Ways to Use Old Shoulder Pads

Don't Throw Them Away!

Back in the eighties and nineties when shoulder pads were in style, I almost always removed them from the insides of my blouses and tops. Maybe shoulder pads looked good on a tall skinny model, but I didn't need to look like a broad-shouldered football player in my stylish shirts. Besides, even the shoulder pads I wanted inside my blouses never stayed in place. I didn't throw away those shoulder pads. Instead, I saved them for a number of uses in and around the home.

Do you have old shoulder pads lying in your sewing box, or old blouses or tops in your closet that have shoulder pads? Don't throw them away. Old shoulder pads are actually very useful, and they're worth saving and using. If you have a collection of old shoulder pads or clothes with shoulder pads that you don't intend to wear, give these ideas a try. Shoulder pads really are worth keeping and using!

Kneepads for Gardening

Gardening is enjoyable, and it can be very relaxing, but it's also very hard on the back. Instead of bending over to do gardening chores, it's easier to kneel, but kneeling for extended periods of time can also be painful and hard on sensitive kneecaps. Old shoulder pads can be sewn together and used as handy knee pads for gardening. Simply sew two equals sides together and attach elastic. Homemade knee pads are washable, and they make gardening much easier on the knees, especially if they're doubled.

Butterfly Fridge Magnets or Chip Clips

How about using old shoulder pads to make unique fabric butterflies? Simply gather the center of a shoulder pad to create wings, and secure it with a chenille stem. Make a body with a fluffy black chenille stem, and create bendable feelers with a narrow one. Glue on plastic eyes, and decorate the shoulder pad butterfly by gluing on sequins or glitter with fabric glue. A magnet can be attached to the back for a magnetic decoration, or a spring-style clothespin can be attached to make a handy and unique chip clip. No one will ever believe this one-of-a-kind butterfly was made with an old shoulder pad!

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