Natural dyes work through chemical bonding between the dye molecules and fabric fibers. The process typically involves three components:
- Dye source: Plant, animal, or mineral materials containing color compounds
- Mordant: A metallic compound that helps the dye bond to the fiber
- Fiber: Natural materials like cotton, wool, or silk
The mordant creates a chemical bridge between the dye and fiber, forming a stable color that resists washing and fading. Different mordants can produce different colors from the same dye source. For example, madder root can produce reds with an alum mordant, purples with iron, and browns with copper. The effectiveness of natural dyes depends on factors like fiber type, mordant choice, water pH, and dyeing temperature.