How to Make Leg Warmers With Athletic Socks

Show off your legs in a pair of homemade leg warmers.

When going through clothing you no longer wear, consider refashioning it to keep up with the trends. Socks are an ideal piece of clothing to refashion because they rarely loose their natural shape. Consider transforming a pair of athletic socks you no longer need or wear in to trendy leg warmers. This 1980s trend is resurfacing in the early 2000s with a vengeance and while there are leg warmers for purchase, it can be more economical to create your own. The process is short and uncomplicated as long as you have basic sewing skills. Grab a pair of baseball socks or soccer socks and get to work.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric scissors
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Pull the sock on your leg to ensure it is long enough to make a leg warmer. The top of the sock should reach your knee or just below. The longer the length, the more the leg warmer can slouch around the ankle area.

2. Remove the sock and turn it inside out. Lay the sock on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles with your hand.

3. Cut the end of the sock off, just above the heel, with fabric scissors. The slice should be even and clean. Repeat with the other sock.

4. Bend the cut edge back 1/2-inch. Sew a straight stitch by hand around the edging to create a hem. A hem is necessary to create a polished appearance, and to ensure the sock does not unravel due to washing or wear. Repeat the hemming procedure with the other sock.

5. Pull the sock onto your leg and adjust. Typically, leg warmers are worn slouched around the ankle area and extended to the mid-calf.

Tips & Warnings

• Create more than one pair of leg warmers and layer the socks on top of one another.

• Use coordinating thread with the sock when sewing.

• Dye the socks a different color if you do not like the current shade.