Dyeing of Eri silk with natural dyes in presence of natural mordants

Abstract

<em>Camellia sinensis</em> (L.) Kuntze (tea leaves),<em> Allium cepa </em> L. (onion peel), <em>Laccifer lacca</em> Kerr (lac insect) and iron ore are used as natural dyes in presence of different natural mordanting agents for dyeing of Eri silk yarns. These natural mordanting agents are available in plenty at Meghalaya and use of these improves the colour fastness to washing and light considerably, which will motivate the handloom weavers to use these dyes and mordants for producing fabric with eco-friendly character.