We all have those pairs of tights that are no longer wearable—maybe they’ve developed a run, or the elastic has stretched beyond repair. Instead of tossing them in the bin, why not repurpose them in creative and useful ways? Here are 10 ideas for giving your old tights a new life.
1. Make a DIY Hair Tie or Headband
Old tights, especially those made from nylon, are perfect for making hair ties and headbands. Simply cut the tights into strips and tie the ends together. The elasticity of the material makes them gentle on your hair, reducing breakage compared to regular hair ties.
2. Use as a Plant Tie
Tights are excellent for tying plants to stakes or trellises in your garden. The soft material is gentle on stems, preventing damage while providing the necessary support for growing plants.
3. Create a Potpourri Sachet
Turn your old tights into potpourri sachets by cutting the tights into small squares, filling them with dried flowers, herbs, or essential oils, and tying them up. These sachets are perfect for placing in drawers, closets, or even your car for a fresh scent.
4. Make a Crafty Stuffed Toy
If you enjoy crafting, old tights can be used to create stuffed toys. Fill them with stuffing, sew them into different shapes, and add some creative details with fabric or buttons to bring your toy to life.
5. Turn Them into Cleaning Cloths
The soft, stretchy material of tights makes them great for dusting and polishing. Cut them into small cloths and use them to clean mirrors, windows, or even your car. They’re particularly effective at picking up dust and won’t scratch surfaces.
6. Use as a DIY Paint Strainer
When you need to strain paint, old tights can do the trick. Stretch a piece of the tights over the mouth of your paint container and pour the paint through it. This will catch any lumps or debris, giving you a smooth finish for your painting project.
7. Store Onions and Garlic
Tights are breathable and stretchy, making them perfect for storing onions and garlic. Place the produce inside, knotting the tights between each one, and hang them in a cool, dry place. This method helps keep onions and garlic fresh for longer.
8. Make a Lint Remover
Cut a piece of old tights and wrap it around your hand or a brush to create a makeshift lint remover. The nylon material works wonders in picking up lint, pet hair, and other small debris from clothing and upholstery.
9. Sell them
Thats right, you can sell your old tights, either to enthusiasts (they do exist!) or bundle them up for arts and crafts hobbyists. This can be a viable side hustle with some people making several thousands of pounds every month, not bad for something you would just throw away!
10. Create a Mesh Laundry Bag
Transform your old tights into a mesh laundry bag by tying off one end and cutting open the other. This bag is perfect for washing delicate items like lingerie or hosiery, protecting them from getting tangled or damaged in the washing machine.
Final Thoughts
Old tights don’t have to be destined for the landfill. With a bit of creativity, you can repurpose them into useful items for your home, garden, and wardrobe. These ideas not only help you save money but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing waste. So the next time you find a run in your tights, think twice before throwing them out—there’s still plenty of life left in them!
