How to Use Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark for Natural Dyeing

A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Makers, Artists, & DIY Creators

If you're interested in natural fabric dyeing, you've probably come across Mimosa Hostilis root bark. Known for its deep, earthy tones and rich purples, it's become a favourite among UK artists, eco-conscious crafters, and textile enthusiasts looking for a more natural way to colour fabrics.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use it for dyeing — safely, legally, and effectively — right here in the UK.

If you're new to this powerful plant and want the full lowdown, check out our complete guide to Mimosa Hostilis — including what it is, how it’s used, and its legal status in the UK.

Why Use Mimosa Hostilis for Dyeing?

Mimosa Hostilis root bark contains high levels of tannins, which help bind colour to fabric naturally — no harsh chemicals required. Depending on your method and material, it can produce colours ranging from:

🔸 Deep plum

🔸 Reddish brown

🔸 Charcoal black

🔸 Soft violet (with modifiers like iron or alum)

It's particularly effective on natural fibres like:

- Cotton

- Wool

- Linen

- Silk

 

What You’ll Need

Before you start dyeing, here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:

🌿 Mimosa Hostilis root bark (shredded or powdered)

🧪 A natural mordant (e.g. alum, tannin, or iron)

🧼 Neutral soap or soda ash (to scour fabric)

🫙 A non-reactive pot (stainless steel or enamel)

👕 Natural fabric or garments

🧤 Gloves (it gets messy!)

🪣 Buckets or tubs for rinsing

 

Step-by-Step: How to Dye Fabric with Mimosa Hostilis

Step 1: Pre-wash your fabric

Scour your fabric first to help the dye absorb evenly. This just means washing it in warm water with a small amount of neutral soap or soda ash to remove oils and coatings.

Step 2: Make a dye bath

Add your shredded or powdered Mimosa Hostilis bark to a pot of water. Use roughly 100g of bark per 100g of dry fabric. Simmer gently for about an hour — the longer you steep, the richer the colour.

Strain out the bark if you'd like a smoother dye bath.

Step 3: Mordant your fabric

While optional, using a mordant (like alum or iron) helps fix the dye and create stronger, longer-lasting colours. Alum produces redder tones, while iron shifts the colour toward grey or black.

Mordant your fabric before or after dyeing, depending on your method (pre-mordanting is most common for Mimosa Hostilis).

Step 4: Dye the fabric

Place your wet, clean fabric into the dye bath. Simmer on low heat for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even coverage.

You’ll see the fabric darken gradually.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

Remove the fabric and rinse it gently in cool water until the water runs mostly clear. Hang to dry out of direct sunlight to preserve the depth of colour.

 

Dyeing Tips for Best Results

🧪 Try different mordants to explore colour shifts

🧵 Do a test swatch first before dyeing a full garment

💧 Always use clean, filtered water when possible

🎨 Keep a dye journal — each batch is slightly different!

 

Where to Buy Mimosa Hostilis for Dyeing in the UK

Many overseas sellers don’t package root bark specifically for dyeing — and importing can lead to customs delays or confusion. That’s why buying from a UK-based supplier is best.

When you buy from us, you’ll get:

✔️ Finely shredded Mimosa Hostilis root bark

✔️ UK shipping with tracked delivery

✔️ Clear instructions and support if you need it

✔️ Ethically harvested product from Brazil

👉 Where to buy Mimosa Hostilis root bark in the UK

 

FAQs: Natural Dyeing with Mimosa Hostilis

Q: Can I use it without a mordant?
Yes, but the colour may fade faster. For best results, use alum or iron as a mordant.

Q: Will it work on synthetic fabrics?
It’s designed for natural fibres. Results on synthetics will be uneven or minimal.

Q: Is it safe to use indoors?
Yes, but make sure your space is well-ventilated — and don’t use your cooking pots for dyeing.

Q: How much bark do I need?
 Roughly 1:1 by weight. For 100g of fabric, use around 100g of Mimosa Hostilis.

 

Final Thoughts

Dyeing with Mimosa Hostilis is a rewarding, earthy, and deeply creative process. Whether you’re an artist, a small business owner, or just experimenting with eco-friendly techniques, it’s a beautiful way to bring natural colour into your work.

Want to try it yourself?
👉 Order UK-ready Mimosa Hostilis root bark now

 

💡 Explore More from the Blog

- Where to Buy Mimosa Hostilis in the UK (Legally & Safely)

- Mimosa Hostilis UK Delivery: What to Expect Before You Order