How to Make a DIY Stress Ball Using an Old Sock in 8 Easy Steps

Co-authored by Liz Park and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: July 24, 2025 References

Stress balls are a great way to let out built up frustrations, but they can be costly. Why pay for something that you can make with things you have in your house? Stress balls are easy to make and you won’t need to run to the store for supplies. A DIY sock stress ball will give you a fun craft to work on and some much needed stress relief. Follow these steps to learn how to make your very own stress ball with a sock.

1

Find a sock of any size.

Download Article

Relieve stress by repurposing old socks. You can buy new socks for the project, but why do that when you probably have a bunch lingering in the back of your sock drawer? Pick a sock with a colorful pattern that’ll help you smile on those stressful days. Wash the sock you’re going to use, and just like that, you have the start of your stress ball.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- The size of your sock doesn’t matter. Just keep in mind that the size of your sock will be the size of your stress ball.
- A solid colored sock may be best if you want to add designs to your stress ball later.

2

Use rice, playdough, beads, or other socks to fill your stress ball.

Download Article

There are so many possibilities when it comes to fillings. Would you like a stress ball that’s squishy? Hard? Moldable? Choose between rice, playdough, beads, or other socks to fill your sock.
- Rice, beans, or other dry foods will give your stress ball that classic pleasing squeeze. If you want a range of textures to play with, add beans and rice to your sock.
- Playdough will give you that satisfying and moldable squish that is similar to a slime stress ball.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Liz Park
  Slime Expert
  
  Expert Interview}
- Beads will be harder to squeeze but give you something more to play with in your stress ball. You can also find different shaped beads for added texture and stimulus.
- Socks will make your stress ball firm and feel more like a regular ball rather than a squeezable sack.

3

Fill the sock with your chosen material.

Download Article

Whatever you pick, your stress ball will be great. Just add your chosen texture into your sock to start forming your stress ball.
- If you choose rice, beans, or beads, use a funnel to fill your sock. The more you fill the sock, the firmer your stress ball will be, so make sure you leave enough room to let you squeeze.
- No funnel? No problem! Place the sock inside a glass and wrap the opening of the sock around the rim.
- If you choose playdough, fill a plastic sandwich bag with playdough, close the bag after letting out the air, and then place the bag of playdough inside the sock.
- If you choose socks, roll one sock into a ball. Then take another sock and roll it into a ball around another sock. Repeat this with 5 socks, ending with the sock you want on the outside of your stress ball.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}

4

Add essential oils for extra stress relief.

Download Article

Another layer of stress relief can help melt your stress away even faster. Essential oils are a great addition to your DIY stress ball. Pick your favorite soothing scents and add a few drops into your filled sock.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Lavender, orange, cedarwood, eucalyptus, spearmint, and cypress are common stress-relieving oils.
- If you’re using playdough, add the essential oils to the playdough before putting it inside the plastic sandwich bag.

5

Pinch the sock shut with your fingers.

Download Article

Gather the leftover sock fabric together with your fingers. Pinch the sock shut so nothing spills out of the sock.

6

Sew or tie your sock to form your stress ball.

Download Article

How you close your stress ball is totally up to your preference. Close your stress ball with a needle and thread or pick out a rubber band or string you really like. No matter what you choose, your stress ball will be awesome!
- Wrap a rubber band around where you’ve pinched the sock until it’s tight and secure.
- Tie a string around the opening tightly and secure with a knot.
- Sew your sock shut with a simple straight stitch, making sure to tie a knot at the end so your stitching doesn’t move.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}

7

Cut off the extra sock fabric.

Download Article

Simply cut off the excess material with a pair of scissors once the knot is secure. Just be careful not to cut too close to where you’ve sewed or tied off the stress ball.^{[6]
X
Research source}

8

Decorate your stress ball.

Download Article

Your stress ball might be for stressful times, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be cute! Add a smiley face to your stress ball with permanent marker to remind you to smile even on the hardest days, or tie a ribbon around the top for some added flare.
- Glitter glues and stickers can add texture to the outside of your stress ball.
- Fabric paints are another great way to add some personal touches. Paint a pattern around your stress ball or write out your name in a fun font.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What would happen if you don’t put the Play-Doh the plastic bag?

Samantha

Top Answerer

It'll dry out and ruin the sock and may increase your level of stress!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 14
Question

Why does it have to be in a sock?

Samantha

Top Answerer

It can be made with other materials as well, like worn-out fabric from other clothing or brand new fabric.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
Question

Can you add shaving gel?

Samantha

Top Answerer

If you want to, go for it! Add anything to help remove stress! You can even use foam if you want to!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 7