A Crafty Adventure: Easy Sock Monkey Making

Making a sock monkey is a fun and easy craft project that can be done by people of all ages and skill levels. All you need is a pair of socks (preferably with contrasting colours for the heel and toe), some toy stuffing or polyfill, buttons or embroidery thread for the eyes, and basic sewing skills. You can follow a variety of online tutorials and patterns to create your own unique sock monkey, with some options being more suitable for beginners than others. So, gather your supplies, set aside a few hours, and get ready to bring your very own sock monkey to life!

Choosing the right socks

Type of Socks

You can use any type of socks to make a sock monkey, such as crew-length, knee-high, or ankle socks. Keep in mind that the size of the socks will determine the size of your monkey. Using larger socks will result in a bigger monkey, while smaller socks will create a smaller one. If you want to make a variety of monkeys, consider getting different sizes of socks to create a family of monkeys, including babies, toddlers, teens, and adults.

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the socks will impact the overall aesthetic of your monkey. You can choose solid colours, stripes, or fun patterns to create a unique look. Consider the colour of the heels and toes as well, as these will typically be used for the monkey's mouth, feet, and hands. Contrasting colours can highlight these features, making them stand out. For a classic look, you can use Rockford Red Heel Socks, which have a distinctive red heel.

Sock Material

The material of the socks is an important consideration, especially if you plan to sew them by machine. Some materials, such as cosy, fluffy, or fuzzy socks, may be more difficult to work with under a sewing machine foot. If you're a beginner, opt for socks with a thicker knit and a tighter weave, as these are less likely to rip and are generally easier to handle.

Number of Socks

To make a sock monkey, you will typically need one or two pairs of socks. One sock will be used for the body, legs, and head, while the other sock will be used for the arms, tail, face, and ears. If you want to add accessories like a scarf or hat, you may need additional socks or scrap fabric.

Clean and Hole-Free

It is important to use clean socks that are free of holes. Dirty or damaged socks can affect the overall appearance and durability of your sock monkey. Wash your socks before starting the project to ensure they are clean and ready for sewing.

In summary, choosing the right socks for your sock monkey involves considering the type, colour, pattern, material, and condition of the socks. By selecting the appropriate socks, you can create a unique and high-quality sock monkey that will bring joy to you or a loved one.

Cutting the socks

To make a sock monkey, you'll need to cut up your socks in a specific way to create the various body parts. Here's a detailed guide on how to cut your socks for a sock monkey:

Firstly, lay your socks flat and turn them inside out, ensuring the wrong sides are facing out. For the first sock, position it so that the heel is facing upwards—this will be the body of the monkey. For the second sock, place the heel to one side, as this will be used for the other body parts. If your socks have small cuffs, cut them off, as they are too thick and inconsistent with the rest of the sock.

Next, you'll want to start cutting the socks to create the various body parts. For the first sock (the body), cut the sock from the opening to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the coloured heel. This will create the legs, so ensure you're cutting through both layers of fabric. You can eyeball this line or use a ruler and fabric marker for a straighter line.

Now, for the second sock, cut it into six pieces. Cut the heel of the sock to create the mouth. Then, cut two long strips for the arms and a long strip for the tail. Finally, cut two small curved shapes for the ears.

If you want to be precise, you can download and print a template for the body parts or simply use it as a reference for cutting. Remember to cut through both layers of fabric for each piece.

Once you've cut out all the pieces, you're ready to start sewing your sock monkey together!

Creating the body parts by cutting the socks is a crucial step in making your sock monkey. By following these instructions, you'll be well on your way to crafting a cute and unique toy.

Sewing the body

Turn your socks inside out and lay them flat, ensuring the heels face up. You will use one sock for the body, legs, and head, and the other for the arms, tail, face, and ears.

Cut the sock from the opening to 1 inch from the coloured heel. This will split the sock into legs, so cut through both layers of fabric. You can eyeball this line or draw a guideline using a ruler and fabric marker.

Sew straight along each inner leg and stop 1 inch from the end. Sew along the bottom of the cuff to close the bottom of each leg before sewing up the inner leg. Don't stitch around the inside of the legs, or you won't be able to stuff them. You can use a sewing machine or needle and thread and any type of stitch you like.

Turn the sock right side out and stuff it with polyfill, small strips of fabric, or cotton balls. Keep adding the filling until the sock is stuffed to your desired firmness.

Sew the gap between the legs closed so the stuffing doesn't fall out. You can use any stitch you like to sew the opening closed. Go over the space a second time to ensure it is secure.

Tie a rubber band or hairband around the top third of the body to shape the head. Wrap your index finger and thumb around the top of the stuffed sock and secure with a band. Now, set this sock aside while you work on the other parts.

Arms, tail, and ears

Cut your second sock into six pieces. You can download and print a template or cut freehand. Cut the heel of the sock to make the mouth, two long strips for the arms, a long strip for the tail, and two small curved shapes for the ears.

