Tea is not only a delicious drink – it can also be used to give old fabric new life for use in gifts or decorations. As seen in issue 23 of Good and extracted with permission from Dye From Kitchen Produce: Easy projects to make at home by Setsuko Ishii, here’s how to use the remains of your favourite cuppa to hand-dye these gorgeous heart-shaped sachets
Per sachet you will need:
- Fabric remnant, 20 x 10cm (pure linen is ideal, or if you use newer fabric it’ll take on a softer, antique look)
- Lace trim, 1 x 12cm (pure cotton)
- No. 25 embroidery thread
- 1 tea bag
- Hot water (approximately 200ml)
- Pinch of salt
- Chopsticks or tongs
Step 1
Preparing the fabric and tea
Prepare the fabric, lace and thread by soaking them in cold water. Remove any metal staples in the teabag and place tea bag in mug. Pour in hot water and leave to cool. Remove the teabag and stir in salt till completely dissolved.
Step 2
Dyeing the fabric
- Immerse the fabric, lace and thread in the cup of liquid, ensuring they’re thoroughly soaked in the tea.
- Microwave for one minute on high (500 watts).
- Remove the mug, stir the contents gently to prevent the dye streaking and microwave again for 30 seconds. Once more, remove the mug, stir the contents and microwave for a further 30 seconds.
- Allow to cool, stirring occasionally. Rinse thoroughly in cold running water and dry in fresh air, out of the sun. When completely dry, press and make up the sachet
Step 3
Making the sachets
Fold dyed fabric in half. Using tailor’s chalk, trace a heart shape with a biscuit cutter or paper template. Embroider as desired. Sew folded fabric around the heart shape, leaving an opening. Trim fabric around the edges, making cuts to ease the curves. Turn right-side out and press seams. Fill with stuffing and sew opening closed.
Extracted from Dyes From Kitchen Produce: Easy projects to make at home by Setsuko Ishii
