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This classic, goofy sock toy has been a favorite of children and adults for decades. Sure, you can buy a sock monkey, but making one is half the fun! All you need are a few socks, some stuffing, and basic sewing skills. Read through our easy-to-follow steps to get started.
Steps
Printable Pattern
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Turn 2 socks inside out and lay them flat. You can use any socks you like, but the best ones have heels and toes in contrasting colors. You can use matching socks or different ones for a funky monkey! Whatever you use, pick socks that are clean and don't have holes. Spread your inside-out socks flat on your work surface so the heels face up. [1] X Research source- You'll use 1 sock for the body, legs, and head, and the other sock for the arms, tail, face, and ears.
- Going for the iconic sock monkey style? Buy Rockford Red Heel Socks, which have a distinctive red heel.
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Cut the sock from the opening to 1 in (2.5 cm) from the colored heel. This splits the sock into legs so make sure you're cutting through both layers of fabric. [2] X Research source
- You can eyeball this line or draw a guideline using a ruler and fabric marker if you'd like a perfectly straight line.
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Sew straight along each inner leg and stop 1 in (2.5 cm) from the end. You can use a sewing machine or needle and thread to stitch your monkey. Either way, sew along the bottom of the cuff to close the bottom of each leg before you sew up the inner leg. [3] X Research source
- Don't stitch completely around the inside of the monkey's legs or you won't be able to stuff it!
- You can use any type of stitch you like—running stitch, straight stitch, zigzag stitch, or your favorite.
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Turn the sock right side out and stuff it with polyfill. Take a small handful of fluffy polyfill and push it through the gap between the monkey's legs. Keep adding polyfill until the entire sock monkey is stuffed and as firm as you like. [4] X Research source
- You can buy polyfill from fabric supply stores, craft stores, or get it online.
- Don't have polyfill? Don't worry! You could use cotton balls or small strips of fabric instead. Your sock monkey may be a little lumpy, but it will have character.
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Sew the gap between the legs closed so the stuffing doesn't fall out. Grab your needle and thread again and pinch the fabric together at the gap. You can use any stitch you like to sew the opening between the monkey’s legs closed. You may want to go over the space a second time so it's super secure and stuffing won't come out. [5] X Research source
- If you're new to sewing, a simple whip stitch, where you go back and forth across the fabric, is completely fine. If you're a little more experienced, do a slip stitch, where you work the needle through the very edge of the fabric, to get an almost invisible seam.
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Tie a rubber band around the top 1/3 of the body. To shape the head, wrap your index finger and thumb around the top of the stuffed sock. Then, take a rubber band or elastic hairband and twist it around the sock so the top looks like a rounded head. Now, you can set this sock aside while you work on the arms and other parts of your monkey. [6] X Research source
- For a really cute monkey, tie a ribbon around the neck. You'll probably want to do this over the elastic so it's extra secure.
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Cut your second sock into the 6 pieces on the template. You can download and print the template at the top of this article or glance at it to cut your second sock into pieces. As you cut, go through both layers of fabric. Cut: [7] X Research source
- The heel of the sock to make the mouth
- 2 long strips for the arms
- A long strip for the tail
- 2 small curved shapes for the ears
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Sew each arm piece in half lengthwise and along 1 end. Use your sewing machine or needle and thread to sew across the cuff end and along the long side. Repeat this for the other arm. [8] X Research source
- Again, feel free to use any type of stitch for sewing the arms or any part of the monkey.
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Fold the tail piece in half lengthwise and sew it up. You'll pretty much repeat what you did for the arms with the tail. Remember to leave 1 end open so you can stuff it later. [9] X Research source
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Sew the curved sides of the ears. Since these are pretty small, you'll probably want to sew them by hand. Take an ear and fold it in half so the curved sides line up. Then, sew from 1 end of the curve to the other end. [10] X Research source
- You won't be stuffing the ears so you don't need to leave an opening.
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Turn the pieces right side out and stuff them with polyfill. Take a small piece of polyfill and push it down into the sewn pieces. To make it a little easier, use the eraser-end of a pencil to push the polyfill down. Fill the arms and tail as much as you like. [11] X Research source
- There's no need to sew the stuffed pieces shut since you'll be stitching them to the monkey and that will close them.
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Stitch the arms and tail to your monkey's body. Hold or pin an arm onto the side of the body so it's near the upper third of the body. Use a needle and thread to sew the end of the arm to the body. Go around it twice so it's extra secure. [12] X Research source
- Keep your stitches tight and close together so the tail and arms stay in place.
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Stuff the mouth piece with polyfill and sew it to the monkey’s face. Take the rounded mouth piece and place stuffing into it. Turn it onto the bottom half of the head so the stuffing isn't visible and sew the edges of the mouth piece to the head. [13] X Research source
- Want to give your monkey a little more personality? Before you attach the mouth piece, make a thick line of stitches across the mouth so it looks like the line between lips.
