Indigo Dye Kits
1-2-3 Fructose Indigo Kit
Indigo dyeing is both a material practice and a cultural tradition with deep roots across West Africa and the African Diaspora. Kibibi Ajanku’s Indigo Dye Village 1-2-3 Indigo Kit invites participants into this lineage through an accessible, carefully designed introduction to indigo vat dyeing.
The kit is based on the 1-2-3 fructose vat method, favored for its reliability, ease of use, and ability to produce rich, saturated blues. All ingredients are precisely pre-measured to support a successful vat in a standard 5-gallon bucket—removing barriers for beginners while remaining robust enough for experienced dyers.
This kit draws inspiration from Adire and other West African resist-dye traditions, where cloth is repeatedly dipped and oxidized to build depth, tone, and symbolic meaning. Multiple immersions—often up to 15—allow the color to deepen gradually, reflecting the patience and intentionality central to traditional indigo practices.
By working with this kit, participants engage in a process that emphasizes slowness, repetition, and transformation—core values embedded in indigo’s cultural history. Cotton fabric swatches are included to encourage experimentation, learning, and close observation of how indigo behaves on natural fibers.
Clear, step-by-step instructions are provided, along with access to Ajanku Art Studio resources on vat setup, care, troubleshooting, and responsible disposal. Whether used at home, in the classroom, or in a community workshop, this kit supports both technical learning and cultural appreciation.
Large Kit — $75
Designed for larger projects, group use, or deeper exploration.
Dye Capacity
Approximately 3–5 yards of medium-weight fabric or
4–6 adult t-shirts, depending on desired depth of color
Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and hemp produce the best results. Synthetic fibers do not dye well with indigo.
Includes
100 g natural indigo
200 g calcium hydroxide
300 g fructose
Four 12" × 12" cotton fabric swatches
Small Kit — $40
Ideal for beginners, sampling, or smaller-scale projects.
Dye Capacity
Approximately 1.5–3 yards of medium-weight fabric or
2–3 adult t-shirts, depending on desired depth of color
Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and hemp produce the best results. Synthetic fibers do not dye well with indigo.
Includes
50 g natural indigo
100 g calcium hydroxide
150 g fructose
Two 12" × 12" cotton fabric swatches
You Will Need
One 5-gallon bucket (or slightly smaller) with lid
Very hot water (approx. 3 gallons) and cold water (approx. 1 gallon)
A sturdy stirring stick or spoon
Non-reactive containers (about 2-quart size) for mixing ingredients
Gloves
A drop cloth or tarp
A place to hang dyed textiles to oxidize and dry
Need Support?
If you encounter challenges with setup, color depth, or vat health, visit Kibibi Ajanku’s Indigo Dye Village Resource Info webpage, where you’ll find answers to common questions and detailed troubleshooting guidance.