They say every picture tells a story, and I like to think that every garment does too. That's why, with every piece you buy, I will include a delightful "story" of the life that your garment once led.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

DIY Suspenders made from Vintage Ties!

Wanna make your very own one-of-a-kind suspenders? It's easy! I have a few pairs of suspenders and I have been scouring thrift stores looking for more but haven't had any luck. I saw some printed suspenders in a fashion photo and thought that they looked silk, like a silk tie. I have since been dreaming of making suspenders from vintage ties so yesterday I finally did it! I hope you like them!!
 
Instructions: For starters head to your local thrift store or you BF's closet and steal 2 of your favorite ties. Don't steal from the thrift store though, only steal from your BF or Dad. :) You will also need: a needle, thread, scissors, and clips. I bought my clips at Michaels, they came in a package of 4. But if you find actual suspender clips, get those and then let me know where you found them, cause I sure couldn't. 
Now fold the skinny end of the tie over about an inch and place your clip in the middle. My clips came with a circle cut out on the backside so you can thread your needle in and out. I threaded all around the circle to really secure the clip to the tie. I also sewed the triangle part of the tie so that it didn't stick up. Do the same with the other skinny end of the tie. 
Now that you have 2 ends finished, clip those ends onto the back of your pants and throw the straps over your shoulders. Look in the mirror to see how they look. From here I tied the ties together from the middle of my chest. When you tie it kind of knots one tie around the other so I tied the tie that didn't get tied around the one that did. So now they are double tied. I did this so that if you need to tighten or loosen the suspenders, you will have slack on both straps. Play with your knots, you can knot it a couple of times or you can tie it like a tie.
FInally, while the suspenders were still connected to the back of my pants I measured down to the front of my pant with the tie straps. Then I cut the ties, leaving a bit of slack. Then I folded the ends in and began sewing the clips to this end of the tie. Now do the same to the other end. 
And you're done! It was easy, right?!

2 comments:

  1. I have some suspender clips that have been around for ages. I am definitely making these little beauties.

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  2. Ooooh cool! You should send me a pic if you make them. I would love to see your creation! :)

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