How to Make a Sock Monkey

The sock monkey, with the big red mouth and matching rear end, has been a favorite since the directions for making it first appeared in 1920. Although the original sock company has changed hands, the instructions are still included in the current packaging by Fox River Mills. You'll use one sock for the body, head and legs and the other for the arms, legs, tail, ears and mouth.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One pair of red heel socks
• Marking pen
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Stuffing
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Embroidery thread or buttons
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Red worsted weight yarn

1. Form the body and leg by turning one sock inside out and laying it out flat with the red heel facing up. Using a ruler and marker, place a line down the center, starting 3 inches below the white area of the heel.

2. Make the legs by stitching a 1/2-inch seam on either side of the line, curving the seam at the cuff end to form the rounded-off feet.

3. Separate the legs by cutting between the two stitching lines to within 1 1/2 inches of the white of the heel. Turn the sock right-side out, stuff the head, body and legs firmly through the opening and stitch it closed.

4. Fold the second sock in half, laying it out flat so one side is facing up. Use a marker to make patterns for the hat, arms, mouth, tail and ears in the following manner.

5. Designate the white toe area, including 3/4-inch of the brown area, for the hat. Start at the end of the brown hat area and measure 1 inch from the fold line on the top of the sock, drawing a line all the way down to the end of the cuff for the tail pattern.

6. Make the mouth from the red heel section, including 1/2-inch of the brown area. Use the remaining area above the mouth pattern to mark a rectangular pattern for the arms. Separate the two arm pieces by cutting through the fold on the edge. Draw two half circles on the fold edge from the remaining section of the sock for the ears. Once you've drawn all of the pieces, cut them out.

7. Position the mouth on the face, stitch the bottom edge in place, stuff it lightly and then finish sewing it.

8. Fold the tail section in half, stitch the seam (tapering it at the end) and then stuff and secure it above the red rear end. Fold the ears, cup and shape them at the top, and sew them onto the head. Fold each rectangular arm piece in half, sew the side seams and curve the seam at the end for the hand. Stuff the tube firmly and sew it in place at the shoulder.

9. Make the eyes and nose with embroidery or buttons. Finish your monkey off with a hat by curling up the edges of the hat piece and sewing a big red pompom on top. You may also want to tie pompoms onto the wrists and ankles for a different look.

Tips & Warnings

• Think about using the basic pattern on different types of socks for a variety of monkeys. You can also make little vests, dresses or pants.