How to Make Sock Monkey Slippers

Sock monkeys are an iconic vintage toy. They became popular in the 1930s and '40s and are made from red-heeled socks. Sock monkeys are cheap and fairly common, and you can also make a pair of slippers from a couple of pairs of the socks, making for an interesting pair of slippers you can make in just a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Two pairs of red-heeled socks, a few sizes too big
• Fleece fabric for lining, about 1/4 yard
• Fiberfil stuffing
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Pins
• Thread
• Needle
• Four small black buttons for eyes

Instructions

1. Cut your pairs of socks into three pieces each. Cut each sock about two inches above the heel and two inches below the heel. Save two of the heel pieces. These heel pieces will serve as the monkey's face to be placed atop the slipper.

2. Cut the top part of the sock lengthwise, and pin and sew them together lengthwise with right sides facing. Make sure to leave about 1/4 inch seam allowance.

3. If your foot is longer than these two top sections, cut from the bottom section of the sock and add it to the lengthwise piece you have created. You want this piece to be about six inches longer and five inches wider than the length of your foot.

4. Cut a piece the same size from your lining.

5. Fold over the two short corners of your sock rectangle as you would the top ends of a paper airplane. Pin them at their intersection and sew at 1/4 inch seam allowance. Do this for both sock rectangles and your lining. This will be the front of your slipper.

6. With right sides together, fold the back of the sock rectangle in half with right sides together. Pin them, and sew a straight line 1/4 inch away from the edge. Do this for your lining. You should now have four rough shoe shapes.

7. Flip your linings and sock inside out, and, with right sides together, pin the lining into the shoe. Stitch at 1/4 seam allowance, but leave about a three-inch hole.

8. Turn the slipper back right side out by pulling it through the opening. Stuff the Fiberfil stuffing into the slipper until it feels comfortable.

9. Hand sew the opening shut.

10. Flip the heel inside out, and pin and sew one end of the heel shut. Stuff it with Fiberfil, and hand sew the other end shut once the heel is round in shape. Make sure that the red part of the heel is centered. Do this with two heel sections. This will serve as the monkey's head.

11. Sew button eyes onto the monkey's head, directly above the red portion of the face. You can also sew a mouth using black thread.

12. Sew the monkey head onto the top of your slipper, and wear your slipper around.