Sewing Simple (Amazing) Bed Socks from an Upcycled Sweater

Background

I asked my mother what she wanted for her birthday - she said: Bed socks.

But bed socks that only cover the feet, because only her toes get cold at night.

And naturally because we are a barefoot family that is big on allowing for natural toe spread, I was going to make sure these were wide toe box.

Making these amazing bed socks

I created the pattern for these bed socks, and it would be awesome if you supported me by using it - available and very affordable from my Etsy store.

Alternatively - you can also make your own pattern!

Making your own pattern:

I made this pattern by drawing the outline of my foot on a piece of paper. Since I made these for my mom who has bigger feet - I looked up the measurements of her size and adapted my drawing accordingly.

I made the toe box symmetrical because I think it's easier to have two identical socks rather than a left and a right sock, but that isn't necessary.

Here is what my final pattern looks like:

P.S. The reason I sell patterns is primarily to cover the cost of my website & the subscription I have to the program I use to create digital patterns from my drawings (I also upload free patterns on my blog). Your support through purchasing my patterns is very much appreciated!

Back to creating your own pattern - make a sole using the outline of your foot and add a seam allowance (I used 1/2 an inch seam allowance).

For the top of the sock - Use your sole drawing and duplicate the toe part of this and then draw what you see in my pattern above (make sure the top is as long or longer than the sole) and the toe part needs to be the same size to line up.

Making the socks

I wish you could feel these through the photos - they are so soft!

I recommend making these from wool sweaters. I used a cashmere and wool sweater - seriously soft! I washed it on hot before cutting and sewing it. In this case the sweater has been treated not to felt - so it didn't shrink. You can easily find thin merino wool sweaters in thrift stores to use - see my video on felting thrifted wool sweaters for tips on what to shop for.

From one mens sweater I was able to make two of these pairs of socks & a pair of pants (from the sleeves) for my toddler. That's a really cost-effective way to have 100% wool items that perfectly suit your needs.

Back to the socks - my ETSY listing has more detailed instructions with images on how to make these.

The basic how to:

1. Line up the top and the sole. Make sure the toes are lined up first. Then the sides. The back will not line up. Line them up right sides together.

2. Now look at the heel part of the top and cut it in a curve such that it now lines up with the sole, and it has a nice heel shape.

3. Serge or sew the heel curve parts together.

4. Line up the back with the sole.

5. Serge or sew around the whole sock

6. Optional - add an elastic to the foot opening. I used this one and I sewed it on using a zigzag stitch. Make sure to use elastic you can sew through and make sure to use a zigzag stitch to maintain the stretch. I did not pull the elastic tight. I only used it to create a nice fit and make sure the foot opening maintains it's shape with foot going in and out. *I learnt this from my bra making.

7. To make a nice finish - fold over the fabric that has the elastic sewn on and use a stretch stitch to sew it into place. It creates a nice hem look.

8. Turn the socks the right way and you've got bed socks!

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial! and that you end up with amazingly comfortable bed socks.

Carmen

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you choose to purchase through them. I only recommend products and books I truly love and use myself.