How to Dye With Indigo

Indigo is not a water-soluble dye, so special care must be taken to dissolve it. Though a bit troublesome to produce, the deep, rich hues are well worth the effort. Here are instructions for dying yarn with an indigo bath.

Things You'll Need

• 1 oz. washing soda
• 2 qt, 4 oz. water
• 1 tsp. indigo paste
• 2 oz. hydrosulfite
• Large pot
• Yarn

Instructions

1. Mix 1 ounce of washing soda into 4 ounces of water.

2. Add 1 tsp. of indigo paste to the mix.

3. Sprinkle 1 ounce of hydrosulfite over the mix and carefully stir.

4. Add 2 quarts of warm water.

5. Heat the batch to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then allow the mix to stand for about 20 minutes.

6. Shake one more ounce of hydrosulfite over the solution, and stir gently.

7. Wet the yard thoroughly, then immerse it in the mix for 20 minutes.

8. The yarn will turn indigo when it is exposed to the air to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Always handle dying chemicals with care, and perform the process in a well-ventilated room. Place a top over the pot to keep the chemicals from escaping into the air, and do not use the pot for cooking food after dying in it.