Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa)
For ground cochineal look here.
Active dye components; carmine (aka e120)
The body of the insect contains 19–22% carminic acid.
Read more about anthraquinnes here; https://suzannedekel.com/post/what-makes-a-plant-a-dye-plant-part-2-anthraquinones
Part used: whole bug
Colour range: purple, pink, reds (Ph sensitive)
Mordant: none for wool, alum recommended for everything else.
Light fastness: very good
WOF: 10-20%
Cold dyeing: not so much
Hot dyeing: yes
Low Impact Method: yes
These dried cochineal insects come from a small sustainable farm in Peru where it is grown on nopals. High quality cochineal with a high content of carminic acid. Organic & fair trade directly from the farm!
Textiles can be mordanted previously for better results and deeper colour. Alum and tannin will each give slightly different shades. Cochineal loves acidity, cream of tartar will push the dye bath to more reds.
It is recommended to have a look at the different dye instruction modules available here.
Bugs are the best when ground before use.
-Securely packed in a re-sealable zip bag for easy use and storage
