Eco-Print: The Guide to Natural Botanical Printing on Fabric

by Kirsi Mantua-Kommonen, Ulla Lapiolahti (Photographer), Päivi Vaarula, Catharine Ellis (Foreword by)

Overview

The first comprehensive resource on fabric eco-printing, from basics through current scientific breakthroughs, by three experts at the forefront of sustainable textile techniques.

Master the novel technique so captivating that it’s also described as “textile alchemy”: eco-printing! Created by an ideal team of three world experts in the topic, this guide is the first in-depth exploration of eco-printing, a sustainable technique that is gaining popularity worldwide.

Clarifying the reasons that eco-printing is a rising art, this comprehensive guide blends crafting and scientific perspectives. It teaches the details that create the magic of this process, including selecting the fabric, using mordants and plants correctly, and steaming to produce beautifully printed cloth.

• Expertly tested, reliable recipes and instructions for creating colorfully patterned natural textiles sustainably.

• Step-by-step detailed chemical formulas ensure success and understanding in each part of the process.

• Teaches essential eco-printing methods, including how to choose and prepare the fabrics; how to select the plants for color and form; recipes for the dyes, mordants, and other materials; and ways to use new and combined methods to make prints exceptional.

• Explains the recent research and cutting-edge discoveries about eco-printing with fungi, including identification how-tos and recipes. Fungi provide unique colorways and even fluorescent tones that become visible only under black light!

• Teaches printing with indigo plants such as woad and Japanese indigo. Woad is capable of producing a remarkable array of hues, sometimes the whole spectrum.

• Reveals eco-printing’s origins, from the very first incidental eucalyptus prints to the fabulous signature styles developed by today’s skilled makers on each continent, and the future roles it’s likely to play in sustainable fabric design and production.

• In-depth profiles offer personal stories and suggestions from seven of the world’s leading eco-print fabric artists, together with their amazing prints for inspiration.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780764371400
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Publication date:	04/28/2026
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

The authors reside in Finland, the world's forerunner in more-sustainable textile dyeing processes worldwide for crafters, textile artists, teachers, and even the textile industry.



Kirsi Mantua-Kommonen is a color and natural dye researcher with a D.Sc. in business and economics. Kirsi’s work focuses on the functional properties of natural dyes. She teaches natural dyeing and eco-printing at universities and schools and gives workshops internationally. Her research includes analysis of innovative fungi uses, including for eco-printing.

Ulla Lapiolahti holds both a BA in textile design and teaching credentials and has specialized in natural dye work and science for nearly 30 years. She pioneered a direct-printing method for natural dyes in 1999, has taught master classes around the world, and has educated thousands of Finnish textile professionals.

Päivi Vaarula holds an MA in textile arts and is an experienced university lecturer and textile artist. Her work has been exhibited in the USA and 20 other countries. She has developed unique eco-printing recipes, including for the indigo plant woad. She contributes articles to textile books and journals. Her teaching experience includes courses across Europe.

Joy Boutrup is a textile chemist, engineer, and educator and is known for developing new methods and techniques. She lives in Denmark.