Beeswax drawing followed by indigo dyeing is a long-standing technique used by the Hmong to create patterns for traditional clothing. Hot beeswax is first drawn directly onto linen fabric to form geometric motifs. When the cloth is dipped into indigo dye, the wax-covered areas resist the color. After the cloth is boiled and the wax melts away, white patterns appear against the deep blue background. These fabrics are traditionally used to make clothing and are often produced by women for themselves and their families. When you hold the wax pen and draw on the fabric before dipping it into the indigo vat, the final design only becomes visible after the wax is removed—showing exactly how these patterned textiles have been created for generations.