Wild and Wacky Ways to Use a Necktie
By Katharine Swan
Don’t give that necktie to Goodwill! Whether used to make a fashion statement, a child’s art project, or recycled for use in a super-cool sewing project, there are many ways that you and your family can bring new life to old neckties.
Make a Fashion Statement
When it comes to women’s fashions, funky is almost always cool – and what could be funkier than using a men’s necktie for something other than a necktie? Think about the versatility of skinny scarves in today’s fashions, and you’ll have at least a few ideas of how to incorporate a necktie into your look. For example, pair a dark-colored paisley tie with cargo pants for an ultra-cool belt, or use a striped tie as a headband or to tie up your hair.
A necktie can also be used to make a fashion accessory. For instance, a worn-out necktie can be used to make a change purse, or sew several neckties together to make a handbag or messenger bag (see http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=888 for a pattern). If you have access to enough neckties, you could even put together an entire skirt! But before you get too excited, a word of caution: many men are very attached to their neckties, even the old worn-out ones, so make sure that you get his permission before cutting up his old neckties!
Donate Your Neckties to Your Child
Children are scavengers by nature; their imagination allows them to find magic in everyday objects. Your neckties can help fuel their imaginative play in a couple of different ways.
If you are queasy about seeing your old neckties cut up – even if you don’t wear them anymore – donate them to your child as part of his or her costume bin. Many preschool and school age children enjoy dressing up as part of their imaginative play. Add a few neckties to their collection, and you will be surprised by the creative ways they will find to use your old neckties.
If you have a few neckties that you wouldn’t mind – or might even appreciate – seeing transformed into something else, you can give them to your child for use in art projects. With a couple of button eyes, a scrap of red felt for a tongue, and a little stuffing, the tie that you never really liked can become a snake that your kid loves. An old necktie can also be used to make a fantastic fall-themed scarecrow (for instructions visit http://www.dltk-kids.com/members/mscarecrow.htm).
Recycle Your Ties for Use Around the House
Even when your old neckties are to worn to wear to work anymore, they most likely have plenty of wear left in the fabric. Those old neckties can be recycled and used around the house as just about anything you can think of. Sew them together to make placemats, table runners, quilts, throw pillows, and more.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Waste not, want not.” In this case it couldn’t be truer! Collect those old, worn-out neckties and find ways to extend their useful life. Don’t be afraid to be creative – you’ll be surprised at how many ways you can use an old necktie.
