Silk-Dyed Eggs {aka TIE-Dyed!}

Supplies Needed

This is just a preview of supplies and method, keep scrolling for full printable instructions.

• Eggs – These eggs are purely decorative, as you’re using clothing to dye them and will be boiling them for a long time. I have not tried using decorative egg options so I don’t know how those would work out. I just use regular raw, white eggs! See this Blown Egg Ornaments post for details on using blown eggs that you can bring out year after year.
• Silk ties – You need 100% silk for this to work. Make sure to check the labels to make sure you’re not buying polyester, which can look similar. I grab old ties at the thrift store where they’re usually pretty cheap (that Christian Dior tie pictured below was 50 cents). And remember: when it comes to ties, you may not want ugly ones on your man, but ugly ties do make pretty eggs! You could also use silk from an old blouse, a scarf, or whatever.  So if you’re rummaging through a thrift store, check out some other areas as well.
  
  I try to find an assortment of colors and patterns. Usually dark blues, purples, and reds work the best, but it’s fun to experiment with all kinds of things. The interesting thing is that you never know how much of the color and pattern will transfer to the eggs. Sometimes ties I think will be awesome really disappoint, and ones I didn’t think much of make the most beautiful eggs.
  
  Usually it will tell you if it’s 100% silk right on the main label of the tie, but a lot of them don’t, and if that’s the case, check that little tiny end, it’s usually hiding there.
• Light colored fabric and twine/twist ties- You’ll need these to help tie the silk in place and prevent dye from spreading from egg to egg. Any light colored, thin fabric will work, like an old tea towel or pillowcase. If you’re already picking up ties from the thrift store, look around for something that will work here!
• Vinegar – Adding vinegar to the boiling water will help set the dye on the egg shell.

How to Make Silk Dyed Eggs

1. First you’ll want to deconstruct your ties. Snip the seams and remove the lining so you’re just left with the still.
2. Next cut a piece large enough to cover an egg. Wrap the egg with the right side of the fabric making contact with the egg. The right side is the printed side, or the side that would be on the outside of the tie. You want to try to wrap the fabric as tight as you can without breaking the egg of course. The more direct contact the silk has with the egg shell the clearer the imprint of the pattern. Where there are folds in the fabric you’ll get kind of a swirly water color effect. I love those parts- it adds to the charm. Once wrapped, tie with a piece of string or a twisty tie. (Do yourself a favor and go with the twisty tie!)
3. After the eggs are wrapped in silk, you’re going to wrap them again with a light colored light weight piece of fabric. An old pillowcase, sheet, or thin dish cloth is perfect.
4. Put all those little guys in a pot and cover them with water. Add 1/4 cup vinegar and bring it to a boil. After about 20 minutes you can remove the eggs and set them in a colander or on a towel to dry and cool. Once they’re cool enough to handle you can remove the fabric.