100+
exhibitors
5
different nationalities
15
blue dyers
… always on the first Sunday in May!
Exhibitors
We are delighted to once again welcome an impressive number of exhibitors who have applied for a stand at the blue dyeing market in 2025.
Each application was carefully examined by our expert jury and evaluated according to various criteria such as blue print reference, regionality and quality of the textile craft.
Program
Experience lively craftsmanship, music, fashion and culinary delights in the middle of the town center of Gutau!
This year’s program includes dance and music performances, a traditional costume and fashion show as well as church tours with church tower tours. There is also the opportunity to experience blue dyeing with indigo in the Zeugfärberei dye works and guided tours of the dye museum.
Immerse yourself in the world of blue dyeing!
Special exhibition Tischlerei Klaner- Indigo of Korea and Austria 🇰🇷
In cooperation with the National Intangible Heritage Center in Korea, we are showing the traditional indigo dyeing craft of Korea and Austria, which connects the two countries, in an exhibition at Tischlerei Klaner.
Public travel possible again in 2025 🚍
After the special bus from Pregarten has been very popular in recent years, we will be offering this convenient travel option again in 2025.
All details on travel times and travel information can be found here:
What is blue dyeing?
Many guests come to the blue dyeing market in Gutau year after year to buy original blue dyeing here. Many people know that there are differences in the production of the blue dyeing fabrics on offer, which can explain price differences.
In order to get the white patterns onto the blue dyeing fabrics fabrics, an elaborate reserve print is necessary. Printing blocks (models or rollers) are used to print a reserve onto the white textiles. The printed areas do not take on any color during subsequent dyeing in the vat and remain white. Synthetic indigo became established in the textile industry at the end of the 19th century – it is traditionally used to dye the yarn for blue jeans. All dyeing processes with indigo (synthetic and vegetable) are very complex. To apply the dye to the textile fibres, several passes are necessary, the fabric has to be dipped into the indigo dye bath several times in succession and always oxidized (faded) in the air in between. Only natural fibers can be dyed with indigo – for example cotton, linen, silk and wool.
However, there are also other dyes that can be used to dye blue. The newer processes are usually more cost-effective as they require fewer steps. It is said that the blue dyeings achieved are less vivid than with indigo dyeing, but the colors are often brighter.
Then there are price differences in the fabric itself – cotton or linen or something completely different? Perhaps organic/fairtrade?
And finally, of course, it depends on how the blue dyeing shop works. Whether it was done traditionally by hand or with a machine, or with other processes such as screen printing. Or you can make it really simple and print with white ink on blue fabric – this can also look nice, but then you can’t really call it “blue dyeing”.
If you want to know for sure: it doesn’t cost anything to ask!
The exhibitors will be happy to tell you how they dyed the textiles and are delighted at your interest in the old textile techniques.
The organization team wishes you pleasant discoveries!