Introduction

Sisal can be dyed in a wide range of bright colours which are water and light fast. However, to obtain good quality colours, it is important to choose the correct dyes from the large range available and to use them properly. This handbook is based on research carried out at the Tropical Development and Research Institute (TDRI) (formed by the amalgamation of the Tropical Products Institute and the Centre for Overseas Pest Research) into the improvement of the quality of colours used on craft goods made from sisal and other plant fibres. Although it is intended primarily for craft instructors in the tropics it should be useful to managers of craft co-operatives and to teachers in schools and colleges.

In Part 1 the raw materials are described, followed by general advice on the chemicals and equipment required and the buying of dyes. The basic principles of a good dyeing technique are then described, together with some elementary economics and an explanation of some terms used in a dyeing recipe. Finally, methods of testing for fastness are described.

Part 2 deals in greater depth with the classes of dye which have been found to be suitable for use on sisal, namely the reactive, direct, ionic (acid and basic) and disperse dyes. (A supplement to this handbook (Canning and Jarman, 1983) presents tabulated information on the fastness properties of a large number of dyes applied to sisal or abaca. These tables should assist the dyer to choose the most suitable dye for a particular application).

Although it deals with the dyeing of wool, the craft instructor will find much useful practical advice on craft dyeing in Weaving Guide Lesotho Project Primer, No. 2 (White, 1981).