A Visit to Indigo Textile Dying at Blaudruckerei Koó in Burgenland, Austria

Blaudruck is a traditional method of textile dying with indigo. Actually the word printing (Druck) is confusing since the textile is dyed with indigo, not printed. Joseph Koó located in Burgenland is one of only two remaining Indigo-dyers in Austria maintaining the craft his grandfather once started in 1921. Blaudruck as practised by Koó is declared “a traditional craft in the UNESCO heritage lists of trades worth protecting”. We visited Joseph and his wife Miriam on site.

Blaudruck is a traditional method of textile dying with indigo. Actually the word printing (Druck) is confusing since the textile is dyed with indigo, not printed. Joseph Koó located in Burgenland is one of only two remaining Indigo-dyers in Austria maintaining the craft his grandfather once started in 1921. Blaudruck as practised by Koó is declared “a traditional craft in the UNESCO heritage lists of trades worth protecting”. We visited Joseph and his wife Miriam on site.

The place is one idyllic garden with attached workshop, showroom and the indigo basins. The later are two basins that are four meters deep and contain indigo-colored water. The power of indigo is sustainable enough to last for decades. In 20 years only little indigo had to be added along with little water. Before the cloth goes into the basin for a couple of times, the actual printing happens. It is a natural wax that is applied via various stamps, available in various patterns. Once the pattern is finished it is hanged to dry. The next step is then the dying.

The speciality is that the fabric can be stamped with different patterns. One on each side. This, by the way came in handy when the cloth was used for aprons in the old days. Indigo blue aprons were worn throughout the Alpine region and beyond every day, six days a week. Naturally they accumulated dirt and specks, so on the sevenths day, the apron was turned and the cleaner side was used for the more formal attire of the Sunday.

Today Miriam and Joseph are experimenting with slightly more modern patterns. Blaudruck has reached a cult-status in the denim trade and many stores and brands are ordering tailor made handkerchiefs and scarves. In absence of an Online shop the only way to get your hands on a piece is to actually go there. Our films show what to expect. Find Blaudruckerei Koó online at originalblaudruck.at

Want to know more about Koó Blaudruck? Check out their website:

JOURNAL. What you might want to know…

Typical sourdough pockets

The Revival of Sourdough — Sparking new Thoughts on Agriculture

Every sourdough – that culture of lactic acid bacteria and yeast in a mixture of flour and water – is unique, like a fingerprint, because in every region there are individual bacteria in the air that give each loaf its very own flavour. One person who knows more about the infinite variety of sourdough cultures than most – whose culture is culture, so to speak – is the Belgian Karl De Smedt, keeper and archivist of Europe’s only sourdough library.

Read More »
Julius Brantner Brothandwerk Makers Bible

The Simple & Honest Principles of Julius Brantner

It’s virtually impossible to miss Julius Brantner Brothandwerk if you’re a fan of baked goods and find yourself in Munich. The charming Swabian baker has recently opened his second location, the first being such a success. With his team working transparently behind large glass windows, Julius strives to make “honest and trustworthy handling of all ingredients and processes accessible,” he says. Unsurprisingly, locals and tourists flock to the shopfront to sample their aromatic bread and delectable treats.

Read More »

SHOP. Our latest releases….

95,00 

42,00 

FINDER. Find your maker…

Your Ultimate Destination for Fiery Flavors

Pfefferhaus, an institution for spice enthusiasts, offers a wide range of fiery products, from sauces and salsas to chillis and mustards. Located in Hanover and Berlin, they also run a...

Your Ultimate Destination for Fiery Flavors

Pfefferhaus, an institution for spice enthusiasts, offers a wide range of fiery products, from sauces and salsas to chillis and mustards. Located in Hanover and Berlin, they also run a shop in Friedrichshain and serve customers across Europe through their

Campsite on a Farm

Welcome to The Loveland Farm, a truly unique and extraordinary campsite that goes beyond the ordinary. The pristine six acres sit between rolling fields with the dramatic North Devon coastline....

Campsite on a Farm

Welcome to The Loveland Farm, a truly unique and extraordinary campsite that goes beyond the ordinary. The pristine six acres sit between rolling fields with the dramatic North Devon coastline. A space that’s inspiring and completely unique.

Delivering Nature’s Flavors with Organic Excellence

Clearspring champions organic farming and quality ingredients to provide Japanese and European food products free from synthetic chemicals and additives. Their mission extends to education, empowering individuals to make conscious...

Delivering Nature’s Flavors with Organic Excellence

Clearspring champions organic farming and quality ingredients to provide Japanese and European food products free from synthetic chemicals and additives. Their mission extends to education, empowering individuals to make conscious and sustainable food choices.

Stay in the Makers loop

Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive news.