Natural Dye - Myrobalan

Myrobalan (Light) is a natural tannin-rich powder widely used in natural dyeing as a gentle mordant, particularly for plant fibres such as cotton, linen and hemp. It helps prepare fibres so that natural dyes bond more effectively, improving colour uptake and overall dye fastness.

This lighter grade of myrobalan contains a lower concentration of tannins than darker varieties, resulting in a softer, paler base tone. This makes it especially useful when working with pastel shades or cooler colours, where a strong yellow undertone would alter the final result.

By creating a subtle tannin base without significantly colouring the fibre, Myrobalan (Light) provides excellent preparation for a wide range of natural dye techniques while maintaining a clean, neutral starting point.

Benefits

• Helps natural dyes bond more effectively to cotton, linen and hemp
• Lower tannin content for a softer, paler base colour
• Ideal when working with pastel or cooler dye shades

Perfect For

• Natural dye projects using light, cool or pastel tones
• Eco-printing where a neutral base fabric is preferred
• Workshops and projects where precise tonal control is important

Technical

• Natural tannin extract from Terminalia chebula
  Light version with softer tone and mild tannin profile
  Used as a pre-mordant for cellulose fabrics
  Works well with alum or aluminium acetate
  Use 8–10% of fabric weight; soak 45–60 minutes