Easter Eggs - Tie Dyed

Dying Easter eggs with old silk neckties is a fun way to add a little more character to the traditional egg. This is another method that my grandma taught me, and its just as easy as the onion dyed eggs I posted before. The dying method is very similar to the onion dyed eggs. Except, instead of using onion skins you use 100% silk ties (take note of the 100% because if your tie is not all silk, this method will not work...I learned that the hard way).

If you feel inclined to try this wonderful egg dying method, click below to get the full tutorial along with helpful tips on what not to do!

Easter Egg Tie-Dyed Tutorial

Materials Needed:

100% Silk Ties, I bought mine for $1 at the thrift store. (as you will see later, the darker the color the better)

Eggs

Rag pieces about 5" square (cut up old t-shirt pieces work really well)

String or rubber bands

1 tablespoon of vinegar

Note: I was able to dye about 6 or 7 eggs with 1 tie. So, if you are dying a dozen eggs you will probably need 2 ties.

Step 1. Begin to take your tie apart by undoing the stitching on the backside. You can use a seam-ripper or fabric scissors. 

 Undo the tie seam all the way down your tie...it should look something like this when you are done.

Step 2. This step is optional, but I chose to iron my ties flat so the would be easier to work with when wrapping around the eggs. (Apparently, someone got hungry for ties).

Step 3. Cut your tie into pieces large enough to fit around an egg. Here is an approximate size below if you need it. You can still use the skinner sections of your tie. You will just need to use multiple pieces of the silk fabric to completely cover your egg. 

Step 4. Take a tie piece and wrap it around your egg. Wrap the egg completely, like a little present! 

Step 5. While still holding the silk fabric around your egg, carefully wrap your rag or t-shirt piece around it. The t-shirt pieces work well for this because they have a little stretch in them, so you can wrap your eggs more tightly. 

After your egg is wrapped, secure it with rubber bands or by wrapping string around the egg. 

Continue this method until all eggs are wrapped.

Step 6. Fill a large pot with water, and add 1 Tablespoon of vinegar. Boil water, then add eggs and let simmer for about 20 min. 

Step 7. When the eggs are done, fill a large bowl with cold water. Place the eggs in the water and let them cool for about 15 min. (or until they are cold enough to touch).

Step 8. Now unravel your eggs...Its so fun to see how they turn out!

I'm guessing your thinking to yourself..."hey, that egg is still white." 

Well, your right!

I was so excited about the blue elephant tie...turns out if the tag on your tie reads something like this (see photo below) it doesn't necessarily mean it is 100% silk. Apparently I got some kind of silk blend.

 Make sure the tag says 100% silk, or All Silk (see photo below) 

or you will be very sad, like I was.

Like I mentioned before, the darker the tie the better. The pink tie worked (because it was all silk). But the only part that really showed up was the blue diamonds...but if your a fan of soccer balls you may like this, because thats exactly what they look like.

Please refrain from making my mistakes! and choose dark colored all silk ties! 

You have been warned!

Of course I went back to the thrift store, and bought all new ties, and tried the technique again...they turned out much better don't you think?