Persicaria tinctoria "Japanese Indigo"
Plant Part Used: Leaves
Harvest: Collect in the morning through midsummer to mid-fall
Colors Produced: Blues
References: See Wild Color: the Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes by Jenny Dean (1999)
Our Favorite Dye Recipe
Collect fresh indigo leaves and use either right away or place in water in the fridge to use within the day.
In a dedicated dying blender, place the leaves in the blender along with very cold water. A tablespoon of salt can be added at this time to deepen the color.
Pulse blend until the mixture is a consistent texture.
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve, squeezing out any remaining liquid into a bowl.
Place wet fabric into the liquid and gently massage in the dye pot, ensuring the mixture reaches everywhere for a consistent dye.
Massage until a deep turquoise color is reached.
Rinse the fabric in cold water.
Let dry either inside or in the shade.
The color will darken as it dries and oxidizes.
Repeat the process with more fresh indigo if deeper color is desired.