Introduction to Natural Dyes
Workshop with KULU Textiles
Friday 21 November 2025, 10.30am - 4.00pm
£70
Venue: MAKE Southwest
Suitable for: Adults
Level: Beginners
A Green Maker Initiative Workshop
Join textiles artist, KULU Textiles for an introduction to dyeing with foraged natural dyes.
A one day creative retreat exploring foraged dye plants and a selection of easily accessible plants using the wool from the flock of sheep that graze the land we manage regeneratively and a selection of silks and natural fibres. We will discuss the potential of dye plants and explore three dye baths and modifiers/mordants that enable a range of six colours.
In addition to dying a skein of wool and creating a natural dye library each participant will learn to “eco print” using plant materials to create unique print designs on a tote bag and create a small selection of silk samples for the natural dye library.
Your Tote bag could be the prefect eco Christmas gift to a friend or family member!
Participants will learn:
How to identify and forage natural dye plants
How to prepare fibres to dye
Basic principles of natural dying and mordants
Iron modifier mordanting
Dying with Birch, Onion Skins, Chamomile, Eucalyptus and another plants (depending on the
season)Recording natural dying
Winding skeins
Each participant will take home:
A skein of naturally dyed wool
An Eco printed tote bag
Samples of dyed silk for embroidery or mending
A natural dye library and instruction cards
There will be a maximum of eight participants on each workshop, allowing for plenty of 1:1 tuition in an inclusive and relaxed atmosphere.
On the Day
All tools and materials will be provided. An apron will also be provided, but we recommend wearing old clothes you don’t mind getting messy given the nature of this workshop.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are included and will be available on the day. There will be a short lunch break during the workshop and participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Our Café is also open should you wish to purchase other refreshments during the workshop - all participants receive a 10% discount voucher for food and drink purchased on the day. This voucher can also be used on purchases in our retail galleries or exhibitions.
On arrival, please make your way to the side gate of the Riverside Mill, through the courtyard and up the stone stairs on the side of the building. Please let us know if you require the lift.
Please be aware that you cannot use the Co-op car park for all day parking. The Methodist Church car park and Station Road car park usually have plenty of spaces. Click here for more information on our location and car parking for the day.
View MAKE Southwest's Cancellation Policy, HERE.