Tea staining has been around a long time and was first used to
hide stains on linens. It is one of the most popular ways to
stain fabric and gives it a warm antique look. Different types
of teas such a green tea, black tea, rasperry and herbel teas
will give you different tints and tones on fabrics so don't be
afraid to experiment a bit. Hibiscus tea will give you red tones
while black teas give more of a soft brown or cream tone to the
fabric. Tea staining works well only on natural fabrics- muslin,
cotton, linen and wools dye well. It is very easy to do and just
takes a few simple steps
If you
fabric is new be sure to wash it first to remove the sizing
before dying.I have found 4 cups of water and 4 single cup tea
bags will dye one yard of fabric.
Bring the water to a boil and remove from heat add tea and let
set for about 5 minutes until the liquid turns the desired
color. Remove the tea bags from the water if you dont the tea
bags may make dark stains on your fabric
Wet the fabric in water thoroughly, removing excess before
putting in the tea mixture- stir gently
Let soak for about 10 minutes checking to see if the fabric is
dark enough. Remember you fabric will dry a shade lighter.
When fabric has reached the desired color remove from the tea
mixture and rinse well with warm water and a mild dish soap- if
you don"t the fabric may become damaged by the tea- tea contains
acid which can destroy fibers over time
Line dry or place the fabric in the dryer. I like to put the
fabric in an old pillowcase to protect my dryer and if Im going
to put in white clothes right after I will wipe the dryer out if
it jeans I just don't worry
When the fabric is dry if you want it darker repeat the process
, if the fabric is too dark wash the fabric in a gallon of water
to which you have added 1 tablespoon of bleach this will lighten
the fabric- rinse thoroughly and redry
If I am going to use the fabric for something that is going to
be washed I will soak it in a gallon of cold water to which I
have added 1 tablespoon of vinegar to set the color.
Have fun tea
staining - remember the possibilities are endless -old linens,
clothes, etc can all be tea stained
!
1 comment:
tea staining covered a number of flaws back in the day - repairs where is didn't quite match or when the trim or fabric bleached out while line drying or stains from sweat or food or blood . Clothing was stained cheaply with a tea like water mixture so the all over look was the same. whites were boiled to get stains out and lye soap was used to scrub dirt out of everything leaving uneven color in garments so they were tea stained . the tea was made from a number of things.
I like this article and enjoy the zine
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