True Indigo Dye: French Blue, Royal Blue

True indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) is one of the original sources of blue dyes since antiquity. Considered a luxury item by the Greeks and Romans, true indigo was an important commodity. Its ability to create a deep blue on cotton was prized in Japan during the Edo period when the use of silk was forbidden.

This dye extract is from the leaves of the indigo plant and will produce various shades of blues including French Blue and Royal Blue.

Sold in 25 g packages.

25 g of extract will dye approximately 1 pound of fiber.

Image ©Kurt Stueber

Natural Dyeing Resources

Using Pure Tinctoria Dyes Download (pdf)