There are a few ways you can stain your fabrics to give an aged primitive look, here is one method - the tea or coffee method.

You will need:

<!--[if !supportLists]--> <!--[endif]-->Instant Coffee or tea granules

<!--[if !supportLists]--> <!--[endif]-->Hot Water

<!--[if !supportLists]--> <!--[endif]-->Large plastic bowl or bucket

<!--[if !supportLists]--> <!--[endif]-->Rubber gloves

Instructions:

Fill a clean bowl or bucket with hot water and 2-3 tablespoons of instant coffee or tea granules. Allow to brew!

After a minute or two put some rubber gloves on and put your fabric into the solution. Please use gloves as the mixture will be very hot.

Making sure to cover both sides of the fabric. You can leave it in there to give a dark look or take it out now.

Before drying you must ring out your fabric to get the excess liquid out.

If you want a grubby prim look place your fabric on a foiled baking sheet and place in the oven on a very low heat. Make sure you keep an eye on it so it does not burn. Once dry, take it out to cool.

Or if you don't want to use your oven you can stick your stained fabric in the airing cupboard, on a radiator or out in the sun if it is a hot day. Make sure you use something underneath it so it doesn't stain any of your clothes or towels you have in there.

Always keep an eye on your fabric so it does not burn or get damaged in anyway.

Now you have aged fabric ready to complete your project.

This process can be done after you have stitched a design on to your fabric or before. You can scent and age a big batch of fabric at a time if you wish or do one project at a time.

2006 Niki Jackson