Old Fustic Extract

Shepherd Textiles Old Fustic Extract is made by simmering the heartwood of maclura tinctoria, a rare mulberry tree native to the tropical Americas. The wood contains a powerful flavonoid dye called morin that is celebrated for the rich orange-yellow colors it gives on natural fibers. The color shifts toward a dark olive green when an iron mordant is used instead. Old Fustic can also be used as a base for over-dyeing with other natural dye extracts; with indigo it will give green, and with madder a bright red-orange. An alum mordant will brighten the color, but Old Fustic can also be used without a mordant for completely natural dyeing. It is also rich in tannins, which makes it an excellent choice for dyeing all natural fibers, including cellulose fibers like cotton and linen. Our Old Fustic Extract is made in France from sustainably harvested Central American wood. It is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and is appropriate for dyeing textiles that will be labeled “organic.”

Before using, please read our Guide to Dyeing With Old Fustic Extract for instructions, color recipes, and important safety information.

Product of France.