Natural Dyes, Tools & Supplies for Fiber Artists

In a fiber studio, the terms dyes, sundries, and supplies refer to the materials and tools needed for creating textile and fiber art. Here’s a clear breakdown:

1. Dyes

These are the coloring agents used to change or enhance the color of fibers, fabrics, or yarns. Different types of dyes are used depending on the fiber and technique:

• Fiber-reactive dyes – bond with natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk.

• Acid dyes – used mainly for protein fibers like silk and wool.

• Natural dyes – derived from plants, insects, or minerals (e.g., indigo, madder root, cochineal).

• Vat dyes / Indigo – for resist dyeing techniques, creating deep blues.

Dyes may come as powders, liquids, or pre-mixed solutions.

2. Sundries

“Sundries” is a catch-all term for small miscellaneous items that aren’t the main materials but are essential for the studio workflow. Examples include:

• Rubber gloves, aprons, and protective wear

• Measuring cups, spoons, and scales

• Funnels, bottles, and spray bottles

• pH testing strips, vinegar, soda ash, or other fixatives

• Labels, tags, and markers

Basically, anything that supports dyeing or fiber work but isn’t fiber or dye itself.

3. Supplies

Supplies cover the consumables and tools used to work with fibers and textiles:

• Fibers and fabrics – cotton, wool, silk, linen, synthetic fibers

• Yarns – for knitting, weaving, or embroidery

• Tools – needles, brushes, sponges, shibori resists, indigo vats, looms, spinning wheels

• Equipment – drying racks, washing sinks, and storage containers

Supplies are essentially the “working materials” of the studio.

💡 In short:

• Dyes = color

• Sundries = supporting accessories and small items

• Supplies = fibers, tools, and equipment needed for fiber art