Silk Dyed Eggs for Easter

These gorgeous silk dyed eggs can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge for a few days. Then use them to decorate your table or for egg hunting and eating! So dig up some old neck ties, scarves or shirts. Alternatively, check out your local op-shop for some suitable silks and get cracking!

Gather your supplies:

• white or light coloured raw eggs at room temperature (as many as you want to dye)
• white vinegar
• saucepan
• 100% silk fabric in bright colours – best results achieved not using Thai or Raw silk
• muslin or tightly woven cheesecloth
• cotton string
• an old towel (or paper towels)
• tongs
• scissors
• egg carton

Cut out squares of silk fabric (you will need to unpick a tie to get a large enough square) and muslin large enough to wrap an egg and be tied closed at the top with string. About 15cm square would be more than enough. Place one raw egg in the centre of the silk and carefully wrap the egg in the silk, the ‘right’ side should be facing the egg.  Try to wrap the egg so the silk is neat and snug for best effect. Then wrap in muslin and tie the top firmly with cotton string.

Use a saucepan big enough to boil all the eggs at once, but not so big the eggs will bounce around when boiling. Beware over boiling water with dye in it can make a huge mess! The eggs will need to rest closely together for best results. Place eggs in pan with 50% warm water and 50% white vinegar. You’ll need enough liquid for the eggs to be covered but not floating.

Boil the eggs gently for 45 minutes with the saucepan partially covered. Keep the kettle handy and use a measuring jug to keep a supply of the vinegar/water mix nearby (adding boiling water from the kettle just before use) to refill the egg pan as the water evaporates during boiling. Just add as needed to keep the eggs covered.

Line a large baking tray with old tea towel, cloth nappy or several layers of paper towel. Have your tongs, scissors and egg carton handy.

After boiling, remove each egg with tongs and place on tray to completely cool. Once cool, cut the string with scissors and carefully peel off the fabric. Gently, avoiding smudging the dye, transfer egg to egg carton to dry. Discard silk and string, although muslin could be reused.

For a finishing shine once dry, spray egg lightly with cooking oil and rub gently with soft cloth.

Some of the eggs may emerge with slight cracks or indentations in the shell, these eggs are fine to use for decoration, but should not be eaten.