Sew each arm piece lengthwise and along one end. Repeat this for the other arm. Leave one end open so you can stuff the arms later.

Fold the tail piece in half lengthwise and sew it up, leaving one end open for stuffing.

Sew the curved sides of the ears. As these are small, you'll probably want to sew them by hand. Take an ear, fold it in half, and sew from one end of the curve to the other.

Turn the pieces right side out and stuff them with polyfill. Push small pieces of polyfill down into the sewn pieces, using the eraser-end of a pencil to help guide it through.

Assembly

Stitch the arms and tail to the body of the monkey. Hold or pin an arm onto the side of the body near the upper third and sew the end of the arm to the body. Go around twice to make it extra secure.

Keep your stitches tight and close together so the arms and tail stay in place.

Stuff the mouth piece with polyfill and sew it to the monkey's face. Place the stuffing into the mouth piece, turn it onto the bottom half of the head so the stuffing isn't visible, and sew the edges of the mouth to the head.

Stitch the ears onto the sides of the monkey's head. Press the straight side of each ear onto the temples and pin them in place. Sew the straight sides onto the head, going back and forth a few times to ensure they are sturdy.

Finishing touches

Attach two black buttons for eyes. Thread a needle with black embroidery floss or thread, press a button onto the head above the mouth, and stitch through the holes several times. Stitch the second button in the same way.

For a sillier look, stick on large googly eyes or embroider the eyes with colourful thread.

Add decorative touches like pom-pom hats, hearts, or clothes. Use fabric glue to stick pom-poms onto the monkey's head or a heart onto its chest. Dress your monkey in doll clothes like dresses, vests, or sweaters.

Stuffing the body

Now that you have cut out all the pieces, it's time to start sewing and stuffing your monkey!

To start, you will need to turn your monkey body inside out. You can use a long corner turner to get into the feet and make sure they are all poked out. Alternatively, you can use the blunt end of a knitting needle, being careful not to poke through the fabric.

Now, fill the monkey's body with polyfill. Start by filling the feet and then move up the legs and fill the main body. You can use a pencil to push the polyfill down into the legs and body.

Once the body is filled to your desired firmness, it's time to close up the opening. You can use a slip stitch or ladder stitch to sew the opening closed. When using a slip stitch, use double thread and knot the end. Take a small stitch and loop your needle through the loop with the knot. This will secure the knot and prevent it from slipping through the sock.

Attaching the arms, ears, and tail

With the body complete, it's time to move on to the arms, ears, and tail. Sew these pieces together, leaving the tops open so you can stuff them. For the ears, sew around the curved edge, leaving the straight edge open. Once sewn, turn them right side out and use a corner turner to poke out all the corners.

Now, stuff each of the monkey's body parts with toy stuffing. For the ears, you only need to add enough stuffing to make them stand out; you don't want them to be overstuffed. For the arms, stuff them until you are about 1/2" from the opening. Then, roll the arms with your hands to make the stuffing even.

Attaching the head and neck

Next, let's work on the monkey's head and give it a neck. Knot your thread and then wrap it around the neck several times, pulling the thread tight and tying a knot. You can add a dab of Fray-Check to the knot to keep it secure.

Now, sew on the tail piece. It is recommended to sew the open edge closed first and then use a whip stitch to sew along one edge and then turn to sew the other edge.

Then, using the same technique, sew on the arms and ears. Place the arms close to the indent for the neck.

Embroidering the mouth

Now it's time to embroider the mouth. You can use a chain stitch or any other line stitch. Stitch across the top of the mouth and around the outside of the contrast area (the heel of the sock). Then, stitch across the centre to create the mouth opening.

For the mouth, you can pin it in place before whip stitching it to the face. Add a little bit of polyfill and then begin sewing, adding more polyfill as you go. When the mouth is almost attached, but you still have a small opening, add a little more stuffing to fill it out. Finally, stitch the opening closed and tie off your thread.

Final touches

Now that your sock monkey is assembled, it's time for the final touches!

First, you can add a scarf to your monkey. Cut a piece of fleece or felt to size, and snip the ends to create fringe. Then, tie the scarf around your monkey's neck. This is a great way to cover up the elastic you used to shape the head.

Next, you can add some clothes to your monkey. Dress your monkey in doll clothes, such as dresses, vests, sweaters, scarves, mittens, or pyjamas. You can also add accessories like hats, hearts, or pom-poms, using fabric glue to stick them on.

If you want to give your monkey a silly look, you can add googly eyes instead of buttons. Just make sure to add some fabric glue to the backs so they stay in place.

Finally, if you're giving the sock monkey to a young child, make sure to embroider the eyes and mouth instead of using buttons, as these can pose a choking hazard.

Frequently asked questions