|
Red dyes have been used on fibre for four thousand years and there are at least forty different plants and insects that produce red dyes. Of these, madder is the most light-fast and wash-fast and it is easy to grow in temperate climates.
Cochineal and other reds obtained from insects are almost as light-fast as madder. Red-coloured woods like brazilwood yield vivid reds easily but they tend to fade to brown. Safflower also produces reasonably good reds that fade to pink.
|
