The Magic of Indigo Dyes: A Journey of Discovery

Indigo dyes have been prized for centuries for their deep, rich blue color. But did you know that indigo can only exist in its pure form when no oxygen is present? This fascinating fact is just one of many interesting things about indigo, a natural dye source that has captivated artists and craftspeople for generations.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of indigo dyes and explore the process of creating your own indigo vat from scratch. With a little patience and practice, you can achieve stunning results using natural materials and simple techniques.

The Importance of 'Indigo White'

When working with indigo, it's essential to understand that the dye must be in its 'indigo white' form before application. This may seem counterintuitive, as we often associate blue with oxygen-rich environments. However, indigo white is actually a greenish-yellow color that requires the absence of oxygen to exist.

Shibori Folding and Dyeing

To create our indigo vat, we drew inspiration from Colours from Nature – A Dyer's Handbook by Jenny Dean. We also used sodium hydrosulphite (hydros) instead of colour run remover, as modern alternatives don't work in the same way.

For this project, we chose to dye a stack of muslin squares using shibori folding techniques, which involved folding and binding the fabric in various ways to create unique patterns. This process allowed us to achieve beautiful, intricate designs on our finished fabrics.

The Recipe: A Simple Indigo Vat

Here's the recipe we used for our indigo vat:

With this simple recipe, you can create your own indigo dye at home using natural materials and basic equipment. Just remember to allow your fabric or yarn to dry naturally before washing gently to achieve the best results.

Working with natural dyes can be intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, you can achieve stunning results. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, indigo dyes offer endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression.

By exploring the world of indigo dyes, you'll discover new techniques, materials, and inspirations to fuel your artistic journey. So why not give it a try? With this article as your guide, you're ready to embark on your own adventure in indigo dyeing!