Gosh… I am supposed to sew something for the Earth Month this April, but I can’t wait to sew a family of the sock monkey, Marcho. My hands simply took over my head and see what I did after a few days and nights of sewing…
A houseful of sock monkey!!!!
Do you love them?
I have seen a lot of sock monkey photos hanging around friends’ photo albums in many photo sharing websites, so envy. These sock monkeys are so cute and so adorable that I would want to hug one, I bet my kids would love to have them to accompany too when mommy is busy with works. Therefore, I went out to shop for some socks thinking that maybe 4 to 5 pairs should be enough, I ended up with 20 pairs of colorful socks, simply can’t resist for not buying ;-). I made a few prototypes and showed them to my parents, siblings and their families during dinner. Now, everyone wants one from me…. ha ha ha… Seeing their positive responses, I am certain that you will want one too 
… After doing a few types of research and findings, here is my version of the sock monkey. Though it may look a bit different from the popular vintage sock monkey of Red-Heel that comes with a red lip it is surely as lovely.
With different sizes of socks, I made the sock monkey out of a family, from the baby, toddlers, teens to adults. The picture below shows the family photo of the sock monkey, from daddy, mommy, sister, brother, triplet toddlers, and a baby. Not forgetting a brown sock monkey, the photographer who took this family photo that can do yoga. The sister (in purple stripes) who has magnets on her limbs are good in exercise and can be hung on any metal surface.
The Marcho Sock Monkey Family
The siblings are indeed loving each other, not only they are huggable to humans, but they also hug each other, like this one.
[Update: August 15, 2014] I have just published an amigurumi pattern to crochet the twin brother of the sock monkey, crochet amigurumi monkey, aren’t they look identical?
The bigger sock monkey is hugging smaller sock monkey, so sweet!
Adult sock monkey with the baby sock monkey
A lucky baby Sock Monkey under the shelter and care from the adult.
What are they watching?
How To Sew
Sock Monkey
Marcho
Sewing Pattern: Download pattern here. It contains the eyes, ears, and pattern for drawing the sock.
Materials:
Make: 1 (adult size)
1. Sock (crew length), 1 pair (I used striped sock so that it is easy to get the alignment right.) Buy Socks (with button eye kits), Here.
2. White felt
3. Button eye 7/16″ [11.5mm], black, 2 (for toddler monkey, use 3/8″ button)
4. Embroidery Floss, yellow
5. Poly-fill stuffing material
6. Batting, or thick aquarium filter pad (you can get it from a pet shop)
7. Letter size paper, 1
Tools:
1. Sewing machine
2. Sewing needle (prefer long) and pins
3. Scissors
4. Erasable fabric marker
5. Iron
6. Printer
Seam Allowance: approx. 1/8 – 1/4″
Note: for different sizes of sock monkeys, use different sizes of socks.
Since the sock is stretched after stuffed, thick sock yields better quality than a thin sock.
Preparation
Prepare all the materials needed as described above.
Cut the eye from white felt by following the download pattern above. Mark the button eye position.
If your socks have folded cuff, remove the stitches carefully and don’t accidentally cut the sock. Flatten the fold to have a longer length.
Turn the sock to the wrong side, align sock as per the photo below. Press with a warm iron.
Draw pattern on the sock with an erasable fabric marker. Since not all socks are the same, I can’t make a standard pattern for you to trace.
If you haven’t had the pattern, download it here and print it out.
1. Align the stripes on both layers, pin.
2. Sew the socks (black lines) with a sewing machine, best if you have walking foot so both layers walk together. You may hand sewn too.
3. Cut as per pattern.
4. Cut all pieces out.
Body
There will be an opening created between the legs. Use this opening to turn the sock right side out.
1. Insert the thumb into the leg till the feet end. “Pinch” the feet end with your thumb and index finger.
2. Push the index finger into the sock while thumb withdrawing from the sock to turn the sock right side out.
3. When the feet surface to the opening, pull the whole leg right side out.
4. Repeat the same to the other leg.
Finally, turn the body out. Smooth out all the seam line.
Turn the rest of the body parts, except the tail.
Stuff the legs with poly-fill stuffing material.
Fill the body round and to the firmness you like.
1. Sew slip/ladder stitch on the opening about 1/8″ from the raw edge. Let the thread loose and don’t pull it yet.
2. After finish slip stitch the opening, pull the thread to close the opening.
3. With the needle still on the sock, wrap 2 to 3 rounds of thread on it, pull the needle through while pressing the wrapping thread with your finger.
4. Insert the needle somewhere nearby and come out from the other side. Pull the thread and cut it close to the sock. The thread will be hidden in the sock neatly. Always do this when you sew.
Arms
Stuff the arm with poly stuffing material until about 1/2″ from the opening.
Roll the monkey arm with your hands to make the stuffing even and nice. You can do this now and/or after sewing up the opening.
1. Stuffed monkey arms waiting to be sewn.
2. Run stitches about 1/4″ from the raw edge.
3. Pull the thread to gather a bit, push the raw edge into the arm.
4. Tighten up the opening by pulling the thread fully, make a few stitches across, knot and cut thread.
Both arms waiting to be assembled to the sock monkey.
Ears
1. Stuff the ear with a small amount of poly-fill. Fold the raw edges in and slip stitch.
2. Pull the thread to close the opening. Knot.
3. Fold the ear vertically and slip stitch the opening seam line.
4. The finished ear looks like this.
Tail
Cut a piece of batting or thick aquarium filter pad, 3 times the width of the tail and the length when it is stretched or partially stretched.
Fold the batting three times and sew the end to the seam line of the tail end (wrong side).
Whip stitch the folded batting in place until the other end.
Sew the batting again to tail seam allowance about 1/4″ below the raw edge.
(Note: I used this method since stuffing with poly-fill to a long narrow tail is difficult and uneven.)
1. The batting and the tail before turning.
2. Insert a finger into the sock and pull the tail right side out, portion by portion. Only turn the sock not the batting.
3. Repeat (2) until you reach the end. Continue with the turning by inserting the batting into the tail until it fully gets into it.
4. Adjust the batting so that it looks neat. Fold the raw edge in and stitch it up just like the arms method.
Assembly
Body, arms, ears, tail, mouth, felt eye and button eyes are all set to be assembled into a sock monkey.
Divide the body into halve, with the top half being the face of the monkey where eyes and mouth are sewed to.
Face, Ears & Tail
Position the felt eye with the center point align to the middle of the face portion. Pin it and sew with a blanket stitch.
You may want to decorate the felt eye with a line of running stitch with 6 strands of embroidery floss before sewing it on the face.
Sew the button eyes to the marked positions of the felt.
To make the eyes attach to the face closely, insert your needle as deep as possible into the face, turn and come out to another point of the same eye. Pull the thread tightly so that the eye attach closely to the face.
1. Mark the mouth on the face with an erasable fabric marker. The shape is rounded corner rectangular, with bottom align to the face’s border and top covers a little on the felt eye.
2. Fold and baste the raw edge of the mouth, then pin it in place. Slip stitch around until you are about 1″ away from the starting point.
3. Stuff the mouth fully. Continue to slip stitch to the starting point to complete the mouth.
4. Embroidery branch stitches across the middle of the mouth. Tips: look out for the toe seam line of the sock, this is where the middle is.
1. Sew ears on the side of the face with slip stitch around (front and back of the ear).
2. The front of the ear is aligned to the sideline of the monkey.
3. The position of the tail.
4. Sew it with slip stitch around too.
Arms
Sew the arm on the marked position with slip stitch around. Knot the thread and insert the needle to the other side of the arm position. Pull the thread so that arm “squeezes” into the body, knot to secure the shape.
Sew another arm with a slip stitch.
If you think that the arms are not “sunken” enough, pass the needle to the other side, pull the thread to get the result you want, knot the thread securely.
Provided you stuff you monkey very dense, sometimes, you may find the monkey head is a little tall and pointy, this is normal due to the shape of the adult sock. I found that kid’s and toddler’s sock don’t have this problem.
If you are happy with it, then it is OK. But, if you want to make the monkey head round like the one I made, the following step will be helpful.
