Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.
Are you hanging onto some old socks wondering how you could use them instead of just tossing them in the trash? Do you find it almost impossible to throw away the one remaining sock that used to be one half of a pair? Do you say to yourself, "How can I recycle these socks into something useful?"
In this article we're going to give you ideas and site addresses to help you decide what to do with the old socks. We've found many different uses and examples of ways to recycle old and odd socks. You'll be shown pictures of each of the projects so you'll be able to see right away what treasures you'll make.
This outstanding stick horse can be found on the light blue grey website.
1. Vintage Snowman
I love the vintage look of this little snowman. Doesn't it look cute in the bowl of Christmas balls? Check out the instructions at it’s always autumn to make this an item for your home.
2. Sock Rattles
Another great idea for a baby gift or décor for a baby shower. So very easy to make and so very cute. The tutorial for making these sock rattles is found at homemade BY JILL.
3. Olaf Sock Snowman
Who doesn't love Olaf? He's just ugly enough to be very cute. You'll enjoy making this sock snowman when following the instructions at One Creative Mommy.
4. Sock Penguin
I remember there was a movie a couple of years ago called, "Happy Feet" and I think of that whenever I see penguin pictures or crafts. Make these cuties by following the instructions at Craft Passion .
5. Hamsters
These little hamsters can be used as hacky sacks, if you want to play a game with them. The directions are found on the DIY is FUN site.
6. Mismatched Socks Snake
I love this idea for using mismatched socks for a craft. Especially using little kids socks that are usually brightly colored, and you know how one always gets lost. Find the tutorial for making this snake at Praktic Ideas. The instructions are in the opening paragraph.
7. Socktopus
This looks like a cute idea for a baby gift, or to decorate for a baby shower. Check out the instructions for making this socktopus at Kix.
8. Owl Sock Friends
There is something about these little owls that touch my heart. I just love them. To make some like them, go to favecrafts for the instructions.
9. Hedgehog Planter
This project could be made and observed in a classroom. Watch the hedgehog grow! You'll find the instructions for this planter at Praktic Ideas.
10. Sock Caterpillar
Imagine the fun the kids will have with you while you make this sock caterpillar. Just a long sock and some plastic balls are needed to make this cutie. Go to the Parents site for the instructions.
11. Giraffe Sock Puppet
Go to the Craft jr. website for the supplies needed and directions for the Giraffe Sock Puppet.
12. No-Sew Snowman
Make this no-sew snowman and add it to your holiday decorations. Go to Kids & Glitter for the instructions to make it.
13. Sock Owl
Go to the Bee's DIY website for all the information on making this cute sock owl.
14. Sock Covered Planters
The directions for this Sock Covered Planters project can be found at Simple Easy Creative.
15. Sock Phone Pouch
Make this useful Phone Pouch by going to Fine Craft Guild for the directions.
Cut up old nylon stockings and use the pieces for stuffing toys.
16. Sock Monkey Doll
This cute monkey doll's directions and supplies list can be found at the CRAFT WITH CONFIDENCE website.
17. Sock Bear
Imagine the thrill of receiving this cute little bear. Find the directions at i Creative Ideas.
18. Sock Snowmen
These cute as a button snowmen and their directions are found at Then She Made.
19. Cute Cupcake Sock Party Favors
20. Golf Club Covers
Go to favecrafts for the directions for this outstanding Golf Club Covers project, that any golfer would appreciate.
21. Sock Puppets
Make these homemade sock puppets using the directions given on the Skip to my Lou website.
22. Armband iPhone Holder
Can you think of a smarter or cheaper way to take your phone with you than this armband iPhone holder? Impressive!
23. Anneliese
Anneliese will have a place in your heart and your home as soon as you finish making her. The directions for Aneliese can be found at Family Unity Network.
24. Bunny Slippers
Who wouldn't like a pair of bunny slippers? If you'd like to make slippers like these, just go to Violet LeBeaux for the directions.
25. Hot Packs
Hot packs made using socks is such a great idea and when we have aching muscles they really are welcome. A great gift idea and make one for yourself too.
26. Dragon Sock Puppet
Telling and acting out fairy tales can be a time consuming activity for the little ones. Make this cute dragon sock puppet to help you tell the fairy tales. For the instructions for making this dragon puppet, go to Activity village.
27. Sock Gnomes
Go to instructables for the directions to make these cute gnomes. Make them to give as gifts or to keep for yourself.
