How to Make Tabi (Split-Toe) Socks from Regular Socks

Ever wish you could wear socks with your thong-style sandals? Maybe the thong rubs too much between your toes. Or perhaps it's not quite warm enough for sandals, but you'd like to wear them anyway.

You can buy a pair of tabi socks for about $10. But if you're thrifty like me, why not convert a pair of regular socks into tabi socks?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 pair of socks
• pen
• sewing machine or needle and thread
• scissors

1. 
   V marked on sock

   Choose a pair of socks that have some wiggle room in the toe. Turn one of the socks inside out and put it on. Using a pen, mark a V between your big toe and the next toe. Curve the ends of the V a little so each toe section will come out rounded. This mark will end up on the inside and between your toes, so it won't show.

2. 
   sewn V

   Sew along the V, starting at the point and sewing toward the edge of the sock. Sew down each side of the V separately, starting at the point. That's so you don't have to start off on a curve right on the edge of the fabric. Reinforce the point of the V with a couple of extra stitches. If you're using a sewing machine, use a narrow zig-zag stitch and set your stitch length to a low number (tiny stitches). If sewing by hand, make your stitches small and close together.

3. 
   excess fabric removed

   Cut out the fabric between the sides of the V. Cut close to the stitching, but be careful not to cut through the stitching.

4. 
   finished tabi sock

   Turn the sock right side out. Repeat these steps with the other sock. Get out and show off your new tabi socks!

Tips & Warnings

• If you start with a white sock, you can dye them after you've stitched them.
• Most scissors don't cut very well at the tip. To cut close to the point of the V, reposition the scissors so you're using the blades further back. But cut gently so you don't snip through the stitching.

[hiyamamommy]

on 11/4/2009 I will be making these soon; & hopefully selling them ;)