1. The original pointy head due to the toe compartment of the sock.
2. Pinch the top of the head to judge how much you want to sew to make it rounder. Mark the space with an erasable marker. Gradually decrease the width from the center towards the front and the back.
3. Join both lines with a slip stitch.
4. Here is it, a rounder head for the monkey.
Happy Sewing!!!
Love your sock pattern toys. Wish there was a way to print them out without all the ads. Any suggestions? I have tried to copy and paste into a Word document, but it doesn’t allow me to make the photo images smaller, which is resulting in many pages and lots of ink that could be saved by resizing. Any help you can lend me would be much appreciated.
Hi Laurie, please use the green print button to print or save to pdf, it is available at the bottom of the post before the “You will like this” section. This print button is powered by PrintFriendly, you may delete whatever you do not want to print in the pop-up.
Thank you!
Hi Joanne,
Before I do another I want to thank you for this lovely pattern. I started making these about a year ago. Made one for a friend and now everyone wants one. Even got a little creative and started putting names on them. I want to show you pics but don’t see an option to upload
We would love to see your sock monkeys. Our contact form file upload is not working well, otherwise, you can send the file via the form. Do you have any social media that you can upload to? Please tag @craftpassion if you do so with social media, we are on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Thanks, and we are looking forward to seeing your sock monkeys 🙂
Thank you so much with your tutorial. I love it. I have many old sock and i want to make them all.
Where do I get the stripped blue and brown socks that are in the photo
Hi Tami,
Sorry that the sock is not available. We have been searching every where for stock, unfortunately still can’t find it. You may try other socks that available in Craft Passion Shop.
thank you! Thank you for these very complete directions. I have been creating now for over 2 years. I began when I learned of becoming a Nana…Now she is 2 and I want to make her a special Sock Monkey. I have researched many different sites for directions, and no one compares to your site!
Glad that you find it useful 🙂
This is the best!! I have now made 4 and love everyone. Thank you very much for sharing..
Glad to know that you are happy with it 🙂
Do you have a sock elephant? I’m looking for items to make to help raise money for my adoption from India and I’ve been searching for a good sock elephant pattern. The elephant is my mascot of sorts for the adoption. 🙂
There is a sock elephant in Craft Passion. Please do a search and you will find it. 🙂
The original brown socks used for sock monkeys had a elephant pattern. That was several years back but you could check the company. I made one it’s cute, but I don’t have pattern.
These are so.great
I would love to.be able to.sell some I make for a charity which I support. Is it OK to.do so?
I have no problem with you selling your own handmade 🙂
Linda idéia! Amei seu site! Parabéns
Translation (by Google):
Beautiful idea! I loved your site! Congratulations
Where did you purchase the yellow gray and white crew socks? What size?
Hi Marie, I have answered your question in the previous comment.
Where do I get the yellow, grey and white crew socks? (like the one pictured in your post.) My granddaughter wants THAT monkey!!! They are CREW socks, correct? And they are ADULT mediums or large? Thank you for your response. Happy New Year.
It is an adult large size. Sorry that the socks are no longer available in the market.
Made one for each of my grandchildren for Christmas. I loved the one I had from my grandmother as a child! Used “Happy Socks” sold in department store…..very colorful! Although not cotton, turned out just like your pictures! Your pattern and directions are terrific!
Hi Marty, happy to know this. Would you share some photos of your monkey with us? You can send the pics via contact form or tag Craft Passion in social media.
Thank you so much!
Jyst made 3 of these for my daughter’s dance teachers as the end of year thank you presents. I even cross stitched the school logo on the tummys.
So cute and i can’t wait to give them to them!
That’s so sweet!!! I am sure the teachers will be very happy to receive the sock monkey 🙂
Ok, we’re BEST FRIENDS!, well in my head 🙂 you are super talented! Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’m going to attempt to make for my lovely nice and rambunctious nephew.
please en français. MERCI
Translation (by Google):
please in French. THANK YOU
I wish I can write in French, sorry.
These are so cute! Made one yesterday but your head is more defined in the neck giving the head a more rounded look. The only thing I can think to do is tie a tight string around the neck to make the head look more separate from the shoulders but i don’t really like that idea. Any thoughts on what i should have done different?
