Save your old socks. You'll want to copy these nifty DIYs

No matter how many times matching socks go in the wash together, it's inevitable that only some of them make it out of the dryer. Don't toss those single socks or stash them away in the hopes that their mates will reappear six months later. Reuse them to make cute crafts and useful objects such as a pincushion or mop-head cover.
You easily can clean socks, so as long as the other materials for a project are washable, you can toss the entire completed project in the washing machine anytime. All of these projects use adult-size socks. If women's socks aren't big enough for the project, try men's socks.
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Swiffer pad
Dry mops are handy for spot cleaning when you don't have time to do a thorough scrubbing. This tutorial demonstrates how to save money by making mop-head covers instead of purchasing them. If you use the cover as a wet mop, don't use harsh chemical cleaners. Environmentally friendly cleaners can be washed out in the washing machine. For this project, use a sock that has texture so it can grab dirt. Get the tutorial here.
Easter gnomes
Have an old patterned sock lying around that you're not sure what to do with? Bright colored and patterned socks can be turned into festive decor, as shown in the project below by It's Always Autumn. These Easter gnomes can bring a smile to a loved one's face.
Pincushion
Steel wool provides the stiffness needed to keep straight pins in place. Use a softer steel wool so that pins don't scratch when they are pushed into it. This pincushion is a great addition to a sewing room, but it also can hold pushpins in the office or thin nails in the workshop. Choose a sock with a tight weave so that the pins don't move around. Get the tutorial here.
Door drafter
Make an old sock both adorable and functional at the same time! Try the project below by One Good Thing By Jillee. Never fear the cold again. This DIY will keep your house warm during those cool fall and winter months. Plus, you can save money on the electric bill.
Mug cozy
Keep hands cool and tea or coffee hot with this mug cozy fashioned from a lonely sock. It is best to use a thick sock for this project to get maximum insulation. The tutorial shows how to cut the sock so it easily fits around the mug's handle. If you have a small tea mug without a handle, omit the steps pertaining to the handle opening. Get the tutorial here.
Dog toy from a sock
Rover is sure to be a happy camper after getting his paws on this squishy dog toy. If your dog tends to shred anything constructed of fabric, make several toys so you have one on hand when the old one is destroyed. Use washable stuffing so you can toss the toy in the washing machine if Rover has had a particularly slobbery day. Avoid socks that have loose weaves, as the dog's teeth and claws will unravel it more easily. Get the tutorial here.
Cute bean bags
For another adorable sock project, check out the one below by A Little Tipsy. These sock bean bags can then be used in games to play with the little ones in your family or extended family.
Leg warmers
Channel your inner Jane Fonda and flash back to the 1980s. Leg warmers were considered fashionable during that decade, and have seen a bit of a retro resurgence. This project is the easiest of all the sock crafts. Just cut off the feet and hem it up. Make sure to use a pair of socks that still has tight elastic around the top so the socks don't slide down completely. Get the tutorial here.
Fingerless gloves
Writers, people who frequently read and people with low blood pressure often find their fingers get cold and stiff while the rest of their bodies are perfectly fine. Nip the chill in the bud with these fingerless gloves made from a pair of knee-high socks. If you're feeling funky, use mismatched socks. For warmer gloves, use thicker socks. Get the tutorial here.
Potholder
This project is perfect for mismatched socks as each sock becomes a side of a potholder. Crafters must use insulating liner if they want functional potholders. For something that is just decoration, you may omit the insulation. Choose socks that complement each other in color or pattern, or that go with your kitchen's decor. You also might sew together two potholder to make a larger one. Get the tutorial here.
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