Timeless Blooms of Indigo print- Printroots
The art of dyeing with indigo has been passed down since ancient times. The traditional indigo fabric is typically a rag cloth or cotton that has been soaked in water, coated with a clay solution, then laid in the sun or another device that exposes it to light for weeks on end. In East Asia, indigo spirituality is linked directly to this process, as the natural dyeing process exposed people's bodies and minds to spiritual forces emanating from nature. The resulting fabric is tan or blue, depending on the number of indigo pigments present.
The function of an indigo dyeing process is to evenly saturate the fabric with a pigment, which can be made from natural materials (such as cotton) or synthetics. This can be achieved by either exposing the cloth to sunlight or using a device that exposes it to light in a controlled way. It was also known that dead cattle could also be used as sources for dyeing. The color of natural indigo comes primarily from the protein molecule known as purpurin
History of Indigo
Indigo is a three-in-one fabric with light to medium blue shades and white threads. It was introduced in the early 1800s and became popular in Europe for its rich, deep color. It continued to be used in everyday fashion until the late 1800s as a replacement for black, which was considered too controversial during wartime. The advent of synthetic dyes made it obsolete by the mid-1900s, but its rich color remains a symbol of sophistication and luxury.
In the early days of dyeing, fabric producers made indigo to the color of their customers' choice. Customers could mix pigments of various hues with indigo to create a color that was impossible with natural indigo alone. This originates from mixed-color fabrics such as plaid, herringbone, and tweed.
The dye used for indigo consisted mainly of chips from four leaves: madder, woad, and two other unidentified plants. Madder was sometimes mixed with woad to help the dye cover more quickly.
How the Fabric is Dyed (Dyeing Process)
The fabric firstly must be washed thoroughly and rinsed properly. As Dry cloth will not soak up due as evenly as a clean, damp cloth. A dry vat is dug deep into the ground. At first, the cloth is immersed in the indigo as when indigo is exposed to oxygen, it becomes insoluble & will not bond to fibers. A deep vat helps to keep the dye solution oxygen-free. Once the fabric is exposed to oxygen, the indigo will fix up and turns into a clear blue.
If a lighter shade of blue is required then the fabric can be dipped into the vat again. Once the right shade has been received the excess dye is washed out. The dyed fabric is now hung and left to dry completely.
Indigo in Modern Times
Indigo is emphasized since the 18th century and it is not out of fashion until now also. As this print is the most versatile, and, subtle this is the reason it is loved by everyone. Western dresses and contemporary ones are also in vogue because of the indigo prints on them.
While there are many ways to create indigo inks, our indigo is created via a dye bath process, where chemical compounds are added to pre-determined volumes of water. This allows us to produce a certain level of uniformity and consistency as well as ensure that the color is fully saturated within the ink. The more dyes and chemicals we use, the deeper the shade will be and ultimately this will be what you see printed on your paper. The hue we choose is up to you!
PHENOLIC INK: A very fast-drying ink designed for screen printing, this ink has excellent light and wash fastness. The coating on the pigment particles allows for very sharp detail with minimal spreading. Great for dark and bright color prints!
ACRYLIC INK: A more subdued yet vibrant color. This ink dries slowly so it works great on porous surfaces like wood as well as hard surfaces like metal and glass. We also use a certain amount of acrylates in our ink to create a waterproof layer, which makes it perfect for outdoor signs or t-shirts that will be worn frequently in the water or elements.
At the End
Printroots believe in purity, we provide you with the purest forms of fabrics. Your adventure awaits you in the timeless hue of indigo blue, a dream of nocturnal delights, and a paradise of wisteria. Explore the dark night sky while discovering your personal style with classic pieces. Renew the attractiveness of your foundation pieces while elevating your style with distinctive silhouettes. Our simple colored cloth could be your canvas for a fitted kurta or a wrapped top.