In Naturay Dye, the color "Black" is quite challenging to make it happen. For us, at least, it has been our dream of having the black color from the Nature. With a help of Kakishibu expert, we are very happy to have the Natural Dye Black thread, dyed with Kakishibu - Persimmon Tannnin.

Kakishibu Black Shade Selection

For the Kakishibu Black Collection 2020, we have 2 shades available.

• KB1_20_12 - Kakishibu Black/Gray Variegated - SOLD OUT. Thank you.
• KB2_20_12 - Kakishibu Black/Gray Mono/Uneven a bit

For the color accurateness, please check my hand & the table color to get the best estimate. However, please understand that the color on the photo is just a sample. Kakishibu Dye Sashiko thread has its own one-of-a-kind color per skeins. They are all hand-dyed with natural Kakishibu juice (liquid).

[Update in Dec. 2020]

A few skeins each Restocked. Both KB_1 and KB_2 are a bit lighter in colors than the photo. Please check the photo updated on Jan.2021. To my eyes, they are dark gray/ light black. I received some feedbacks that they are gray, dark brown, or "burned" brown. Please let me know if you would like to have more photos.

About Kakishibu

Persimmon (Kakishibu) Dye requires experience and techniques to prepare the appropriate materials and stabilize the color. First of all, the Kakishibu liquid smells bad, I mean, really bad. We fortunately found a great Kakishibu Dye professionals, and thanks to their help, we achieved these 5 beautiful colors.

Persimmon Dye = Persimmon Tannin = Kakishibu

Kakishibu is a form of liquid (or sometime powdered) made from un-ripe persimmon. Get the juice from green un-ripe persimmon and ferment the liquid.

[Product Information]

• Manufacture in Japan
• Material : Egyptian Cotton 100%, Natural Kakishibu (Product of Gifu, Japan)
• Length : About 145 meter per skein
• Weight : About 28 g

*Please read the article of How to handle Natural Dye Thread and Fabric.

https://upcyclestitches.com/how-to-handle-natural-dye-thread-fabric/

[Kakishibu Note - why it was so difficult]

In a process of dipping the thread into the Kakishibu Tannin liquid, the Kakishibu element make another layer of coating on the thread surface. Kakishibu Tannin itself doesn't have the beautiful color. The chemical reaction with UV light from the Sun create the many different beautiful colors. The density of liquid, the preparation of liquid & thread, and the numbers of coating will determine the color. It requires the expertise to create the similar colors.

The Kakishibu Dye Black thread have extra layer of Kakishibu coating.

Therefore, when there is a strong friction between thread and fabric, the part of the coating "may" leave some of the Kakishibu element on the fabric. It is not significant when we stitch on the darker fabric. We will not notice the color transfer when we stitch on the white fabric. However, when we stitch on the white fabric, then decide to take the tread out of the fabric, the black dots may be left behind on the fabric. The black dots may be observed even without the stitches. In other words, when we stitch on the white fabric, we have to be careful to not to "re-do" Sashiko.

We have been trying to resolve this possible issue. However, with considering the characteristic of Kakishibu, this may not be resolved that easily. I want all the customers to understand this as the Sashiko stitcher to avoid "re-doing" Sashiko on the white fabric.

Also, please understand that Kakishibu will have a chemical reaction in alkalinity. Please avoid the detergent which has the alkalinity elements.

Since the outcome of Kakishibu Dye greatly varies from the sunlight, it is very difficult to have the exact same color. We keep eye on the inventory, but there is a possibility of being in short. In those cases, we may ask you to agree to receive the most similar color to your order. Since every threads are dyed by hands with natural dyes, the colors may be a bit different from the photos depends on the screen you are looking at. The difference in variegated colors may be less significant because of the "variegated" character. If you have the specific colors you would like to have in your mind, please contact Atsushi first. We will do everything to match your preference. Thank you for your understanding.