Cyanotype

Cyanotype is an early photographic process. It involves painting a light-sensitive mixture of chemicals (called the sensitizer) onto paper or fabric composed of natural fibers, and exposing it to the sun through a negative. After washing in water, this gives a beautiful blue photographic print. The pigment is called Prussian Blue.

Ben’s Jacket partially-printed with sensitizer ready to expose

A bandana printed with cyanotype, after exposure but before washing

Cyanotype’s colour can also be shifted using a technique called cyanotype toning.

This technique was my gateway to many other kinds of fabric dye.

Learn more

My video on the process
Dye journal
Caring for cyanotypes
Where I buy cyanotype dye