Textile and Apparel Science

Sustainably Reduced Indigo and Woad Dye Application with Porcupine Quills

---

Abstract

This study analyzes indigo and woad dyeing processes, it explores their sustainability challenges, focusing on reducing agents and alkaline conditions.Despite historical importance, their modern use necessitates toxic agents and can be unsustainable. Further, the study explores porcupine quill dyeing, a significant part of Native American artistry. In dyeing methods and materials used historically, traces of various metallic mordants and natural dyes in quills can be observed. This experiment involved dyeing porcupine quills with indigo and woad using different sustainable reducing agents. Results indicated satisfactory colorfastness to crocking, light exposure, and laundering. Notably, woad performed better in crocking tests compared to indigo when reduced with sustainable compounds. Overall, both indigo and woad, when reduced sustainably, demonstrated good colorfastness in various tests, emphasizing their potential as sustainable dyeing options.

Keywords: Indigo, Woad, Quills, Sustainability, Colorfastness

How to Cite:

Harmon, J. & Ali, S. B., (2024) “Sustainably Reduced Indigo and Woad Dye Application with Porcupine Quills”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17589