Both are highly pigmented and easy to work with.
You want your water around 140 °F (60 °C).
The salt helps the dye penetrate the fabric and stay permanently. To find out how much your fabric weighs, read the packaging if it’s a new tablecloth. If its an existing tablecloth, use an online fabric calculator based on your tablecloth’s dimensions.
Each type of dye will have slightly different directions, so it’s important to read the particular instructions before you pour in your dye.
Leave your tablecloth in the dye for a longer period of time for a highly saturated, vibrant look.
Do this for both sides of your tablecloth for a symmetrical look. This creates a gradient effect across the edges of your tablecloth.
You can use your garden hose or your sink to rinse your fabric. If you don’t have a clothesline, you can lay your tablecloth over your porch railing or banister.
You can purchase an at-home tie dye kit from most craft supply stores. 1 kit with 3-4 bottles should be enough dye for 1 tablecloth. Avoid overfilling the bottles, as you can lose pigment.
You can lay it on your deck, patio, or large table, for example.
This creates an all-over spiral pattern. If you are having trouble finding the center, fold the tablecloth in half lengthwise so it’s smaller and easier to work with.
This creates an evenly-spaced, ring pattern across your tablecloth.
This creates horizontal stripes across your tablecloth.
Make sure you apply the dye to the inside of the bundle so the center of the tablecloth gets covered too.
This way, your tablecloth will be highly saturated and colorful.
If you’d like, you can fold the tablecloth into a small bundle so it’s easier to fit in the pot. Fold the tablecloth lengthwise 2 times, then alternate your folds to create a square. After your fabric is folded, wrap rubber bands around it horizontally and vertically to keep it in place. The vinegar helps your fabric absorb the natural color.
Hold your fabric down with kitchen utensils if the fabric pokes through the surface. For a light dye, soak your tablecloth for 1-5 hours. For a dark pigment, leave your tablecloth in the dye overnight. The stronger the coffee or tea, the darker the color will be.
Warm water can strip the dye away from your fabric, making your tablecloth a lighter color.
Using heat when your tablecloth is first drying can release the natural dye pigment, making your tablecloth look faded more quickly. After you’ve let your tablecloth dry completely, then you can use heat on your fabric.
