We’re proud to work with many hill tribe communities like the Hmong in Northern Thailand who still practice traditional indigo dyeing methods – from plant to fabric.
The natural process of creating dye using leaves from the indigo plant has been practiced by various hill tribes in Southeast Asia for centuries. Along with traditional hand applied batik, which we explored here, it is a labor intensive process that takes much time, care and knowledge.
For example, our hill tribe indigo sheets can take weeks to be produced. The cotton needs to be spun, dyed and then left to dry, which is all dependant on the season and abundance of the indigo plant.


Hill Tribe Indigo Dye - The Dyeing Process
Harvesting the Indigo Leaves: Hill tribe artisans gather mature indigo leaves from indigo plants grown in their local environment.
The Fermentation Process: The harvested leaves are piled together in a large container or pit and water is added to start the fermentation process. This fermentation helps convert the indigo pigment into a water-soluble form.
Extracting Indigo Paste: After several days of fermentation, the indigo leaves are drained, and the remaining pigment-rich paste is collected.
Preparing The Fabric: The textile to be dyed is soaked in water to prepare it for dyeing.
Dyeing The Fabric: The soaked fabric is immersed in the indigo paste mixture. When the cloth is removed from the dye bath, it initially appears green. However, upon exposure to oxygen, the indigo dye oxidizes and turns into its characteristic deep blue color. The dyed fabric is often dipped multiple times to achieve the desired intensity of color.
Creating Darker Shades: For darker shades, the fabric can be dipped and oxidized several times.

Traditional Hill Tribe Textiles & Crafts
We love to use traditional hill tribe textiles to create many of our products, especially when creating cushions, pillows and ottomans. One of our most popular pieces is our zig zag indigo batik ottoman, with a rich indigo shade and classic indigo batik pattern that instantly draws your eyes to it in any space. Of course, it’s amazingly comfortable too, available filled with natural organic kapok from the ceiba tree.
We also stock raw textiles – indigo dyed, batik, handwoven hemp and more in our textiles and fabric section.
Vintage Hill Tribe Hemp Fabric – Faded Light Indigo Batik Textile
$30.00 – $400.00
THE FINE DETAILS Vintage, faded indigo batik textile lengths from the hill tribes of S.E.Asia.Lengths are generally around 11-12" wide.Each original length/roll created by the… Read more
THE FINE DETAILS
Vintage, faded indigo batik textile lengths from the hill tribes of S.E.Asia.
Lengths are generally around 11-12″ wide.
Each original length/roll created by the Hmong is approximate 2-3 yards long. This means larger yard purchases would be made up of multiple lengths. For example, a 10 yard purchase could be made up of 3yd + 2yd + 2yd + 3yd
The design and shade would be a random selection, not any particular length shown – the pictures show examples of what to expect.
CRAFT & CARE
Hill tribe textiles are highly sought after by crafters as well as by collectors of world textiles – the thick texture makes them ideal for homeware, cushions and upholstery, while the hand drawn batik designs and deep history behind every piece produces uniquely beautiful products. Vintage textiles are often worn, with a rustic appearance holding a story all their own.
For washing hill tribe textiles we recommend washing separately, by hand, and letting shade dry.
SHIPPING
Our textiles are packed with loving care and sent from Northern Thailand via tracked airmail which should reach you in around 12-21 days standard airmail (US, UK, EU, AUS, ASIA), or 5-10 days via Express.
For more detailed information regarding shipping (options, customs duties, return information etc) please see our FAQ page HERE
ABOUT HMONG TEXTILES
The Hmong are one of many hill tribes including the Lisu and Akha, that are found throughout the border regions of SE Asia. Using traditional methods passed down generations they create their bright embroidery, deep indigo dyed clothing and rich textiles that are steeped in meaning and tradition.
INDIGO PLANT DYE
Indigo dye has been used for thousands of years by civilizations all over the world to dye textiles. As much as 1 tonne of leaves is needed to produce just 2kg of dye. Natural indigo is also a sustainable dye; after the pigment has been extracted the plant residue can be composted and used as a fertilizer and the water reused to irrigate crops.