DIY flashes idea

[Ryan Nielson]

My idea was to sew the flashes right onto my sock. I would only need 4 5" pieces of material this way and wouldn't have to buy the adjustable things that go around the calf or even buy velcro. I have no money to spend at all. I'm looking for some discarded material around the house I can use if possible but something that won't wrinkle as easy when it's in the wash. I was thinking of a linen type of material that they use for tablecloths etc. in most restaurants might do the trick (doesn't seem to wrinkle as much as other materials). I was going to simply sew then onto my sock with just a simple hand stitching. My socks were over the calf and I have about 5 pair of them so if this doesn't work I don't mind just throwing it away. Does this sound like it might work? Also are they about 1.5in wide typically? I'm just going to start with black material that will go onto my white socks. Later on if this works will do a red material onto my black hose socks.

[Pleater]

I would urge caution as, from experience, sewing anything woven onto something knitted usually results in the knitted item being damaged or the sewing stitches pulling out of the material.

I think it is because the two structures deform differently, particularly when being washed.

Also, real linen is very prone to creasing. It is notorious for it, so chose your fabric carefully.

It could be a case of penny wise and pound foolish - a UK proverb indicating that in an attempt to save a small amount you incur a greater loss.

Anne the Pleater

[chasem]

I don't think this is the best of ideas. Going this route, you lose the ability to coordinate, as you're stuck with what you've sewn. I'd say that you'd be better off saving up for a few different colors of flashes, instead, or sew your own flashes, which can also be done at very low cost.

[The Wizard of BC]

The original idea of flashes was the ends of the garters used to hold you socks up. Today we use elastic for garters and the flashes are just "a splash of color".

By sewing your flashes onto your hose you bypass the garters. Why? If you don't use garters what holds your hose up?

It's the garters that are the important part. Leave the colored flashes off, or change them up for a different outfit. That's the beauty of it all.

I usually don't wear the flashes, but I always wear garters.

[unaspenser]

The original idea of flashes was the ends of the garters used to hold you socks up. Today we use elastic for garters and the flashes are just "a splash of color".

By sewing your flashes onto your hose you bypass the garters. Why? If you don't use garters what holds your hose up?

It's the garters that are the important part. Leave the colored flashes off, or change them up for a different outfit. That's the beauty of it all.

I usually don't wear the flashes, but I always wear garters.

My thoughts exactly!

[Ryan Nielson]

Well I'm going to to it anyway despite the approval of this board. And I got to add I think black flashes would look good with any kilt. I never really liked the look of flashes that match the kilt. It's just my wierd opinion.

[Barb T]

Don't you have trouble with your kilt hose falling down?? If I didn't wear the garter part, my kilt hose would be sagging and looking unsightly in about 5 minutes, particularly the one with the sgian dubh.

[ChattanCat]

I've sewn some velcro onto the back of the flashes, the side with the hooks. They stick to the sock pretty well. You can then remove them easily and try different colors, tartans, etc.

[cloves]

and what about washing your hose? Will that ruin your sewn in flashes?
Sewing a flash on means you can never wear your hose scrunched down casually either.

I say "don't do it"

[M. A. C. Newsome]

You can buy elastic by the yard at most any fabric store. It's fairly cheap. The easiest way to make your own garter would be to sew a couple of patches of velcro to the elastic. Making your own this way is not expensive at all, and you'd have a garter to keep your socks up!