How can I fix the color in a naturally dyed indigo hemp blanket?
Message: I have scoured your website for the answer to my question with no avail. I purchased a naturally dyed indigo hemp throw/ blanket from the Black Hmong tribe living in the SaPa region, northern Vietnam. I had hoped to use the throw, but the colour comes off on your hands and I am wondering how I should wash/ fix the colour so I can wash the fabric? I’m afraid that I have bad news for you. Many indigo-dyed items that are sold in the tourist trade, particularly in Guatemala or Vietnam, have been improperly dyed and will continue to crock dye no matter what you do. It is often not possible to solve this problem; it may be necessary to return the improperly-dyed items for a refund, which is impractical for items purchased while traveling. There is no dye fixative that can be used to set improperly dyed indigo. Indigo is a vat dye, so it has a neutral chemical charge, and therefore cannot be fixed with cationic dye fixatives such as Retayne. Your only hope is to wash the items, prefe
