DOCK
rumex crispus

Description

Dock is a common sight in the pastures and ditches near our home though we notice it most in the fall when the tall red spiers rise above the grasses. Though other dyers recommend using the root, the long taproot is hard to pull. Thankfully the dried heads also provide a local reddish dye.

Experiments

We were looking for a reddish-coloured dye to add to a rope basket project (middle strip in photo below). Large amounts of dye stuff were needed to achieve this rich red dye on this thick cotton rope. Dock also makes an exquisite eco-print in our experiments.

Click here for general dyeing information.