Step-by-Step Tea Dyeing Guide:
Choose Your Tea – Black tea (like Pu-erh) creates deep brown tones, while green tea yields softer yellows.
Prepare the Fabric – Natural fibers like cotton and linen absorb dye best. Pre-wash and soak the fabric in water.
Brew the Tea – Steep 10-15 tea bags in 4 cups of boiling water for 30 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
Dye the Fabric – Submerge the fabric and let it soak for 1-4 hours (longer for deeper colors).
Set the Color – Rinse with cold water and air-dry in the sun.
Pro Tip: For a richer hue, add a splash of vinegar to the tea mixture—it helps fix the dye.
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➡️ Want to learn more about the history of tea in fashion? Read our article: The Cultural Significance of Tea in Textiles
Why Tea Dyeing is Sustainable:
Reduces textile waste
Avoids harmful chemical dyes
Creates one-of-a-kind pieces
Final Thoughts:
Tea dyeing is a fun, low-cost way to experiment with sustainable fashion. Try it on old t-shirts, napkins, or even denim for a rustic look.