Also known as dyer’s weld, dyer’s rocket, dyer’s mignonette, gaude, wouw, Wau.

A limited, specialty batch

These are the flowering tops and flowers of weld (Reseda luteola), the part of the plant where the yellow dye is most concentrated. Weld has been Europe’s most trusted yellow since antiquity, prized for its brilliance and exceptional lightfastness. Where regular cut weld or weld powder contains the whole plant, these flowers give you the strongest part only.

Cleaner, brighter yellows. Because this batch contains much less of the regular leaves and stalks, you get a purer, clearer yellow with less of the duller, greenish-brown undertone that the rest of the plant can add to the dye bath.

You also need far less. Around 20% weight of fibre (WOF) already gives a rich, saturated yellow, compared with much higher amounts for regular weld pieces or powder. One 100 g bag dyes about 500 g of fibre.

Weld is also the classic partner for indigo, giving emerald and leafy greens when overdyed.

Active dye components: luteolin (flavonoid)
CI Natural Yellow 2

How much to use

• Light to medium yellows: 10–15% WOF
• Rich, saturated yellows: around 20% WOF

Shading Tips

• Alum (protein or cellulose): bright, clear yellows
• Tannin + aluminum acetate: strong golden shades on cellulose
• Copper (5%): deeper mustard yellow
• Iron (1%): khaki greens and olive tones
• Overdye with indigo: brilliant greens, from emerald to leaf tones
• Slightly hard water enhances color; add chalk to brighten if water is soft