Wednesday, February 11, 2009

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

18 comments:

Janene said...

Hi Stacey~
That is some great information! I am going to have to check out that website.
Thank you for sharing.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Hi Stacey,
Thanks for you comment on my post yesterday, I'm feeling a little bit better:)

The tip on tea staining was great and I didn't know that you could use different types of teas, I guess it is true that you learn something new everyday!
Have a wonderful da:)
Rondell

Carmen S. said...

Stacey, thanks so much for posting this! I was thinking about doing this to my white lace valance for my bathroom remodel, but wasn't sure exactly how to do it, your an angel!!!Have a lovely day!

Happily Ever After said...

Hi Stacey,

Thanks so much for the information. I have been wanting to tea dye an American flag to use on a wreath. There was a picture of one in a Country Sampler mag. last year and I loved it. This will be perfect. Thanks so much for sharing.

Happiness and Blessings,

Gigi

Back in the Day said...

Thanks for sharing!

TJ said...

Stacey thanks for sharing =) I love to use apple pie spice in my mixture. It gives it a yummy smell.
Hope your weekend is Prim~perfect.
Blessings,
Willow

Little House Mercantile LLC said...

Thanks for the information on tea staining I didnt know to use different teas for different stains or about using the vingar. I didnt know you needed to was your fabric after tea dying either. thankyou carol

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

Max Cornise said...

I love this kind of thing. I have an old crocheted tablecloth that I want to tea-stain a color like saffron yellow, or bright amber. Can you suggest which teas would work best to get that color? Thanks. Liked your bio too. I spent my summers on my grandparents farm in Pa. and it's still my happiest memories of childhood!

Anonymous said...

Stacey; Thanku so much for the info on tea staining. I see this info has been up for a while but so happy that it still is. I Love primitive anything and can't wait to try this tea staining. Have a great day! God Bless you! L.J.

Unknown said...

I loved reading about you and your husband and your church ministry. I can see the glow of God in both of you and there is no question that you are soul mates exactly as you described. You are very, very blessed magnificently. At 53, I would love to meet a soul mate like you have someday but I am happy with my 4 animals who are my children and the cute little cottage we share together and the knowledge that God is the source of all love and the essence of my being. May God continue to heap His blessings upon you.

Anonymous said...

Blessings to you Stacey! Jesus has that perfect plan for your life, so keep believing.

I am doing my first quilt, and realized some of the fabric was too white...so I will tea stain some to make it look more cohesive! Thanks for the info!

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking of tea staining a duvet cover for our bedding. Is it easy to wash the cover after tea dying and keep the color?

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the instructions. I have the tea bags steeping and will be adding some linen napkins soon.
I hope the years have blessed you and your husband with the family that you desired.
I too work with young children, though only as a Sunday School teacher. I love it.
Thank you again,
Linnea

MaryNell said...

I am joining this party late it seems but I love your post do you mind me sharing it on my quilt blog with your link?

Anonymous said...

I just used this technique to safe a beloved shirt with a set in stain. It looks wonderful! Thanks!

Unknown said...

I would like a to tea stain a pillowcase, but wonder if the stain would rub off on people's faces as they sleep? Do you know?

Anonymous said...

Is there a way to permanently set the stain if the piece is machine washed and hung to dry?

Also, is there a way to stain blends of natural and artificial fabrics or fully artificial fabrics?