Why is it so important for natural dyers to use quality fabrics?
Natural dyes or organic dyes are colors that are extracted from variety of natural resources including plants, insects and minerals. Unlike synthetic dyes, natural dyes are generally biodegradable and have a much lesser environmental impact. Various elements can impact the final dyeing and printing results of the fabrics.
Indeed, from the know-how of the dyer, to the quality of the ingredients selected, the type of “recipes” used for the mordanting or dyeing steps and also the quality of the fabric,each step has an impact on the final result. If any of these steps are not properly followed, it can negatively affect the final color and overall result.
In this article, we aim to explain why the quality of the fabrics used for dyeing plays a key role in achieving successful dyeing or printing results.
DYE ABSORPTION
Good quality fabrics that are particularly made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, wool… have a higher affinity for natural dyes. Natural fibers possess unique structures that allow them to bond more effectively with the dye molecules. This results in richer colors and better overall color saturation.
In contrast, lower-quality fabrics with mosthly high quantity of chemical used in the process can absorb dyes uniformly, or create patchiness showing up after dyeing, or may require excessive amounts of dye to achieve desired shades.
COLOR FASTNESS
The durability of the color achieved through natural dyeing is influenced by the quality of the fabric. High-quality fabrics tend to have better color fastness properties which means they resist fading when exposed to light, washing, and other environmental factors. Poor-quality fabrics may lead to rapid fading or bleeding of colors and affects the longevity of the dyed item.
TEXTURE AND FEEL
Good quality fabrics usually have a richer texture and feel on the skin, especially on products such as clothing and other textiles that have direct feel on the skin. Natural dyes enhance these qualities by providing a soft finish with high-quality materials, while lower-quality materials could come out abrasive or unpalatable after dyeing.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Higher-quality materials often come from more responsible sources that prioritize eco-friendly practices over mass production methods associated with lower-quality textiles. Natural dyers contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability by choosing good quality fabrics for natural dyeing processes.
REPRODUCIBILITY OF SHADES
Natural dyes can be unpredictable due to variations in plant material, extraction methods, and environmental conditions during dyeing. However, starting with high-quality fabrics can help mitigate some variability by providing a consistent base upon which colors can be applied more reliably. This consistency allows dyers to reproduce specific shades more effectively across different batches.
At Green Tailor, all our fabrics are made from high quality natural fibers and are easily dyeable fabrics and products. We provide various types of natural fibers such as organic cotton, recycle cotton, linen and silk, wool which has been particularly selected for the practice of natural dyeing. We are a go to solution for all natural dyers who are looking for high quality fabrics that blend well with the natural dyes, enhance dye absorption, improve color fastness, ensure better texture and comfort and supports sustainable practices.
For any enquiries/bulk order, email us at [email protected]
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