Natural Indigo - King of the Blues

The Indigo Dye Process in India: From Plant to Fabric 

Pre the launch of our new and first collection of Natural Indigo Dye I wanted to dive deep and give you some insight into the rich heritage and magic of this beautiful ancient technique. I am so excited to be bringing this collection, it has been months and months in the making, carefully considering patterns and all the details of the beautiful pieces we have created for you.

Indigo dyeing is an ancient craft deeply rooted in India's cultural and artisanal heritage. This blog explores the journey of indigo, from its cultivation to its transformation into vibrant fabrics, with a special focus on the traditional methods practiced in Bagru, Jaipur.

Cultivation of Indigo Plants
The process begins with the cultivation of *Indigofera tinctoria*, the primary plant used for indigo dye. The plant thrives in tropical and temperate climates, making regions like Rajasthan ideal for its growth. After approximately 90 days, the plants are harvested and transported to local extraction centres, known as "Neel Kuthis" in India

Extraction of Indigo Dye
The harvested leaves are soaked in large tanks filled with water. Fermentation transforms the water into a greenish hue, which is then aerated to oxidize and turn blue. The resulting sediment is filtered, boiled, and dried into cakes or powder, ready for use as dye

Preparation of Dye Vats
In Bagru, traditional artisans prepare indigo vats by mixing the indigo powder with natural ingredients like lime and jaggery to create an alkaline solution. These vats are carefully maintained to ensure the dye remains active for extended periods

Dabu Printing: A Unique Technique
Bagru is renowned for its *Dabu* printing, a resist-dyeing technique that involves applying a mud paste onto fabric to create intricate patterns. The fabric is then immersed in the indigo vat. The areas covered by the mud resist remain uncolored, resulting in stunning designs once the mud is washed off

Dyeing Process
The fabric is dipped multiple times into the indigo vat to achieve the desired depth of color. Each immersion is followed by exposure to air, which oxidizes the dye and turns it from green to blue. This labor-intensive process ensures vibrant and long-lasting hues

Finishing Touches
After dyeing, the fabric is thoroughly rinsed to remove excess dye and dried under the sun. Artisans may add additional block-printed motifs or embellishments before the fabric is ready for use in garments or home décor

Sustainability and Revival
Natural indigo dyeing is eco-friendly, with no harmful by-products. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in demand for this traditional craft due to its sustainable practices and timeless appeal. I will be sharing more about how to care for your pieces in the coming weeks.

Bagru's artisans continue to preserve this centuries-old tradition, blending heritage with modern aesthetics to create textiles that are both beautiful and meaningful.

I am so thrilled to share more about the Artisans with you, this will be first post of a series celebrating this incredibly beautiful art.

Best wishes 

Vickie