Uses for an Old Necktie
Neckties, originally called "cravats," have been part of Western fashion since the 17th century, the Encyclopedia website reports. In that time, the design of the necktie has changed frequently, depending on the style of the period. Neckties have been wide, narrow, bright, neutral, short and long. Since necktie styles change every 5 to 10 years, you may have a number of old ties at home which are no longer fashionable. Rather than throwing the ties out, recycle them into a new product.
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Coffee Sleeve
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Many disposable hot beverage cups are too hot to hold without a sleeve. Often, when you get your coffee in a disposable cup, it is so hot you can barely hold it. This problem is easily solved using a coffee sleeve. Make a coffee sleeve out of an old necktie with a few stitches. In addition to the old necktie, you will need a 2 inch by 3/4 inch piece of hook and loop fastener. Cut the tie 15 inches from the wide end. Sew the open end closed. Sew one piece of the hook and loop fastener approximately 1 inch from the point, on the underside of the tie. Wrap the tie around a disposable coffee cup and pin the second piece of hook and look fastener to the flat end of the tie. Sew the hook and loop fastener onto the newly-created coffee sleeve and embellish if desired.
Jewelry
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Though ties are predominantly found in a man's wardrobe, recycle your old ties into something a woman can wear. Ties make necklaces and bracelets with a few stitches and additional accessories.
To make a necklace, pin the tie together around your neck and decide how long you want it. Cut out the excess material from the center. Sew the open ends shut and then sew the two ends of the tie back together. To hide the seam, add a clasp or embellishments onto it. Add other embellishments to your necklace as desired.
You can also make a bracelet out of your old necktie. To make a bracelet, cut the tie in half and size it to your wrist. Cut off the excess fabric. Sew the end shut and add a closing mechanism, such as a button, a hook and loop fastener, or a snap. Embellish your new bracelet as desired.
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Toy Snake
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If you are looking to do a new craft with your child, take one of your old ties and turn it into a snake. You will need an old necktie in a fun pattern, non-toxic fiber fill, a needle and thread, pipe cleaner, glue and embellishments. Cut the thin point of the necktie off and fill it with the fiber fill. Insert a pipe cleaner into the snake if you would like it to retain its shape when you play. Sew the snake closed with the needle and thread. Attach embellishments to the snake such as buttons, felt spots and stripes, and pompoms. Be careful with the embellishments you choose; embellishments such as buttons are choking hazards for young children.
Patches and Appliques
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If you have old ties, you may also have jeans and other pants that have holes in them. Use pieces of your old ties to patch them up. If you have a several old ties, you can decorate your holey pants with a multitude of patterns. You can also use pieces from the old ties as appliques to decorate costumes and shirts.
Cut the end off a tie and sew it onto a T-shirt or baby onesie to create a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing for your child. Alternately, cut a shape out of the tie, such as a heart, and sew it onto a shirt. Use your imagination to create a variety of unique patches and appliques for your crafts.
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References
Resources
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