Sock monkeys are a really fun sewing project that can literally be made out of any pair of socks. They may seem like quite a new concept but they’ve actually been around for at least a century, maybe even longer!
Back in the Industrial Revolution, once knitting machines were invented, socks were able to be mass-produced. Grey wool worker's socks were the first to be available and it didn’t take long for people to realise that a worn-out pair of socks could get a new lease of life.
Sock monkeys became really popular during the Great Depression when money was tight and there was very little fabric available. These cute critters could be created from old pairs of socks and made into ideal children’s toys in the hard times.
A particular popular sock use use to make sock monkeys were the Rockford Red Heel Sock. These were first made by the Nelson Knitting Company back in 1880 and featured a startling red heel. These were a hugely popular choice in 1930s America monkey sock-making as the finished monkey had a large red mouth. The company even started giving away instructions with every pair of socks. Fast forward to the present day and they are a huge array of sock monkey kits available. However, you really only need a few basic craft items to have a go. The basic pattern works with most socks, the most difficult bit is deciding what socks to choose.
Whether you want to create one for a friend, a child, to make someone laugh or just for yourself, you’re bound to enjoy this easy sewing project and are bound to want to make more!
You will need:
- A new or clean pair of socks
- Toy stuffing
- White felt
- Two small black buttons
- Marker pen
- Sewing machine (find the best sewing machine for beginners here)
- Sewing thread
- Sewing needle
- Scissors
If you're new to the world of sewing don't worry. We have a complete guide to sewing for beginners as well as a library of embroidery stitches for beginners. Both will teach you all the stitches you need. We also show you how to use a sewing machine if this is your first time.
Top Tips
- Don’t worry about drawing and cutting out your sock monkey exactly the same as the guide, the joy of sock monkeys is every one of them is unique and different.
- Cosy socks are ideal to give a sock monkey a furry look but they can be a little temperamental under a sewing machine foot. If you struggle to machine-sew then hand-sew the pieces instead.
- If you don’t have any small buttons for the eyes or you’re making the sock monkey for a young child then sew on black felt eyes instead.
Once you've finished your sock monkey, check out our easy face painting ideas for kids and DIY fairy garden ideas for more exciting projects.
