Indigo Leaf Natural Dye

Shepherd Textiles Indigo Leaf Natural Dye contains the raw dried leaves of the indigo plant, indigofera tinctoria. The leaves are very fresh—from the 2023 harvest—and they have been only lightly crushed to the consistency of tea. As a result, they still contain the undamaged precursors of indigo blue, indican and beta-glucosidase. When the leaves are blended with ice water, the two precursors are combined and the chain reaction leading to indigo blue begins. Any protein fibers soaking in the cold water will be dyed beautiful shades of ice blue and turquoise as the reaction finishes. Please note that this method works on wool and silk, but not on cotton—to dye plant fibers, use Indigo Extract instead. Our dried indigo leaf is grown organically in India and gives gorgeous ice blues on wool and silk at 100% weight-of-fabric.

Before using, please read our Guide to Dyeing with Indigo Leaf for color recipes, background, and important safety information.

Product of India