Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Dying white fabric with tea bags...have you done it? >

Dying white fabric with tea bags...have you done it?

Dying white fabric with tea bags...have you done it?

Old 10-08-2013, 09:45 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jozefow, Poland
Posts: 4,474
Default Dying white fabric with tea bags...have you done it?

I have a bunch of white cotton fabric....but would love some to make of it cream colored.

I believe a long, long time ago, my mom dyed some fabric with tea. Have you done it? If so, do you have any tips? Does it get lighter and lighter with washing?
justflyingin is offline  
Old 10-08-2013, 10:30 AM
  #2  
Power Poster
 
BellaBoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Front row
Posts: 14,646
Default

I did this years ago to make fabric appear vintage. The tea didn't stain it to be forever. After washing the quilt several times the fabric returned to normal. There may be products you can use to make the tea color last if you plan on washing it.
BellaBoo is offline  
Old 10-08-2013, 10:33 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: dallas tx.
Posts: 5,172
Default

I don't think tea will turn it cream colored will it? You'd almost have to get a dye. and try on a small piece. I thought tea would make it look old like antique.
barny is offline  
Old 10-08-2013, 10:40 AM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
Default

I would just go purchase some cream colored material! The tea will eventually wash out and only like others have stated just look vintage. If you want you could try different levels of stain. You can go to YouTube they have different tutorials on tea dyeing. I believe they also use vinegar to set the color.
tessagin is offline  
Old 10-08-2013, 10:46 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
quilter1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Ayr, Ontario
Posts: 1,059
Default

I dyed a finished cross stitch picture with tea. I made a strong tea solution and soaked the canvas a few minutes, then laid it on a towel to dry. It turned out well, but it is framed and not washed.
quilter1 is offline  
Old 10-08-2013, 11:11 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 816
Default

The fabric I have tea-dyed gets lighter with each wash. There isn't a good way to 'set' the dye; it is just a stain.
Skittl1321 is offline  
Old 10-08-2013, 11:18 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
TexasSunshine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kilgore Tx
Posts: 1,883
Default

I think Rit Dye makes a dye that looks like tea dyed or vintage look.
TexasSunshine is offline  
Old 10-08-2013, 12:09 PM
  #8  
Super Member
 
thimblebug6000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 8,037
Default

Also consider if your fabric is totally white or a white on white print. Some printed fabrics will not dye the same colour throughout.
thimblebug6000 is offline  
Old 10-08-2013, 01:49 PM
  #9  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
Default

I have tea stained and coffee stained fabric... all to fade with washing.... and are more tan than cream.
Lori S is offline  
Old 10-08-2013, 02:19 PM
  #10  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Long Island
Posts: 24,820
Default

I've done it for dolls, adding beet juice for a true skin color, but then they don't get washed much, do they.
I know rit has a dye for that, if not, use brown very carefully
lynnie is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ClydeneC
Main
7
12-19-2011 11:41 PM
humbird
Main
10
10-23-2010 01:05 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
0
06-03-2010 11:35 AM
Vi ODEll
Main
9
04-08-2010 06:33 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter