Natural dye
Indigo
Deep, living blue
Source Indigo Plant Leaves
Care This fabric is dyed using natural indigo, a dye known for its deep colour and gentle bleeding over time — which is part of its natural character. Hand wash separately in cold water using a mild detergent, especially for the first several washes, as indigo tends to release excess colour initially. Avoid washing with other light-coloured garments, as indigo can transfer easily. Do not use bleach, harsh detergents, or hot water, as this can cause the colour to fade unevenly. Avoid soaking the fabric for long periods. Dry in shade rather than direct sunlight to protect the depth of the blue. Iron on a low setting while slightly damp for a smooth finish. Over time and with proper care, indigo fabric develops a soft, beautiful fade — a natural sign of a well-loved, well-worn piece.
The process
Indigo is one of the oldest natural dyes in the world, prized for its deep, timeless blue. The dye is made from the leaves of the indigo plant, which are fermented in large vats of water. During fermentation, natural bacteria break down the leaves and release indigotin, the blue pigment locked inside them. This process takes several days and requires careful monitoring of temperature and fermentation time to develop the right dye strength.
Unlike most natural dyes, indigo does not dissolve directly in water — it needs to go through a chemical reduction process, traditionally done using natural reducing agents like lime and fermented plant matter. This converts the indigo into a soluble, yellow-green form that can bind to the yarn. When the yarn is dipped into this vat, it initially comes out looking greenish-yellow, and it's only upon contact with air that oxidation takes place, turning the yarn into its characteristic blue. This colour-changing moment, often visible right before the artisan's eyes, is one of the most fascinating parts of the indigo dyeing process.
To achieve a deeper shade, the yarn is dipped multiple times into the vat, with a period of air-oxidation between each dip. The more dips, the deeper and richer the blue becomes — ranging from soft sky blue to deep indigo-black. Once the desired shade is reached, the yarn is washed thoroughly to remove excess dye and then dried naturally in the shade.
This entire process is completely natural, using no synthetic indigo or chemical dyes. It reflects a centuries-old dyeing tradition kept alive by artisans in Sagara, Shimoga, where patience, fermentation, and skill come together to create one of nature's most enduring colours. As with all natural dyes, slight variation in shade between batches is normal and part of what makes each piece unique.