Tea Stain Recipe

I found a great site on the web that had some really wonderful primitive techniques for craft making and I wanted to share with you one of the recipes that she has on her site, which is how to tea stain fabric.

Here is her recipe:

Tea Staining ~ Fabric 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 your 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 approxiamately 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 dont 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! For more great crafting tips and recipes visit our website Two Old Crows.

Happy crafting and blessings,
Stacey