How to make a sock monkey
Sock monkeys are a really fun sewing project that can literally be made out of any pair of socks, and with our guide, you can find out how to make a sock monkey easily. They may seem like quite a new concept, but they’ve actually been around for at least a century, maybe even longer!
Back in the Industrial Revolution, once knitting machines were invented, socks were able to be mass-produced. Grey wool workers' socks were the first to be available, and it didn’t take long for people to realise that a worn-out pair of socks could get a new lease of life.
Sock monkeys became really popular during the Great Depression when money was tight and there was very little fabric available. These cute critters could be created from old pairs of socks and made into ideal children’s toys during the hard times.
A particularly popular sock used to make sock monkeys was the Rockford Red Heel Sock. These were first made by the Nelson Knitting Company back in 1880 and featured a startling red heel. They were a hugely popular choice for making sock monkeys in 1930s America, as the finished monkey had a large red mouth. The company even started giving away instructions with every pair of socks.
Fast forward to the present day, and they are a huge array of sock monkey kits available. However, you really only need a few basic craft items to have a go. The basic pattern works with most socks; the most difficult bit is deciding what socks to choose.
Whether you want to create one for a friend, a child, to make someone laugh or just for yourself, you’re bound to enjoy this easy sewing project and will definitely want to make more!
You will need:
- A new or clean pair of socks
- Toy stuffing
- White felt
- Two small black buttons
- Marker pen
- Sewing machine (find the best sewing machine for beginners)
- Sewing thread
- Sewing needle
- Scissors
If you're new to the world of sewing, don't worry. We have a complete guide to sewing for beginners as well as a library of embroidery stitches for beginners. Both will teach you all the stitches you need. We also show you how to use a sewing machine if this is your first time.
Top Tips on making your sock monkey
- Don’t worry about drawing and cutting out your sock monkey exactly the same as the guide; the joy of sock monkeys is that every one of them is unique and different.
- Cosy socks are ideal to give a sock monkey a furry look, but they can be a little temperamental under a sewing machine foot. If you struggle to machine-sew, then hand-sew the pieces instead.
- If you don’t have any small buttons for the eyes, or you’re making the sock monkey for a young child, sew on black felt eyes instead.
How to make a sock monkey
Step 1
Turn your socks inside out, then, using the guide provided, draw the pieces required on the socks. Cut out all the pieces.
Step 2
With the right sides together, machine-sew all the pieces (except the mouth), then turn all the pieces right sides out. Leave a gap between the legs and a gap at the end of the arms, end of the tail, and base of the ears.
Step 3
Stuff the body, legs and arms with toy stuffing. Use a pen or pencil to poke stuffing right to the ends of the legs and arms. Leave the other pieces unstuffed.
Step 4
Hand-sew the hole at the bottom of the body, tucking the raw edges inside as you go.
Step 5
Hand-sew the arms to either side of the body, tucking the raw edges inside. Sew around the arms twice for extra strength.
Step 6
Cut out a simple face shape from white felt, then sew the buttons towards the top to create eyes. Hand-sew the felt towards the top of the body.
Step 7
Lay the mouth under the eyes, then hand-sew across the top, tucking the raw edges inside. Stuff the mouth, then hand-sew the rest of it.
Step 8
Hand-sew the corners of each ear together to give them some shape. Hand-sew the ears on either side of the head in line with the eyes.
Step 9
Hand-sew the tail to the base of the body, tucking the raw edges inside.
