How to Make the Red Heel Sock Monkey Toy

Sock monkeys look similar to this one except they have red lips.

Sock monkeys have been around since at least the 1920s. Their special look has delighted children of all ages. Add accessories to your sock monkey such as caps, vests or other clothing. Use yarn, felt and ribbons to enhance the sock monkey and make it truly your own creation. Gather a few crafty friends and have a sock monkey party. You'll be amazed at the variety of sock monkeys that can be created.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Red Heel socks
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Fiber fill
• Sewing needle

Instructions

1. Turn the socks wrong side out. Stitch a seam 1/2 inch from each side down the center of the top of one sock. Stop sewing at the top edge of the heel. Sew the seam almost to the top edge of the sock and then sew straight across the top. This creates the monkey's feet. There should be two seams down the center of the top portion of the sock with a 1/8-inch space between them.

2. Make a cut between the two seams you sewed down the center of the sock to form the two legs. Start at the top of the sock and cut to where you began the seam, stopping at the heel. The opening at the heel between the legs is used to add the fiber fill. Turn the sock right side out and stuff the body, head and legs and close the seam.

3. Sew similar seams down the top of the other sock, rounding the ends as before. Cut the top of the sock off completely, cutting straight across at the top of the heel. This will be the arms. Cut and separate the arms. Turn them right side out and stuff them with fiber fill.

4. Cut the heel completely out of the second sock, leaving a brown line around the white part. This is the monkey's mouth.

5. Attach the face to the lower half of the monkey's head. Use a whip stitch to sew it at the bottom. Stuff this section with fiber fill and complete the sewing around the top and sides.

6. Cut a 1-inch strip from the top of the foot part of the second sock. This will be the tail. Fold it wrong side out and sew a seam down the raw edge. Taper it at one end to form the tail. Turn the tail right side out, stuff it with fiber fill and hand sew it to the monkey's lower back using the whip stitch.

7. Cut two half circles for ears from the sole of the second sock. Turn them wrong side out and sew them around the curved edges.

8. Turn the ears right side out and stuff them lightly with fiber fill. Turn under the raw edges and use a whip stitch to attach them to the sides of the monkey's head.

References

• Funky Sock Monkey: Sock Monkey Pattern and Instructions
• Fox River: The History of the Original Rockford Red Heel Monkey Sock ...

Resources

• Washburn University: The Red Heel Sock Monkeys
• Monkey Made of Sockies: Operation Sock Monkey