Woad ball (Isatistinctoria) fermented woad -couched woad (min. 90 grams)

$21.90

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Also known as couched woad, pastel or guède (French), Waid (German), wede (Dutch), איסטיס (Hebrew).

In the past, woad dye was produced by fermenting ground woad leaves into solid balls, known as “pastel” in France. This labor-intensive tradition involved growing, harvesting, grinding, shaping, and drying the woad before later crushing and soaking the balls to create a fermentation vat.

These handmade woad balls revive that centuries-old process. The special bacteria naturally present on Isatis tinctoria play an essential role in reducing the organic indigo vat, just as dyers practiced up until the 18th century.

Price is for approximately 90 g of woad ball — either one large piece or several smaller ones.

Active dye components: indigotin, indirubin (from isatan B precursor)
CI Natural Blue 1

Shading Tips

No mordant required: vat dyeing method
Wool, silk, cotton, and linen take color well
Multiple dips produce a gradient from sky blue to deep indigo
Overdye with weld or fustic: leaf to emerald greens
Overdye with madder or cochineal: purples and violets

Crush the ball(s) before use

Prepare a traditional pastel vat by fermenting the ground woad with water and alkaline agents

Reduction aided by the unique bacteria found on Isatis tinctoria leaves

Historically used for centuries across Europe for all shades of indigo-blue textiles

For external use only. Not edible.
Keep away from children and pets.
Wear gloves and mask when handling powders.
Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with eyes.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Reseal tightly after use.

Naturally farmed and processed by small producers.

This product complies with the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR).

Packed and distributed by The Natural Dye Store, eHouse Rishon, Derech HaMaccabim 58, 7535998 Rishon LeZion, Israel. Contact: Suzanne Tamar Dekel, info@naturaldyestore.com, +972 52-541-0033.