\/natural-dye-wof-calculator\"\u003enatural dye calculator and WOF chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why use fructose for an indigo vat?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Fructose is a natural reducing agent. With lime it removes oxygen from indigo so it dissolves and can dye fiber, without harsh chemical reducers.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I use table sugar instead of fructose?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Table sugar (sucrose) does not reduce indigo well. Use fructose.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much fructose do I need?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Three times the weight of your indigo. For 10 g of indigo, use 30 g of fructose and 20 g of lime.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50gr | 1.76oz","offer_id":39976193851549,"sku":"Fructose50","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 gr","offer_id":43590016303338,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/ScreenShot2021-05-20at12.40.12.png?v=1634314031"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/collections\/themazi-cream-of-tartar-dyeing-assistant-with-alum-pouch-bowl.jpg?v=1792531453","url":"https:\/\/themazi.com\/en-se\/collections\/dye-assists-and-modifiers.oembed","provider":"themazi","version":"1.0","type":"link"}