At Beyond France we work with traditional Indigo Dyers in Hungary to dye the vintage linen blue using the traditional processes. In this post we will answer some questions about indigo dying.

How are the white patterns printed on indigo linen?

The patterns are created on the fabric before it is dyed blue. A resist mixture is applied on to the linen with wooden printing blocks and left to dry before the linen is dyed. 

The wooden printing blocks are often hundreds of years old, made by artisans with metal pins embedded in wooden blocks. The patterns include polka dots, flowers, vines and village scenes.

How is fabric dyed indigo?   

Fabric is dipped repeatedly into an indigo well. Indigo dye is actually a mustard yellow colour until it reacts with the oxygen and then turns blue. 

The more times the linen is dipped the darker the shade of indigo is achieved.

Is indigo colour fast?

Indigo is a natural colour and is therefore light sensitive and not colourfast. That said you can still wash it, just choose a cold wash. 

What can indigo linen be used for? 

Indigo dyed sheets make stylish tablecloths, whilst indigo dyed linen is very versatile for upholstery projects such as chairs, sofas and ottomans. 

Linen dyed grain sacks can also be used as big cushion covers or cut down and made into smaller cushions. 

See the current selection of dyed sheets, dyed grain sacks and rolls .