Genius Uses for Old Shoelaces (Other Than Keeping Shoes On Your Feet)

The other day I was gathering old clothes and shoes for recycling – always one of my first steps for a closet organization. I collected a few pairs of worn-out gym shoes, but couldn’t bring myself to toss the shoelaces with them! I just knew I would find a way to use them. I ended up finding lots of clever ideas for their use (and reuse) and will be carrying around a shoelace in my purse from now on, just in case!

I also came across some fun projects and crafts that might also be worth buying (or even making!) a pair of fun shoelaces for. :-)

1. Drop a ring down the sink drain (or other hard to reach space?) Don’t panic! Just attach a magnet to the end of a shoelace to retrieve rings, earrings and other precious magnetic items.

2. If your sink has a drip, use a shoelace to guide the water to the bottom of the sink. No more annoying drip sound while you wait to get it fixed!

3. Use a shoelace to measure oddly shaped items. Just wrap the shoelace around the item, marking the point that needs measuring. Then you can compare the length of shoelace to a measuring tape for an accurate reading! This is a great tip if you don’t have a flexible, cloth measuring tape (or if you’re like me and can never find it!)

4. Make a fun and simple cat toy! Tie a few shoelaces together, making a loop on one end with dangling shoelace ends on the other. You can hang the toy from a perch or attach it to the end of a stick!

5. Replace the string in your hoodie by tying a shoelace to the old string and pulling the new one through! I found lots of designs at a local store, but there are some fun ones online too. Tip: attach a large safety pin to the end to make the shoelace easier to pull through.

6. Use a shoelace as a makeshift belt in a clothing emergency.

7. Keep your glasses on your face with a DIY strap. This especially comes in handy when you’re doing yoga or any activity that makes your glasses slip often. 

8. Pull your hair away from your face by using a shoelace as a headband. You can even make a fun bow out of a second shoelace and attach it to the top for little ones. :-) 

9. Make a quick book carrier for easy transportation without a bag.

10. Use as a bookmark that won’t bend inside a backpack. 

11. String binder clips, beads, bobbins, washers, or even bobby pins to keep small items tidy!

12. Braid a few shoelaces to make a keychain, a bracelet or a lanyard. You can continue braiding to make a sturdy handle for reusable shopping bag, too! Learn how to make this braid here.

13. Use as a cute ribbon on a gift.

14. Teach kids to tie shoes with this project from PBS Kids.

15. Braid this pretty Celtic Knot Necklace. Tutorial at Clones N Clowns.

16. Use straws to make a bright statement necklace! Learn how at Don’t MIS It.

17. Turn soda tabs and shoelaces into these bracelets with Cut Out + Keep.

18. Make a Pencil Kit to store art supplies on-the-go! Just use a shoe lace instead or ribbon!

19. Learn how to support tomato plants 5 different ways from Bonnie Plants.

What do you save old shoelaces for?