Garter ties, cheap and easy!

[BroosterB1]

One of the problems with flashies is well, they just look weird. I mean tartan and Velcro? Kind of struck me as not too authentic. I really liked the handwoven garter ties that Puffer showcased awhile back, and the stuff that Matt has at the Scottish Tartan Museum, but the cost has been a tad prohibitive so I got to thinking (always trouble) and here is the result.

Went to Jo-Ann's and got some low cost tassels and ribbon.



Really low cost



laid out the materials





Got to work, really not that hard. just tack the tassel to the ribbon and fold over, sew a square, and fold over again. Finish with a cast off stitch and you are done.



Got a little carried away


made some red and black with beads.



Then some triple tasseled gold ones



Best part? This was fun! Drove my wife up the wall! Her comments about "well now he's sewing!" and "Little Suzie Homemaker" were set aside when she saw the results. She even proudly said this weekend "He made the garter ties!" when we were out dressed up. Now if I could just get her to take pictures...... I'll think of some thing and post up some examples of how these look against hose.

[Tobus]

I'm looking forward to the pics of them in use!

I've been considering making my own garter ties as well. They just look more traditional and add some flair to an outfit. But man, they're pricy! I've been thinking of braiding my own, with maybe a 12-part flat braid out of wool yarn. Your idea seems pretty good, although I'd like to see the finished product tied in place with hose.

Is the ribbon not too slick to hold itself tied?

[BroosterB1]

Nope, one you double wrap around the calf, then us a "lashing" style wrap around the doubled ribbon, then a loose overhand knot (like a shoelace with out the bow) the ties stay wonderfully. I think I may have a solution to my wife's reluctance to take pictures......... now where's my tripod!ith:

[BroosterB1]

These pics are not the best, but with out help they are the best I can do.

First tying the ties




Next, what they look like from the side

Green and gold



Triple gold



These are really sharp with Green hose.

My Favorites Black and Red



Cost for all of these was less than one pair else where. Yes they are home made, but I kind of dig them!

[kiltedwolfman]

There s always a certain satisfaction in knowing you did it yourself and did it well! Good job bud.

[piperdbh]

I REALLY like the red and black combo. (They're my college colors. )
I'm going to make some for myself, but I think I'll use 1/2" or maybe 5/8" wide ribbon. Thanks for the idea!

[Cavebear58]

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[vipermcgee]

Its 102 miles to the nearest Joanns, so I'm off to Wal~Mart tomorrow! This answers my resolves a problem I have getting ready for a wedding.

Robert