How to Recycle Old Shoelaces into Art and Craft Supplies

You know that drawer where random laces seem to collect over time—colorful, frayed, forgotten? Most of us toss old shoelaces without a second thought. But here's the thing: shoelaces are surprisingly versatile. With a little creativity, these simple cords can be transformed into everything from fashion accessories to home decor and even toys. Recycling isn't just about bottles and cans anymore—it's about looking at everyday stuff differently.

Tossing out old laces might seem like no big deal, but they end up in landfills just like anything else. Repurposing them into DIY projects helps reduce waste and gives them a second life. Plus, using what you already have saves cash and taps into that good ol’ DIY spirit.

Understanding Shoelace Materials

Before jumping into crafting, let’s take a quick beat to understand what we’re working with. Shoelaces come in different types: flat, round, rope, elastic, even waxed or reflective. Each one behaves differently depending on the material—cotton, polyester, leather, or nylon.

Flat laces are flexible and perfect for weaving or braiding. Round laces, especially the thicker ones, are sturdier and ideal for structural pieces like plant holders or handles. Elastic ones? Great for quick crafts that need stretch, like bracelets or pet toys. Leather laces work beautifully for more refined, long-lasting items like jewelry.

Matching the right lace type to your project matters. A macramé wall hanging needs durable laces that won’t fray easily. A child’s necklace? You want something soft and non-irritating. Choose wisely and your craft not only looks better, it lasts longer too.

Preparing Shoelaces for Crafts

First things first—clean those old laces. Chances are, they’ve been through a lot. A quick soak in warm soapy water, followed by a rinse and air-dry, usually does the trick. For tougher grime, baking soda or a little white vinegar can help.

Once clean, untangle and inspect them. Frayed ends can be trimmed or burned lightly with a lighter (carefully!) if they’re synthetic. For cotton laces, use fabric glue or sew the ends shut to prevent further unraveling.

Color-coordinating makes things easier down the road. You can bundle laces by hue or size with rubber bands or store them neatly in jars, small bins, or even old shoeboxes. Trust me, your future self will thank you when the crafting bug hits.

DIY Shoelace Craft Ideas

Fashion Accessories

One of the easiest ways to start using shoelaces creatively? Turn 'em into fashion accessories. Let’s say you’ve got some vibrant, flat laces lying around. Braid a few together, knot the ends, and boom—you’ve got yourself a funky friendship bracelet. Throw in some beads or charms, and it's a vibe.

Longer leather or rope laces make cool necklaces or even earrings if you’re bold. Just twist or weave them with metal findings. Need a headband? Wrap a few elastic laces together and sew the ends. Want a waist belt for that thrifted dress? Try braiding thicker laces and add an old buckle or tie it in a bow. Unique, zero-waste, and full of character.

Home Decor

Shoelaces in your home decor? Oh yeah. Wall art is a great beginner project. Grab a canvas or cardboard, outline a design with glue, then lay your laces over it. Mandalas, quotes, or abstract patterns—you can do a lot with what you’ve got.

For a rustic or artsy vibe, weave laces into coasters or baskets. Use a bowl as your mold, and glue layer after layer of laces around it. You’ll end up with a surprisingly sturdy little container for keys, coins, or whatever ends up on your counter.

Holidays coming up? Shoelaces are perfect for gift wraps and festive garlands. String up some cut lace pieces with pom-poms or beads and hang 'em up like streamers. It’s cheaper and a whole lot more personal than store-bought decor.

Toys and Games

Got pets or kids in your life? Shoelace crafts are surprisingly useful here too. For dogs, knot a few sturdy laces together and braid them into a tug toy. Cats go wild for anything dangly—tie some bells or feathers to the ends and watch the chaos unfold.

For kids, lace crafts can be super educational. You can make color-coded counting strings, or use laces to practice tying and untying knots. It keeps their hands busy and helps develop motor skills, which is a win-win.

Innovative Uses of Shoelaces in Everyday Life

Beyond crafts, shoelaces can actually help you stay organized and functional around the house or on-the-go. One of my favorites? Turn a shoelace into a bookmark. Tie a bead or button at the end and you’ve got something simple but personal.

They also make awesome keychains. Weave a few together with a ring and toss in some charms or initials. Or if you're always misplacing camera caps or water bottles, use a shoelace as a strap. Need something to hang up a plant pot or bundle some cords together? Yep, laces do that too.

In the garden, they're handy for tying up plants or creating hanging supports. They’re surprisingly strong, especially the thick round types. And since you're reusing something that would’ve been tossed out, it just feels good.

Advanced Shoelace Art Techniques

Ready to level up? Shoelaces are great for macramé. You can follow any basic pattern—spiral knots, square knots, or alternating half-hitch knots—and swap out the standard cord for shoelaces. Flat ones work best for clarity and texture.

Knitting and crochet are totally doable too, though it helps if you’ve got thinner laces or elastic ones. Use them for things like drink sleeves or small pouches. Bonus: combining laces with other upcycled materials like denim scraps, buttons, or broken jewelry adds even more flair.

For those who like a challenge, try weaving a wall tapestry or making a shoelace rug. Yep, a rug. It takes time and patience, but the end result is one-of-a-kind and kinda epic.

Community and Social Impact

This stuff isn’t just about art; it’s about sustainability and sharing. Many community centers or after-school programs have started offering shoelace crafting as an eco-friendly group activity. It teaches kids about repurposing, helps reduce waste, and brings people together.

Artists and upcyclers are also showcasing creative shoelace uses in galleries, pop-up shops, and even festivals. Some are blending fashion, activism, and DIY culture to show that "trash" can become treasure.

When people start realizing just how much potential lies in what they already own, mindsets shift. Crafting becomes more than just a hobby—it turns into a way to live consciously and creatively.

Recycling old shoelaces is more than just a feel-good weekend activity—it’s a way to stretch your imagination, reduce waste, and create something that reflects who you are. Whether you’re turning them into funky jewelry, quirky decor, or handy everyday tools, the possibilities are endless.

Plus, you don’t have to stop at your own stash. Custom laces in different lengths, styles, and colors open up even more crafting opportunities. Platforms like Lace Lab offer tons of cool options if you're looking to mix new flair with recycled inspiration.

Start small, stay curious, and share what you create. You never know who you’ll inspire next.

FAQs

How to ensure shoelaces are clean before using them in crafts?

Soak them in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes. Rinse well and let them air-dry. For really dirty laces, a splash of vinegar or a pinch of baking soda does wonders.

What are the best types of shoelaces for different crafts?

Flat cotton laces are great for braiding and weaving. Round ones offer strength for structural pieces. Elastic ones are perfect for stretchable or wearable projects.

Can shoelaces be dyed for crafting purposes?

Absolutely. Just make sure they’re cotton or another natural fiber—synthetics don’t hold dye as well. Use fabric dye or even natural options like tea or beet juice for a subtle tint.

What are some quick shoelace crafts for beginners?

Try a braided bracelet, a simple keychain, or a plant tie. They don’t take long and still look awesome.

How can shoelace crafts be used in educational activities for children?

Use them to teach counting, knot-tying, or even color sorting. Lacing cards are great for fine motor skills too. You can make those from cardboard and hole punches.

Are there any safety concerns with using shoelaces in crafts?

Just keep an eye on kids using long laces—supervision helps avoid tangling or choking risks. For pets, always double-check that toys are securely knotted and can’t be swallowed.

Where can I find colorful or custom laces for craft projects?

If your stash is running low or you want a specific style—like reflective, waxed, or model-specific designs—Lace Lab has a huge variety perfect for customizing or crafting.