Fresh Indigo Leaf

Indigo just may be my most favorite dye plant. Such a beautiful range of blue hues to be gained from the vat process, over dyeing with other natural dyes…and my top top favorite- fresh leaf dyeing.

After doing lots of research and enrolling in a wonderful online class, I was ready to start dyeing with fresh indigo leaves! But I had to wait until my plants were a little bit more mature.

Once my plants were ready for their first harvest I made the plan for a morning that week.

It’s best to harvest the leaves in the morning when its still cool. This ensures you get the most amount of blue from this process.

You need to work quick once you harvest the leaves. So I had everything set up before I even went outside to gather.

Super cold water, a blender, strainer and a bowl.

I chose to use silk fabric that had been mordanted. You can use untreated silk too, I just love the minty color.

And these were the beautiful results from my first fresh Indigo leaf dye.

Grown from seed and brought to life on fabric by my hands. Quite possibly the most rewarding feeling.