From the page: A second life for torn clothes
Idea 2
Natural dyeing with tea
Before industrial dyes arrived in the 19th century, all dyeing was natural — barks, roots, and leaves colored fabrics for thousands of years. Tea and coffee release tannins, molecules that bond to natural fibers (cotton, linen) and fix the color. It's a chemical affinity reaction: the longer the soak, the more tannin penetrates and the darker the result.
What you need
- Clean, light-colored natural-fiber garments (cotton, linen)
- 10 to 15 black tea bags or coffee grounds
- A large pot (no longer used for food)
- Water and a splash of white vinegar
How to make it
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1
Boil 2 liters of water with the tea bags for 15 minutes until a very dark tea forms — that's your "dye."
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2
Wet the garment in warm water first; damp fiber absorbs dye more evenly.
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3
Submerge the piece in the hot tea and stir occasionally to avoid blotches.
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4
Let it sit from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the desired intensity.
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5
Rinse in cold water with a splash of vinegar, which helps fix the tannins into the fiber.
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6
Dry in the shade — direct sun fades natural dye faster.
Finishing touches
shades range from beige to soft brown; do a test on a hidden bit of the hem first. Touch up the color every few washes, as the process fades quickly.
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