DIY Socks and Gloves With Dimensional Fabric Paints

Have you started working on your holiday gifts yet?  I’ve been trying to so that I’m not playing the last minute game this year. These DIY Socks and Gloves with Dimensional Fabric Paints are perfect for several people on my list, including my daughter and my niece, both in university, and my grand niece and nephew.

They’re really easy to make and you can often find the gloves and socks at your local dollar store. They don’t use much of the fabric paint so overall, this is quite an inexpensive craft project.

Looking for another craft made from socks? Check out these coffee cup sleeves!

DIY Socks and Gloves With Dimensional Fabric Paints

Check out the colors of these fabric paints! What little kid or college student doesn’t like bright playful neon colors like these? Certainly, no one in my family!

AND reading that these paints are permanent and washable sealed the deal for me (necessities for both little ones and college students).

So, my first step was to head out to some of the bargain stores in the area.  I was on the hunt for some colourful pairs of socks for the little ones and some colourful gloves for the older ones.  I had a plan in mind based on what I know about these kids, their lifestyles and interests.

Materials used for these projects:

Tulip Neon Dimensional Fabric Paints

Socks – prewashed without fabric softener

Gloves – prewashed without fabric softener

Toothpicks

Waxed paper or freezer paper and plastic gloves

Four Easy Steps to Make These Projects:

Step one: 

Put something inside the item you’re painting to ensure that the paint doesn’t soak through to the other side: waxed paper, freezer paper, or in the case of the gloves, I found plastic gloves really useful.

Step two: 

Shake the paint well before using.  I found it helpful to have a scrap of waxed or freezer paper nearby to get the paint started on before I actually began applying to the fabric.  It helped me get a feel for how the paint comes out and how much pressure to use.  Hold the tip of the paint applicator close to the surface as you are painting.  Try to squeeze with a gentle even pressure.

Step three: 

Paint the items.  You’ll need to paint one side first, let that dry for a few hours, and then paint the other. 

I find that these dimensional paints go on very evenly and smoothly but on occasion you might get a little air in it that could cause a bit of inconsistency in your lines or you might accidentally squeeze a little too hard and end up with an area that is thicker than others.  Use your toothpicks to smooth out these spots.

Step four: 

Let the painted item dry thoroughly on a flat surface before handling.  I like to give it at least 24 hours to really cure before using the items and according to the package, you need to wait 72 hours before washing. Items should be turned inside out prior to washing.

First up, we have the kids’ socks.  I found some really cute ones in the dollar section at Michaels.  They’re bright colours which go well with the Tulip Neon Dimensional Fabric Paints and they have cute designs on them that I could use as a bit of a template for painting. 

You could, of course, just freehand some designs too.  My goal is not merely decorative though.  I’m also trying to ensure that I get some of the paint on the soles of the socks. 

You see, I’ve spent a lot of time at Jack and Callie’s house and I know that their hardwood floors can be a bit slippery underneath sock feet – especially when you’re under the age of 6 and the only traveling speed you have is fast! Once dry, this paint will add some traction to them and keep them from sliding on the floors.

Next are the gloves.  I found these at my local dollar store.  Again, I’m decorating them with the paints but I’m also making sure that there is some paint on the fingertips and palms. 

I know my daughter spends a lot of time with her phone.  She has one with a QWERTY keyboard on it and when you’re wearing gloves, your fingers can sometimes slip and slide on the keys making it difficult to press the right ones.

For Katy, being 45 minutes away from home at university, she does a lot of driving.  Again, gloves can be a problem as they can slip on the steering wheel, making it unsafe    I just freehanded some random designs on the gloves but I think they’re super cute! 

Want to add some more dimension and texture to these projects?  Think about adding some lace, rick rack, buttons, or beads as a final touch.

These make quick, simple, and very inexpensive gifts or stocking stuffers that can be easily personalized for the recipient.