Cochineal: Whole dried scale insects of the species Dactylopius coccus; formerly called Coccus cacti; this is a cultivated variety from Ecuador with a very high (31%) carminic acid dye content. This variety gives crimson with alum, scarlet with tin, lavender with chrome, purples with above plus iron. Wool, use 1 to 4 ounces per lb. Other fiber - Silk: 1-8 oz. per lb. of fiber. Hemp: (pinks) 2-6 oz. per lb. of fiber. Add acid (vinegar, oxalic, tartaric) for oranger, brighter colors. Add Ammonia for bluer, violet tones.

Try this extraction method. . . get all of the color and leave all of the bugs parts behind!

• Extract 3 (or more. . . keep doing it until there is no more color) times, in boiling water for 20 min. each time. Strain & save liquid each time: This is the dye. 1 to 5 oz to dye 1 lb of wool

Click on arrow below to select the package size you want.