Jacquard Indigo Tie Dye Kit brings the ancient art of indigo dyeing to the home with this user-friendly formulation. Indigo dye, which comes from a plant, is one of the oldest dyes used for colouring fabrics made from natural fibres such as cotton, silk, linen, wool or even wood. Natural dye processes have been used in many cultures around the world whether Japanese Shibori technique, Arashi or Tie-Dye to create wonderful resist patterns on fabric. Whether you are new to fabric dyeing or a seasoned pro Jacquard Indigo Tie Dye Kit is a fun activity suitable for all abilities combining art with science.
NOTE: You will need to supply: 5 gal/18.93 L bucket with lid, long stick for stirring, water, natural fabrics or yarn. Dyes up to 13 metres (2.27 kg) of fabric or 15 t-shirts. Dye bath lasts for several weeks. A face mask and gloves.
Instructions:
- Fill the container with 15 litres of warm tap water
- Empty the indigo dye packet into the water and stir with a long stick.
- While stirring empty the soda ash powder and sodium hydrosulfite powder slowly into the water
- Gently but thoroughly stir the mixture in one direction in a circular motion
- Cover the container with a tight fitting lid and allow to settle for one hour.
- Whilst waiting for your mixture to settle. Take your fabric and bind or wrap as required using the wood pieces and rubber bands.
- Prior to placing your fabric into the dye bucket, your fabric needs to be immersed into water with any excess being wrung out so it is damp so there is no air..
- Push aside the layer of foam that has formed on the top of the dye mixture to check the colour of the liquid. The dye bath should be a clear yellow or yellow/green colour. (Your fabric will start to turn blue after it comes into contact with oxygen in the air)
- Fully submerge your fabric for a few minutes (without touching the bottom of your container.
- Wait 15-20 mins between dips to get more intense blue colours. Note that the colour will lighten when washed and dried so if a darker blue is desired repeat the submerging process.
- When you have finished dyeing place the fabric into a water bath to rinse any excess dye. At this stage any knots, ties, rubber bands etc can be removed/untied.
- Rinse under cool running water until the water runs clear. Wash with some soap and water before hanging your fabric out to dry.
- Any unused dye in your bucket can be kept for up to a week (sealed) and then can be discarded safely down the drain.
Included in this kit:
- 20 g Pre-reduced Indigo Dye
- 100 g Soda Ash
- 50 g Sodium Hydrosulfite (“Hydro”)
- 1 pair of gloves
- Wood pieces
- Rubber bands (2 sizes)
- Instructions