Instructions

Note: Below are the quick start instructions for the Indigo Dye Kit. For detailed instructions, some indigo history, and a list of references, view or download our detailed instructions above.

Setting up the indigo vat:

1. Fill the five gallon container with 4 gallons warm tap water.
2. Empty the indigo dye packet and chemical packet into the water. Stir until dissolved.
3. Stir the vat in a one direction circular motion. Reverse the direction of the stirring as you drag the stir stick along the outer edge of the vat before slowly removing it. Cover the vat with a lid and allow to settle while you tie up your fabric (about 15 minutes to 1/2 hour). The liquid will become a yellow-green color.

Dyeing:

1. Fold, tie or bind your garment or fiber (see Pattern Ideas below). There is plenty of dye in your vat if you want to experiment on some pieces first. Wet your fabric thoroughly and squeeze out excess water.
2. Remove the cover from the vat. Wearing gloves either push the “flower” or foam on the top to the side or scoop out and set aside.
3. While squeezing excess water and air out of your fabric, slowly submerge your piece into the dye vat. Once submerged gently manipulate the piece for one to several minutes.
4. As you remove the piece from the vat it will slowly begin to turn blue as the oxygen in the air hits it. Let oxidize for about 20 minutes.
5. Repeat steps 2 - 4 for darker shades or you can rinse, untie, and wash with a mild detergent and warm water.
6. When you are done, gently put the flower back if you removed it. Gently stir the vat as before in a circular motion. Place lid back onto vat. The vat will keep for several days and you will be able to dye several times.
7. When you are ready to dispose of the vat, empty contents down the drain. Clean up bucket and utensils with a powdered cleanser or soap.

Pattern Ideas

For more pattern ideas see the Detailed Instructions & Indigo Info (linked above).

Circles or Spots:

Pull up the fabric at a point and put a rubber band around it (a) or place a small pebble, bean or popcorn in the tip of the fabric and the bind placed just under it (b). For concentric circles, (c) place more than one rubber band on the pulled up area.

Basic accordion fold

This simple back forth fold can be done many ways such as starting from the side or from a corner (a & b). Clamp folded fabric between your wood blocks and rubber bands (c). With slight variations you can get endless patterns.