Looking to have something different this Easter and skip the typical blandly dyed Easter Eggs? These patterned Easter eggs may be just what you're after. Using the texture of patterned hosiery or fabric, these interesting Easter eggs are something quite different and you'll have plenty of people asking you where you got them from!
[Edit]Steps [Edit]Preparation Hard boil eggs and allow them to cool. How many eggs you will boil is up to you, but don't boil more than what you have time to dye in one go. Find a suitable workspace for dying eggs. Although the dye will most likely not stain countertops or floors, it’s best to play it safe by covering the area with newspaper and/or finding a workspace that can handle this activity. Mix the dye according to package directions in the bowls. If you're supposed to boil the water, wait until it has cooled safely before dipping the eggs in it. Cut hosiery or fabric squares measuring approximately 5 to 6 inches (12.5-15cm). Check that the eggs will fit in those squares, with allowance left at the ends so you can tie it all together with a rubber band. If using pantyhose, cut a 5 inch (12.5cm) long tube for the egg to slip into, then knot off each end. [Edit]Dyeing the Boiled Eggs Place the already boiled and cooled egg in the middle of the fabric and gather the excess fabric at the top. Tie the fabric together using the rubber band. Dip the egg into the dye. Hold the excess fabric and lower the egg into the dye. Leave the egg in the dye until the color comes through the hosiery. Remove the egg from the dye. Blot gently with paper towels. Allow the egg to rest on either the paper towel or in the empty egg carton while it’s drying. Leave the fabric intact during the drying process. Once the dye has dried, cut the rubber band releasing the egg from the fabric. Blot any excess dye, but be careful not to disturb the pattern that has been created. Finished. Repeat for as many eggs as you'd like to put on display. [Edit]Tips Very wide lace or lace fabric can be used to the same effect. Check thrift stores or online sellers for old (but not antique!) lace at cheap prices. You can reuse fabric, but rinse fabric between uses to remove excess color. Blotting the color helps to set the dye in place. Take care when blotting and consider using a tissue instead of a paper towel in some cases. Wear rubber gloves during the dying process to protect your hands from the color. You can make patterns on the egg by placing rubber bands on it and dipping it in dye. The areas which were not covered with rubber bands will be colored, while the rest will stay the color it was before. To achieve different patterns, stretch the fabric or hosiery in different ways over the egg and secure with the rubber band. Also look for different types of hosiery at the thrift store––lacy or unusual patterns are excellent choices for interesting effects. [Edit]Things You'll Need Eggs Boiling water Egg dye Patterned hosiery, cheesecloth and/or lace fabric Paper towel or paper tissues Small bowls to hold dye Rubber bands Scissors An empty egg carton (optional) [Edit]Related wikiHows Make Sugar Easter Eggs Dye Eggs for Easter Make an Easter Egg Wreath Make an Easter Centerpiece
