Indigo Dyeing for Beginners
Dirt + Dye: Indigo Dyeing for Beginners will teach you how to create and dye with a fructose indigo vat. Each step is described in detail, including the science behind why the vat allows you to make this incredible blue pigment available to attach to fibers.
Whether you are repurposing old clothing, hand sew your own garments, spin yarn, or just want to play with cotton bandanas and simple t-shirts, you can follow these steps to set a foundation for experimenting with indigo dyeing!
This leaflet includes:
- What is an indigo vat
- Some history on indigo production and extraction
- A list of materials needed
- How to choose fiber for dyeing
- How to scour cellulose + protein fibers
- How to prepare a fructose indigo vat
- How to tell if your vat is ready
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Finishing indigo dyed items for long lasting color
- How to care for indigo dyed items
- Detailed instructions and hand-drawn illustrations for each step
This is a downloadable PDF for purchase. Due to the nature of digital downloads, refunds are not available after purchase.
- In stock, ready to ship
Color nuances may vary based on your computer screen settings. Naturally hand-dyed yarn color will vary slightly between batches. You may notice minor shade or variegation differences between skeins and batches. Please be sure to purchase all yarn needed for a project from one batch, and alternate skeins to prevent color pooling.
Indigo dyed yarn may rub small amounts of blue on your hands as you work with it. This is called crocking, and is a normal part of working with indigo dyed items. Minor crocking does not indicate poor dye quality. Indigo that rubs onto your hands or clothes while working will wash out with soap and warm water. After knitting/crocheting and rinsing, crocking should cease. Avoid using wood and bamboo needles, as they may stain.
