If your household is like most, you have a basket or box lying around somewhere with a bunch of mismatched socks in it. Every so often you pick out a sock that you’ve found the missing mate to but for the most part this sock basket takes up room or you eventually toss it out into the garbage (and then of course, you mysteriously find the matching sock that starts the new “sock basket”). So what can you do with all of these mismatched socks? Here are a few fun ideas to get you started.
Doll clothes
Using children’s mismatched socks you can cut off the sock from about the ankle down and keep the top portion of the sock. Children can then use these as dresses or tube tops for dolls according to the size of the sock. If you have time you could even stitch a skirt to the bottom section of the sock or crochet an edging for decoration. Children will love that their doll now has new clothes and your mismatched socks will again feel important and useful.
Dusting
For socks that have lost their elasticity becoming a dust sock is a great use. Simply have children put the clean socks on their hands and have them dust all of the surfaces in your homes that need dusting. Children will think this is great fun and ask to do it on occasion. When the task is complete you can simply toss the sock into the laundry (and maybe it will mysteriously be reunited with its other half).
Sock Bunnies
Using seven of your mismatched socks create a sock bunny. Simply use two of the socks for ears, two for arms, two for legs and one larger sized sock for the mid section (cut heel off of mid section). Stuff the socks with whatever you have on hand (more socks if applicable) and stitch together. Create a face for your sock bunny and you’re done. Children love unique stuffed animals and this is a great craft for beginning seamstresses as well.
Toys
Other fun stuffed animals can be made from mismatched socks. Be creative and see what ideas you can come up with. To get you started consider the sock monkey (his arms, legs and ears do not have to match), snakes, octopus, teddy bears and more. Have fun with it and see what you can come up with.
Pet toys
Many pets love to chew on socks. Tie several together and play tug of war or simply tie a knot in the center of a sock and give to your teething puppy or kitten. When the sock wears out you can simply return to your sock basket and re create a new sock toy for your pet.
Draft dodgers
Cut several socks at heel (discard heel or use for dust rags) and create a tube by stitching them together. Stuff with whatever is on hand (more socks if you have them) and stitch ends closed. Use to place in front of drafty doors, between drafty windows (the kind you raise not slide) and you will notice a warmer home.
Make a rug
Cut socks into strips and crochet them into a rug. Simply begin crocheting and add to your creation as you go. You can either stitch strips together or crochet them together (for a sturdier end product it’s recommended that you stitch ends or stitch finished product) as you go. Use your imagination and go wild or be subtle and keep colors in the same color scheme.
What ever you decide to do with your mismatched socks have fun with it and enjoy the fact that some things in life just simply will never match up and set your own fashion trend and wear your socks mismatched.
