https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/sock-it-to-me-wristbands-d • Posted by Gaby A.
So I invented these last summer when I decided to test out one of my random theories. I have an extreme love for wristbands, but I seriously don't understand why they sell for $5 to $7 dollars in stores like Hot Topic. So I only bought them when they finally went on sale for $1 or sometimes $2. Well one day i was looking at this huge pile of pairless socks I had and realized socks have a similar texture to wristbands. So with that I started crafting with blue sock because I REALLY wanted a Cookie Monster wristband to match my t-shirt. So with my AWESOME skillz I succeeded and then started a new obsession XD Since I realized I have yet to share my original sewing talent on here, and have been only showing my pseudo eco-carpentering [hahaha]I took this to be a nice break from it all. Please enjoy!
So I invented these last summer when I decided to test out one of my random theories. I have an extreme love for wristbands, but I seriously don't understand why they sell for $5 to $7 dollars in stores like Hot Topic. So I only bought them when they finally went on sale for $1 or sometimes $2. Well one day i was looking at this huge pile of pairless socks I had and realized socks have a similar texture to wristbands. So with that I started crafting with blue sock because I REALLY wanted a Cookie Monster wristband to match my t-shirt. So with my AWESOME skillz I succeeded and then started a new obsession XD Since I realized I have yet to share my original sewing talent on here, and have been only showing my pseudo eco-carpentering [hahaha]I took this to be a nice break from it all. Please enjoy!
Step 1 Choose your sock! Preferably an average to long sock. Don't worry though I'm teaching you how to do this with both parts of the sock! So you can still make one with a crew, for this you would use cut method 2.
Step 2 Decipher the elasticity of the sock and decide which texture you want of the sock. My Cookie Monster band had been made with the leg portion of blue sock on the right. [This is a good project if you want to make your long songs into crew!] The Elmo band was made with the foot portion of the red sock. -This was because the leg portion wasn't good for circulation :[-
Step 2-1: Testing the Elasticity Test the sock on your hand to determine the elasticity of the sock You want it to fit comfortably in order to avoid the cutting off of circulation like the store bought ones do [I HATE when they do that] Make sure to also test out the max stretch of the sock. If you ever wash (or sometimes sweat makes this happen as well)the sock may loosen and will stretch out. Not to worry though! This is an easy fix as you can just make and cut and fit it to your arm. [I learned this with Cookie Monster, but I didn't mind it being stretched. However, when I made the Hello Kitty band I cut it to fit my wrist perfectly prior to decorating it so it wouldn't do the same]
Step 2-2: Determining Texture Each sock contains a pair of wristbands, but the two part of the sock usually consist of different patterns and textures. BOTH portions mimic those of store brand wristbands [see examples in the next 2 boxes]
Step 2-2A: Determining Texture A wristband made out of the leg portion will have a similar texture as what I call the default common wristband. HOWEVER it does not have the same circulation cutting effect! It's in fact VERY comfy.
Step 2-2B: Determining Texture A wristband made of the foot portion has a similar texture to the more flimsy wristbands. This is an example of the flimsier consistency. It;s also much more adjustable It also shouldn't give you circulation problems.
Step 3 Now you should have decided what texture you want. Gather your supplies and the appropriate colored tread [sadly I didn't have a coral thread so I settled for Orange, it doesn't show really] Just as there are TWO ways to cut this, there are TWO ways to sew it. You can sew either texture either way, but for this tutorials sake I did each one on each band. [I labelled them Verison 1 & 2] Never sew too tightly or you lose the elasticity to the stitch. This may or may not cause you discomfort.
There are specific ways to cut each part of the sock so I separated this into two parts! +Version 1+ Step 4 If using the leg portion fold the fabric onto its self and measure out how long you want your band to be. Don't worry if it goes a little into the foot portion, just make sure it's even.
+Version 1+ Step 5 Once measured and matched up, cut this off the sock.
+Version 1+ Step 6 Already it should look like a wristband. Stretch gently to test if the socks material frays or untreads easily.
+Version 1+ Step 7 Flip the material so that the wrong side [or the side thats going to be touching your skin] is out.
+Version 1+ Step 8 Shift the material of the rough end up to create another smooth end. Using a basic stitch, sew close to the edge. You should create a hem.
+Version 1+ Step 9 Once finished, flip it right side out with the Right side exposed. and VIOLA you have just completed version ONE [For another example: My Hello Kitty Band was made using this method.]
This is the second way to cut! +Version 2+ Step 4 If you are using the foot portion lay the fabric out straight on a flat surface.
+Version 2+ Step 5 Cut the sock right before the heel-turn* in a straight line. *Check out the sock anatomy img
+Version 2+ Step 6 Now turn the sock inside out and very carefully cut of the sewed portion of the toe* *Check out sock anatomy img
+Version 2+ Step 7 This is what you should have a rectangle.
+Version 2+ Step 8 Fold the top portion over and measure out the length that you want your wrist band to be.
+Version 2+ Step 10 Turn the material so that the wrong side [or the side thats going to be touching your skin] is out. Shift the frayed edge up from the edge to change the rough edge into a smooth edge.
+Version 2+ Step 11 Using either a blind basic stitch or a blind whip stich, sew the frayed edge. Check constantly to make sure you are doing it properly. If you are you should not see any dents or signs of thread on the right side because the thread is in between the two layers [Hold this is clear ><]
+Version 2+ Step 12 Once finished, flip it right side out with the Right side exposed and TADA you have just completed Version 2!!! [For another example: Elmo was Band completed this way, while Cookie Monster Band was done with a variation of this]
FINALE! TADA! And there you have it! The basic steps to making a basic sock to wristband transformation!!!!! The next step is up to you, you can leave it as is, which is a good option if you used a PATTERN sock or if you just want solid colored wristbands. OR you can EMBELLISH like I did with my Cookie Monster and Hello Kitty! You can embroider, iron on, etc. The possibilities are endless! SO Get Creative and Get Cracking! Good luck and can't wait to see your versions :] Perhaps in the future I'll make some Design Tutorials for the Wristbands, let me know if you guys want me to.