The brand Maito Design Works is not about fast fashion or buying more. It’s about creating beautiful, simple things that last a long time. Maito hopes people will treasure their clothes and accessories, use them often, and grow fond of them. Let’s explore this lovely brand together and one of their most loved products: the Natural Dyeing Kits!
What is natural dyeing?
Natural dyeing is an ancient way of adding color to fabrics using things found in nature. Long before people had factories or chemical dyes, they used leaves, bark, roots, berries, flowers, and some bugs or minerals to create beautiful colors for their clothes, yarn, and cloth.
This clever idea likely started thousands of years ago, even before writing existed. In ancient times, people noticed that some plants or earth materials left color on their hands or clothes, and over time, they learned how to turn that into a special craft. Today, natural dyeing is still loved by artists, weavers, and curious makers worldwide. It’s fun, creative, and kind to the planet.
Natural dyeing is not just about color but also about the fascinating process. Leaves, roots, or bark are soaked or heated in water to release color. Then, the fabric is added to soak up the dye. A helper called a “mordant,” such as alum or iron, sometimes makes the color last longer. Some dyes create soft shades like yellow, while others give bold colors like red or blue. Each plant gives a different result, so it’s always a surprise!
What is Maito Design Works?
Maito Design Works is a special brand from Kuramae, Tokyo. It uses natural colors to make lovely socks, scarves, and bags. The heart of Maito Design Works is using natural colors made from plants and minerals. Instead of using chemicals, the brand uses leaves, roots, and flowers to color the yarns gently. Most of the cotton they use is organic, which means they grow it without chemicals, and it is safe for the earth.
The founder, Maito Komuro, first discovered plant dyeing when he was just a little boy. Growing up in that peaceful environment made him love the craft of natural dyeing. He later studied dyeing and weaving at Tokyo University of the Arts and learned more by working with his father before starting his own brand in 2009. “Maito” sounds like his own name, except it uses different Japanese characters to show his deep love and dedication to yarn and thread.
What is their philosophy?
Maito believes these natural colors bring peace and warmth to our lives. He wants his products to feel comforting and unique. Every piece, whether a shirt or a bag, is made with great care and respect for nature and traditional Japanese crafts.
One of the most amazing things about Maito’s work is the seamless clothing. These clothes are made using bright computer designs that follow the shape of the human body. There are no seams, so the clothes feel extra soft and smooth. This innovative knitting also uses less thread, making it kind to nature. Maito and his team visit local artisans, learn from their skills, and work together to keep these beautiful traditions alive.
Are you looking for great snacks while doing Japanese dyeing projects? Sakuraco delivers traditional Japanese snacks, teas, and sweets from local Japanese makers directly to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!
How does natural dyeing operate at Maito Design Works?
At Maito Design Works, natural dyeing is a careful and creative process that uses plants such as madder, indigo, onion skins, and tea leaves. These materials are boiled in water to release their colors, which can take several days. The yarn or fabric is soaked in the dye until the perfect shade appears. Even using the same plant, the color can change depending on the season or where it was grown.
The founder says dyeing is like asking nature a question and waiting for its answer. For example, cherry tree bark can turn soft pink in summer and deeper pink in winter. These natural colors are special and need gentle care, like washing with mild soap and drying in the shade. This makes each item feel more personal and loved over time.
Why did the brand create plant dyeing kits?
Maito Design Works created plant dyeing kits to let more people experience the joy of natural dyeing from the comfort of their homes. These kits were made because many people who joined the workshops or visited the store asked if they could try dyeing independently.
The team at Maito listened carefully and put together a special box filled with everything you need: soft linen cotton fabric, natural plant dyes, tools, and an easy-to-follow guide with pictures. The kit lets anyone, even beginners, enjoy the gentle and calming art of plant dyeing.
Moreover, the kit aims to help people slow down, explore creativity, and connect with nature. With more people spending time at home, it is a fun and relaxing activity for families, friends, or yourself. The dyes in the kit are the same ones used in Maito’s shop, made from herbs and plants carefully chosen for their gentle beauty.
Why are the natural dyeing kits from Maito Design Works special?
The natural dyeing kits from Maito Design Works are exclusive because they offer more than just a craft project; they invite us into a thoughtful and creative world. They remind us that making something with our hands, like coloring a scarf or cloth, can be as simple and joyful. In today’s world, where things move so fast, this quiet making helps us pause and notice the colors, textures, and stories around us.
Each kit holds a gentle message: enjoy the moment, be kind to nature, and care for the things you make. The joy of natural dyeing comes from the colors and the care you put into each step. What color would you love to see come from a plant? Let me know your thoughts or favorite natural dye ideas in the comments!
Cited Sources
- Maito Design Works. “Main Page“.
- Japan National Tourism Organization. “Exploring the Origins of Aizome―Traditional Indigo Dyeing“.
- Asia News Network. “Tokyo-based plant dye brand brightens everyday items with nature’s colours“.
