Learn my preferred method of making an Iron Vat! This vat is an incredible studio vat because of its deep blue producing strength, short dips required for dyeing, ease of maintenance and because it doesn’t need as much additional heat or extra lime to maintain proper pH. It is a perfect winter time vat because of its lower maintenance needed.

The iron, also known as the ‘copperas’ or ‘ferrous’ vat is a great choice for dyeing cellulose/plant fibers deep dark shades of blue, but not a good choice for dying protein/animal fibers because of its increased alkalinity and iron content (both which can be detrimental to the integrity of protein fibers).

If you are looking for a vat suitable for protein fibers try a fermentation vat (see the “Fermentation Indigo Vat” section included in The Indigo Vat Lesson, or another quick reduction vat like a fructose or Henna vat (outlined in A Year in Natural Dyes 2023 January).

I have found that textiles dyed in my iron vat fare much better over time in regards to lightfastness than other quick reduction vats like the fructose vat.

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