New Ideas for Old Neckties

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Recently, at an open mic night event my husband and I attended with friends, I noticed an interesting use of a recycled necktie. Seeing this reminded me of a skirt I saw years ago in the same medium. So I got to thinking, what else can you create from old neckties?

Guitar Strap.

This is the idea I saw at the open mic event. Grant you, it was a smaller guitar, but it was really folksy and unexpected. Not exactly something that would project much of a rock star image, but if you want to go with a folk theme, this was a fun look and definitely eco friendly.

Make a School Bag.

This one has a magnetic snap closure. You have to scroll all the way down to see all the images they are mentioning, but it illustrates pretty well how the author created her project. 

Let your imagination run wild.

I found a few sources on my quest which illustrated numerous ideas each.

·         There are several ideas here on a Flickr collection of photos, including a funky throw pillow and a fun clutch purse.

·         Here’s a link with several tie-sewn items pictured . . . skirt, a gothic looking corset, unusual round rugs, and a fun quilt.

·         Some additional runway fashion ideas here for the necktie craze. Including some interesting halter and wrap style cocktail dresses, backpacks, and additional purse designs. Oh, snap! They also have some interesting and festive looking Christmas stockings.

·         Additional link for fashion ideas for old neckties.

Children’s Dress Up Item.

Let them store your old ties in their dramatic play trunk. They’ll dig it.

Donate them to a theater troupe’s costume department.

Every theater group I’ve ever run across has a need for help with their costume elements collection. They’ll go to good use.

Table Runner.

You’ll need to get creative with the fabric collage and embellishment techniques, but with some of the unusual vintage fabrics available on all the old ties out there, I’m sure those with crafting and sewing skills will be able to come up with something really unique.

Children’s Stuffed Toys.

I’ve heard of both snake and scarecrow projects.

Fabric Collage Photo Frame.

Very interesting. You can go vintage, country or funky with this one.  

Make a Belt.

If you don’t want to sew, the skinny ones work better for this. Bonus? Teens dig it.

Wind Sock.

This link has some instructions. Unusual, but interesting.

Christmas Tree Skirt.

Modify the round rug idea to allow for an open side. Use embellishments and fabric patterns suitable for your tree’s theme.

Patches.

Make your own stylish patches for jazzing up your jeans. 

Beaded Necklace.

These were never really my thing, but if you liked the original “marbles inside a tube of fabric” necklaces with the separation beads in between, this might be a more stylish version than the country style fabric they used to be made of. The right tie fabric and some stylish glass beads in between could bump this project up a notch. Money saving tip? Cut up an old scratched up costume jewelry bead necklace you had in the throw away pile.

Coffee Sleeve

Try a DIY coffee sleeve for Father’s Day. This link shows a similar one to the project shown with denim in a previous article. If you liked the denim idea, but prefer something a little dressier, this might be just the ticket.

Make a Keepsake.

This sort of incorporates all of the ideas in the list in some way, but I think it’s worth pointing out that in addition to just collecting old ones at thrift stores and as hand-me-downs, ties are a great thing to recycle into a memory item for a loved one who is no longer with us.

Santa Ornaments .

There are some fun ideas out there, many of them more Victorian in nature through the choice of fabrics.

Pumpkin Decorations.

This link shows a pattern for a harvest theme stuffed pumpkin made with old neckties.

Corset Cinch.

Pretty cool, if I do say so myself.

Make a case for your cell phone or ipod.  

The one pictured here is plain, but could glitz it up with a different choice of fabric, button and fun embellishments.

A Thong.

I know. I thought so too. But apparently, it IS possible.

Make a Wrist Cuff.

While this is clearly something that would be more popular with teens, my mind went in a slightly different direction. How about dressing up an old denim or corduroy jacket, or even a great blouse? You just need one where the cuffs are getting ratty but the rest of the item is good. Cover the cuffs and even perhaps the color with old necktie fabric for an updated, Bohemian look.

Weave a Chair Seat.

Got an old ladder back chair from the dump, er . . . I mean thrift pile with the chair weave missing? Try this for a fun and unique place to sit.

Dresden Plate Pillow.

I know I mentioned pillows above, but this one has such a unique formal look, I thought it was worth its own line item.

A Hanging Wallet.

Another fun idea from Dr. Popular.

Guys, this is the best of the best from the ideas I was able to find. If you have something else you feel is outstanding, please feel free to post about it below. In the meantime, happy stitching.