{"product_id":"woad-dye-429860348","title":"Woad Dye","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWoad Dye is a historic natural colorant extracted from the leaves of Isatis tinctoria, a flowering plant cultivated across Europe and Central Asia for over two millennia. Like indigo, woad contains the blue pigment indigotin, but in lower concentrations, producing ethereal shades of dusty blue, slate, and soft sky tones. Woad is especially valued for its subtle, beautiful character and cultural significance in early European textile traditions. The dye requires a reduction vat for application, bonding to fibers through oxidation. It is gentle on delicate fibers and often chosen for historical reenactments and heritage crafts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended Use\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse at 10–20% WOF for medium to strong shades. Requires reduction (typically with soda ash and thiourea dioxide or other natural reducers) and an alkaline environment. Works best with repeated dips to build color and improve fastness. Ideal for protein and cellulose fibers including wool, silk, linen, and cotton. Can be used alone or layered with indigo for complex blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWoad was the primary blue dye used throughout Europe before the widespread introduction of tropical indigo. It clothed Celtic warriors, illuminated medieval manuscripts, and was central to textile production in regions like France, Germany, and Britain. In England, it became a symbol of identity and resistance. The ancient process of extracting and fermenting woad leaves, though time-consuming, represents one of the earliest and most storied dye traditions in Western history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eDye Details\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eName: Indigotin from Isatis tinctoria\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Europe or Central Asia (varies by batch)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDye Type: Fermented botanical extract\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended Fibers: Wool, silk, linen, cotton, and blends\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLightfastness: Excellent on protein fibers, good on cellulose\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVat Ingredients:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eReducing agent (Thiourea Dioxide or Fermented Urine for traditionalists)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlkaline agent (Soda Ash or Lime)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWarm water (120–140°F) for activation\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOptional: Natural fermentation additives like wheat bran or madder root for heritage vats\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003ePackaging\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailable in resealable, eco-friendly kraft pouches with historical and modern vat instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Morrow Archival","offers":[{"title":"1oz","offer_id":48236358500574,"sku":"D-001-0000-001oz","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2oz","offer_id":48236358533342,"sku":"D-001-0000-002oz","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4oz","offer_id":48236358566110,"sku":"D-001-0000-004oz","price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0739\/2821\/2702\/files\/fc50b298-d2a7-4cb8-942f-e901bc83b868-copy.jpg?v=1778635995","url":"https:\/\/morrowarchival.com\/products\/woad-dye-429860348","provider":"Morrow Archival","version":"1.0","type":"link"}