Don't Toss Old Ties. Here Are 10 Ways To Repurpose Them Around The House

Do you keep finding old neck ties in the back of your closet or drawers and wonder if you'll ever wear them again? Instead of letting them collect dust or sit in a pile waiting to be donated, you can repurpose old ties into functional and stylish things for around the house. There are numerous ways to give them a new life, ranging from simple projects like using them as curtain tie-backs to more advanced sewing projects like designing an old tie apron. The best part of upcycling ties is that it's an eco-friendly way to put them to use instead of throwing them away and having them sit in a landfill.

While each one of these ways to repurpose ties has its own set of materials and instructions, there are a few tools you might need to make the crafting process easier. For example, it may be helpful to have tools to deconstruct the ties, like this 3-Piece Seam Ripper Set, as well as an iron to help remove creases from the material. Some projects involve sewing skills, so be sure to pick the DIY that matches your crafting abilities and passions.

If you're looking for a way to repurpose your ties that provides a blend of decor and functionality, consider turning them into a fun apron for the kitchen. You can look through different apron sewing patterns to find which style you like best and can even add fun elements like pockets to increase how useful it is. However, this hack will require you to have some materials on hand and knowledge of basic sewing skills. Additionally, you'll need ten or more ties to complete an adult-sized apron.

Are you tired of your boring old throw pillows and don't want to spend a fortune going out to shop for replacements? If you've got a handful of old ties you're looking to repurpose, then this throw pillow cover DIY is a creative way to give them new life. When it comes to sewing the ties together, you can keep them full size, or you can cut them into strips and arrange them into stripes or a patchwork pattern. This is also a meaningful way to use ties to create a memory pillow to remember someone special.

An ideal way to repurpose a large number of old ties is to turn them into a stunning bed quilt. Like many quilting projects, once you have a pattern or general idea of the design, you can customize nearly every other element of the blanket. Once it's finished, you can drape it over your bed or a chair to add a fun touch to the room, or you can even find fun ways to hang a quilt on the wall. However, don't forget to wash the ties and remove the inner stabilizers before using them.

Unsure what to do with that outdated lamp taking up space in your home? It may seem easy to just add it to the donation pile, but changing out the shade is an easy way to revamp your light fixtures. This hack involves securing ties to the outside of the lampshade with glue. However, it's crucial to make sure you trim any excess material inside the shade to prevent it from coming in contact with the bulb and starting a fire. There should be a few inches of space between any fabric and the light bulb.

This is one tie repurposing hack that you can take in numerous directions depending on your goals and intentions. For example, some people choose to arrange the ties into fun patterns or designs before putting them into a frame. Others prefer to lay one singular tie flat in a frame and then create a gallery wall of ties for a modern and eclectic approach. You can also use this as a chance to display a loved one's ties similar to a memory box or as a thoughtful gift during the holidays.

One of the easiest ways to repurpose an old tie is to use them as tie-backs for curtains around your home. This DIY hack doesn't require any additional materials outside of the ties themselves, which makes it a great option for beginner crafters. You can use matching ties for a cohesive look or go outside the box and use two different design ties to add a fun twist to the decor. If you want to elevate the design, use a hot glue gun to add tassels or buttons to the ties.

Have a big pile of old ties and want to use them up in just one project? DIYing a tuffet is an excellent way to repurpose all of that material while creating something you can proudly display in your home. If you're unfamiliar with these pieces, tuffets are essentially small stools or footrests you can place in front of a couch or chair to rest your legs on. It can also be used as a statement piece for your space, especially if you use ties with bold designs or silk material for an added touch of elegance.

You may view ties as part of your formal attire, but did you know they can be repurposed into incredibly functional home items like floor rugs? It's true! This project involves securing the ties to sturdy backing material, as well as filling the interior with some sort of padding. How many ties you'll need for the rug depends on what size you want. Generally, a 20-by-30-inch rug will require upwards of 20 or more ties. If you're running short, try checking a local thrift store or consignment shop as an affordable, eco-friendly alternative.

Tired of having to splurge on a new door wreath for every holiday and changing season? Grab your favorite old holiday ties with a festive pattern and use them to create a wreath for your front door. The process is simple and only involves cutting the ties in half before wrapping them around the base frame. Be sure to secure them with pins if you want to be able to change out the ties from season to season, or use a more permanent method like glue if you plan to make a different wreath for each season.

Don't jump to throwing away an old mirror just because the frame doesn't match your current design style. Instead, you can repurpose the mirror and create a DIY frame on a budget by covering it with the fabric from old ties. This allows you to keep it cohesive with one pattern or use all the old ties you've got and create an abstract frame. Just be sure to use a strong adhesive like Modge Podge Fabric to secure the ties, especially if you plan to hang the mirror in an area prone to dampness, like bathrooms.