How to Make a Sock Monkey Christmas Ornament

Striped or patterned socks are a fun twist on the traditional red and gray sock monkeys.

According to Sockmonkey.net, the sock monkey rose to popularity in the early 1900s as mothers made them from the traditional Rockford Red Heel socks. Rockford Red Heels are still the standard medium for more modern sock monkey crafts; however, the socks can be difficult to find. Look for a crafting website specializing in sock monkeys or vintage crafts to find these traditional socks. For a twist on the traditional craft, try making these monkeys from a striped or patterned pair of socks. Use a small pair of socks for an ornament-sized monkey.

Things You'll Need

• Child-size, knee-high socks
• Ruler
• Pens
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Needle
• Scissors
• Knitting needle or chopstick (optional)
• Stuffing
• Straight pins
• 2 buttons
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. Turn one sock inside out and smooth it so that the heel is centered on the side facing up. Lay the sock on the table so the toe is the top and the open end is closest to you. Draw a straight line along the center of the sock, under the heel to the bottom of the sock (the open end).

2. Sew along either side of the line about ¼ inch away from the line. This stitching will form the monkey's legs, so it is important to sew two lines on either side of the drawn line. Sewing on the machine helps keep the stitches even and straight. Sew a curve into the bottom of each line to form a foot. Turn the sock to help create the curve.

3. Cut along the dotted line to the heel to separate the two monkey legs. Stop cutting just below the heel. Through the hole formed in between the monkey's legs, turn the monkey right side out. Use a chopstick or knitting needle to push out the edges of the sock.

4. Stuff the monkey using polyester craft stuffing. Push stuffing through the hole between the monkey's legs. Use the chopstick or knitting needle to help push stuffing into narrow areas of the sock monkey. Sew the hole shut using a needle and thread. Pinch the edges together and sew the opening closed a few times for added strength.

5. Turn the second sock inside out and flatten it out. Turn this sock so that it is in a profile view with the toe facing down. Draw a line down the center from the toe to the cuff, leaving the heel on one side of the line.

6. Sew along the line to form the monkey's tail. Round off the end just like the toes by tuning the end of the sock to form a curve.

7. Cut off the toe of the sock and discard. Cut along the sewn line leaving a ¼-inch seam allowance so the edges do not unravel. The piece that does not include the heel becomes the monkey's tail. Turn the tail right side out and stuff with stuffing. Use a chopstick or knitting needle if necessary.

8. Cut the remaining piece of the sock into three pieces. Cut out the heel, a small rectangle from the foot side of the sock and a larger rectangle from the leg side of the sock. Cut the larger rectangle in half lengthwise to form the monkey's arms. Fold one piece in half lengthwise. Pin the raw edge to keep it from separating and sew it closed. Curve the end to form the monkey's hands. Repeat with the second piece. Stuff the arms.

9. Cut the remaining small rectangle of fabric into four, equally sized squares. Pin two squares together, right sides facing in. Draw a curved, horseshoe-shaped line on the fabric. Sew along the line to bond the two pieces together. Flip right side out and stuff to form a monkey's ear. Repeat with the remaining two pieces of fabric. Sew the tail, arms and ears to the monkey's body by hand. Do not worry about perfection; sock monkeys are meant to be floppy and off kilter.

10. Pick up the heel and fold the raw edges in toward the center. Secure with pins. Pin to the monkey's head and sew around three sides of the keel. Stuff with stuffing and sew it closed to form the nose and mouth. Complete the monkey by sewing two buttons above the nose to form the monkey's eyes. Sew a length of ribbon to the top of the monkey's head. Tie loose ends in a knot to form a loop. Hang the completed monkey on the Christmas tree.

References

• Super Sock Monkey: How to Make a Sock Monkey
• Sock Monkey: Vintage Style Sock Monkey Pattern
• Craft Bits: Sock Monkey