Tea Dyeing Tutorial

To progress with my scrappy Giant hexagon quilt,  I needed more reproduction style fabrics. Instead of ordering new fabrics I thought of dyeing some from my stash with the tea method, in order to give them the appearance of old fabrics. This was my first attempt to dye using this method, and I must say that the result was very satisfying. 

Here is what you need if you want to turn your modern fabric into a vintage one :

For one yard fabric :

1 large saucepan

1 Litre water

2 tablespoons salt

5 black tea bags

Here is the method :

1. Bring the water to boil with the salt,
2. Stop the boiling and put your tea bags into the hot water. Let them infuse for 10 mn,
3. Throw the bags away,
4. Rince your fabric under the tap, press out the excess water,
5. Put your fabric in the saucepan of hot tea and leave it for at least 15mn.

You should move the fabric with the help of a wooden spoon so that it is completely covered by the tea.

The longer you will leave the fabric in the tea the darker the result. 

When your fabric gets the color you wish, take it away from the saucepan, press out the water and put it in a bowl filled with cold water. Add a little vinegar, and leave the fabric to soak for about 10 mn, in order to fix the color.

Press out the excess water from your fabric and let it dry flat, if possible outside.