Indigo dyeing course

This course in indigo dyeing is intended for those who wish to understand this pigment and learn to use it to dye textile fibres. It covers the preparation, use and maintenance of an organic indigo vat, as well as the preparation and finishing of materials.

Indigo is insoluble in water and must undergo a reduction process before it can be used for dyeing. This process can involve different auxiliary products, whose selection has implications for working conditions and the environment. The course focuses on organic vats as an alternative to conventional reduction methods.

The programme begins with indigo-producing plants, the pigment and its chemistry. This is followed by an introduction to different types of vats and the preparation of materials for dyeing.

During the practical sessions, each participant prepares a small individual vat in a jar, which they can take home to continue working with. The course covers the dyeing process, finishing the materials and the care required to maintain the vat.

The content applies to dyeing wool, silk, cotton and linen, as yarn, fabric or finished items, as well as other materials such as paper.

The course is taught by Alice Bernardo and includes a complimentary copy of the Introduction to Organic Indigo Dyeing Manual.

Course content

- Introduction to indigo blue: the plants, the pigment and its chemistry;
- Types of indigo vats;
- Preparation of materials for dyeing;
- Preparation of an organic indigo vat;
- Indigo dyeing and finishing of materials;
- Principles of indigo vat maintenance.

Teacher: Alice Bernardo;
Day: 1 November 2025 (Saturday);
Schedule: 9h30-13h30 and 15h-18h (7h duration);
Price: 95€;
Notes: The course includes an Introduction to Organic Dyeing with Indigo and all the materials used in the workshop, except the container for the individual vat