Natural dye
Pomegranate Peel
Sand Khaki
Source Pomegranete Peel Extract
Care This fabric is dyed using natural pomegranate peel dye, so it needs a little gentle care to keep its colour looking its best. Hand wash separately in cold water using a mild detergent, especially during the first few washes, as some colour may release naturally. Avoid using bleach, harsh detergents, or hot water, as these can fade the tone over time. Do not soak the fabric for long periods. Dry in shade rather than direct sunlight to protect the natural colour from fading. Iron on a low setting while the fabric is slightly damp for the best finish. With proper care, the fabric will retain its colour and softness wash after wash, aging gracefully over time.
The process
The dye begins with pomegranate peels, collected as waste after the fruit is used for eating or juicing. Instead of discarding them, artisans at Desi Trust dry these peels under the sun until all moisture is removed. The dried peels are then boiled in water for several hours, allowing the natural tannins and pigments to release into the water and form a concentrated dye liquid. This liquid is strained to remove any solid peel residue, leaving behind a rich, golden-toned dye base.
Before dyeing, the cotton yarn is treated with a natural mordant, usually alum, which helps the dye bind permanently to the fibre and improves colour fastness. The yarn is then dipped into the pomegranate dye bath and left to soak, allowing the colour to develop evenly. Depending on the depth of shade required, the yarn may be dipped multiple times, with drying in between each round. Once the desired tone is achieved, the yarn is washed to remove excess dye and left to dry naturally in the shade.
This entire process uses no synthetic chemicals or dyes. It relies on plant waste, natural mordants, and traditional hand-dyeing techniques passed down through the artisan community in Sagara, Shimoga. The result is a naturally coloured yarn that carries the character of the land and the process — with slight variations in shade that make each batch one of a kind.