Traditional socks, top, with the good side outside, serged seams on the inside. Socks for sensitive skin, bottom, good side on the inside, serged seams on the outside. Are you confused yet? Toronto, Canada. Photo1 by Don Tai.
Take for granted, we do, something that is, literally, low on the prestige scale of clothing. At least shoes are on the outside, with their shiny leather, and can be seen and noticed. Socks are hidden by pant legs and shoes, far from drawing attention to themselves. In the summer socks are eschewed altogether. How is that for gratitude? This is one downtrodden product. Big Weed has sensitive skin, and when I started making fleece socks she told me the design was all wrong for her. She wanted something she could not buy. I was intrigued.
Traditional socks, top, with the good side outside, serged seams on the inside. Socks for sensitive skin, bottom, good side on the inside, serged seams on the outside. Are you confused yet? Toronto, Canada. Photo1 by Don Tai.
Big Weed has sensitive skin, and being a girl, loves her soft finishes. Traditional cushy and warm socks, as well as regular socks, have the smooth and good side on the outside. The back of the fabric, which is usually not as nice to the touch, often with a raised pile, is on the inside. For someone with dry skin this can catch and pull. As well, any seams of traditional socks are always on the inside.
Since she has sensitive skin, she wanted to change the overall design of socks. Have the smooth, good side on the inside, touching her skin. Have the back of the fabric facing outward. All serged seams should be on the outside. She wanted warm socks, so polar fleece was used for warmth. The socks should still be thin enough to fit into slippers, but warm. This does take some rethinking of the sewing.
Sew the good sides together, always. As the serged seams are on the outside there is no turning the socks inside out once sewn. This ensures that the good side of the fabric is always in contact with the skin. I used polar fleece because it is light, airy, does not absorb moisture and is easy to maintain. Terry cloth has a smooth finish on one side and is cotton, giving it a nice hand. The two combine very well.
Traditional socks, top, with the good side outside, serged seams on the inside, cuff reversed. Socks for sensitive skin, bottom, good side on the inside, serged seams on the outside, cuff reversed. Toronto, Canada. Photo2 by Don Tai.
Traditional socks, top, with the good side outside, serged seams on the inside, cuff reversed. Socks for sensitive skin, bottom, good side on the inside, serged seams on the outside, cuff reversed. Grey terry cloth for the sole and rear panels touching skin, purple polar fleece for the front panel, black polar fleece rougher side for the outside sole. Toronto, Canada. Photo3 by Don Tai.
May the sock be ever so slightly elevated today, and treated with a little more respect and admiration.
