Tuesday, April 19, 2011

DIY Baby Socks

First off, I'm very excited to to announce that we will be having a new baby girl in six weeks! Our four year old twins have been having a great time helping us get ready. We've been wanting to make some baby booties for weeks now, but haven't gotten around to it. Then today, I thought I'd try just turning my old socks into baby socks. I was surprised how well it worked! And it took about 60 seconds to make them. Now I've got to find more socks! My wife thought they could make cute little baby gloves too. There are photos and instructions below if you want to try it out!

1 - Turn sock inside out, then using the diagram in the image, sew two seams down the sock. (My baby socks were about 4" in length.)
2 - Cut out the two baby socks, making sure to leave some space around the seams from step one.
3 - Turn the two baby socks right side out. Done!




at

82 comments:

  1. katieApril 19, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    Brilliant idea! Also congrats on the new baby!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. FloorApril 19, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Congratulations on the new baby! Hope all will go well, good luck to the entire family!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Secret MommyApril 19, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Does the brilliant simplicity of your projects never cease? Goodness your brain makes me jealous. :) And congrats on that newbie!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rebecca and AndrewApril 19, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    WoW! Your brain amazes me. I don't sew, even just a little bit, but what a wonderful idea. I will share this idea with others!

    ReplyDelete
  5. JoApril 19, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    What a great news! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  6. ayearabovetheshopApril 19, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    Aw congratulations Joel. Just celebrated my baby's first birthday today. Look forward to some new baby inspired play.
    Miriam
    x

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marta mama chłopakówApril 19, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Amazing ... So simple, yet ingenious:)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kate @ An Everyday StoryApril 19, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Congratulations on your new little one. I love these little baby socks, I've made them as mittens and they turn out beautifully. You can also use the sleeves of old jumpers (sweaters?) to make some mittens for the twins. They could help.

    All the best :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. ChrisApril 19, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    I. Love. It. So simple, so cool. Salvation Army, here I come!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Katie LewisApril 19, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    These are adorable. :) And congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  11. PoorviApril 19, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    Oh, that's so neat! I am inspired! They look adorable! and so super simple. I so didn't know you were a guy behind all this. More impressive! :)
    Congratulations on your daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  12. PoddleApril 19, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Magnificent idea! And many congrats on the imminent new arrival. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. 'Joyce'April 19, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Congrats to you and your little family in anticipation of your new little daughter. How exciting.
    Wow, love the socks, it don't get much simpler than socks for bubs. They will be much warmer than store bought baby socks too. I always found baby socks rather thin. Thanks so much for sharing and enjoy the rest of your week at your place.

    ReplyDelete
  14. nataApril 19, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    So cute. That's great event !!!!! Enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  15. FrancesApril 19, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    A new addition, how wonderful!

    My little guy still wears "socky mitts" at 2 1/2. This is ok with me because they stay on better (the cuffs go under his coat), but for Canadian winters it meant I spent $13 x 3 for really warm wool socks. Of course I had some of my own to cut down...but I didn't think of it. You bet I will for next year!

    ReplyDelete
  16. alysonApril 19, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    hooray for new babies!!

    and could this possibly be any more amazing? thanks for the diy!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Decora Recicla Imagina…April 19, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Very sweet idea! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  18. YvonneApril 19, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    Yay, congrats! We have seven-year old boy-girl twins and a baby boy due in about 8 weeks! How wonderful.

    (We're the ones who had the "stylish" cardboard animals and robot posted on Facebook.)

    ReplyDelete
  19. KayApril 19, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    Congratulations to you and your family !!! What a great news. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. RebeccaApril 19, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Congratulations!!! How thrilling for you. And of course, great project.

    ReplyDelete
  21. ElleApril 19, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    How exciting!! Congratulations:)

    ReplyDelete
  22. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    Congratulations! Also, those little socks are adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  23. ARKApril 19, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    oh my goodness - LOVE!! and CONGRATS!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Joel HenriquesApril 19, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Thanks everyone! Yeah, we're really excited about the new baby. If anyone has any name ideas for her, give them to me in the comments here!

    And yeah, these baby socks were basically the result of laziness and finding a short cut. Ha. Of course I'm not the first one to think of using socks for this type of thing, but it sure is fun.

    Frances - I've got to try some toddler gloves! Nice. My kid's gloves never stay on, because they're too bulky. I'll have to get out some of my sturdy winter socks and try this out!

    ReplyDelete
  25. jimenaApril 19, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Congratulations!!!! Great news!!!!!

    I love strong sounding names like Carlota.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Joel HenriquesApril 19, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    Wow, I knew asking people here was a good idea. Carlota is great! Yeah, we really like Orion for a middle name, which is also a good strong sounding name I think. Nice!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Evgeny (Cardboard_Dad)April 19, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Great news, and yes even right from the morning! Very happy for you and your family!)))

