Dye Eggs Using Silk Ties for Egg-cellent Colors

Introduction

Have you ever dyed eggs? Turning eggshells from white into different, dazzling colors can be a lot of fun! People often do this using dye tablets to make different colors in a liquid bath. They then dip the egg into the liquid and wait till it turns the desired color. Eggs can be dyed in many other ways, and one neat method uses silk ties. Sounds strange to use clothing to dye eggs, right? But it actually works really well! In this activity, you will dye eggs with silk ties and investigate whether heat is needed for the process to work well. Are you just dye-ing to try this out?

Credits

Materials

• 100% silk tie. Look at the tags on the back of the tie to make sure it is 100%. Darker blues, purples, and reds transfer dye the best. These ties can usually be purchased at a secondhand shop or thrift store. Be sure to ask permission before using someone else' silk tie for this activity! The ties will be destroyed in this activity.
• Light-colored tablecloth, pillow case, or other lightweight, light-colored fabric scrap. Use fabric that you will not mind having cut up
• Old dishtowels or rags
• Scissors
• Twist ties (4)
• Raw white eggs (2)
• Water
• White vinegar
• Optional: Vegetable oil
• Cooking pot
• Large bowl or another cooking pot, similar in size to the first cooking pot
• Measuring cups
• Well-ventilated stove area, such as provided by an overhead ventilation system or a nearby window that could be opened, or dust masks.
• Timer or clock
• Tongs or slotted spoon