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Japanese Indigo Pigment Sticks
Making Indigo Solution:
Indigo Sticks are made from drying and binding the oxidized bubbles that form on an indigo dye vat. This indigo application is safe for silk, the traditional indigo dye vat is too alkaline. The indigo
particles also preserve and insulate the cloth.
Indigo is used in conjunction with soybean mordant, instruction below. It is usually used in layers for an even application or until the desired colour
depth is achieved. Indigo is also very effective as a finishing layer over other dyes.
The sticks are fragile, do not drop. Wind the sticks with a strip of paper and adhere with elastic for support
prior to using. Leave one end exposed.
To make the colour place a few drops of soybean mordant or water on a porcelain dish or saucer. Gently rub the exposed end in a circular motion, remove released
colour to a container and repeat until desired amount of colour is obtained. When finished blot well and dry.
Indigo self fixes naturally.
Making Soybean Mordant:
Regular dry soybeans are used to make the mordant. The indigo may be reduced with water, in this case the single strength soybean mordant is brushed on the fabric prior to the indigo.
To Make 1 L (1 quart) of Single Strength Soybean Mordant:
- Soak 30 dry soybeans in 250 ml (1 cup) of cool tap water for a minimum of 4 hours to a maximum of 16 hours.
- Add water to 500 ml (2 cups) and transfer to a blender.
- Blend on high speed for 30 seconds.
- Add an additional 500 ml (2 cups) of water and blend briefly to mix.
- Strain the bean mixture through fine cotton fabric into a small pail. Strain one half at a time.
- Squeeze out the cloth once half the mixture has been strained, then again after the remaining mixture has been strained.
- Discard the pulp left in the cotton cloth and wash the cloth thoroughly.
The soybean mordant should be used within an hour or it will neutralize and sour.
The indigo may be reduced with mordant, in this case double strength soybean mordant is used in place of water.
To make double strength mordant use 30 beans and half the water in the above recipe - you
may also quarter the water and use 15 beans instead of 30.
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