How to Make Soft Toys & Dolls Out of Socks

Socks can be refashioned to create a soft, comforting doll.

We all have old socks around the house. Sometimes we employ them for dusting or cleaning purposes, but many times we simply throw out our old socks. Socks can make a soft, unique toy for small children. The softness of the fabric and the low level of a choking hazard make a sock doll a perfect toy for children of all ages. This craft can be accomplished using a few household items.

Things You'll Need

• 1 large sock
• Scissors
• Thread
• Needle
• Nylons or cotton balls
• Permanent markers

Instructions

1. Place the sock on a flat, even surface with the top of the sock facing up. Cut a straight line from the middle of the toe of the sock up to just below the beginning of the heel. Cut off the bottom toe of the sock, about 3 or 4 inches from the bottom. You should now have two small, separated toe sections and a large sock tube with a small slit at the bottom.

2. Thread a needle with 2 feet of thick, sturdy thread. Push the tip of the thread through the eye of the needle and pull the first half of the thread through the needle. Tie a knot with the two ends of the thread.

3. Turn the sock inside out. Sew along the bottom of the sock along the side with the slit. Sew along the bottom, up along the first edge of the slit, down the other edge of the slit and finish along the bottom of the sock. This stitched slit will be the legs of the doll. Turn the sock right side out, pushing out the small legs.

4. Take the two small toe sections you cut before. Fold each to segment lengthwise with the right sides facing. Sew along the long, open side of each toe segment to create an arm. Repeat with the other toe segment. Turn each arm right side out.

5. Stuff the body of the doll with small cotton balls or old nylons. Push these items through the top opening of the doll. Repeat with the arms.

6. Cut two foot long pieces of thread. Tie one around the body of the sock about one-third of the way down from the top opening of the sock. This thread creates a neck. Pull the string very tight to create the neck curve. Tie the second piece of thread just below the top opening of the sock to secure the filling in place and create the top of the head. Trim off any excess thread using scissors. Pull down the remaining fabric on the top edge of the sock opening to create a small hat on the head of the doll.

7. Pinch the open end of one of the arm pieces and place on the side of the body, just underneath the head. Sew in place using a thread and needle. Repeat with the second arm directly across from the first arm.

8. Draw a face on the sock using permanent markers in a variety of colors.

References

• Karen's Variety: How to Make a Sock Doll
• Notes of a Needler: How to Make a Cute Sock Doll