DIY Sock Monkey

This instructable will teach you how to make your very own sock monkey! This will be helpful on a rainy day, or when you're bored, or if you just need a new best friend! All you need is a few simple things, and you will have your own sock monkey friend in no time!

Here is a list of things you will need to make your sock monkey:

-1 pair of knee high socks (you can buy a new pair, or use some old ones, just make sure they are at least knee high so that you will have enough material to work with)

-batting (something to stuff your sock monkey with

-scissors

-sharpie or marker

-needle

-thread (any color will do, you can even match the thread to the colors of your socks)

-2 buttons (any size will work, but these will be used as the eyes for your sock monkey)

-sewing pins, optional

The first thing that you are going to want to do is turn both of your socks inside out. Using your pen, you are going to want to refer to the picture above and make the pieces of your sock monkey.

This is where you have some creative liberties. Look at the notes of the picture to see which parts of the monkey are marked where. You can decide how long you want the tail, arms, and legs.

When cutting the legs, be sure that you do not cut the sock all the way to the heel. Leave about an inch of space between the end of the legs and the heel of the sock. This will be helpful when sewing the legs and torso since these are all one piece.

Note: be cautious when deciding the width of your monkey's tail. If the tail is too thin, stuffing it in the end will be difficult.

The next step will be actually cutting out the pieces of your monkey. Be sure to only cut along the lines. DO NOT cut along the areas where the sock is folded over. If you do wind up cutting the fold, you will just have more sewing to do.

Again, refer to the picture if you have any confusion.

The next step is sewing and stuffing your monkey.

At this point, you can start sewing any of the pieces that you have, except for the mouth. I generally start with the legs.You can use any sewing tactic, whatever you are most comfortable with, as long as the stitches that you use will hold the stuffing inside the monkey.

Start sewing your pieces hole they are inside out, and once you get to a place where there is only a hole big enough to put stuffing into, turn your sock right side out, stuff it, and then sew the rest of the part closed.

Note: When sewing the legs, I recommend sewing each inseam separately, and leaving a hole between the two legs so you can stuff the torso and legs more easily.

Once you have sewn all the pieces and stuffed the monkey, You can begin sewing the mouth. I used two pins to hold the fabric in place while I sewed. Once you have most of the mouth sewn on, then you can start stuffing that part.

The last thing that you are going to need to do is sew on the eyes of your monkey. This can be tricky, but if you use a smaller needle, you should be able to sew them on in no time.

If sewing doesn't work for you, you can also use hot glue instead.

Give your monkey a super cool monkey name, and you officially have a new best friend! When the time comes and you need some new friends, now you know how to make with a pair of socks!