Indigo Dye

Description

Indigo Dye is one of the most iconic and enduring natural colorants in human history. Derived from the fermented leaves of Indigofera tinctoria and related species, this deep blue pigment is created through a unique vat fermentation process. Unlike most dyes, indigo does not require a mordant, instead, it bonds to fiber through oxidation after being reduced in an alkaline solution. The resulting color is a brilliant, cool-toned blue that layers with each dip, offering full control over depth and saturation. It performs beautifully on natural fibers including cotton, linen, wool, and silk.

Recommended Use

Use at 1–2% WOF for deep shades or 0.5% for lighter blues. Requires reducing agents (such as thiourea dioxide, sodium hydrosulfite, or fructose) and alkaline conditions (soda ash, wood ash, or calcium hydroxide) to create a dye vat. Multiple dips produce darker colors and improve lightfastness. Indigo is ideal for resist dyeing, shibori, overdyeing, and complex color layering.

Historical Significance

Indigo has been used for millennia in civilizations across the globe, from the Pharaohs of Egypt and the dyers of ancient India to the textiles of West Africa and the Americas. Revered for its mystical transformation from green to blue upon exposure to air, indigo was once more valuable than gold. In India, indigo cultivation and dyeing were a cornerstone of the textile trade, with knowledge passed down through generations. Its influence extends into art, fashion, colonial history, and global trade, with traditional techniques still practiced today.

Dye Details

Name: Indigotin from Indigofera tinctoria

Origin: India

Dye Type: Fermented botanical extract

Recommended Fibers: Cotton, linen, wool, silk, and other natural fibers

Lightfastness: Excellent on all fibers

Vat Ingredients:

Reducing agent (Thiourea Dioxide or Sodium Hydrosulfite)

Alkaline agent (Soda Ash, Wood Ash, or Calcium Hydroxide)

Water, heated to activate fermentation

Optional: Fructose, henna, or other natural fermentation aids for traditional vats

Packaging

Available in resealable, eco-friendly kraft pouches with detailed vat instructions included.