Understanding The Indigo Dyeing Process

The king of blues and until the early 20 century the only blue, but still the only natural blue that will withstand any considerable amount of time. This dye has been being used dating as far back as 2000 BC, found in mummies tombs in Egypt it was highly prized and used regularly as is today yet many people would not realize there wardrobe contains at least a couple of garments and the process has remained the same since these ancient times.


Materials list

3 plastic 1 litre jugs
1 2 litre jug
1 scoop
1 10 litre bucket
wisk
vapour mask

Ingredients
100g salt
30g soda ash
20 g sodium hydroxide
30 g indigo vat grains

Step 1:

MEASURE ALL INGREDIENTS IN INDIVIDUAL PLASTIC JUGS TO SPECIFIED WEIGHTS

Comments

[Contentment]

Can you give a source for the indigo vat grains? Otherwise an absolutely awesome Instructable : ) Thanks!

[nemo ignorat]

hmm purple, if you have no problem smashing snails with a stone and removing the glands why not ;o)

[AJMansfield]

Lapiz lazuli was mined in India for at least 3000 years. Although it produced a much brighter blue, it was far harder to obtain and use, which is why it wasn't used quite as much way back then.

[AJMansfield]

It was also better at dying silk than indigo was.

[mastroprimo]

Very nice tut.
The only big problem with indigo dyeing is that, the excess of tint remain over the fibers and came out for many many time during the use and the washes, i know that because i have an hakama and a kendogi made with japanese traditional indigo dyeing, in my searches on the net to find a way to fix the color i discovered that traditional metods like vinegar or chemical fixatives won't work.The traditional japanese old way is to use animal urine, cause the bacteria inside litteraly eat the excess colour. Some japanese people smell the dyed fabric for be sure that are made on the very old way.

[Mr.Sanchez]

Try with lemon and salt.

[vintage53rose]

Can you please advise the sources for Indigo Vat Grains here in the US?

Thanks

[Lumo the Maker]

We are in the UK and the only person we know sells a minimum of kilogram amounts, although due to popularity of this instructable we were going to sell some smaller amounts of 100 grams. We can ship over if you so wish. Email me if your interested. [e-mail]

[Steelsmith1]

Nice article, but Woad is a traditional blue dye used in Asia and Europe until the indigo trade put it out of business, as indigo is a much stronger source of dye. I believe the color is identical to Indigo, but not as intense. Indigo definitely is not the only natural blue!

[Lumo the Maker]

Yes woad is a natural blue, sorry bit misleading of me. I think what i meant to say is a natural blue that will last. Woad can be known to fade in a couple of years, where as indigo can last thousands.

[alaut]

Really enjoyed seeing how the fabric turned from green to indigo with exposure to air/ oxygen. Wow. Thanks for sharing.

[Spokehedz]

The thing I find most amazing about this process is that ancient civilizations were able to figure this out. Truly amazing.

[Exocetid]

Now try making royal purple ;-)

[FancyIdeas]

Wonderful instructions for using the processed indigo vat grains. BUT - how would you go about making a dye from the indigo PLANT? Thanks!

[nemo ignorat]

what kind of reducing agent do you use? And what kind of salt?

[ladybellringerm]

I would so love to do this! I understand it has a strong aroma, but still, it would be fun!

Just a note for anyone who is not aware, the sodium hydroxide is lye. If you are trying to locate it and can't, try googling cold process soap making. You should come up with a few places that sell it.

[notingkool]

Wow, Amazing instructable, very detailed, and very cool. Thanks for publish it.