How to Dye Cloth with Tea for an Antique Look

Recreate beautiful vintage inspired dresses by dyeing the fabric in tea.

Dyeing fabric to give it an antique, vintage or heirloom look can be accomplished with home-brewed tea. Natural fibers, such as cotton and muslin, are best to dye in this manner. The color of the finished product will be determined by the length of time it soaks, and the strength of the brew as the more tea bags used, the deeper the hue. The tea variety also influences color. For example, red teas will give the fabric a burnt rose tone, whereas an Earl Grey tea will dye it a creamy shade.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Large pot
• Long wooden spoon
• 12 to 14 tea bags
• Old clean bath towel
• Fabric to be dyed
• Washer and dryer
• Laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Wash the fabric before dyeing. Machine wash in hot water to help remove any existing dye. Tumble dry on low heat.

2. Heat 10 cups of water in a large pot until bubbles begin to rise, before a full boil. Turn the heat off.

3. Drop 12 to 14 tea bags into a plastic bucket. Carefully pour half of the water over them.

4. Place the fabric in the bucket. Pour the rest of the hot water over the fabric. Stir the brew with the long wooden spoon. Let it sit for up to 20 minutes. The longer it sits, the stronger the color.

5. Drain the tea from the bucket. Place an old clean towel in the dryer with the fabric. Tumble dry on low. The towel will absorb any excess dye.

Tips & Warnings

• For an uneven dye, tie the fabric in intervals with cotton thread before dyeing.

• Use plastic cleaning gloves when touching the tea to avoid staining the skin.

References

• "Crafters Devotional"; Barbara Call; 2010