28. Little Bag
Another version of a little bag for your cell phone or iPad. Go to Cut Out + Keep for these directions.
29. Sock Elephants
Have you ever seen an elephant in socks? Okay, me neither, but you can make a sock elephant with socks.
30. Doggie Sweater
It takes a tiny dog to wear this, but I know they are out there living with some of you. This is a quick and cute sweater for your lap dog. Go to Hartwood Roses for the directions.
31. Sock Bunnies
Are bunnies your weakness? These are sweet and cuddly and you can go to ikatbag to get the directions for the bunnies.
32. Kid Made Snowman
This super easy snowman project is one that the kids can make with little, or no help from an adult.
33. Lovey Doll
Dolls like this would be such a nice baby shower gift. They could also be incorporated in the baby shower decorating and then given as a gift. Find the directions for making these extra easy to make dolls at Handmade.
If you have old fiber filled or shredded foam pillows, use the filling for stuffing toys.
34. Knee Sock Monkey
Just when you think you've seen every possible sock monkey, here is a new one. Find directions for this monkey that uses knee socks at instructables.
35. Simple Snowman
36. Fingerless Gloves
The directions at We Lived Happily Ever After have plenty of pictures to make following the directions easy.
37. Funny Bunny Sock
Funny Bunny almost gives me the giggles looking at him. Cute and cuddly, the directions can be found at the Red Ted Art’s Blog.
38. Socktapus
This is a very cute idea and the kids will love this sock octopus. For the directions on how to make this octopus, go to THE Gold JELLYBEAN site.
39. How to Make a Sock Doll
40. No-Sew Turkey
Find out how easy it is to make this cute no-sew sock turkey by going to Easy Peasy and Fun. You'll find the instructions there also.
© 2012 Loraine Brummer
Would You Recycle Socks?
Patty Poet from Suffolk, VA on June 23, 2020:
The cell phone carry is unique. That is one I could definitely use!
RTalloni on May 02, 2019:
Lots of cute projects here, though some I would only use new socks to make. Love the hedgehog planter for old socks, for sure!
Francine Glasser from Kingston, NY on March 03, 2019:
Great hub of cute projects
arulola on January 06, 2019:
Amazing! So creative
Kara Skinner from Maine on July 04, 2017:
I love the penguins and the owl! They are so cute! The hedgehog planter looks interesting as well. Thanks for this really helpful list.
attraction 42 on September 20, 2012:
Yes, definitely.
SilmarwenLinwelin on September 11, 2012:
Definitely!
echolee on February 09, 2012:
I love sock doll and I make sock dolls too. You have given me quite many idea on doing my sock doll in the future. Thanks~
PoeticChristian on January 31, 2012:
Absolutely now that I have some great ideas. Great Lens! Thanks for sharing. I usually end up knotting them for my dog, not anymore,lol.
DonD LM on January 31, 2012:
This a great idea and I definitely admire you for doing this. I enjoyed reading your lense.
Teri Villars from Phoenix, Arizona on January 29, 2012:
I wouldn't, but my Grandmother, who was born in 1896 used to make sock monkeys. I see a lot of them today, most people probably didn't know that they are that old. Squid Angel blessed!
Ben Reed from Redcar on January 29, 2012:
Sure would. An excellent lense - I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
YsisHb on January 25, 2012:
Excellent! I will follow these ideas since I have many single socks (I really can't figure out where their pairs have hidden).Thanks for liking my lens on the Greek shepherd's flute
Marika from Cyprus on January 25, 2012:
Haha, fun lens and great ideas!
jadehorseshoe on January 22, 2012:
Charming Lens.
flicker lm on January 19, 2012:
What a lovely lens! My favorite is the Giraffe Sock Puppet. Wonderful.
buttonhead lm on January 18, 2012:
I *love* the sock planters! I am totally going to try that. Thank you for the inspiration!
hntrssthmpsn on January 12, 2012:
Those sock covered planters are adorable (and they look easy enough even for me!)
Pastor Cher from United States on January 10, 2012:
I recycle old socks for many things, but think the ones for the puppy and plants are cute. Maybe it would work on a cat. :)
EEWorkouts on January 10, 2012:
I made hot pot holders from old socks when I was a kid. Cut them into loops and wove them on a hot potholder kit. They made better dust mits but they looked cool.
Adriana from New Market on January 09, 2012:
Very creative lens! I absolutely adore the covered pots, and it seems like an easy project: I'll definitely do that.
