Indigo at Houston Botanic Gardens

The natural blue dye indigo is perhaps the most famous vat dye, meaning it doesn’t require heat or a mordant, but instead relies on complex chemical reactions involving air.

Workshop

Participants will learn the basics of indigo dyeing, including how to set up and maintain a basic hydrogen hydrosulfite/lye dye pot. Once the dye pots are set up, participants will dye fabrics using Japanese shibori, an example of a process known as resist-dyeing, a traditional method of creating patterns with dye by somehow preventing dye from permeating the entire piece of fabric.

Cost of the workshop includes admission to the Garden and registration ($40), as well as a supply fee ($25). Garden members receive a $10 discount off registration yet are responsible for the full supply fee.