How to Make a Sock Monkey Puppet

Cute and cuddly, the sock monkey puppet has been a favorite for kids and crafters for years. Traditionally, Rockford red heel socks were used to create these dolls, but today, with so many colorful sock options, you can make a one-of-a-kind puppet to fit the personality of that special someone.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One pair of long socks (colored heels and toes work best)
• Ruler
• Marking pen
• Scissors
• Polyester or cotton crafter's stuffing
• Needle and thread
• Black embroidery floss
• Two small buttons for eyes
• One larger button for nose

1. One sock will become the legs, body and head. The other will be the arms, tail, hat and mouth. Turn the socks inside out.

2. Lay one sock flat with the heel facing up. Measure and mark a center line from three inches below the heel to the toe.

3. Sew a half-inch seam up one side of the line and back down the other. Curve the seam at the end to form rounded feet.

4. On your marked line, cut through the middle of your stitches, stopping 1 1/2 inches from the heel of the sock. This will form legs.

5. Turn the sock right side out and stuff the entire sock with cotton or polyester crafter's stuffing.

6. Stitch the opening at the top of the sock closed.

7. Determine where the neck should be. Using the embroidery thread, stitch quarter-inch stitches around the sock and pull until the desired size for the neck is achieved. Knot the ends of your thread.

8. 
    

   Lay the second sock flat. Mark a line three-quarters of an inch from the colored toe of the sock. This will become the monkey's hat.

9. Starting at the line you just drew, mark a line one inch away from the edge along the length of the front of the sock to the edge of the cuff, and cut out this piece. Sew along the seam, forming a curve at the end. Turn right side out. Stuff and sew the end closed. This will be the monkey's tail.

10. Draw a line following the shape of the heel half an inch past the colored material. This will be the puppet's mouth.

11. Draw two identical rectangle shapes for arms and two identical half-circles for ears, and cut out the marked pieces.

12. Sew each arm along the cut seams, leaving a small opening for stuffing and curving the ends to form hands. Turn right side out. Stuff. Sew the opening closed.

13. With right sides facing each other, sew around edge of the circular part of the ear shapes. Position and sew the straight edges of the ears onto the sides of the head.

14. Using needle and thread, position the mouth piece on the face with the heel facing out and the raw edges tucked under. Stitch in place, leaving a small opening. Lightly stuff and sew closed.

15. Sew the tail to the torso in the appropriate place, and sew the arms to the torso at the "shoulders."

16. With the black embroidery thread, sew on the two smaller buttons for eyes and the larger button for a nose.

17. Insert stuffing into the hat. Curl the edges slightly and sew it onto the top of the monkey's head.

Tips & Warnings

• When stuffing, break material into small pieces. It allows for a smoother look to the finished product. Add your own touch by forming an expression on the mouth with embroidery thread or yarn. This is meant to be a fun project. Be creative and experiment with different looks.
• Children should be supervised while using scissors and sewing needles. Buttons should not be used if the puppet will be played with by a child under 3.

References

• General information