The History of Poison Green – And Our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration! 

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and we’re celebrating all things green! It’s also the last day to take advantage of our free shipping promotion on orders over $125. If you’ve been eyeing our Lucky 13 Fat Quarter Bundles, now’s the perfect time to grab one! We still have both our 19th and 20th-century green bundles, including several "Poison Greens" in the 19th-century selection.

Since green has long been a favorite color for dyers and printers, we wanted to share a bit of its fascinating (and sometimes dangerous) history!

The Challenge of Green

For centuries, achieving a true, lasting green was one of the biggest challenges for fabric dyers. While plants are naturally green due to chlorophyll, this compound does not produce a stable dye for wool, silk, or cotton.

Early dyers had to use a two-step process, first dyeing fabric yellow (with quercitron, weld, Persian berry, or chrome yellow), and then over-dyeing with blue (indigo or Prussian blue). One method, called Warwick Green, was used for fine detailing—by first painting an indigo "pencil blue" mixture onto fabric, then dipping it into a quercitron bath to create a beautifully registered green.

The Deadly Glow of Arsenic Greens

The most vivid, intense greens came with a hidden danger. In 1778, Swedish chemist Karl Scheele discovered arsenic-based green dyes, which quickly became wildly popular in textiles, wallpapers, and artificial flowers. While the color was breathtaking, it also had toxic consequences.

German Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, c. 1780.

Throughout the 19th century, there were numerous cases of unexplained illnesses and deaths linked to green wallpapers and fabrics. Scientists now believe that damp conditions allowed fungi to break down the arsenic, releasing it into the air—poisoning unsuspecting homeowners.

Emerald Green & The Push for Safety

In an attempt to improve upon Scheele’s Green, dyers developed Emerald Green (also known as Acid Green, Solid Green, or Victoria Green). This new formula was brighter and longer-lasting, making it a favorite for silk ball gowns and home décor. Another version, Paris Green, was even used as an insecticide

But as reports of arsenic poisoning grew, The Lancet medical journal spearheaded a campaign to ban arsenic greens.By 1875, many British manufacturers had transitioned to safer, arsenic-free greens in wallpapers and paints. In the United States, however, limits on arsenic use in wallpapers weren’t established until the early 20th century.

Could this stunning yet dangerous dye be the reason we now use the term "Poison Green"? Perhaps! But thankfully, today’s greens are 100% safe—and just as beautiful!

Examples of Poison Greens from our 1825-1865 Section

Circa: Poison Green features a splendid assortment of refined reproduction prints. The collection is available in a symphony of green hues from hunter green to fresh fern. Reminiscent of bygone eras (when it was common for green dye to be made with toxic arsenic). Circa: Poison Green will add a touch of timeless elegance to any heirloom quilting project.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Our Lucky 13 Bundles!

As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we invite you to add some safe and stunning greens to your fabric collection! Our Lucky 13 Fat Quarter Bundles are the perfect way to build your stash, and with free shipping on orders over $125 (ending TODAY), now’s the time to stock up.

 

Margo did a presentation on her antique sample book called "The Day Book".  We put a video of some of it on our website.  Check it out!

 

The Day Book, 1899-1901 is an intriguing glimpse into American textile printing at the turn of the 20th century. It was acquired from a broker, with only limited information available—simply that it came from New Jersey. This book, likely used as a record of daily printing runs, contains pasted-in fabric samples, each with a handwritten date at the top of the page. There’s no company name or location, but the beautifully preserved colorations and designs provide a fascinating snapshot of the era. Many of the samples appear to be edging designs, adding another layer of mystery to its origins.

Thank you for all the support and interest in what we do here at Reproduction Fabrics.  We love textile history and LOVE to share it with all of you. 

-Margo and the RFC Team