You've just cleaned a closet drawer or taken laundry out of the dryer and found a pile of old, unpaired, unusable socks. Instead of throwing them away, you can recycle your socks into something useful at home, such as a rag or to plug gaps to keep the wind out. To recycle socks, wash the socks, use them to wrap your hands, bottles/thermos, or heat sinks, then decorate as you wish.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Making a Duster
Step 1. Put socks on hands
Fluffy socks are ideal because their texture picks up dust and hair better than soft socks. You just have to put your hands in your socks.
Step 2. Wet the socks
While hairy socks can pick up a lot of dust when dry, other socks don't. Wet socks under running water or use a furniture polishing product. Don't add too much water or furniture polish, just enough to dampen it.
Step 3. Remove dust from the surface of the object
The socks are ready to use. You just need to sweep it over a dusty surface. If the sock is so covered with dust or hair that it can no longer lift any more, use a brush to dust it over the trash can or flip the sock over and get on with your work.
Step 4. Wash the socks
Put the socks in the washer and tumble dryer with the rest of the laundry. The socks will be clean and ready to be reused.
Method 2 of 5: Creating a Muscle Relaxation Pouch
Step 1. Pour the rice into the socks
The best option for making hot pockets is long socks without holes. Pour 4 cups of white rice (not instant) or another heatable food item, such as corn kernels or flaxseed, into the sock.
You can adjust how much rice to use. A smaller amount will make the heat bag softer and can be used to relax muscles in smaller areas of the body
Step 2. Make a knot at the top of the sock
Wrap the top end of the sock, then make a knot to tie it. This will prevent the contents of the sock from spilling out and releasing heat.
Step 3. Heat in the microwave
Limit warm-up times to just one minute per lap and no more than three minutes in total. Otherwise, the socks will overheat and the contents will burn. The sock should feel warm to the touch, but not in pain.
Place a cup of water in the microwave, next to the sock, to slow down the heating process
Step 4. Glue the sock to the affected body part
Warm socks are perfect for treating colds, aches, or sore body parts. Place the sock over the sore muscle or area or place it on the area you want to treat.
Method 3 of 5: Making a Thermos Cover
Step 1. Measure the length of the socks you need
If you need a special measure, for example for your favorite coffee flask, take a tape measure to take measurements. Measure only the area to be covered with the sheath. Add 2.5 cm to the measurement result. When measuring socks, start from where your toes are.
If you want the cover to be slightly wrinkled, add a few more inches to the measurement
Step 2. Cut the top of the sock
After getting the length of the socks according to the measurement results, cut out the parts that are not needed with scissors. At this stage, you should be able to wear socks, but without any decorations.
Step 3. Flip the sock so that the inside is on the outside
Make sure the good side is inside. Trimming socks from an unattractive inner side will result in a nicer thermos case.
Step 4. Fold the sock down
Find the end of the sock that will be the top of the glove. Take the top end and fold it down 2.5 cm wide.
Step 5. Sew the hem
Use a sewing needle to sew the bottom of the fold so that it sticks to the sock. If you don't want to bother with sewing, use adhesive tape between the folds and iron them to stick or use fabric glue.
If you're using fabric glue, overlap the sock with a heavy object, such as a thick book, and wait an hour for the glue to dry
Step 6. Flip the sock so that the good side is outside
You have to turn the sock over as before. Now, the stitched or glued crease will be inside the sheath and you will no longer be able to see it. For conventional thermos, the holster is ready to use.
Step 7. Make a hole for the handle
If you're making a holster for a coffee flask, find the side to use for the handle. Use scissors to make a vertical incision in the middle of the sock. Don't forget to tidy up the loose threads.
You can apply a small amount of fabric glue to the edges of the holes to prevent the fibers from unraveling
Method 4 of 5: Making a Wind Shield
Step 1. Pour the corn kernels into the socks
Pour a cup of dry corn kernels or another heat-absorbing food item, such as dry peas, into the sock. Let the seeds occupy the bottom of the sock.
Step 2. Place the quilt batting into the sock
Add the same amount of foam as the food ingredients. Upholstery foam is a foam that absorbs heat and can be purchased at craft stores. If you don't have one, you can replace it with another material, such as foam upholstery from an old pillow.
Step 3. Create alternating layers
Then, add another cup of corn kernels, followed by another layer of foam. Alternate layers of corn kernels and foam lining until the sock is full.
Step 4. Do the same with the other sock
This step is optional, but you will need to do it to close large gaps, such as under a door leaf. You may need to make a windshield or two, depending on the length of the sock. Alternately repeat the steps of filling the sock with corn kernels and upholstery foam.
Step 5. Pull the end of the sock and join it with the other sock
Join the open end of the sock with the bottom of the other sock to create a larger windshield. Pull the open end of the sock over the bottom of the opposite sock. Repeat the same process for each sock you want to add.
Step 6. Sew the socks together
Use a needle and thread to sew where the two socks meet. Sew the hem of the sock that is on the outside to the sock it is covering. Or, you can use fabric glue to hold the socks together and wait an hour for the glue to dry. Decorate the socks according to your taste, for example by sewing the eyes and tongue to make a snake shape.
Method 5 of 5: Making Dog Toys
Step 1. Insert a tennis ball into the sock
Push the ball into the area where the toes are. In addition to balls, you can also use dog food or an empty plastic bottle. Dogs will love to play with one of these objects, but socks will make the toy last longer than toys from the store.
Step 2. Make a knot on top of the ball
Wrap the sock so that it forms a knot. Make a knot just above the ball so it's easier for your dog to pick up the toy and won't bite the tip of the sock as soon as he receives a new toy.
If you want your dog to quickly find an object hidden in the sock, such as a favorite food, don't tie the ends
Step 3. Play with the dog with a new toy
Throw toys. Your dog may see the toy as a ball, smell the food, or hear a plastic bottle. As long as he sees an object in the sock, your dog won't touch your sock, which is still a good biting toy.
Step 4. Pay attention to the condition of the toys
After your dog plays with a new toy, the sock will wear out over time. Cut out any frayed threads and torn fabric. If the toy is badly damaged, replace it with a new one.
Be careful. Some dogs can swallow t-shirt debris. This can cause intestinal obstruction. So, be careful or choose socks made of smoother
Tips
- Turn on your imagination. There are many ways to recycle old T-shirts.
- Make sure you wash your socks before using them for other projects.
- If the socks are still worth wearing, find a local organization that accepts donations.
Warning
- If you're making a toy dog, don't forget to trim the fringing thread. It's best not to use socks made of toys if your dog tends to chew on them.
- Be careful when using the microwave. Heat the socks for one minute at a time. Otherwise, the socks and their contents may scorch or catch fire.
