How to Make a Sock Doll

Now there's a reason to keep that lone sock from the dryer.

Save your spare socks to fashion into plush sock dolls. If you have a pair of socks that you want to memorialize, such as a pair loved by your child, turn them into a set of twin baby dolls. Design sock dolls to resemble someone you know by using buttons to match the color of the person's eyes or a color of sock that coordinates with her hair color. Give the dolls to those you love for inexpensive yet personal gifts during the holidays or for special occasions.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Adult size tube sock
• Rubber bands
• Fiberfill
• Scissors
• Yarn
• 2 buttons
• Hot glue gun

1. Wash and dry an adult size tube sock.

2. Fill the foot of the sock with fiberfill to the desired firmness you want for the doll. Wrap a rubber band around the top of the stuffed foot.

3. Pinch a 2-inch-long section of the end of the foot where the big toe would go. Twist the segment with the stuffing included to divide this part from the body of the sock. Wrap a rubber band around the top of the section to secure it to complete the left foot of the doll. Repeat this method on the other side where your little toe would go to make the right leg. The legs should be the same size.

4. Gather a 1-inch section of the stuffed sock at the top of the sock doll just beneath the rubber band and directly above one of the legs. Place a rubber band around the top of the section for one of the doll's arms. Repeat on the other side of the sock for the other arm.

5. Add a fistful of fiberfill inside the sock above the rubber band. Push the stuffing down until you have the desired size for the head of the doll. Wrap a rubber band around the sock at the top of the stuffing to complete the head.

6. Cut the remaining sock material into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick strips that start at the opening of the top of the sock and extend down to the rubber band at the head. This will make the doll's hair. Trim the ends of the sock hair if you prefer spiky or short hair. Use rubber bands to pull the hair into a ponytail or pigtails, if desired. Tie a bow made of yarn around the rubber bands.

7. Place two buttons on the front of the doll's head for its eyes. Attach the buttons using hot glue.

8. Cut a 1-inch piece of yarn. Fold it into a "V." Hot-glue the yarn as folded below the eyes for the doll's nose. Cut a 3-inch piece of yarn and hot-glue it beneath the nose in a smile, frown or straight line, depending on the doll's personality.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for fleece or wool socks for holiday sock dolls, or socks with puff balls on the ankles for dolls fashioned after animals, such as spring chicks or rabbits.

• Do not give these socks to children younger than 3 years of age. The rubber bands and buttons pose a choking hazard.

References

• Artists Helping Children: How to Make Easy No-Sew Sock Dolls
• Danielle's Place: Sock Crafts and Learning Activities for Kids

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish