How to Recycle Shoelaces

Before throwing away a pair of unwanted shoelaces, check to see if they're still in good condition, and if so, try reusing them. You have many options thanks to upcycling:Glasses holders, luggage tags, hooks for hanging various items, even a bird feeder. But you won't believe it, shoelaces are also useful for decorating a lampshade (just glue them vertically or horizontally with hot glue) and for delicately tying plants to their supports.

Index of topics

Eyeglass straps

If you prefer fabric cords to chains for the sunglasses For glasses or prescription glasses, you can use any laces you have on hand, preferably colored ones. Once the preserve of adults only, eyeglass cords are back in fashion, even among younger people. Useful for keeping them safe, making one with shoelaces is a breeze. Simply attach small loops (preferably rubber ones) to the ends of the laces, the same diameter as the temples of your glasses, and slip them through—that's it.

Tag ribbons

Luggage, carry-on, and gift tags, also known as "labels," allow us to personalize our items and make them unique and identifiable. For gifts, we can write a thought, a poem, or simply the recipient's name on the tag. You can pass one of your available laces through the hole they have to make the package even more original.

Laces for sweatshirts

How to recycle shoelaces

the beauty of sweatshirts with laces is that they can be Custom endlessly. If you prefer change to monotony, replace the one already inside with another shoelace, one of the shoes you've been saving just in case. A small gesture that allows you to quickly, easily, and cost-effectively update a classic piece of your fall/winter wardrobe.

Key holder

How to recycle shoelaces

Make a keychain with laces Making shoes requires a basic familiarity with macramé. Simply get a standard metal key ring and insert the desired shoelace inside, then begin weaving it using the technique that allows you to achieve the desired texture. The more laces you use, the more complex the design will be.

Game for cats

If you have a cat, you already know how much our four-legged friends love playing with ribbons, so much so that we often spend hours waving them in front of them. What if instead of a common string we created a sort of whip? We would get a

gather at least 3 rather long shoelaces (possibly of different colors)
knot them at one end and braid them to the desired length
knot them about 10 cm from the end of their length, leaving the ends free
there you go, yours rope toy for cats is ready for endless moments of fun

Hair for rag dolls

rag doll

We close with an interesting idea for the more creative ones. If you love making rag dolls By hand, you can use different shoelaces to create the hair. Using shoelaces of the same color can create a perfect result for decorative ones, while children will love the mix of different shades.

Polaroid Wire

If you love photos and want to surround yourself with them in your home, one of the latest trends in interior design is hanging Polaroids from a string, holding them in place with clothespins. How about replacing the bland string that often accompanies them with a super-cheerful ribbon, perfect for adding a pop of color to the room?

lay out the recycled lace on the table
hang neatly, using some clothespins, the photos next to each other
Apply the rope to the wall or desired piece of furniture using tape or small nails

Other household uses for shoelaces

Old shoelaces, especially those from sneakers that are changed frequently, can also be useful for other purposes around the house. Like these:

tie your hair as if it were a headband or a headband, or instead of a common elastic band
complete gift packages instead of ribbons
intertwine them to create bracelets
use them as curtain tiebacks
use them to keep keys together and, perhaps, hang them around your neck along with your badges (work or university)
use them for tie the plants to a support
make one metro practical for measuring irregularly shaped objects (after having marked the cm above with a permanent marker)

How to customize shoelaces

If you have some lace scraps at home , perhaps from sewing (or some cotton or satin remnants), measure them and cut two strips about 3-5 cm longer than the original laces of the shoe you're restoring. The end of the strip should then be rolled up and carefully placed (holding it firmly in your hand) under a piece of tape, which you should fold over the toe, about 2 cm from the end. Then add more tape to secure the end of the lace completely and remove any loose thread. Repeat the process for the ends of both laces , and the laces are ready for use.

A similar process can be repeated with about 2 meters of cotton bias tape, which is folded in half lengthwise and then sewn together. Using a needle and colored thread , create a tight roll at the ends of both laces: that's it, and the sneakers are ready to be decorated. If you don't want to create rolls at the ends, you can simply sew them together, folding them over on themselves to prevent them from unraveling. If you don't like straight laces, try braiding two pieces of fabric you have at home and letting them fray a little; then secure the ends with tape or cotton wool and proceed to decorate the sneakers: a grunge effect is guaranteed. The old laces can also be replaced with nylon cord threaded with colored plastic beads: an idea loved by both adults and children.

What to do with unwanted shoelaces