Thanks so much for these clear and detailed instructions!! I m now on my third sock monkey and they all have different personalities and quirks. Your project is brilliant and definitely the best instructions online for sock monkeys that I have found. Your monkeys are lovely, thanks for your inspiring post!! x
i would love too make all of these munkeys
they are so cuuuuuuuute
have you ever tried a “Mr Potato Head” sock monkey? I would like to make one for a friend!
thanks for any help!
I do not have a sewing machine. What type of thread do you recommend I use?
Hi Ruth, you may use ordinary seamstress’s sewing thread, a mixed poly and cotton thread.
Love your pattern, except for one thing…. Never put buttons on stuffed animals they are a chocking hazard.
For the older children, put on safety eyes… , because even little children/tots/toddlers can come in contact with them..
For monkeys for the smaller children… I use felt, sewn down, and/or embroidery the eyes on.
I would hate to be the person who is the maker of a monkey/stuffed animal that had buttons and a child would choke on it and die….
Thank you so much for your monkey tutorial, here is my first one
This one was a gift for little girl, but I plan to sew them a fundrising for our non-profit organisation.
Václava, Czech Republic
This is pretty!!!
Hi, I love these! I want to make one, but I only found a cute pair of socks that are knee length. Is there any modifications to make these with knee length socks?
Hi Gabriela, You can either use you knee length socks to sew a long arm and feet monkey, or you may cut away the excessive length from knee length and change it to crew length. Hope this help and I am here to answer you if you need more info.
Where do you purchase your socks? Love all your sock patterns, especially the sock monkeys.
Thanks
Vera
[email protected]
I bought them from local shops, many has asked me the questions and I have searched in many online shops but I still can’t find a shop that sell decent socks to make toys. May be I should open an online sock shops, please stay tuned!
My grandchildren now have a sock monkey,sock bunny,and I made a red sock fox at Christmas.I’d like to send you a picture if you want.
Oh yes, Susan, please share a picture with us. Kindly send it through the contact form. Can’t wait to see it!!!
hei! thanks for sheering such a thing!!
im a beginer, but i love this monkeys and im making one. The most difficult for me is to make sew round shape! for example the end of arms and legs! on you epic they look so perfect!! mine have not so super round shape:/ the same with ears… how do you do it? do you sew very slowly?or you do it by hand or how can they look so perfect,and identical? awesome!!!:)
You are right, Katasia, I sewed very slow and I lift up the presser foot when needed to make a good curve. Don’t worry if it is not perfect, the sock is stretchy, it will smooth out after the stuffing of the the curve was not very bad.
Hello, your little monkeys are so cute! The prettiest I’ve seen!
Can you tell me where do you find their black eyes please?
Can I buy you a monkey?
thank you
Marlene
I bought them from a craft shop from Taiwan. Here is the link to the product page (in Chinese). Hope this help.
At this moment, I don’t make it for sale yet but it could be a plan for the future.
HI Joanne,
Its Marcia again. The local newspaper here is doing an article on Sockmonkeys 4 kids. It comes out on Friday. Is there any chance that you could post my blog on your blog, or attach it somehow? It’s just for people who want to make sockmonkeys for charity…..my blog tells all about the things I have been doing. Its growing. Monkeys bring so much joy that I’m just anxious to spread the word…..your blog is so awesome…I wondered if you wouldn’t mind?
The blog is sockmonkeys4kids.com. There are no strings attached at all. I just do it for the pure joy of making monkeys for kids in the hospital and other hazardous places. Hope to hear from you soon…..marcia
Oh…….I love this pattern!!!!!! I am going to make these as soon as I get the supplies. Thanks!!!!!
Last holiday we spent at Ghana. We made the monkey out of socks – which we all brought – with about 30 schoolchildren. Quite an experience for them, because they have nothing no siccors or anything and for us because it was very warm and dark in their African classroom. An experience that we and our daughters will never forget
Wow, this must be a good adventure to teach how to sew sock monkey in a dark and warm classroom to 20 schoolchildren. You are indeed a very kind-hearted person, I hope the kids there are now able to sew their own sock toys, they deserved them!!!!
