DIY with socks: Brilliant ways to use old mismatched socks

Some of the world’s mysteries will never be solved. What happened to Jimmy Hoffa? Was Atlantis real? Where do all the single socks go when they disappear in the laundry? Fortunately, the sock issue has a silver lining: you can use the mismatched socks to create new and practical things. Here are some brilliant ways to use mismatched socks and make the most out of an inconvenient situation. Bring on the DIY with socks projects!

Make a headband or ear warmers

One of the best ways to repurpose mismatched socks is to create a DIY headband or ear warmers. They are a great fashion accessory for the winter months and can be mixed and matched to create some unique looks. If you have a mismatched custom team sock, like the pairs from Elite Sports Socks, you can even make a team spirit headband to sport at the hockey rink or football stadium. This will be much like a sports headbands.

For this DIY with socks craft, you’ll need two mismatched socks. Cut the toes off each sock and overlap them in an X. Pull the socks taught to make a chain link effect, and sew the open ends together in a straight line at the back. The infinity-style loop goes at the front for a custom fashion accessory that looks great on both adults and babies.

Create a draft blocker

Socks are meant to keep your feet warm and dry. It stands to reason, then, that in their next life, they’ll continue that purpose. Use your mismatched socks to create a draft blocker to put along the edge of your door or windows.

Cut the toes off the sock and sew them together in a tube formation. Make the tube long enough to cover the targeted area, using as many socks as you need. Stuff the socks with sand, stuffing, or a combination of the two. Then, place the draft blocker in front of the door or window that gets drafty.

If you want to use your draft blocker when leaving the house, sew on tabs that you can pull from the other side of the door to ensure the draft blocker is snug against the opening.

DIY with socks: Make a hobby horse

Hobby horses used to be one of the world’s favorite toys. You can use a combination of mismatched socks and creativity to bring this long-lost plaything back to life.

For this project, you’ll need a dowel, stuffing, buttons, and yarn. You can also get other adornments, like ribbons or leather straps. Stuff the sock and adhere it to the dowel with hot glue and string. These are great, affordable DIY gifts and are an excellent project for birthday parties and rainy days.

Don’t limit yourself to making a traditional horse. You can create a dragon, a unicorn, or a dinosaur if you’re so inclined.

Baby rattles and crinkle toys

Babies love bright colors and new noises. Repurpose your clean mismatched socks into rattles and crinkle toys. Use a recycled spice or tea canister for the rattle component. Add a few small dried beans and seal the canister shut with super glue. Then, surround it with stuffing and sew it into the sock. Alternatively, you can use a few little bells.

For crinkle toys, you can use a clean, crumpled chip bag or foil. Create a sewn fabric pouch for inside the sock to keep it contained. For the sock itself, you can shape it into something simple or make a sock animal. Bunnies, monkeys, and octopi are great options for a baby.

More DIY with socks: Herbal fresh packs

You may not associate pleasant smells with your socks, but that’s exactly what the goal of creating a herbal fresh pack is. Stuff your mismatched socks with dried flowers and herbs to freshen your stored luggage, gym bag, shoes, hockey gear, or clothing drawers.

These easy DIY crafts for repurposing mismatched socks are great for making gifts or enhancing your lifestyle. Maybe some mysteries are better left unsolved after all.