What next?

• Once we've received your garment, we'll weigh it, photograph it & tag it to ensure we can keep track of it
• We will scour it to remove any oils and other resists possible
• We'll mordant it so the dye sticks to the fibres
• Then dye it to the colour you've chosen 
• wash your garment to remove residual colour & dry it.
• We'll then photograph it again so you have before & after photos
• If we notice any issues from the dye such as deodorant stains, we'll send you an image with recommended adjustments and take it from there!
• Once we're both happy, we'll ship the garment back to you to enjoy!

Please note this process takes approximately 4 weeks. If your garment weighs over the 400g limit, we may have to leave it out of the service. We have an absolute limit that we can fit into our system - this isn't carry-on luggage! - so if you and a few others go-over weight, we simply cannot run the service.

Papahoa Fibreworks Ltd – Natural Dye Services Terms & Conditions

At Papahoa Fibreworks Ltd, we offer natural colour dyeing services for garments and textiles. Because we grow most of our own plants and work with living materials, every piece carries its own character. By sending us your items, you agree to the following:

The Nature of Living Colour

• Natural dyes are alive – they shift, soften, and deepen over time. We call these “living garments” so you understand that colour and fibre may continue to evolve.
• We do our best to photograph colours accurately, but they will never be an exact match.
• Even when we follow the same recipe for our “colour of the month,” we cannot guarantee an exact shade match to images.
• Every fibre accepts dye differently. Even two cotton fabrics from different mills may take on slightly different tones.
• Textiles with existing colours or patterns will dye to a new shade, which may not look the same as our product images.

Fibre & Construction Considerations

• Natural dye bonds only to natural fibres (cotton, hemp, linen, wool, silk, etc.). It does not attach to synthetics (polyester, nylon, acetate, etc.).
• If your garment is sewn with synthetic thread, the seams may remain their original colour.
• Dye can also affect the finish on buttons, zips, snaps, or other hardware.

Pre-Loved & Previously Worn Garments

• Overdyeing garments that have been worn may reveal hidden stains. For example, deodorant, oils, or other residues can appear darker once dyed.
• If stains emerge, we may be able to offer a two-tone reprocessing option at additional cost.
• Plant dyes do not create perfectly even finishes. Tonal variations and natural mottling are a feature, not a flaw.

Fragility & Wear

• Existing holes, frays, or weak spots may worsen during the dyeing process.
• Fragile textiles may develop new holes.
• Buttons (particularly vintage, natural, or delicate ones) can break or detach during dyeing. You may wish to remove them before sending.

Shrinkage & Fit

• Depending on how your item was previously washed, slight shrinkage may occur.
• Pre-shrunk garments, or those already washed in warm/hot water, are less likely to change size.

Caring for Your Naturally Dyed Garment

To preserve colour as long as possible:

• Wash cold, on delicate, ideally alone the first time.
• Use a gentle detergent. Avoid harsh cleaners or bleach.
• Store out of direct sunlight.
• Avoid contact with acids (e.g. vinegar, citrus, wine).

Refunds, Credits & Replacements

• We do not offer refunds for our dye services.
• If you change your mind about a colour, you may transfer your order to another colour or future dye lot.
• If you send us a synthetic garment by mistake, we will notify you. You may send a replacement item, but additional shipping costs will apply.
• If you no longer want to proceed with dyeing after we receive your item, we can issue a credit (minus shipping costs) toward a future order. Refunds are not available.

Shipping & Responsibility

• We insure all outgoing parcels for the value of the dye service.
• We are not responsible for parcels lost in transit, but we will help recover any insurance claim available.
• Customers are responsible for shipping costs when sending garments to us, and for any reshipment if replacements are needed.

Final Word

We value the organic, imperfect, and evolving beauty of plant dyes. By sending your garments to us, you’re stepping into this living process. We trust that you, like us, see these variations not as flaws, but as part of what makes naturally dyed textiles special.