indigo dyeing

Indigo dyeing is a traditional process used to color fabrics with indigo, a deep blue pigment derived from the leaves of the indigo plant. The dyeing occurs in several steps: the leaves are fermented to extract the dye, which is then used in a dye bath. Fabrics are immersed repeatedly to achieve the desired shade. Unlike many dyes, indigo adheres to fibers via oxidation, meaning fabrics appear greenish when first dyed but turn blue as they dry. Indigo dyeing has a rich history across cultures, especially in textiles like denim and batik, and is valued for its vibrant, enduring color.