How to Make a Simple Paste Indigo Resist to Create Designs on Fabric

Paste indigo resist dye is a fascinating and ancient technique that creates stunning patterns on fabric using natural indigo dye and a paste made from soybean and lime powder. This technique has been practiced in China for over a thousand years, and it is still used today by combining with modern aesthetic to design some products which can be used for daily necessities.

The process of paste indigo resist dye involves several steps:

First, make some stencils, we design some Chinese characters like“如意”“欢喜”“吉祥” for this time, these words all represent good meaning in China.

Brushing tung oil on these stencils to make it waterproof, then air dry.

Prepare the paste by using soybean and lime powder in 1:1 mixed together with water.

Transferring the design on handwoven fabric by brushing the paste on it, air dry.

Dipping in natural indigo dyeing for 5 mins then air dry to make fabrics being oxidized completely, the color turn out from green to blue gradually, it’s really a magic time.

The last, wipe the solid paste, the area that prevent the indigo dye from penetrating is the pattern what you designed. That’s the traditional technique of paste indigo resist dye in China, it requires careful attention to details, the processing is time consuming, but enjoyable.

We make it framed to decorate wall, isn’t it a good idea? 🙂