by Susan Hibberd

Created on: November 17, 2008   Last Updated: January 05, 2009

How annoying when you get a hole in your favorite pair of pantyhose! If you've only just got them, it seems such a shame to throw them away. But what can you do with them? Here are some fun ideas to give them a new lease on life.

DRESSING UP

Throw them to the back of your cupboard and use them when you want to dress up as a punk. Put some extra holes in, and away you go.

RE-USE

If your pantyhose were very expensive, cut off the leg that is laddered and keep them. When you have another pair the same, wear them both at once, so you have two good legs showing.

FOOTLESS TIGHTS

If it is the toes of a thick pair of pantyhose that have a hole in, just cut off the feet and wear them as footless tights.

IN THE GARDEN

The legs of pantyhose actually make very good plant ties, as they are soft and pliable. They might not look great at the front of the border, but hide them at the back and they'll do the job perfectly!

GRASS HEADS

You can make funky little characters out of a pair of old pantyhose. Cut off the legs and use one leg only. Place a handful of grass seed in the toe end. Add about two cups of dirt. Tie off tightly. Rest the pantyhose, tied end downwards into a plant pot or mug. Add some googly eyes or sew on a face. Water well and soon your little head will grow green hair. Magical!

SIEVING

If you ever need to sieve anything very finely, such as pigments or ceramic glazes, then a length of pantyhose is great. Cut the leg lengthwise so that you have a square piece of fabric, and tie or tape it over the top of your bowl. Sieve through it.

STUFFING

Cut up old pantyhose make a good stuffing material for stuffed toys. If you are a crafter, then save all your old pantyhose and chop them into short lengths. Use them to stuff any craft item, from teddies to pillows to tiny Christmas tree ornaments.

HOME HAIR DYING

You can use a pair of old pantyhose and a crochet hook to give yourself highlights at home. Place the pantyhose over your head like a bank robber and use the crochet hook to pull through strands of hair. Add the bleach or dye to these pieces of hair only, following the instructions on the packet. Voila! Highlights!

HAND CRAFTED SNAKE

Use the leg of an old pantyhose to make a stuffed snake to use as a toy or as a draught excluder. Simply stuff and decorate.

These are just some of the ideas you can use old pantyhose for the list is endless!

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