We've tried a long list of natural dyes over the years. Three of them keep coming back to the workshop tables.
Indigo
Patient and rewarding. The dye looks green when the cotton emerges from the bath, then oxidises into the deep river-blue everyone associates with batik.
- Ratio — 50g indigo paste per 5L water, plus a reducing agent.
- Soak — 10 minutes per dip, three dips for depth.
Secang
A brick-pink that comes from the heartwood of the secang tree. Acidic dips deepen it; alkaline dips push it warmer.
Secang is the dye that taught us about pH — once you see one bath shift colour, you'll never forget.
Turmeric
Bright and forgiving. Great for kids' workshops because the result is reliable. Less light-fast than the other two — keep finished pieces out of direct sunlight.
We buy turmeric from the kampung warung; secang and indigo from a partner cooperative in Bantul.