Tea dyeing 

Natural dyes are dyes or colorants derived from plants. The majority of dyes come from plants, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or wood. Archeologists have found textile dyeing with natural dyes dating back to the neolithic era. This project is a great way to achieve a beautiful hue without using harmful chemicals. This will work best with 100% organic cotton. As you wash your items overtime you may find that some hues will fade, I find hand washing in cold water will lengthen the time that your pigments will attach to the fibers. 

What you will need:

100% organic cotton fabric of your choice

2 tablespoons of alum(found in your spices section at the store).

10 Black tea bags

3 cups of water

String or rubber bands

Brew your tea:

Mix water with tea bags. Bring to a boil, and let steep for 1 hour, or longer if you have time.

Choose your Fabric

Make sure you have pre washed your organic cotton fabric. I have chosen infant onesies!

Fold and Tie

If you would like a fun pattern you may fold, or twist in a variety of ways, and secure with a string or with a rubber band. If you would like a solid color, iron any bends the fabric may have. 

Add Alum

You can now add and stir in your alum, which will assist with opening the fibers and allowing the dye to adhere. Allow your fabric to sit and soak in the tea/alum mixture for 45 minutes. To achieve darker shades leave in for longer. 

rinse and hang dry

After you remove your fabric from the dye mixture squeeze out any excess dye and rinse under cold water until water runs clear. I choose to hang dry, but a dryer works too. Enjoy, your beautiful chemical free masterpieces!