Hello, I love this tutorial but I am having trouble trying to make my own LOL! I’m not very crafty and I was wondering if you sell these sock monkeys? If so I would love to purchase one!
Thank you for the interest to purchase the sock monkey. At this moment Craft Passion is not able to take in any orders yet but it is in the plan to open up a store soon.
Hi, I have been trying to find the perfect monkey plush and stumbled on your creations on pinterest. I think they are awesome, only problem is that, i don’t do crafts and know that I shouldn’t as I would only ruin all the socks in the world! lol so my question is, do you sell your plush toys and is it possible to personalize them a bit? only in terms of colors, if any. they all look awesome.
It means a lot to me to find the perfect monkey. I hope you can help me out on this one:)
AWESOME WORK!
Cheers!
Thank you for the interest to purchase the sock monkey. At this moment Craft Passion is not able to take in any orders yet but it is in the plan to open up a store soon.
thank you for the instruction. I just made my first sock monkey last night and my neice loves it. though I cant let her play with it coz she keeps on eating the tail.ahaha. will this be good as a business? I really don’t have any idea.
HI Joanne,
Your tutorial is awesome and your monkeys are darling.
I make sock monkeys for kids in the hospital, and encourage others to do it too. I put a link to your site on my blog so that interested Monkeymakers will know how to make monkeys.
Happy MonkeyMaking…..marcia
That’s so kind of you to make the monkeys to the little patients. Thank you for sharing the tutorials and encourage other to make it 🙂
I love this tutorial!!! What kind of socks do you use? I got some cheap ones from Walmart that are pretty thin, will they still look okay, or should I use some wool ones?
Please don’t use thin socks. I used cotton and wool, you may use wool socks if you can’t fins a decent cotton socks.
I just have a question. Am having trouble getting arms right. I triced to take hem out of top of sock but can’t do it without putting hole. Also same problem at bottom of feet. Thinking of trying with mans sock as it would be bigger
Perhaps some socks are different in the hem, yes, please try longer socks if heming out troubles you.
Hello! I love your monkeys and your beautiful website! I’m looking to make a skinny one that’s only about 12″-14″ for my new baby… what size of sock should I buy? Thanks!
Hi Jo, you may use crew length lady sock. Congratulations on your new born baby 🙂
Good morning. Love Love Love the monkeys. Thank you for your generosity in sharing the pattern. Do you use 100% cotton socks or will polyester be ok. I don’t cochet, is there a knitting pattern in the works? Peace. Jill
I used cotton sock for some of the monkeys but not very sure if it is 100%. I also used wool socks for some monkeys too. Sorry, I don’t have knitting pattern on the monkey as I haven’t learned how to knit amigurumi yet.
Hi Craft Passion,I was just wondering if you had to use the batting or thick aquarium filter pad for the tail or is it just optitnal.Thanks 🙂
It is not optional, you need to stuff the tail by using the loose polyester filling or by using batting. I used batting because it gives a smooth and event tail on the monkey 🙂
Your sock animals are sooo cute!!
I googled “sock monkey” and yours are the best by far- info and results. now i know what to do w/ all the unneeded socks i can’t bring myself to throw away!:)
Thx so much for sharing!!! Lord willing my younger siblings will love their Christmas gifts! 🙂
Hi, just a quick question: is it possible to make this sock monkeys for selling? Or do they have any kind of rights?.
Thank you.
We don’t stop you from selling as it is your own handmade but the terms and condition is subject to change in future.
Is it possible to make a sock monkey out of a towel?
Just answered your in the previous comment.
Is it possible to make a sock monkey out of a NFL gatorade towel. I got one of the pink break cancer awareness towels and would love to make one out of that. Might you be able to help?
Yes, you can sew it but it will look different. The monkey will not have the buttock like those sewn with sock. Also, it will be flatter compare to the sock monkey.
I just finished making my first sock monkey for my 2.5 year old daughter using your guide. It only took me a weekend to complete even without a sewing machine! I can’t wait to show it to her tomorrow. She loves monkeys so this was perfect for her. Thank you for sharing this!
