{"title":"Natural Indigo","description":"\u003cp\u003eNatural indigo is the classic plant blue, extracted from \u003cem\u003eIndigofera tinctoria\u003c\/em\u003e leaves. Unlike most natural dyes, indigo needs no mordant: it is reduced in an alkaline vat, the fiber is dipped, and the color develops as it oxidizes in the air. Our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/natural-indigo-extract\"\u003enatural indigo extract\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/fructose-indigo-vat\"\u003efructose powder\u003c\/a\u003e are everything you need, together with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/soda-ash-sodium-carbonate\"\u003esoda ash\u003c\/a\u003e or lime, for a fruit-sugar indigo vat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow the fructose indigo vat works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a fructose vat, sugar reduces the indigo and an alkali raises the pH. The vat is gentle, non-toxic and can be kept going for months with small additions. Dip your scoured, wet fiber slowly, let it oxidize from green to blue, and repeat for deeper shades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShades and combinations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShort dips give pale sky blue; many dips build navy. Overdye indigo with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/natural-yellow-dyes\"\u003eweld or buckthorn\u003c\/a\u003e for greens, or with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/natural-red-dyes\"\u003emadder\u003c\/a\u003e for purples. Indigo works on cotton, linen, wool and silk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need a mordant for indigo?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Indigo is a vat dye and bonds by oxidation, so no mordant is needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much indigo do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small amount goes a long way: a few grams per liter of vat is a typical starting point, and the vat can dye many items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs natural indigo the same as synthetic indigo?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blue molecule is the same, but natural indigo is made from plants and contains other plant compounds that give a softer, more varied blue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore more:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/natural-blue-dyes\"\u003eNatural Blue Dyes\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dye-assists-and-modifiers\"\u003eDye Assists \u0026amp; Modifiers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I need a mordant for indigo?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. Indigo is a vat dye and bonds by oxidation, so no mordant is needed.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much indigo do I need?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A small amount goes a long way: a few grams per liter of vat is a typical starting point, and the vat can dye many items.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is natural indigo the same as synthetic indigo?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The blue molecule is the same, but natural indigo is made from plants and contains other plant compounds that give a softer, more varied blue.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"natural-indigo-extract","title":"Natural Indigo Extract","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural indigo extract\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eIndigofera tinctoria\u003c\/em\u003e) is sourced from India and prepared for reliable indigo vat dyeing. It produces deep, classic blues on natural fibers through reduction (vat) dyeing, and no mordant is required. It is ideal for studios and makers who want consistent results and repeatable shade building from light to dark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndigotin (coloring content):\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 40%, lab-tested at 40.03% ± 0.5% (certificate of analysis)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e India\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e blue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMordant:\u003c\/strong\u003e not required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100 g (3.5 oz), 400 g (14.1 oz), 1 kg (2.2 lb)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is indigo?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndigo is a traditional blue dye obtained from the leaves of indigo plants. Unlike most natural dyes, indigo needs a \u003cstrong\u003ereduction vat\u003c\/strong\u003e to bond with fibers. This is what lets the dye attach and develop rich blue shades after oxidation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo you need a mordant for indigo?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Indigo bonds through vat dyeing (reduction and oxidation) rather than through a typical mordant-dye-fiber bond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIndigo vat guide and recipes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/themazi.com\/blogs\/news\/indigo-vat-guide\"\u003eRead the full indigo vat guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStart with the right fabric\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTry indigo on our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/undyed-cotton-fabric-for-natural-dyeing\"\u003eundyed cotton fabric\u003c\/a\u003e or our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/undyed-cotton-socks-for-natural-dyeing\"\u003eundyed cotton socks\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork out exact grams for your fabric with our free \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/natural-dye-wof-calculator\"\u003enatural dye calculator and WOF chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"100 g (3.5 oz)","offer_id":37538702327965,"sku":"INDIGO100","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 g (14.1 oz)","offer_id":37538702360733,"sku":"INDIGO400","price":60.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 kg (2.2 lb)","offer_id":44350769103082,"sku":"INDIGO1KG","price":130.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/files\/natural-indigo-extract-themazi-pack.jpg?v=1770234561"},{"product_id":"fructose-indigo-vat","title":"Fructose Powder","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFructose\u003c\/strong\u003e (fruit sugar) is the reducing agent in the popular \u003cstrong\u003e1-2-3 fructose indigo vat\u003c\/strong\u003e, developed by master dyer Michel Garcia. In an alkaline bath with lime, fructose removes oxygen from the indigo so it can dissolve and dye fiber. It is a simple, natural and long-lasting alternative to chemical reducers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 g (1.76 oz) and 400 g. Use with our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/natural-indigo-extract\"\u003enatural indigo extract\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe 1-2-3 recipe\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy weight: \u003cstrong\u003e1 part indigo : 2 parts slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) : 3 parts fructose.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight blues:\u003c\/strong\u003e about 2 g indigo per liter of vat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedium blues:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 g per liter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDark navy:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7–10 g per liter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExample for a medium 3-liter vat: 10 g indigo, 20 g lime and 30 g fructose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to make a fructose indigo vat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFill a lidded stainless steel or plastic container with hot water (about 50 °C \/ 120 °F).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStir in the fructose until dissolved.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMix the indigo into a smooth paste with a little warm water and add it to the vat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSprinkle in the lime and stir gently in a circle, without splashing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCover and leave for about an hour, until the liquid under the surface turns clear yellow-green and a coppery \"flower\" forms on top. Vats often work even better after a day or two.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDye at 30–40 °C (85–105 °F): lower wet fiber in gently, wait a few minutes, lift out and let it oxidize to blue in the air. Repeat for darker shades.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKeeping the vat healthy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH about 9–10 for wool and silk, 11–12 for cotton and linen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf the vat turns blue or stops dyeing, add a spoonful of fructose and a spoonful of lime, stir gently and let it rest warm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse real fructose, not table sugar, and fresh lime: old lime that has absorbed air will not work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever stir up the sediment while dyeing, and do several short dips rather than one long one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/indigo-vat-guide\"\u003eIndigo vat guide with 3 blue shades\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/natural-indigo\"\u003eShop natural indigo\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy use fructose for an indigo vat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFructose is a natural reducing agent. With lime it removes oxygen from indigo so it dissolves and can dye fiber, without harsh chemical reducers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use table sugar instead of fructose?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Table sugar (sucrose) does not reduce indigo well. Use fructose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much fructose do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree times the weight of your indigo. For 10 g of indigo, use 30 g of fructose and 20 g of lime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork out exact grams for your fabric with our free \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/natural-dye-wof-calculator\"\u003enatural dye calculator and WOF chart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why use fructose for an indigo vat?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Fructose is a natural reducing agent. With lime it removes oxygen from indigo so it dissolves and can dye fiber, without harsh chemical reducers.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I use table sugar instead of fructose?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Table sugar (sucrose) does not reduce indigo well. Use fructose.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How much fructose do I need?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Three times the weight of your indigo. For 10 g of indigo, use 30 g of fructose and 20 g of lime.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"themazi","offers":[{"title":"50gr | 1.76oz","offer_id":39976193851549,"sku":"Fructose50","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"400 gr","offer_id":43590016303338,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/products\/ScreenShot2021-05-20at12.40.12.png?v=1634314031"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0402\/1990\/2109\/collections\/indigo-extract-shibori-dyed-fabric-results.jpg?v=1792531445","url":"https:\/\/themazi.com\/collections\/natural-indigo.oembed","provider":"themazi","version":"1.0","type":"link"}