How to Make a Tie Dye Silk Scarf in Your Microwave

How would you like to create a colorful, tie dye silk scarf quickly and easily using your microwave? A tie dye scarf can really add a boost of color to a springtime outfit and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself. Here's how to tie dye a silk scarf:

Materials needed:

A microwave

A microwave safe pot with lid

A pre-washed silk scarf blank

Silk paints

Apple cider vinegar

Gloves

Cording

Make a tie dye silk scarf: Buy your supplies

You can buy silk paints from you local craft store or online. Choose three or four different colors to use in this project. You'll also need a silk scarf blank. These can be found at some craft stores and are readily available online. A scarf blank is simply a white, silk scarf that's are ready to dye.

Make a tie dye silk scarf: Prepare your scarf

Put on gloves to protect your hands. Start by tying cording around your silk scarf randomly to create the tie dye effect. The look will vary depending upon how thick your cord is and how many times you bind it. Once your scarf is tied with the cord, pour some cider vinegar into a bowl and place your scarf in the bowl to presoak. Allow your scarf to remain in the vinegar for ten minutes.

Make a tie dye silk scarf: Apply the paint

Using an eye dropper or paint brush, paint or drip the silk paint onto your presoaked scarf blank. There's no right or wrong in how you apply the paint since each scarf will be a one-of-a-kind work of art. After applying the paint, squeeze the scarf with your gloved hands to encourage blending of the colors.

Make a tie dye silk scarf: Microwave

Place the painted scarf into your microwave safe pot and cover it with the lid. Microwave on the medium setting for four minutes. Once the scarf has cooled, you can unbundle the cords. You should see a beautiful abstract pattern of colors on your scarf. Rinse your scarf in cool, clean water to remove any residual color. Allow your scarf to dry and iron out any wrinkles before wearing it.

The heat from the microwave serves to heat fix the silk paints to your scarf making it resistant to fading and dry cleaning as long as you've used paints designed for silks. You can now have the pleasure of coordinating your new scarf with other items in your wardrobe. It'll be a beautiful accessory to wear as the weather turns warm.