How to DIY Leg Warmers From Socks

by Tonya Staab
Published: Updated:

Whether you find a sock pattern you love or have holes in your socks you can make DIY leg warmers from socks with just a few easy steps.

I frequently find cute socks on clearance that are not in Marisol’s size. They are normally for older girls but are long socks to wear with boots. So, I’ve started a little collection of them; some that I’ve set aside for when she is bigger and others that I’m transforming into leg warmers.

DIY leg warmers from socks

DIY leg warmers from thick blue socks for little girls.
DIY leg warmers from socks for little girls.

Supplies

  • Knee high socks
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine

I picked up these gorgeous thick knit socks on clearance from $4.99 to $1.99. Of course, they were two sizes too big but were perfect to alter.

turn long socks into leg warmers for kids
Long knit socks in fun colors to be turned into leg warmers.

Instructions

It takes less than 30 minutes to turn two pairs of socks into leg warmers. She loves wearing these for her ballet lesson.

Step 1: Cut the sock into four sections, above the heel, below the heel, and cut off the toe. You can throw out the heel and toe sections and you are left with the leg and the straight section of the foot.

Step 2: Fold the foot section in half with the right side out. This will become a cuff for the leg warmer.

Step 3: Insert the leg section into the cuff all the way through so that the cut ends line up with each other. Sew the cuff to the leg warmer making sure not to sew all layers together, but just 3 so that you can still put your foot through the end.

Step 4: Turn the cuff over the other way and you have a leg warmer.

A girl wearing red leg warmers that were made out of socks.
Little girl wearing leg warmers with a ballet outfit.

Please pin this post for later:

DIY leg warmers from socks Pinterest image

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6 comments

Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy February 1, 2011 - 10:32 pm

I’ve been looking for nice socks I can do that to for myself! My son just started hockey lessons and I want something I can put in my bag that’s easy to slip on and off.

Reply
Kim P February 2, 2011 - 9:53 am

OMG, those are so cute, what girl would love them!!

Reply
Tonya Staab February 6, 2011 - 8:55 am

You should absolutely make some for yourself.  I think I need some too, just because 🙂

Reply
Tonya Staab October 2, 2011 - 10:38 pm

They didn't unravel at all thankfully, Step 5 in the tutorial I linked to gives a few tips on how to stop this from happening.

Reply
Clara W. October 2, 2011 - 9:36 pm

How do you do this with wool socks? I mean wouldn’t the yarn unravel?

Reply
Corraun February 3, 2018 - 1:06 pm

I was going to follow your directions but don’t have a sewing machine or the patience to hand stick the bottom. I also decided I probably don’t mind a fluttered edge that will be at the ankle. I cut off each sock above the heel, turned inside out, and then stretched over a wine bottle so the frayed end was up and accessible. Then I put on rubber gloves and rubbed Dap waterproof silicone (which I use to make barrettes with felt designs) on the inside and outside of the frayed edge. The silicone is flexible. This is probably better done with fabric glue but I didn’t have it on hand. Put the wine bottles outside to dry and defumigate. Voile, no sew, socks to leg warmers that won’t fray when washed. Even if the bottom edge is a little itchy it will be over ankle socks so I won’t feel it. Just sharing my impatient version to make socks into leg warmers.

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