Cochineal is one of the most well known dyes due to its use in cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals and many other items. It also has highly concentrated levels of carminic acid. The colour comes from the female Dactylopius coccus bug which colonizes the prickly pear cactus natively found in the Canary Islands and also in Central and South America and Mexico.
Cochineal dye (carminic acid) characteristically has excellent wash and light fastness and produces rich fuschia, red and purple colour shades. These colours can be achieved through the use of pH adjusters (dye modifiers), and mordants.
The supplied packs contains whole bugs which can easily be ground to powder in a mortar and pestle. Due to the concentration use only between 5-10% WOF for a medium depth of shade.
Packs are supplied in 25g, 50g, and 100g.
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Emporium of Fibrecrafts
Open for web orders & email enquiries 7 days per week.
Our Llandovery shop is closed for a Summer holiday until the 21st July.
Many orders are still being dispatched by our Part Time colleague.
`We can only respond to email: info@wonkyweaver.com until 21st July
Where our shop shows products in stock - they are ready for dispatch.
NOTE some larger orders dispatched after 21st July 2025.
PriceFrom £7.25
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