The Natural Dye Handbook: A comprehensive guide to exploring plant-based dyeing techniques

by Heidi Iverson

This rich and comprehensive guide to natural dyeing processes will take your practise to the next level.

Author, Heidi Iverson, explains how to boost the spectrum of colors you can achieve through using a variety of tannins, mordants, modifiers, and mixing colors to get incredible results naturally.

The Natural Dye Handbook
• A library of more than 60 plants including fungi, leaves, bark, roots, flowers, fruit, nuts, and seeds, and the incredible natural-dyed rainbow you can create with them.
• A back-to-basics look at the fundamental principles of natural dyeing to help you understand each plant and process as you continue on your natural dye journey.
• A large section exploring colour theory where Heidi explains how to create your own colour library and techniques for mixing colours.

Heidi explores two different approaches to natural dyeing; a traditional style and a more intuitive approach. Discover mindful dye practices, low-energy alternatives and water-conscious methods as well more traditional dye methods using raw dyestuff, whole plants and ground plants. There is also advice about foraging dye plants safely, ethical harvesting and growing your own dye plants.

Learn how to create your own dye journal in order to track your progress, in this ultimate handbook for natural dyers looking to take their practise further.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2025

Reviews

[Beverley]

I have really enjoyed reading The Natural Dye Handbook and trying out some of the ideas for myself. It is beautifully written and illustrated, with lovely fabric images that clearly show how natural dyes can vary depending on the fibres used. I especially liked the examples comparing different blends, as they make it easy to understand how colour can change from one material to another. The book covers an engaging range of plants and includes very nice samples, so there is plenty to inspire both beginners and more experienced dyers. I also liked that it encourages the reader to create a dye journal, which feels like a practical and enjoyable way to record experiments, colours, fabrics and results over time. Overall, it is a warm, useful and inspiring book that has made me want to keep exploring natural dyes.

[David Laurice]

My wife bought this book, and I found it on the coffee table. Both of is are into the outdoors, foraging, hiking…and we both have science backgrounds.

I was immediately impressed with how thorough this book was in terms of instruction, obtaining results, and how beautiful the photographs are.

I am planning on introducing this into my Jr. High chemistry classes during a unit we have always done- the kids are going to love experimenting with natural dyes.

[Lolo Ro]

This book is so well organized and informative! It’s a wonderful resource for both new and experienced dyers. The illustrations and color samples are beautiful, the foraging tips are useful for gathering while keeping local ecologies healthy, and the layout makes it easy to follow and enjoy. It’s a pleasure to read.