Loop of the Loom introduces a brand new technique and products in US, called "Bengala Dye". As a result of being from the soil, Bengala, a mud dye made of iron oxide, is capable of returning to the soil. There are plant dyes and chemical dyes. Bengala Mud Dye is a soil, mineral dye. They do not require hot water or a mordant. In regular water, you dye by kneading the dye into the fabric. It holds up against ultra-violate rays, so the sun doesn’t cause it to fade. It also protects from deterioration and color changes caused by ultra-violation rays. Bengala is a dye solution that is gentle on people and environmentally as well as ecologically safe. Bengala Mud Dye is made from components that dissolve in the soil making for safe disposal. As a result of coming from soil (and minerals) they characteristically make gentle and warm colors. There are 12 Bengala dye colors.

Bengala Dye Color Chart>>

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About Bengala Dye
Bengala is (iron oxide) iron that comes from the soil, and the origin of the word is from the Bengala area in India as the process was introduced in that area.
In Japan, it has been used for coloring ceramics and lacquer ware. It also functions as protection against insect infestation and decay when it is used for staining wood siding for houses. It is an ancient color, made from the oldest pigments, and has been used since the Old Stone Age. You can also see it in the Lascaux Caves in France and the Altamira Caves in Spain. Since Bengala is a harmless and natural material, it has been used as a fabric dye and to dye organic products. It is said that the greatest quantity of red soil on earth is iron oxide. Red is a color familiar to human beings, and Bengala, taken from the earth since ancient time, is a main color of the earth.


Dyeing with Bengala is Simple
The process only requires water, a pre-fixer (if you desire darker color), and Bengala dyes. Note that with Bengala it is necessary to shake and knead the cloth in the dye bath to get the pigments onto the fiber. Also, as you work the dye pigments onto the fabric, the water gradually becomes clear. That is because the dyeing material goes from the water into the fabric.




Bengala Dyes are Natural and Environmentally Safe
This is a natural material for dyeing which is also safe for the environment. Since it is something that comes from the soil, you feel good about using something that is natural.

How to Dye with Bengala (PDF)>>



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