Mid Tote Bag · Stain-Dye · Logwood / Iron

Brief description :

Hand-dyed mid tote bag using a natural dyeing process with logwood and high iron modification; the color develops a grey, cloudy color pattern with reactive iron structures.

Fit :

• Long handles made from the same main material with cross-stitching for reinforcement

Technical description:

Materials & Preparation

• Material: 100% cotton canvas, recycled open-end yarn, pre-washed — 220 GSM
• Construction: Bellows pleat at the bottom, long canvas handles, inner pocket made of main material
• Edge: folded hem with single-needle stitch
• Pre-mordanting: Aluminum triformate (cold mordant) to prepare the fiber for vegetable dyes

dyeing system

• Dye: Logwood bark
• Modifier: high iron content for strong darkening and neutralization of violet tones
  

Process parameters

• Method: Flat storage in open dyeing vats (stain-dye-like reaction process without full immersion)
• Dyeing time: several days of exposure with varying wetting intensity
• Cure Phase: Resting phase to stabilize the dye binding before final washing.
• Oxidation: natural color development through contact with air during and after the cure phase
• Final step: Rinse, machine wash with mild detergent, steam finish and air dry.

Coloring page

• Base tone: neutral to deep grey due to the strong reaction of logwood and iron
• Pattern: cloudy, organic structures without hard edges
• Structure: localized densifications and soft reaction islands, depending on contact intensity and material movement

Production

• Location: Cosmaki Natural Dyeing Studio, Cologne
• Date of dyeing: October 9, 2025
• Method: fully manual dyeing process in small batches

Notes

• Each bag develops a unique color pattern.
• Slight tonal changes may occur during use.
• Care: Wash separately or with similar colors for the first two washes, in cold or lukewarm water; use a gentle detergent.