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What is pre-reduced indigo?
Pre-reduced indigo is fermented, chemically altered, and air-dried to form crystals that dissolve in water quickly. It still has to be chemically altered further to bond to fibers, but in this form, it is easier to maintain and can last a while, not as long as a traditional vat.
Pre-reduced indigo: C16H10N2o2
How to Make a Pre-Reduced Indigo Vat
What you’ll need to make a pre-reduced indigo vat
- Large Container or Vat: Choose a vessel that can comfortably hold the volume of liquid needed for your dyeing project. A dedicated indigo vat container with a secure lid is ideal.
- Stirring Stick or Paddle: A long, sturdy stirring tool is essential for evenly distributing the indigo dye solution and maintaining a consistent reduction throughout the vat.
- Thermometer: A thermometer helps you monitor the temperature of the vat, ensuring it stays within the optimal range for dyeing.
- Rubber Gloves: Indigo is known to stain, so protect your hands with rubber gloves to avoid contact with the dye.
- Safety Gear: Depending on the type of indigo you’re using, it’s recommended to have safety gear like goggles and a mask to protect your eyes and respiratory system.
- Dedicated Work Area: Set up a well-ventilated and organized workspace to prevent accidents and make the dyeing process smoother.
- Optional, but very nice to have, is an Immersion Heater.
Tools
Long Handled Stainless Steel Spoon
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Buy Now → Materials
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Buy Now → Indigo vat containers
An indigo vat can be made in a number of different sizes and types of containers. If you are dyeing smaller pieces of material using a smaller jar or 5-gallon bucket is a great way to get an indigo vat going. If you are dyeing large pieces of material or garments having a larger vat is ideal. Use a plastic garbage can with a lid to allow enough room for materials to move around in the dye vat.
Container options for indigo vats
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Buy Now → Remember, creating a pre-reduced indigo vat is both an art and a science. Each component plays a crucial role in the success of your dyeing endeavor. By assembling the right tools and materials, you’re setting yourself up for a satisfying and rewarding indigo dyeing experience. So, gather your supplies, find your inspiration, and let the magic of indigo unfold before your eyes.
Feel free to explore our step-by-step guides on preparing and maintaining your pre-reduced indigo vat for detailed instructions and pro tips. Happy dyeing!
5 gallon pre-reduced indigo vat
Here is a recipe for a 5 gallon pre-reduced indigo vat.
Ingredients:
- 20 grams pre-reduced indigo
- 50 grams reducing agent (sodium hydrosulfite)
- 100 grams soda ash
- 4 gallons warm tap water
Instructions:
- Fill a 5 gallon bucket with 4 gallons of warm tap water, around 80-90°F (27-32°C).
- Slowly add the soda ash and reducing agent to the water while stirring gently. The water will start to bubble.
- Add the pre-reduced indigo and continue to stir slowly in a circular motion in one direction. Avoid creating bubbles or splashing, as this introduces oxygen into the vat.
- Gently drag your stirring stick along the outer edge of the bucket to bring the bubbles and “flower” that formed to the center. Cover the vat with a tight-fitting lid.10
- Let the vat settle for at least 15-30 minutes. The liquid should become a clear yellowish-green color.
- After settling, gently move aside the thin blue “flower” or bubbles on the surface. The vat is now ready to use for dyeing.
- Always keep the vat covered when not in use to minimize oxygen exposure. Stir gently in a circular motion when you want to dye again.
- The vat can last for several weeks or months if properly maintained. Add more pre-reduced indigo and chemicals as needed to keep it balanced.
The key is to minimize agitation and splashing to avoid introducing oxygen into the vat. Stir gently and keep it covered when not dyeing. With proper care, a pre-reduced indigo vat is an easy way to achieve beautiful, lasting blues on your textiles.
Scouring
Before dipping in an indigo vat it is a good idea to prepare your natural fibers. Scouring your fibers to clean them of all oils, greases, finishes and other contaminates will set you up for success. Get clear, vibrant colors from your natural dyes by preparing your fibers correctly.
Instructions on how to scour:
How to Scour Cotton for Dyeing in Pre-Reduced Indigo Vat
In this tutorial, you will learn how to prepare cotton fabric for natural dyeing through the essential process of scouring. If you’re eager to achieve vibrant and long-lasting colors with your natural dyes, this step-by-step guide is your ticket to success.
In this detailed video, we’ll walk you through the entire scouring process, sharing tips and techniques that will elevate your natural dyeing projects to a whole new level.
Here’s what you can expect to learn:
🔍 Understanding Scouring: Discover the significance of scouring in the natural dyeing process and how it affects color absorption and fastness.
🛁 Preparation and Safety: Learn about the necessary tools and materials for effective scouring, and ensure you’re following best practices to maintain a safe and environmentally-friendly process.
⚙️ Step-by-Step Scouring: Follow along as we guide you through the step-by-step procedure of scouring cotton fabric.
🔬 Science Behind Scouring: Gain insight into the science behind scouring, including the removal of natural oils, waxes, and impurities from the fabric to create an optimal surface for dye absorption.
🌡️ Temperature and Time: Understand the impact of temperature and soaking duration on the scouring process, and learn how to find the perfect balance for different fabric types.
🎨 Achieving Beautiful Natural Colors: Once your fabric is properly scoured, it’s ready to take on the brilliance of natural dyes.
Join us on this exciting journey to master the art of scouring cotton fabric for natural dyeing. Whether you’re gearing up for a creative project or seeking to deepen your knowledge of sustainable dyeing practices, this tutorial is your ultimate guide. Don’t miss out on transforming your fabrics into stunning canvases for nature’s most exquisite colors.