ORGANIC CROSS COLOUR FABRIC : SAPAN:INDIGO

About our Dyes +

INDIGO
To those in the business of natural dyes, indigofera tinctoria [the source of the highly prized natural indigo dye] is the true crown jewel of the Indian subcontinent. Nomadic people all over the world and American cowboys - all those who can’t bathe often - favoured indigo dye because it is a natural antiseptic! At Malkha, we think that indigo dyed in the traditional way has eye-catching and mysterious carmine undertones. Our light indigo is dipped 3 times in the fermented vats, our dark indigo is dipped 8 times.

SAPAN:

Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan, also known as Brazilwood) is used in natural dyeing to yield stunning deep reds, pinks, and maroons. To achieve vibrant, lasting colors on cellulose (cotton) or protein (silk/wool) fibers. 

CROSS COLOUR
Something particularly intriguing happens when the warp and weft of the weave are different colours. Colloquially called "dhoop chaon" [sunshine shade] because the fabric that results from this cross colour warp and weft looks differently hued in different light.

About Fabric Quality and Care+

What it feels like
When you first touch our fabric, it will feel rough but rub it against your skin, or better yet, wear it, and it will surprise you with its graceful fall and softness. The colors that the Natural Dyes impart to the Malkha fabric are deep and vibrant - imbued with the richness of the earth. They vary from season to season, as fruits and vegetables do, and so each piece is subtly unique, changing its tone with the position of the sun and the quality of the water in the nearby river.

How it ages
Malkha fabric ages much like we do, the wear and tear matches the way you use and treat it. If you want it to soften and fade and become well worn and tell your story, like wrinkles do, treat it as you will and watch the colors fade beautifully with time. If you want it to always be vibrant, like the day it was made, we suggest you skip dry cleaning, laundry detergent and if you are able, even a washing machine. Use a non-detergent soap if you must or just give it a quick hearty rinse in cold water.