Dye for hemp strap...

[Collector]

Just had a local artisan make me a new hemp strap for my horn.  I've washed and dried it a couple of times and am thinking about a darkish brown to semi-darkish brown color for it, instead of leaving it natural. 
Would mixing up some hot instant coffee get the job done and, will the color 'set' or would you you have to periodically re-dye to maintain?  Any other recommendations?
As always, thanks in advance for your time and replies. 

[Jefferson58]

I have dyed hemp with walnut hull dye and not had a whole lot of success with getting the color I want. A traditional dye expert recently told me that walnut hull dye works best with animal products, and not with plant products. I believe it has something to do with the acid and or tannins in animal products which are not present in most plant-based fabrics.

Common Rit Dye will work fine. I also use diluted Fiebings leather dye and have had great success with that. It doesn't seem to fade, even after several "washings."

I suggest experimenting on a small piece of scrap, if you have one, and going from there.

Good luck,

Jeff

[Jim Filipski]

I would use walnut hull. It will look & wear much more natural. You would have to simmer it in the hull juice for about 15 minutes then rinse well.
if it doesn't take well then add some ferric sulfate ( "blood stop"  in the horse section of your farm stores) to the dye vat & simmer again. & rinse.

You can also use this iron enhanced dye vat cold but it will take about 3 to days with agitation a few times a day.
Walnut hull takes well to linen & hemp but not to cotton fabrics
Jim

[David Rase]

I've died several hemp straps using Fiebings or Lincoln leather dye.  The results were great.
DMR

[Tim Crosby]

 I have used the Fiberings with good results. The oil based seems to work better, it dosen't bleed as bad.  At first it will be a little stiff but working it across the rounded edge of a board takes care of that.

 Tim C.