Skip to Content
Shepherd Textiles
Shepherd Textiles
Natural Dyes
Fibers
Yarn
Handwovens
Vicuña
Soap
0
0
Shepherd Textiles
Shepherd Textiles
Natural Dyes
Fibers
Yarn
Handwovens
Vicuña
Soap
0
0
Natural Dyes
Fibers
Yarn
Handwovens
Vicuña
Soap
Shop Orchil Natural Dye
Jar with pink sticker labeled "Orchil: Gyrophora Spp." Image 1 of 4
Jar with pink sticker labeled "Orchil: Gyrophora Spp."
Arrangment of yarn skeins and fiber swatches dyed pink with orchil, together with a small wooden container of orchil lichens. Image 2 of 4
Arrangment of yarn skeins and fiber swatches dyed pink with orchil, together with a small wooden container of orchil lichens.
Fiber swatch showing bright purplish pink wool yarn. Image 3 of 4
Fiber swatch showing bright purplish pink wool yarn.
Fiber swatch showing bright purplish pink silk habotai. Image 4 of 4
Fiber swatch showing bright purplish pink silk habotai.
Jar with pink sticker labeled "Orchil: Gyrophora Spp."
Arrangment of yarn skeins and fiber swatches dyed pink with orchil, together with a small wooden container of orchil lichens.
Fiber swatch showing bright purplish pink wool yarn.
Fiber swatch showing bright purplish pink silk habotai.

Orchil Natural Dye

from $41.95

Shepherd Textiles Orchil Natural Dye contains dried lichens from the genus gyrophora, which grows on exposed rock faces. Gyrophora lichens were once known as “orchella weeds,” one of several varieties of lichen that produce a beautiful red and purple dye known as orchil. Although it is not lightfast, orchil has a luminous vibrance that sets it apart from other dyes.

The dyestuff is extracted by soaking the lichens in ammonia for several weeks, stirring several times a day to introduce fresh oxygen, until the solution changes color from black to a deep purple. We recommend using a ratio of 2:2:2, that is, two ounces of orchil, two cups of water, and two cups of ammonia*. Start by soaking the lichen in the water until it is softened; then, put it in a blender or shred it into smaller pieces by hand; put the water and shredded lichen into a glass jar; and mix in the two cups of ammonia. Seal and store this solution in a warm place, out of direct sunlight. Open the jar and stir vigorously three or four times a day for 2-3 weeks. After three weeks, start testing the solution by using a tablespoon of it to dye a tiny skein of yarn; when the color stops improving, the extraction is complete.

In our experience, 2 ounces of properly extracted orchil lichen should be enough to dye 4-6 ounces of wool or silk to a deep, intense fuchsia color. However, final results will depend on many factors, including the temperature at which the solution is kept, how often it is stirred, and how long the extraction goes on. Please note that orchil is not suitable for use on cotton.

Made in the USA from a blend of imported and domestic lichens.

*Caution: Ammonia is hazardous and flammable. Read your vendor’s MSDS before using. Keep orchil solution away from high heat and open flame. Avoid inhaling fumes when stirring the orchil; open the jar only in a well-ventilated space. Keep out of reach of children.

Size:
Quantity:
Add To Cart

Shepherd Textiles Orchil Natural Dye contains dried lichens from the genus gyrophora, which grows on exposed rock faces. Gyrophora lichens were once known as “orchella weeds,” one of several varieties of lichen that produce a beautiful red and purple dye known as orchil. Although it is not lightfast, orchil has a luminous vibrance that sets it apart from other dyes.

The dyestuff is extracted by soaking the lichens in ammonia for several weeks, stirring several times a day to introduce fresh oxygen, until the solution changes color from black to a deep purple. We recommend using a ratio of 2:2:2, that is, two ounces of orchil, two cups of water, and two cups of ammonia*. Start by soaking the lichen in the water until it is softened; then, put it in a blender or shred it into smaller pieces by hand; put the water and shredded lichen into a glass jar; and mix in the two cups of ammonia. Seal and store this solution in a warm place, out of direct sunlight. Open the jar and stir vigorously three or four times a day for 2-3 weeks. After three weeks, start testing the solution by using a tablespoon of it to dye a tiny skein of yarn; when the color stops improving, the extraction is complete.

