Stitching Socks: Sewing Fabric Together For Toasty Toes

Sewing your own socks is a fun and rewarding project. It's a great way to use your fabric scraps to create something unique and personalised. Plus, it's a quick and easy process that can be done in a few hours. The first step is to choose a stretchy fabric with good recovery, such as a knit fabric with spandex or a cotton-polyester blend. You can even upcycle old t-shirts or sweaters. Then, you'll need to create a pattern by tracing around a sock you already own, adding a seam allowance, and cutting out the fabric pieces. Finally, sew the pieces together using a zig-zag stitch, and you'll have a pair of cosy, custom-made socks!

How to Sew Fabric Together to Make a Sock

Choosing the right fabric

When choosing the right fabric to sew socks, it is important to select a fabric that is slightly elastic and stretchy. The fabric should have a small percentage of spandex in it to ensure it has some stretch. You can use any fabric such as cotton, polyester, or linen, or specialty fleeces. Avoid using woven fabric as it won't have the necessary stretch for a sock.

If you're looking for extra warm and cozy socks, consider using specialty fleeces such as Polartec Power Grid or Polartec Power Stretch. These fabrics are lightweight, cozy, and will keep your feet warm. You can also upcycle old sweaters, shirts, leggings, or even an old t-shirt to make sock material.

When selecting fabric for your socks, pay attention to the stretch direction arrows on the pattern. You want to ensure that the stretch of the fabric goes around the foot, providing comfort and flexibility.

For sewing socks, it is recommended to use a knit fabric with at least 30% 4-way stretch and 5% spandex for good recovery. This will ensure that your socks fit well, are durable, and can be stretched comfortably over your foot and ankle.

Additionally, consider the colour and design of the fabric to create socks that match your personal style and preferences.

Cutting out the fabric

First, you will need to cut out your fabric pieces. The number of pieces you need will depend on the sock pattern you are using. For a basic sock, you will need a top piece for the top of the foot and a bottom piece for the sole. If you are using a more complex pattern, such as one that includes a cuff or an animal face, you will need additional pieces for these features.

Print out your chosen sock pattern and cut it out with paper scissors. Then, cut out your fabric pieces according to the pattern, allowing for a seam allowance. For a basic sock, you will need two top pieces and two bottom pieces, so you will need to cut out four fabric pieces in total.

When cutting out your fabric pieces, pay attention to the stretch direction arrows on the pattern. You want to ensure that the stretch of the fabric goes around the foot, as this will give you the flexibility you need to get the sock on and off.

If you are using a pattern that includes a cuff, you will need to cut the fabric on the fold so that you end up with two pieces of cut fabric per pattern piece. This will give you the symmetrical shape you need for the cuff.

Once you have cut out all your fabric pieces, you can move on to pinning and sewing your sock together.

Tips for Cutting Out the Fabric:

• Use fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to ensure clean, precise cuts.
• If you are using a pattern with letter-size pieces, you can print it out and cut it with paper scissors. If your pattern includes A0 or projector files, choose the method that works best for you.
• If you are using a jersey or knit fabric, choose a fabric with enough bounce to ensure the socks fit comfortably.
• If you are using a pattern with notches, be sure to mark these on your fabric before cutting.

Sewing the heel dart

Then, sew the toe ends of the front and back pieces together. Make sure you take a moment to find the correct end. Double-check against your pattern piece if needed, especially if you are making knee-length socks. Place the toe ends RST and sew. It is recommended to use a serger here since trimming the seam allowance is unnecessary.

Now, press your seam allowance towards the front piece and topstitch. Fold the sock RST together along the toe dart, lining up the top edges of the front and back pieces. Slightly stretch the front piece so it fits the back piece. You can pin or clip the toe dart and top edge, easing the front piece in. At the heel dart seam, pin or clip the seam towards the back of the heel.

Sewing the toe ends

Firstly, identify the toe ends of the front and back pieces of the sock. This step can be a little confusing, especially if you are making knee-length socks, so double-check against your pattern piece if needed. Once you are certain, place the toe ends of the front and back pieces right sides together (RST). It is important to ensure that the stretch of the fabric goes around the foot for a comfortable fit.

Now, you are ready to start sewing the toe ends. Use a stretch stitch on your sewing machine with a 1/4" seam allowance. Sewing clips or pins can be useful to hold the pieces in place as you sew. Start sewing from one of the long edges of the toe end. When you reach the square corner, stop with your needle down, and then pivot to continue sewing. Carefully line up the raw edges as you pivot to ensure a neat finish. Continue this process, pivoting at each corner, until you have sewn all the way around the toe end.

Next, press the seam allowance towards the front piece and topstitch. This will give a neater finish and help to reinforce the seam. If you find the edges of the seams uncomfortable, you can also press all your seams to one side and stitch them down with a narrow zigzag stitch.

Finally, match the right sides of the top edge of the sock together and sew with a 1/4" seam allowance. Your sock is now starting to take shape!

Repeat this process for the second sock, and you will have a pair of handmade socks.

Adding the bands

Now, it's time to add the bands to your sock.

First, fold the band with right sides together, and sew along the short edge. You can use a serger for this seam as it will be enclosed. If you are using a serger, you may want to snip the seam allowance in the middle, without cutting through the outer thread. This will help the seam nest together nicely when you fold the band wrong sides together to create a smooth top edge.

Next, turn your sock right side out, and slide the band over the top. Position the band seam along a side seam or at the back of the sock. Stretch the band to fit the sock, and sew it in place. Make sure you use a stitch that is nice and stretchy so that you can get the sock over your ankle.

Finally, press the seam allowance down towards the sock, and topstitch with a stretchy stitch. A coverstitch works well, but a twin needle, zig-zag stitch, or stretch stitch will also work.

Frequently asked questions