DIY Dye with Natural Indigo to Revamp Your Clothes : On Trend

OnTrend_IndigoDye

ColumnHow to dye your clothes using natural indigo.

Indigo is one of the oldest forms of natural dye, and its rich color still mesmerizes us today. Plus, it’s extremely easy to use. Perfect for redying your jeans to make them dark again, or repurposing a faded or stained shirt, here are step-by-step instructions on how to dye using natural indigo.

Materials

Indigo Starter Kit from Earthues, $45
Long Latex Gloves
100% natural fabric, clothing or yarn
Five gallon bucket for dye bath
Five gallon bucket for water rinse
Drying rack

Method

1. First, place fabric in water to soak.

2. Follow the Indigo Starter Kit directions to prepare dye bath.

3. Remove fabric from water, and wring out.

4. Gently place fabric into indigo dye bath, and stir with stick or glove-covered hand. Depending on the dye strength, the length of time the fabric sits in bath will indicate the shade of the color. About 3 minutes is sufficient time for fabric to be in dye bath.

5. Next, carefully push fabric to the side of your bucket and gently lift out guided by wall of the bucket (so as not to add air bubbles to the mixture).

6. Place fabric on drying rack or tray until completely oxidized–you will see the fabric change from yellow-green to blue. Repeat dip process for darker shade of indigo.

7. Place fabric on drying rack and allow to dry completely. Voila!

Wash separately from other clothing, just to ensure the dye does not run onto your other clothing.

Recipe adapted from Kinfolk  and Hand/Eye Magazine.

Want more On Trend? See The Latest

Beyond The LBD, It’s Eco Fashion With An Attitude

DIY Jewelry: 10 Sartorial Brooches You Can Easily Personalize: On Trend

Vegan Shoes and Handbags: On Trend

Grunge Texture with an Ethical Twist: On Trend

featured image background: Phyllis W. Hedrick

Juliette Donatelli

Working in the field of sustainability for over seven years, Juliette is passionate about its intersection within the fashion industry. Juliette began studying ecological conservation, and led consumer awareness campaigns around the world from water usage in southern California, riparian restoration in South Africa, food distribution in Paris and bison habitat in the Great Plains. She has launched her passion--consumerism and sustainability--into a place where it hits home--fashion. Juliette is the founder and editor-in-chief of spadesandsilk.com, Director of Sustainability at Manufacture NY, and loves to read, dance, swim and enjoy the occasional glass of champagne.