In our experience, 2 ounces of properly extracted orchil lichen should be enough to dye 4-6 ounces of wool or silk to a deep, intense fuchsia color. However, final results will depend on many factors, including the temperature at which the solution is kept, how often it is stirred, and how long the extraction goes on. Please note that orchil is not suitable for use on cotton.

Made in the USA from a blend of imported and domestic lichens.

*Caution: Ammonia is hazardous and flammable. Read your vendor’s MSDS before using. Keep orchil solution away from high heat and open flame. Avoid inhaling fumes when stirring the orchil; open the jar only in a well-ventilated space. Keep out of reach of children.

Shepherd Textiles Orchil Natural Dye contains dried lichens from the genus gyrophora, which grows on exposed rock faces. Gyrophora lichens were once known as “orchella weeds,” one of several varieties of lichen that produce a beautiful red and purple dye known as orchil. Although it is not lightfast, orchil has a luminous vibrance that sets it apart from other dyes.

The dyestuff is extracted by soaking the lichens in ammonia for several weeks, stirring several times a day to introduce fresh oxygen, until the solution changes color from black to a deep purple. We recommend using a ratio of 2:2:2, that is, two ounces of orchil, two cups of water, and two cups of ammonia*. Start by soaking the lichen in the water until it is softened; then, put it in a blender or shred it into smaller pieces by hand; put the water and shredded lichen into a glass jar; and mix in the two cups of ammonia. Seal and store this solution in a warm place, out of direct sunlight. Open the jar and stir vigorously three or four times a day for 2-3 weeks. After three weeks, start testing the solution by using a tablespoon of it to dye a tiny skein of yarn; when the color stops improving, the extraction is complete.

In our experience, 2 ounces of properly extracted orchil lichen should be enough to dye 4-6 ounces of wool or silk to a deep, intense fuchsia color. However, final results will depend on many factors, including the temperature at which the solution is kept, how often it is stirred, and how long the extraction goes on. Please note that orchil is not suitable for use on cotton.

Made in the USA from a blend of imported and domestic lichens.

*Caution: Ammonia is hazardous and flammable. Read your vendor’s MSDS before using. Keep orchil solution away from high heat and open flame. Avoid inhaling fumes when stirring the orchil; open the jar only in a well-ventilated space. Keep out of reach of children.

You Might Also Like

Indigo Leaf Natural Dye Fiber swatch showing sky blue wool yarn. Fiber swatch showing sky blue tussah silk. Fiber swatch showing sky blue mulberry silk.
Indigo Leaf Natural Dye
from $21.99
A jar with a brown sticker labeled "Gum Arabic: Acacia Nilotica." A jar with a brown sticker labeled "Gum Arabic: Acacia Nilotica." A jar with a brown sticker labeled "Gum Arabic: Acacia Nilotica." A jar with a brown sticker labeled "Gum Arabic: Acacia Nilotica." A jar with a brown sticker labeled "Gum Arabic: Acacia Nilotica." A jar with a brown sticker labeled "Gum Arabic: Acacia Nilotica."
Gum Arabic Extract
from $14.99
Aluminum Lactate Fiber swatch showing bright yellow handloom cotton labeled "+5% Flavin" Fiber swatch showing dark purple handloom cotton labeled "+2% Royal Logwood"
Aluminum Lactate
from $15.95
Red Sandalwood Natural Dye Arrangement of yarn skeins and fiber swatches dyed with red sandalwood, together with a small wooden container of red sandalwood powder. Fiber swatch showing brick red wool tabby. Fiber swatch showing brick red tussah silk. Fiber swatch showing brick red mulberry silk. Fiber swatch showing red handloom cotton. Fiber swatch showing pale red tshirt cotton. Set of wool yarn skeins dyed pale terracotta red.
Red Sandalwood Natural Dye
from $24.99
Cochineal Extract C.A. Plus™ CAPlusWool05WOFAlum.jpg CAPlusWool2WOFAlum.jpg CAPlusWool4WOFAlum.jpg CAPlusWool05WOFIron.jpg CAPlusWool2WOFIron.jpg CAPlusEri4WOFAlum.jpg CAPlusSatin4WOFAlum.jpg
Cochineal Extract C.A. Plus™
from $29.95

OUR STORY

CONTACT

SHIPPING & RETURNS

PRIVACY POLICY

POLICIES


Email: info@shepherdtextiles.com

© 2024 by Shepherd Textiles, LLC