Oh, this is wonderful!!! Please share with us the picture of your sock monkey, can’t wait to see it!!!
Hi there, I love your tutorial! I’m going to give these a shot as gifts (instead of party bags) for my son’s birthday party. Just wondering, in some of the picutes you have added little embroidered noses, do you do that before or after you attach the mouth?
I did it after stuffing and sewing the mouth to the face but you can always do it before the attachment. The reason why I do it after is because the stitches are flatter and neater, when you pull the floss it will create a little “sinking” effect so it will make the nose more refine.
I have made 3 sock monkeys so far. They are adorable but I’m wondering where do u get the socks you use from. The ones I get they are not as cute 😉
I bought them from a local departmental store in Malaysia. I think you will need to look around for places that sell socks, perhaps you will find some nice one to use 🙂
I want to attempt to make a sock monkey as well but I only have short sox, I don’t have long ones
Ohh…. then you will need to add a few step to modify your short sock to to crew length sock. Prepare 2 pairs of short socks, cut away the elastic part of a sock and cut out the foot part of another sock. Sew both up to get a crew length sock. Repeat the same to the other side of the sock. You will get a pair of crew length sock but with a seam line across the ankle area. Continue with the rest of the tutorial to sew the sock monkey.
Thank you very much 🙂 Will try them at the weekend. so excited x
These are so adorable. I am going to attempt to make one of these sock animals. which is the easiest to make and how long did it take you to make it?? I do not have a sewing machine so it will take me a long while anyway. I was thinking of asking my mum to use hers 😉
Hi Alana, glad that you take up the courage to attempt the sewing of sock animals. I would recommend you to sew the single sock sock lion as your first project, then you can try the single sock bunny, sock penguins, followed by the bigger sock animal like sock lion, sock bunny and sock monkey etc….
I am not very experienced with sewing but I am willing to try this monkey because he is adorable and I have a nephew having a birthday. I wanted to make sure that all the black lines on the diagram are the sew lines and the blue are the cut lines right?
Yes, Sara, you are right. The black line are sewing line and the blue line is cutting line. Please sew before you cut. Happy sewing and please show me after you have done it 🙂 Thanks!
I make bigger size sock monkeys also by using leg warmers instead of socks 🙂
Love the idea of using leg warmer 🙂 How big is the monkey ended up?
Pls tell me making of doll
I am making these for Christmas using adult socks. I finished one and the body appeared out of proportion to the rest. Can you measure your adult one’s body and tell me how long it is? Does it get shorter with more stuffing (making it fatter)? I thought about cutting the body in two pieces making it shorter and putting a “skirt” in the seam to hide it. Yours are so darling and in proportion, love them!!!
Sorry to know that your monkey turn out to be a little off. I have measured my adult monkey (the white/grey/yellow), it is 5″ from should to buttock, 4″ from should to head. Hope this helped. You can massage the stuffed body to alter the shape a bit (like when you roll a flour dough) and see if it helps.
You’re very talented! These sock monkeys are adorable. All I need to do now is have a go myself! 🙂
That’s great to know, Rose!!! Go you girl!!!
I adore these! Uber cute! 🙂
im trying to find a pattern for a lifesize monkey at least 3 ft can you help
I would like to sew one too but I haven’t done the pattern yet.
Hello – your Sock animals are just FABULOUS!!! I don’t think mine will be anywhere near as good as yours but I shall try ! Are you able to send socks to us if we pay you via PayPal or do you know if the Sox shop you mentioned would post them ? Thank you so much Caroline x
Hi Caroline, I don’t know if they are able to ship to you so please ask them directly 🙂
Thanks for the tutorial! Spent like six hours trying to make one of my own with some improvised materials! It’s dorky, with its two different sized blue button eyes, but I’m sure my 3 month old brother will love it! My 7 and3 year old sisters each want one too, so it looks like I’ll be busy for a while! Finally my summer won’t be so boring!
Hi Emily, I am so happy that your sock monkeys are so popular among your siblings!!! Please be sure to use safety eyes or felt eyes if you sewing them for baby, those normal buttons will be dangerous to baby as they tends to put everything into their mouth. Hope to see your monkey’s photos soon 🙂
Thank you so much. I just made a monkey for my new grandson. The socks cost me $4. I added safety eyes before stuffing and my husband wanted me to add hair and a belly button.
