natural dyes

Being as ethical, socially responsible and sustainable as possible in all of our practices is one of the key design principles that Itinerant Designs are centred around. From the initial concept to the beautiful finished pieces you can find on our online store, it is so important to us that we incorporate these principles wherever possible and consequently renewable, non-toxic, chemical-free organically sourced dyes were a natural step in the process.

As ethical as they are beautiful, authentic natural dyes are used to create patterns in rich, vibrant hues. Colouring techniques differ across the globe, from continent, to country, region, island to village. Just as each location is unique and special, so are their peoples’ methods. In many of these locations, local residents have developed and perfected their own unique production styles.

Local beliefs and rituals inform the traditions used to source and create vibrant colours. For the majority of communities, no chemicals are used - instead, natural pigments are sourced from the surrounding landscape. Everything from the ingredient source to the acidity and alkalinity of the water is considered. These colour recipes are centuries old and have been used for various products amongst the communities in their homes and hearts.  

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Indigo is the predominant colour used in these dyes (by no coincidence it is featured heavily in our first collection!). The locally grown Indigofera tinctoria and suffruticosa shrubs, which are easily grown in tropical locations - even in poor soil, are used to produce this incredible vivid shade of blue. Villagers collect armfuls of the leaves and soak them in water, which releases the blue-dye component, indican. The basis of all methods of dyeing with natural indigo requires the dye to be in a soluble form. The much-guarded techniques and protocols, then sees the leaves being removed and macerated in hot water, and an alkali in the form of wood-ash lye, lime or sodium carbonate added. At this point, the threads are immersed for up to 12 hours after which they are exposed to the air, oxidising the indican leaving the threads drenched in the beautiful shades we associate with Indigo.

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