Marigold Extract

Shepherd Textiles Marigold Extract is made from the edible blossoms of the Aztec Marigold, tagetes erecta. The petals of Aztec Marigolds contain a powerful carotenoid dye called lutein, the same compound that gives egg yolks their color. Lutein has a strong affinity for natural fibers, and it makes an excellent textile dye. Use at 5% weight-of-fabric (WOF) for rich sun yellow shades on fibers mordanted with alum; a copper mordant will shift the color toward ochre, and iron toward olive green. Marigold is substantive to animal fibers like wool and silk and it can be applied without a mordant, although the resulting shades will be a little more pale. Our Marigold Extract is produced sustainably in India from surplus marigolds grown for temple offerings, and it is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for use on textiles that will be labeled “organic.”

Before using, please read our Guide to Dyeing with Marigold Extract for color recipes, background, and safety information.

Product of India.