I can imagined that it should turn out very cute with the hair and belly button 🙂 Hope that we will have a chance to see a picture of it 🙂
do you sell your sock monkeys? I cannot sew and i LOVE your grey and white monkey
Hi Samantha, I don’t sell handmade at this moment as I dedicated all my time to create and develop new craft designs. I don’t mind other people make and sell to you though. 🙂
Hi im really intrested in making these, but I cant fit the buttons you use for the eyes only buttons with the holes on top but from your pic I can see you use ones with a flat surface on top? Where can I get these from? Thank you gemma x
I bought them from a craft shop from Taiwan. Here is the link to the product page (in Chinese). Hope this help.
i loved the idea of the pipe cleaner and it would be great for kids because they can flex it and make it sit still.
What do you think about putting a pipe cleaner in the tail to make it bendable?
Great idea, Brittney!!! If you want to make all the limbs bendable, you can include pipe cleaner too, just have to make to securely fasten in the stuffing so that it won’t poke out.
Hello. Love these ideas so much. My boyfriend really loves monkeys and the colour orange. I love the grey and orange socks you used, is there any chance if knowing where to get them ones? Maybe a link? ? Can’t wait to have a go at this!
I bought those socks from a local departmental store in Malaysia. Sorry that they don’t have any online store that sell the sock. The brand is Larrie perhaps you can contact them directly if they have any alliance that you may buy from.
I love crafts! And I love the bunny and monkey:) my baby is due in July. I am going to make the bunny for my baby girl 🙂
thank you for showing me how to make it! 🙂
Congratulations, Noory! I am designing and creating more sock toys soon, so you can sew for your baby and give her abundant of love!!!
Hi, I’m Anna. I am eleven and I live in Rome. Thanks for the monkey!! I have sewed one and it’ beautiful. He is not as nice as yours because i don’ t sew very well but I love it. Thanks a lot
Wow!!! Anna, you are the youngest readers that I have ever know that attempted the sock monkey!!! Well done! I am sure you will do better for the next few sewing. Keep it up!!!
Hi! Your sock monkeys looked adorable! I NEED to make one soon. Thanks for sharing the pattern. One question with regards to the monkey’s arms. Your pattern drawing shows only 1 black line on one of the arms. Does that mean I only stitch 1 side on one arm, and the other side will only be folded? And 2 lines of stitches on the other arm? Will they look the same after I turned them right side out?
Yes, it is meant to to be sewn this way and they won’t look odd. Happy sewing and hope to see yours soon.
Great Idea but your site won’t let me print the directions. I don’t have the internet at home (not everyone can afford another monthly bill) so I’ll have to go without this sewing project.
There is a print button, you can use it for generating pdf document and printing.
Where do you find the socks? I have checked on-line and at Wal-Mart and cannot find any like this.
I bought most of my socks from Sox World in Malaysia. This shop mostly import their socks from Taiwan and China. Hope you can find something similar from your local store.
Is there a certain kind of sock to use? Nylon, knit, polyester or other? Thanks!
The best material is cotton, but have to make sure that the socks is not too thin after being stretch. Best way to judge how your sock will look like after being stretch is to put your palm into the sock.
I love making the sock monkeys! Got the idea from it being shared on Facebook! So clever but I actually leave a small side seam open on one of the legs as I couldn’t achieve a neat seam between the legs. Would you oppose me selling some of them for charity? It is for a school next to a huge refuse tip in Indonesia where the kids live on the tip.
I won’t stop you from selling your own handmade 😉
Hi Joanne! Since Facebook is notorious for not letting page owners know when I tag them, I thought I would stop by myself and let you know I featured this post and my readers loved it!
Wow, thanks, Amanda!!! So glad that this tutorial gained some loves from your fans. Thank you so much for sharing it on your page!
