A good way to recycle old belts is to turn them into dog collars. Measure your dog's neck, then add 3-4 inches to the measurement. Cut the belt to the appropriate length, rounding the end. Make new holes using an awl and a hammer. You could decorate the collar with rhinestones, buttons, etc.
You can use the belt as an elongated multi-clothes hanger. First, slip the belt buckle over a sturdy clothes hanger. Then hang it in your closet. Now you have an elongated hanger. Each hole can hold a swivel-headed clothes hanger and you can place skirts, blouses, pants, etc. on a hanger and place each hanger in each of the holes of the belt. If you need to, you can make the holes a little larger with a leather punch in order to accommodate the size of the head of the clothes hanger. This is a great idea to conserve space in your closet. Works great! This will keep your closet more organized.
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I have all my colorful cloth scrunchies threaded on a belt. Then the belt is coiled and placed in a basket. Looks quite decorative and I can find that orange and brown scrunchie when I need it for school spirit day.
Sew a towel to a washable belt and instant apron! You could also just flip the towel over the belt and buckle it on.
I made collars for my homemade pound puppies years ago from skinny, ladies leather belts.
I have also used belts to replace handles on instrument cases - cut to fit and buckle it in the loops. You can add tape around the handle if you want.
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Homemade Dog Collar
We adopted 2 puppies in July. They were (and still) are growing so fast that we found ourselves buying collars nearly once a month. I was going though some old clothes to give away, and found a suitcase that I had put some belts in. Idea! I cut one of the belts down and punched a couple new holes in it and put it on my dog, Kayla. If you don't have any belts lying around, check out your local thrift store, garage sales, etc. Decorate according to your taste, gems, old costume jewelry, studs and even fake fruit for that Carmen Miranda look! Let your imagination go WILD!
By Laurie from Nevada
RE: Homemade Dog Collar
WOW great tip. I have two doggies and the little yorkie kept chew the Jack Russell's collar and we went through quite a few for six months. I am sure this tip will save money for others. I am going to use some old belts to make a few collars for my doggies so they can be dressed properly. (10/31/2006)
Belts, your own, or ones picked up at yard sales and the thrift store can be given a second life. This is a guide about reusing belts.
By Polly G01/21/2009
Craft Uses for Old Belts