Färbermarkt Gutau (Blue Printing Market)
Dyer community Gutau, AT
03.05.2026

In 2026, the dyer's market will again offer a diverse platform for creative crafts and unique products. As an exhibitor, you can present your work to a large, interested audience. The application is currently open - all information and the online form are available in the application area.

What is blueprint?

Year after year, many guests come to the dyers' market in Gutau to buy original blueprints. Many people know that there are differences in the production of the blue print fabrics on offer, which can explain price differences.

In order for the white patterns to appear on the blue printed materials, a complex reserve print is necessary. A reservation agent is printed onto the white textiles using printing blocks (models or rollers). 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 with indigo (synthetic and vegetable) is very complex. In order to apply the color to the textile fibers, a few strokes are necessary; the fabric must be dipped into the indigo dye bath several times in a row and allowed to oxidize (blue) in the air in between. Only natural fibers can be dyed with indigo - for example cotton, linen, silk and wool.

But there are also other dyes that can be used to dye blue. The newer processes are usually more cost-effective because they require fewer work steps. It is said that the blue dyes achieved are less vibrant than with indigo dyeing, but the colors are often brighter.

Then there are price differences for the fabric itself – cotton or linen or something completely different? Maybe organic/fair trade?

And finally, of course, it depends on how the blueprint shop worked. Whether in the traditional way using hand model printing or with a machine, or even with other processes such as screen printing. Or you can make it very easy and print with white ink on blue fabric - that can look nice too, but then you really can't call it "blue printing".

If you want to know exactly: it doesn't cost anything to ask!

The exhibitors will be happy to tell you how they dyed the textiles and are pleased about the interest in the old textile techniques.

More information: www.faerbermarkt.at