- Tea or coffee staining gives a sepia toned effect to fabric. If the fabric is for embroidering, dye the fabric before stitching if you want to keep the original color of the thread. Dye the fabric after embroidering to tint the thread as well. Note that the warm water used in the process may shrink fabric.
To tea or coffee stain fabric, add four tea bags or four spoonfuls of instant coffee to hot water. Use more tea or coffee for a darker color. Add a spoonful of salt to help set the color. Allow the tea or coffee to cool a little before removing the tea bags and adding the fabric to soak. The longer the cloth stays in the tea or coffee, the darker the brown tint will be. - Paint the fabric with a mixture of a few teaspoons of grey or brown paint diluted in 1/3 to 1/2 cup of water. Apply more paint in some areas of the fabric for an organically aged look.
- Simply washing fabric can age it. Wash the fabric many times either in a washing machine or scrub it using a washing board. Leave the fabric to dry outside in the sun. If time allows, leave the cloth out in the elements for several days.
While bleach whitens wool and cotton, it yellows silk. Wash white silk in bleach diluted with water for a yellowish tinge. - Distress fabric with rough treatment for a well-used and aged effect. For crafts that show the fabric's edge, pick out the fibers on the cut edge for a frayed look. Use sandpaper to scuff fabric and soften cloth. To really wear down the fabric, scrub it using a wire brush. These methods are abrasive, so do not be overzealous unless you want to create holes in the fabric.
- Often antique fabrics have stains. Get this effect easily by rubbing the fabric in potting soil for a dingy look, or grass for light green stains. This technique lends itself to rustic crafts.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -