Last updated: September 2026 It happens to every pair eventually: a run, a snag, a hole you can't ignore. Before you throw out your ripped tights, give them a second life this Halloween. Here are three easy, low-cost decorations you can make with tights you already have: a ghost garland, spooky spider webs and no-carve pumpkins. All three are simple enough to make with kids. 3 ways to turn ripped tights into Halloween decor Each project below uses one pair of old tights (or less) and only takes a few basic supplies. Black or dark tights work best for spider webs. Lighter or patterned tights make cute pumpkins. 1. Ghost Wall Garland This one is perfect for the whole family. I had so much fun making these with my nephew, and he even brought one home to play with! What you'll need 1 leg of old tights Scissors Ribbon White paint and a small paintbrush Glue gun String How to make it Cut one leg of your tights into small squares, then cut along the stitched side to open each square into a rectangle. Roll a scrap of leftover fabric into a small ball and place it in the centre of a rectangle. Fold the fabric over the ball and tie a piece of ribbon underneath to shape the ghost's head. Paint on two eyes and a mouth. Once the paint is dry, use your glue gun to attach the ghosts along a string. I made 8 for my garland. 2. Spooky Spider Webs Tights with a run are already halfway to a spider web, which makes this the easiest project of the three. I spray-painted a few branches from outside black and wrapped them to make a centrepiece, but you can stretch your web over almost anything. What you'll need Old tights (black or dark colours work best) Scissors A few branches and black spray paint (optional) Glue gun Fake spiders or flowers (optional) How to make it Use your scissors to snip small holes in the tights. Pull and stretch the fabric around the holes to create a torn, web-like effect. Stretch the web over your branches, a vase or a doorframe. Glue on fake spiders or flowers for extra detail. 3. No-Carve Tights Pumpkins These are so easy and so pretty. You get fancy-looking pumpkins without spending hours carving, and there's no mess at all. What you'll need 1 leg of old tights (patterned or sheer tights look especially nice) Small pumpkins Scissors Ribbon (optional) How to make it Cut off one leg of your tights. Slip a small pumpkin inside and pull the fabric snug. Tie off the top (or finish it with a ribbon) and trim any extra fabric. Give your tights a second life Turning ripped tights into decorations is a simple way to keep one more pair out of the trash. Looking for more ideas? Try these 4 surprising ways to upcycle your tights. And if you'd rather have fewer runs to begin with, our Resistant tights are made with recycled nylon and thick enough to outlast the rest. For help choosing your next pair, see the complete guide to tights and hosiery. What's your favourite Halloween DIY? Xo,Marie-Jade Halloween DIY with Tights: FAQ Can you reuse tights that have a run? Yes. Tights with runs or holes can't really be worn anymore, but they're great for crafts. Stretchy tights fabric works well for Halloween decorations like ghosts, spider webs and pumpkin covers, as well as gift wrap and hair accessories. How do you make a spider web out of tights? Snip small holes in a pair of dark tights, then stretch and pull the fabric around them until it looks like a torn web. Stretch it over branches, a vase or a doorway, and glue on fake spiders for detail. How do you decorate a pumpkin without carving it? Slip a small pumpkin into one leg of an old pair of tights, pull it snug and tie off the top. Patterned or sheer tights give it a textured, decorative finish with no mess. Are these Halloween crafts safe for kids? Yes, with a little help. Kids can do the folding, painting and decorating, and an adult should handle the scissors, the glue gun and the spray paint.
