Craft expert Carol Scheffler demonstrates how to give fabric new life with tea stains. Staining a fabric can add a warm antique look great for the dinner table, for instance.
Staining a Fabric
Different types of teas add various tints and tones to fabrics. Coffee, raspberry tea, green tea, Earl Grey--each one has a different color. Begin with a pot of water set to boil. Use a minimum of seven and a maximum of 20 tea bags.
Let tea bags steep for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Remove, let the water cool, then add fabric. Linen, cotton, gauze and muslin all work great as stained fabrics. Add napkins, sheets, just about any other type of cloth you want to stain.
Check back after five minutes. Leave in longer for a darker shade. Remember that when the fabric dries, it will dry slightly lighter. If you are planning on washing the fabric, set the dye by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar.
Resources Family Crafting: Fun Projects to Do Together
by Carol Scheffler
Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., 2000
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Guests Carol Scheffler
Craft Expert / Arts & Crafts Editor,
Parents magazine /
Today Show Contributor
E-mail:
carol.scheffler@joann.com
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