How to Choose a Mordant
A mordant is a chemical added to a natural dye bath to help the dye "take." Different mordants produce startlingly different coloring results with the same dye.
Things You'll Need
- Chrome
- Irons
- Tins
- Wool
- Cream Of Tartar
- Rubber Gloves
- Old Wooden Spoons
- Stainless Steel Or Enamel Pots
- Alum
- Postage Scales
Instructions
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Tin
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1
Use tin as a mordant to brighten colors. It is, however, harsh and makes fibers brittle.
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2
Use 1/2 oz. tin, 1/2 oz. cream of tartar and 4 gallons water per pound of wool yarn.
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3
Simmer the yarn, and rinse it in warm, soapy water. Then rinse again in slightly cooler, clear water.
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4
Rinse once again in soapy water.
Iron
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5
Use iron as a mordant to gray a color. You can add iron directly to the dye bath.
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6
Mix 1/2 oz. iron and 1 oz. cream of tartar into boiling water.
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7
Remove the wool from the dye bath after dyeing is complete.
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8
Mix the iron mordant into the dye bath.
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9
Put the yarn back into the dye bath.
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10
Simmer until you get the desired color - about 20 to 40 minutes.
Chrome
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11
Use chrome as a mordant to warm the hues of yellows and reds.
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12
Dye the wool immediately after you mordant wool with chrome since chrome is light-sensitive.
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13
Use 1/2 oz. chrome, 3/4 oz. cream of tartar and 4 gallons water per pound of wool yarn.
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1
Tips & Warnings
As a shortcut, add 2 tsp. tin dissolved in water directly to the dye bath 20 minutes before dyeing is complete.