    How about the names - Anna, Lisa, Sarah and Irene?

    ReplyDelete
  28. JessicaApril 19, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Congratulations! Love the baby socks...I have to start buying my husband some nice Paul frank socks so I can use them when they wear out!

    Well, with Jack and Tess, you need another one syllable name, I declare! Maybe with a new vowel. Hmmmn...actually, a name ending in y or ie might be cute. Solly? Lottie? Oh! I know! Bunny!

    Good luck! :D

    ReplyDelete
  29. naomiApril 19, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Wow, what great news- congratulations!
    Baby socks are very cute, you will have to give us a modeled shot in 6 weeks :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. I'm a full-time mummyApril 19, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    What a cute idea! Congrats and all the best with your baby girl!

    ReplyDelete
  31. MaryApril 19, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    I stayed up super late reading ALL your back posts. I LOVE your blog. My little girl is named Julia North, but Helen and Clare were high on my list too. My name is Mary Star, so I'm a big fan of Orion for a middle name.
    I just posted a blog entry on how to make a simple Crinkle Cloth toy for a baby, so feel free to check it out.
    http://goingtothefarnorth.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Congraaats! :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Steph at ModernParentsMessyKids.comApril 19, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Congrats!! Love the socks, they're adorable. Also I made a creative play Easter basket just for babies featuring a toy inspired by you. Check it out here:

    http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2011/04/diy-easter-basket-sequel.html

    ReplyDelete
  34. ManoClemApril 19, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Congratulations !

    ReplyDelete
  35. McdsMApril 20, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    Chez toi, 'Les choses de la vie'sont simples, pratiques et pleines de vie colorée ...
    Bienvenue à ce bébé!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Katrina W.April 20, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    Brilliant! You have the best ideas!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. AnonymousApril 20, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    I love that idea. Recycling old clothes is always inspiring. And congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  38. AnonymousApril 20, 2011 at 1:39 AM

    Cool idea! A shame I didn't have it when my girls where little. I always had really little babies...
    Greetings from Germany

    ReplyDelete
  39. KarenApril 20, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    Hi Joel

    Congrats to you and your lovely lady and kids on the upcoming edition! Personally I've always been a fan of the names Aston and Bronte for girls so feel free to use them if you like!

    I was the person who got 'DIY Father' onto your blog - it's really great to see your amazing ideas passed on to a whole bunch of dads!

    Thanks for being such an inspiration - my husband and I will DEFINITELY be making these for our son Archer - especially his holy socks which have no better use!

    Take care and enjoy the sleep while you can!
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  40. Victoria KnyshApril 20, 2011 at 2:09 AM

    CONGRATS!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. HarryApril 20, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    Adorable little socks! Also I am obsessed with names so will email you a list today...Congratulations again!

    ReplyDelete
  42. CodrutaApril 20, 2011 at 3:46 AM

    Congratulations! Im very happy for you :) the idea is great, i will try it

    ReplyDelete
  43. SimsalabimApril 20, 2011 at 5:32 AM

    congratulations!! it looks you have the same date for a baby as I do, I love your blog, and I was wondering, how long Ill have to wait, till I can start to use your tips to play with my first and small one.. and NOW Im sure, you will have briliant ideas also for very small babies, so Im double happy for you! :)
    have a wonderfull day, greetings from Czech Republic!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnonymousApril 20, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    Congratulations! How exciting.
    I happy for you but also, on a more selfish note I'm curious to see your ideas for babies as I'm going to be an aunt in a couple of months and am already looking forward to showering little niece/nephew in self-made presents.

    ReplyDelete
  45. LiaApril 20, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    So sweet Joel. Congratulations! What an amazing year you are having.

    ReplyDelete
  46. ErikaFApril 20, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    if we were going to have another baby (which we are not) i would have gone with Zane for boy or girl or Asha for a girl. love the sock idea. love fast & easy projects!

    ReplyDelete
  47. elissa, ebb & flowApril 20, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    great idea but more importantly, how exciting! congratulations are definitely in order.

    ReplyDelete
  48. boomieApril 20, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Simply brilliant & brilliantly simple! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  49. papelhiloApril 20, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    so cute ! congratulations !

    ReplyDelete
  50. fadamaiaApril 20, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    What a good idea !
    and congradulations !

    ReplyDelete
  51. T.J.April 20, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    oh my goodness what a fabulous idea! And with a second little one on the way and lots of socks with holes, I'm totally gonna use this tip!

