Dye & Fiber Collections

A dedicated collection of dye and fiber plants within your seed library offers a unique and enriching opportunity to expand the diversity of both your offerings and the skills your community can develop. By incorporating dye and fiber-producing plants into your seed collection, you not only preserve the biodiversity of plants that are essential for textile arts, but you also provide a hands-on way for people to reconnect with ancient practices of crafting, sustainability, and self-sufficiency.

As interest in sustainable, local, and handmade goods grows, many individuals are seeking to learn about the processes involved in creating their own textiles and dyes from natural sources. Having access to seeds for plants like indigo, woad, or madder, as well as fibers like flax, hemp, or cotton, encourages people to explore these eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials. This collection can also be a gateway to broader conversations about sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the cultural significance of textile arts across different communities and histories.

A well-curated dye and fiber plant collection can foster hands-on learning, facilitate skill-sharing workshops, and spark creativity in ways that build stronger, more connected communities. Whether individuals are interested in hand-dyeing fabrics, spinning their own yarn, or growing plants for eco-conscious crafting, having access to these types of seeds empowers them to explore these practices.

Things to Consider 🤔

Plant Varieties and Growth Conditions
Consider the growing conditions in your region. Some dye and fiber plants, like indigo or madder, may require specific climate conditions, while others (such as sunflowers for dye or flax for fiber) are more adaptable. A mix of hardy plants suited to various growing zones will help ensure the success of your collection.
Ecological and Cultural Diversity
Choose plants that represent a wide range of colors, textures, and uses. Include both traditional dye plants (like woad, indigo, and coreopsis) and fiber plants (like flax, hemp, and cotton). Offering a global perspective by including species from various cultures can enrich the community's understanding of plant-based dyeing and fiber arts.
Sustainability Considerations
Some dye plants, like indigo, are labor-intensive to harvest or process, while others (such as marigold or goldenrod) can provide vibrant hues with relatively little environmental impact. Prioritize plants that are well-suited to organic growing practices, and consider their sustainability in terms of resource usage (e.g., water, space) and soil health.
Harvesting and Processing Requirements
Different dye and fiber plants require different methods for harvesting, processing, and storing their seeds. For example, fiber plants like flax and hemp require specific processing steps to separate the fiber from the plant’s stalk, while dye plants often need to be harvested at particular stages to ensure vibrant color yields. Consider providing clear guidelines or workshops on these processes to help people get the most out of their plants.
Community Engagement and Education
A key element of any seed library is the educational component. Offer workshops or create resources (pamphlets, videos, or articles) about how to grow, harvest, and use dye and fiber plants. If you are in a public library, highlight books in your collection that focus on fiber arts. Encourage community members to share their experiences and knowledge, creating a network of support for those interested in exploring natural dyeing and fiber arts.
Ethical Considerations
Some plants may be subject to local regulations regarding cultivation or propagation, particularly those that are considered invasive. It is most likely that the dye plants are not invasive, but it is always good to check with local agencies. Sometimes invasive species have dye properties, and we aren't going to be able to dye our way out these plants, it is good to be able to use them for a positive purpose while reducing the population a tiny bit.
Storage and Distribution
Provide guidance on how to store seeds and dried plant materials for long-term use. Some fibers may need special handling to prevent degradation, and some dye plants may lose their potency over time if not properly stored. Offering clear instructions on seed packaging and storage will help preserve the integrity of your collection for future use.
Seasonality and Growing Timeline
Consider the growing seasons for your dye and fiber plants. Some, like flax or hemp, require a long growing season, while others like marigold or hollyhocks may grow quickly and provide color sooner. Align your offerings with seasonal growing schedules, and think about ways to help people plan for long-term projects, such as harvesting for dyeing or fiber spinning.
Collaboration with Local Artists and Crafters
Reach out to local artisans, fiber artists, and textile experts to help curate your collection and offer their expertise. Their knowledge can help guide which plants are most popular and accessible for your community, as well as provide insight into current trends in natural dyeing and fiber arts.

Recommended books

Harvesting Color by Rebecca Burgess
The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes by Sasha Duerr
The Modern Natural Dyer by Kristine Vejar
Wild Color by Jenny Dean

Check out the Fibershed Movement. Can you get your clothing within 150 mile radius?

Suggestions

Invite in a fiber artist to teach a class at your library.
Get your public library to build out their collection of natural dye and natural fiber plants. Even a drawer specifically labeled can peak interest and make those seeds easier for people who are interested to find them.
Add some dye plants to your home, community or school garden. Make some signs for your dye plants so folks reconnect to our heritage.