Originally Posted by
carolynjo
I would NOT cut into the stocking. It will never be the same (ask me how I know). The advice about certain stitches is good; just choose which one seems to be the best for you. Good luck to both of you. You've both come a long way, so try to get your stress level down a bit more and enjoy each other.
Thanks for that warning.
I know I would have found out the hard way. We've definitely slowed down to smell the roses and appreciate the simpler things. We're definitely celebrating the baby steps too.
Originally Posted by
Prism99
I wouldn't use a really strong stitch until you are sure you have taken it in the correct amount. If you take it in too much, especially at the top, it can cause problems. I had an elastic sock I used for plantar fascitis that was sliding down, so I sewed a zigzag on the outside of the sock to make it tighter. Took it in about an inch at the top (folded sock at seam and sewed half an inch in) and tapered it down. Sewing on the outside meant I didn't have to worry about cutting the sock or about having a hefty seam inside the sock to irritate my skin. However, taking it in an inch proved too much. It was comfortable, but it caused the varicose veins in my leg to pop out and inch after two continuous nights of wearing it. Thankfully, quitting the sock allowed my veins to go back to the way they were. Your type of sock is different but, if possible, I think you would be best off not cutting and simply using a plain stretch zigzag on the outside. Let your husband wear it that way for a day or two and then, if needed, you can take it in some more. Once you reach the right amount, that is when you might want to use a stronger stitch on the seam. Of course, sewing on the outside of the sock means your husband will need to wear long pants, but he probably is anyway.
Thanks for this! I was planning on using the slightly tighter one as a template but sneaking up on the proper dimensions sounds like a good way to do it. There's a lot of scar tissue and skin grafts that I don't want to have a seam wearing against, so I will definitely approach it like you mention.
You're right, he's wearing long pants for the most part but interestingly he's always been like that - to the point of his legs practically glowing when we went to Mexico a few years ago! - but he's wearing shorts more now at home because he got used to it when he was laid up.
Originally Posted by
matraina
Gosh, I know how you feel. I must wear compression hose, too. They cost nearly $100/pair. They have a buy two, get one free. I have tried to mend those I have (by hand) but then they're uncomfortable to wear. I usually get the holes in the big toe area. Mine are prescription and I'd be afraid any alteration would ruin the prescription. Don't know this for sure, though.
I don't recall what these ones cost but I think it's higher than that. They're working though and insurance is reimbursing us for most or all of it. That's helping a lot (other than cash flow of course) What is making them uncomfortable after mending? Is it the seam itself, the bulk if any that's left, something else? I have the same problem you have with socks. I often blow holes in the big toes of my socks. It's usually my toe nails that do it. If they get a little too long they cut the threads of the socks. I wonder if clipping the toes out of a regular sock and putting it in the stocking first would help?