These fabrics are woven on retro Showa-era belt-driven looms, with twenty looms powered by a single motor. Founded in 1948, this mill is a long-established producer of Kurume Kasuri, one of Japan's representative traditional yarn-dyed textiles. The fabric is known for its soft texture, reminiscent of handwoven cloth. Because many steps are done manually, more than 30 processes and 2 to 4 months are required to complete one roll. This textile is ideal for those who wish to create a special piece rooted in traditional Japanese craftsmanship. A solid indigo-dyed fabric is produced using the same yarns used for handweaving. To achieve a texture close to handwoven cloth, the fabric is woven with minimal tension. Although some color may fade initially, it stabilizes after several washes. The fabric has moderate thickness, becomes softer with use, and is comfortable to wear throughout the year. Kurume Kasuri's indigo dyeing is done using the traditional"fermentation vat" method, known as one of the most labor-intensive dyeing techniques. With subtle variations in tone, indigo can appear both bold and elegant. In the Kamakura period, samurai wore garments dyed with a deep shade of indigo called"kachi-iro" under their armor. Indigo was believed to have anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and hemostatic properties, and"kachi" (victory) also made it a lucky color. Because indigo repels insects and snakes, it was valued for mountain and farm work, as well as for wedding trousseaus and bedding with the idea of"keeping insects away." It is also warm, gentle on the skin, and suitable even for baby clothing. Warp yarn: 30/2 Weft yarn: 12/1 nepped yarn Fabric thickness: Standard Indigo dye: 100% Finished with hot-water washing and sun-drying (shrinks about 10%, so the fabric can be cut and sewn immediately after purchase)
