Natural Indigo Extract

Natural indigo extract (Indigofera tinctoria) 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.

Quick facts

• Indigotin (coloring content): approx. 40%, lab-tested at 40.03% ± 0.5% (certificate of analysis)
• Origin: India
• Color: blue
• Mordant: not required
• Sizes: 100 g (3.5 oz), 400 g (14.1 oz), 1 kg (2.2 lb)

What is indigo?

Indigo is a traditional blue dye obtained from the leaves of indigo plants. Unlike most natural dyes, indigo needs a reduction vat to bond with fibers. This is what lets the dye attach and develop rich blue shades after oxidation.

Do you need a mordant for indigo?

No. Indigo bonds through vat dyeing (reduction and oxidation) rather than through a typical mordant-dye-fiber bond.

Indigo vat guide and recipes

Read the full indigo vat guide

Start with the right fabric

Try indigo on our undyed cotton fabric or our undyed cotton socks.