Ponduru Khadi Making, Andhra Pradesh
The dyeing step takes place after the yarn is processed in the hank form. It can be of two types, natural and chemical-based dyeing. Natural dyes are obtained from the bark of trees, insects, flowers, minerals, rust, and other natural materials. A subcategory under this is vegetable dyes, a type derived from plant matter only. Among the fibers, cotton is the most colour resistant; hence mordant like alum is used to hue the hank. Big tanks or vessels are used for dyeing. Vat dyeing is the simplest form of dyeing where the material is immersed in dye and gradually brought to boil. After different methods are used to fasten the process of colour absorption like frequent agitation, the use of robust salts or acids, prolonged soaking, etc. Then these yarn are tightly wrenched and made to dry in the shade or in the sun.
