We have all gone through it. Every now and then, we vow to ourselves that we will make sure that each pair of our socks will never separate. We wash it, dry it, fold it, and keep it. Until one day, by some stroke of a washing machine or dryer anomaly, we end up with just a single sock.
Apart from wearing mismatched socks (which for the most part can actually be cool) we often do not know what to do with the single sock lying in our drawers. Putting them in the bin is an option, but in order to care for the planet, it is better to make use of them in other ways.
Here are 63 creative things you can do to breathe new life into those single socks.
1) Woven Pot Holder
Now that this favorite pastime is making a long-overdue comeback, you can finally put all those single socks to good use! Just cut them up into strips and finger weave them through a homemade loom made from cardboard and push pins.
These mini bean bags are great for tossing with (or at) your kids/dogs/random zombies in the backyard. And unlike most DIY’s that expect you to have at least some type of skill, this no-sew bean bag project is truly “For Dummies.”
Get the full tutorial and a list of fun games you can play with these bean bags on this blog here.
If you’re one of those people that get frustrated with complicated DIY projects, you’ll love making these fingerless gloves. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, these rank on the stupid easy level!
Now your little ones can cruise the floor without getting bumps, scrapes, and bruises! Just make sure to use thick, sturdy socks for extra padding and longevity.
If you want to knock the socks off a new mom, then give her one of these adorable coin purses! They’re great for stashing small things like spare change, lip balm, and house keys.
While it may seem counter-intuitive to actually WANT to smell your sock, don’t cross this one off your list just yet. Not only do these hot packs feel really good on a sore neck, but they also smell divine too!
In a normal world, no one would ever think of rubbing an old sock against their face. But in the DIY world, upcycling old socks into fruit-shaped face scrubbies is a brilliant move! You can use them in place of disposable cotton rounds to take off your makeup, and they pretty much wash themselves every time you cleanse your face.
Dogs seem to go bananas over toys that crinkle between their teeth! Now you can make as many as your doggo wants with an empty water bottle and a long tube sock.
If you work at a computer all day, a wrist rest can help prevent the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Instead of buying one at the store, DIY it with a water balloon and an old sock! You could fill it with some whole flax seeds to make it even more comfy.
Unlike the kind you find at the store, this sock bun is actually made from the real deal! If you love the chubby sock bun look, grab a pair of scissors, an old sock, and an elastic band. Then check out this tutorial here.
Why buy an expensive neoprene pocket to hold your phone while you go for a run when you can easily DIY it with an old sock? This has got to be the most comfortable iPhone armband ever!
Swiffer dust mops are super convenient, but the price to clean your home always adds up because you have to keep buying the refills! Why not save money upcycling your old fuzzy socks into these reusable Swiffer pads? Just cut it to size and slip it over the base of the Swiffer and off you go! If you don’t want to cut the sock to size, you can follow this full tutorial here.
Anyone who loves to sew will tell you that you can never have enough pincushions! But, the ironic thing about this cute potted pin cushion is that it’s actually a no-sew project.
Do you have a collection of single cotton socks that you can never seem to pair up with their perfect match? Then it’s time to make them all look the same by getting crazy with colors and tie-dying them!
These arm warmers are as pretty as the decorative little buttons they’re adorned with! If you’re looking for a last-minute gift, this is something you can literally make in about 15 minutes.
Don’t throw away all those threadbare socks with holes in the big toe! Give them a second life as grease rags in a garage or DIY workshop. You can use them to soak up oil spills or to smooth out a woodworking project prior to finishing.
Drafty doors can hike up your energy bill during the winter months, but you can put a stop to that with this adorable snake door draft stopper. Looks matter with this one, so use the cutest sock you can find!
If you love to go on camping trips or you enjoy picnics in the park, then bringing along some utensils are a must. But, why bother buying a travel utensil holder when you can just stuff it into a clean, fluffy sock? You can even use a piece of the sock yarn ball you just made to tie the end shut.
If you don’t want to show up to a dinner party with a bare naked wine bottle, then dress it up in this cozy sock wrap. Just make sure you’re up to speed on the perfect wine-sock pairings so you don’t accidentally embarrass yourself.
The great thing about this DIY is that you can use mismatched socks and no one will be the wiser! The only thing people will be able to see is the pretty lace trim at the top.
This is the perfect chew toy for your dog – she can have her cake without gaining any weight. Just make sure to supervise your pup so she doesn’t actually eat it!
Great news if you have zero sewing skills – you don’t need any to make these adorable fluffy pencil cases. A hot glue gun is your friend here, as it’s what you’ll use to seal up the cut up ends of the sock and apply the zipper.
Who says cozies are just for drinks? If you want to liven up your living space but don’t have much money to spend on decorations, then bust out your prettiest argyle socks and give your potted plants a cozy makeover!
Use your crochet skills and an old sock to make this tiny little bag. It can be used to carry little things like credit cards, cash, house keys, loose change – you name it!
Granted, this will only work if you have a dog the size of a tube sock! But even if you don’t, you can always adopt one that will fit into this tiny little doggy sweater!
Instead of using toxic dryer sheets, make a DIY dryer ball that’s been scented with essential oils. If you have a lonely wool sock, that’s even better.
Of course, there’s always the risk that this sock will mysteriously disappear, but that’s okay the universe will always make sure you have an unlimited supply of mismatched socks!
It’s easy to transform ordinary old socks into these cute bunny slippers! All you need are old socks, a piece of cardboard, some thread and needle, and some pillow stuffing.
Why spend money on golf club covers that everyone and their golfing buddy already have? Make your own funny covers with an old sock and your favorite animal plushie. Even if you don’t hit a hole-in-one, these will make you laugh all the way to the bank.
This sock rock paperwork makes a pretty addition to any home office or dining room table. Even better, you can also use it in a pinch to whack home invaders!
A sock bracelet may sound weird, but hey, why not? We don’t give a second thought to wearing ugly hair scrunchies around our wrists all day, and this bejeweled wrap bracelet actually looks kind of cool.
Turn your old socks into baby leg warmers! They cover just the right amount of leg, and won’t cost you anything more than some time and the cost of thread.
Take a closer look and you’ll see how this beanie was actually made from socks. The great thing about this project is that having mismatched socks is actually an advantage!
If you’re looking to make a fashion statement, you’ll get plenty of attention with this cute choker necklace. All you need to get started is a sock, glue, and velcro. If you want to go all out, bedazzle it with some rhinestones or add a pretty brooch.
No one would ever suspect just by looking at it that this scrappy rug is actually made from socks. Although this one is white, you can mix and match your socks to make one that’s totally unique. You’ll need some crocheting know-how for this one, but even then it’s really easy.
Entertain your toddler for hours with this fun, no-sew fishing game! Hot glue a magnet to the inside of the sock, fill it with some batting and then attach some buttons to give the fish some eyes.
Your home will look and smell pretty with this dainty sock sachet. For this project, you’ll want to cut off the bottom toe part of the sock and fill it with a laundry scent booster like Downey Unstoppables.