    Congratulations to you :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. unideanellemaniApril 20, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    You are wonderful! Simply fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  53. MoniApril 20, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Oh! So sweet!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Maiz ConnollyApril 20, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    Hooray, Joel!!! Such great news! I was just talking to the boys about what their names would have been if they had been girls (Rosa, Pippa, Luisa.) Here are some others for your list: Chloe, Anna, Lola, Etta, Rita, Olive, Lou, Flora, Mae, Nora, Audrey, True, Ruby, June, Kate. I have about 100 more if you want 'em (I tried to pick some that might go with the short and classic style of Jack and Tess.) I never got a chance to use any, of course. Orion is a beautiful middle name, and her little socks are darling!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Joel HenriquesApril 20, 2011 at 5:38 PM

    Wow everybody - Thanks so much for all of these fantastic names! I love this help! Thanks for everything else too!

    ReplyDelete
  56. JulieApril 20, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    There is no end to your genius! I have a Ruby and an Iris. If there was to be a third daughter, chances are she would be Tilda. I almost forgot how much fun and how totally consuming the naming process was for us. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  57. JackieApril 20, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    What kind of sewing machine did you use? A serger?

    ReplyDelete
  58. Joel HenriquesApril 20, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    Thanks!

    Jackie - I just used a regular sewing machine with a straight stitch. You don't need a serger at all.

    ReplyDelete
  59. JackieApril 20, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    That sounds so simple, but leave it to me and I'll find a way to mess it up. The reason I asked about a serger is that the material is stretchy and I wonder if that would affect the stitching (I don't sew at all, but this project may just be the kick in the pants that I need to get started).

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Joel HenriquesApril 20, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    Yeah, I actually wondered how well it would work with regular thread too, as opposed to elastic type thread (I think there's something like that. I'm pretty new at sewing too.) but yeah, there's enough stretch in the socks, that one seam of regular thread doesn't effect the stretch at all. It just works. You could even sew them by hand and it wouldn't take long at all.

    ReplyDelete
  61. AnonymousApril 21, 2011 at 3:49 AM

    Toutes mes félicitations pour cette future petite-fille qui aura la chance de profiter aussi des merveilleuses idées de son papa. Cette chaussette me fait penser aux muppets que mes élèves de CP ont rélisées cette année. Si je trouve une photo je vous l'envoie. Bonne chance à la mystérieuse maman, toujours invisible. Merci pour la sobriété de votre blog et la simplicité de vos réalisations.

    ReplyDelete
  62. JillApril 21, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    A big congratulations on the upcoming little girl...happy news, indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  63. nath46April 21, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    Félicitations pour ce petit bébé à venir... Quelle joie pour vous et les jumeaux !
    Prenez soin de vous.
    A bientôt !

    ReplyDelete
  64. TanyaApril 21, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    wow! congrats on a new addition to your family! Love the Baby Booties! I used to make baby leg warmers from my old socks!

    ReplyDelete
  65. kristiinaApril 21, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    Congratulations! :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. AnonymousApril 21, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    First off, congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  67. OonApril 21, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Congratulations on the new baby girl!
    We"ll definitely try the socks. Pitty we don't have them in flashy colours like yours.

    ReplyDelete
  68. AnonymousApril 21, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    Congratulations on the new daugther!!
    I cross my fingers.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Clare PirieApril 21, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    Congratulations on your imminent arrival....love the idea! Always so simple and so genius!

    ReplyDelete
  70. PlanctonApril 22, 2011 at 2:32 AM

    Congratulations !!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Anusha PintoApril 22, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    Gosh these are so cute. And the process even cuter :)

    ReplyDelete
  72. EmilyApril 22, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    These are adorable! These slouch socks would well for this purpose. And congratulations on the soon arrival of your girl!

    ReplyDelete
  73. MalaApril 23, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    Congratulations on the new baby girl!!

    ReplyDelete
  74. dawnApril 23, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    Congratulations!!!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Catherine PeartApril 23, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Wow, I totally missed that line about the new baby the first time I read this post. Congratulations!!! Love these little baby socks. Genius (yet again...). :-)

    ReplyDelete
  76. AnonymousApril 25, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  77. DmarieApril 25, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    just about the cutest repurposing project I've ever seen! wow, wow, WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Flaming NoraApril 26, 2011 at 1:45 AM

    Congratulation.s Must say you sure have got some milage out of those socks, didn't they pop up in a painting not so long ago? Beautiful idea. I'm always resizing and cutting up our clothes so they can travel down the family. Latest was turning two of my old t shirts (blk and orange) in to a tiger top for my 3 yr old.
    I love the name Scout, from "To kill a mocking bird" and if I had had a girl would have called her that, or Lottie.

    ReplyDelete
  79. MUSApril 26, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    this made me smile :)
    have to try this for our little new born…

    and congratulations on the new baby girl!

    ReplyDelete
  80. LorApril 26, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Awww, congratulations!!

    ReplyDelete
  81. jamieApril 26, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    way to sneak that in there. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  82. MartaApril 28, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Muchas felicidades!!!! es imposible no seguirte, ¡¡gracias!!.

    ReplyDelete