How to Create Stuffed Toys From Socks

Repurpose socks as stuffed animals.

Sewing sock animals is an inexpensive and resourceful way to create toys. The resulting toy is no less cherished for its ordinary beginning. The sock monkey is an iconic American plaything. You can adjust the degree of difficulty of this project to suit the skills of the person executing it. This project is well-suited for a child who has recently learned to sew.

Things You'll Need

• Socks
• Scissors
• Thread
• Needle or sewing machine
• Pillow fill
• Felt
• Buttons or other notions for facial features
• Sewing embellishments, if desired (sequins and beads)

Instructions

1. Cut down the length of the sock all the way to the toe to make a flat piece of material.

2. Trim the sock to the size necessary for the body of the animal you are creating. Stitch the top and side shut by hand or with a sewing machine.

3. Fill the torso with pillow filling. Stitch the remaining side shut.

4. Create the head and limbs of the animal. Repeat the process you executed when making the torso. You can use whole socks or pieces of socks, if you want smaller extremities. Fill each limb with the fluffy filling. Stitch it shut.

5. Attach the limbs to the body. Depending on the size of each piece and the degree to which you filled it, you may have to do this step by hand.

6. Add decorative embellishments to form the creature's appearance. Use yarn or shredded sock material to form hair, fur, or manes. Affix buttons to make eyes, a nose, or paws. You can make the features as basic or elaborate as you desire. Add sequins and beads, if you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose socks that are visually-striking and will hold filling or embellishments well. Do not use socks that are excessively thin and worn. Thicker socks will yield a much more durable toy than thin, old socks. Look for bright colors, and mix-and-match patterns.

• Gather enough socks for your intended animal. You will need a torso, a head, arms, legs and a tail for most animals. You can use a whole sock or a portion of a sock to create each piece of the body.

References

• Super Sock Monkey: How to Make a Sock Monkey
• Craftster: Sock Animals