Cross-Stitching

Questions and discussions related to cross-stitching. Want to know how to get creases out of fabric? This is where to ask. To locate past posts on a specific topic, simply enter the word or words in the field below and click the Search button.
Note: Any discussions regarding the distribution of any copy-written materials will be removed. No advertisements, sales-related, or social media postings allowed.
Dying fabric
Sat, Sep 13, 2003 6:46 AM
Posted by Anita
You mentioned that you tea dyed some aida fabric. Was this difficult to do? I think the picture looks very nice! Cant't wait to see it framed.
  • Hide Replies
    Reply from Laura
    Saturday, September 13, 2003 2:52 PM
    Hi Anita,
    It's easy to tea dye fabric. Here`s what I did. Put about 5-6 tea bags in a bowl....boil a kettle of water and pour it over....let it sit.....stirring occasionally.....until the tea is nice and strong. Remove the tea bags and put your fabric in the tea. I let mine soak for about 10-15 minutes....but you can leave it longer for a darker shade. Just swish your fabric round a few times.

    When you remove your fabric give it a thorough rinse....then press it dry.

    I'm going to experiment with food colourings soon.
    Hope this has been some helps.

    Laura Go to top

    • Reply from Anita
      Saturday, September 13, 2003 6:18 PM
      Laura,
      Thanks for the instructions and will have to give it a try sometime. Let me know how the food coloring takes to the fabric.

      Anita Go to top

    • Hide Replies
      Reply from Joan
      Saturday, November 16, 2013 3:39 PM
      Hi, I experimented on small pieces of the fabric I wanted to tea dye. I left each sample piece in the tea for a different amount of time - such as 15 mins, 30 mins, 45 mins, 1 hour. Then I waited for the samples to fully dry. Make sure you make a note with the dyeing time next to each fabric swatch. When they were all dry, I labeled each swatch with dye time on masking tape. It was amazing how different they looked. the experiments only added a day to the process, but It was worth it to be happy with my fabric. Also, I made a sheet of notes that I stapled the swatches on. List your base fabric, how much water, how many tea bags, and which pot you used! I've also experimented the same way with instant coffee. If you don't like the color of your tea dyed fabric, coffee dyeing may give you the right tan for your project. Go to top
      • Reply from Pauline
        Sunday, November 17, 2013 5:53 PM
        When I finish a piece, I wash it, block it, and then iron it. I have never had problems with floss colors running. I've tried tea dyed fabric and have had no problem. I hesitate to use food coloring because I would be afraid the colors would run. I would not want to take the chance of working on a piece only to have the colors run. Go to top
    • Reply from Pamn
      Monday, November 18, 2013 3:26 PM
      Hi Laura, Pamn here.

      Joan had some good advice about tea dying. I'll share something I read once about it as well. I just wish I could remember where I read it. Try different teas also.
      Black tea, green tea, hibiscus tea, etc. They all give difference colors.

      Live long and prosper, Pamn Go to top