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Stitch the ears onto the sides of the monkey's head. Press the straight side of each ear onto the monkey's temples. It might help to pin them in place so they don't move while you're sewing. Then, use a needle and thread to sew the straight sides onto the head. You may want to go back and forth a few times so they're really sturdy. [14] X Research source
- Check that the ears are aligned before you stitch them in place.
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Attach 2 black buttons for eyes. Thread a needle with black embroidery floss or thread and press a black button on the head so it's above the mouth. Stitch from underneath the button through a hole and bring the needle down through the opposite hole—you'll probably want to pass the thread through the holes 4 or 5 times. Then, stitch through the 2 diagonal holes before you sew on the other button. [15] X Research source
- If you don't have black buttons, it's no big deal. Just use whatever buttons you have on hand.
- For a sillier look, stick large googly eyes onto the head instead of using buttons. You'll probably want to add fabric glue to the backs so they don't fall off.
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Add decorative touches like pom pom hats, hearts, or clothes. Now that you've got your adorable sock monkey, have fun customizing it! Use fabric glue to stick pom poms on your monkey's head or a heart on its chest. Want to play dress-up with your monkey? Dress your monkey in doll clothes like dresses, vests, or sweaters. Use your imagination and have fun!
- Dress your monkey for winter with a cute scarf or mittens. Taking the monkey to a sleepover? Pop fun PJs on it before you go.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow big are the ears?Community AnswerThe size varies depending on the size of your monkey, but for a normal sock size, about an inch and a half would do. You do need to judge the size of the ears in proportion to the size of the monkey, so making a paper template first can be helpful for getting the right idea (pin the paper ears on, stand back and decide how they look size-wise).
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QuestionCan I make a monkey with ankle socks?Community AnswerYes, but it will be a very short little fellow.
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QuestionShould I decorate the muzzle before I stuff the monkey?Community AnswerIt would be best to do it before, but you could do it after to get the placing right.
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Tips
- This is a great craft project for kids who are learning how to sew or upcycle materials.Thanks
- If you don't know how to sew, don't worry! You can use a hot glue gun to secure the pieces.Thanks
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Warnings
- If you're giving the sock monkey to a child under three years old, don't use buttons for the eyes since they may pop off and become a choking hazard. Instead, embroider the eyes with colorful thread.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- One pair of socks with contrasting colored heels and toes
- Polyfill stuffing
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
- Fabric marker, optional
- Two black buttons
- Decorating supplies, optional
- Sewing machine, optional
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/jSZIn3JYOdg?t=98
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSZIn3JYOdg&feature=youtu.be&t=105
- ↑ https://youtu.be/jSZIn3JYOdg?t=199
- ↑ https://www.thesewingdirectory.co.uk/sock-monkey-project/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/hWCWHg4K-oU?t=648
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSZIn3JYOdg&feature=youtu.be&t=313
- ↑ https://www.thesewingdirectory.co.uk/make-a-sock-animal/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/jSZIn3JYOdg?t=442
- ↑ https://youtu.be/jSZIn3JYOdg?t=604
About This Article
Article Summary
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To make a sock monkey, turn a sock inside out and draw a line down the middle to create the monkey's legs. Then, sew up one side of the marked line and back down the other before cutting along the line. For the body, turn the sock right-side out and stuff it. Next, make a rounded head at the sock opening and stitch it shut. For the arms, legs, and tail, cut the second sock into sections and sew them together. Finally, stuff the arms, legs, and tail before sewing them to the body. To find out how to make the face and ears for your monkey, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I really enjoyed making this sock monkey! This was really helpful, my first intention was to buy my own. My parents didn't let me, and I realized I could make my own! This was the first article I saw, and that's how I have my beloved sock monkey, George. Thank you so much!" ..." more
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"I really enjoyed making this sock monkey! This was really helpful, my first intention was to buy my own. My parents didn't let me, and I realized I could make my own! This was the first article I saw, and that's how I have my beloved sock monkey, George. Thank you so much!"
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"Close to fifty years ago, I made a dozen monkeys with the original red heel socks. They were for Christmas presents and I was on a budget, if I remember correctly I spent about $1 per monkey. Instructions are a great refresher!"
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"I've been wanting to make a sock monkey, but didn't know how. I stumbled upon this well written, informative article, and now I will get rid of lonely socks and make them into monkeys instead of throwing them away."
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"Your directions are awesome. It's true when you said use smaller pieces of stuffing to get a smoother leg or arm. I tried to use bigger pieces, and it turned out lumpy. I had to redo it. Love your article."
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"It had been a while since I made sock monkeys and needed a refresher course. Your featured article was great, brought it all back to me. The printable pattern in a PDF format is very appreciated. Thank you."
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