These are great! I have made these using the long knee high socks but to be honest, I really like the shorter version you have created here. Based on my previous experience it is wise to sew the seems several times over, even if they are hard to reach because the seams pop open and you’ll have some unhappy kids/customers. I sold mine at craft sale about 3 years ago and had kids coming up with monkeys that seams were splitting and I found myself hand repairing them at my table. One extra seam secured them.
Just love these little monkeys, made one for my 5 month old granddaughter but instead of buttons for eyes just embroidered eyes on as everything goes into her mouth 🙂 thanks for the wonderful tutorial
These are so FUN! I would love to make a basket full (looking at them makes me giggle). Then when grandchildren come to visit, they can pick the one that speaks to them? Thank you so very much for this!
I have used your pattern to make several sock monkeys. It works so well. Have to tell you, I’ve made red sock monkeys many times. But, I love the way you do the tail. It’s inspirational. Thanks again.
wow! I like the pattern of the socks! I would like to make it to my girlfriend. But the question is where do I get the exact same kind of socks? and I don’t actually have a sewing machine. do you think I can make a sock monkey without a sewing machine?
I bought the socks from a local departmental store which can’t be found at oversea, sorry.
You may use hand-sew with back stitches.
Hope this would help.
Thank you very much. This tutorial ist clear and very well done.
The monkey are gorgeous ( and funny .-)
Yeah, that’s a great idea! I bought all the materials today, for now for the adult-size sock monkey. Plan to make it in a day or two, then we’ll see … 🙂 Thank you!
Hello! These monkeys are just adorable! And so I’ve decided to make one for my nephew who is to be born in about 2 weeks. All the time I had in my head to make the version with an adult sock and just now I’ve calculated inches into centimetres and it seems quite big to me (it will be only about 2 inches smaller than him). So I guess I’m writing for a suggestion – should I make a smaller one for a newborn? Thank you very much! Best regards, Nina
Why not make 3 sizes for him, a baby, a toddler and an adult size with different sizes of socks?
Thank you, wouldn’t sell your pattern, just the monkey made from that pattern. I would be happy to give you credit for the pattern and idea. I’m sure most of my friends realize Pinterest is the cause of my fun.
Love these guys. They have so much character. Question: do you allow us to use your pattern for resale? Would like to know as friends have been asking me to make for them. Thank you
I won’t stop anyone to sell their own handmade, just don’t use my picture. Thanks.
They are really funny, I have too look for some nice socks… Thanks!
I love your blog. I’ve done sock monkeys and sock bunnies. I’ve also done elephant, puppies, kitties and bears with your ideas. Thank you!
Hi! How big are these sock monkeys when finished?
It depends on the sock size that you are using. Mine came out about 18″ by using adult sock, and 8″ by using toddler sock.
When I was photographing my monkeys for a show… I found that if the tail is placed the right way on the body, you can “lean” it on the tail going toward the back… work with it.. and also the padding in the butt. They will sit.
it is about 5″ tall.
Is the sock monkey supposed to be able to sit up on its own? I just made one (super cute) and it falls back. Just wondering if I did something wrong! Thank you for taking the time to do the tutorial!
It can sit on it’s own when it is leaning a little to the front. You will need to adjust the polyfill inside to make it able to sit.
Here is a pattern for a Cat made from the redheel socks.. I suppose if you made it out of yellow socks or yellow striped socks.. it would work and then add the yarn around the face for a lion.
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=10129.0
Hi, I going to try making one of these but I was wondering if you knew of a sock lion tutorial or if the monkey could be modified to make a lion. My brothers birthday is coming up and I know he would like the monkey but would love a lion. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi Jacodi, I haven’t come through any sock lion yet and I don’t think the sock monkey pattern can be modified to become it. Perhaps modify the droopy ear sock bunny is more appropriate, draw a pair of tiny ears to replace the long ears of the bunny. Crochet a ring of lion fur with loop-stitch, sew it on the head to complete the lion. If you don’t crochet, search of something similar to replace.
I am now designing a sock lion but not sure if it is in-time for you to make as a birthday gift to your brother.
My first monkey was quite shabby.hope my sec monkey will look good
Hi!can’t believe a sock can be made into a beautiful monkey.i jus showed the pic to my cousins n sis.all started to ask for one…..gonna make 5 monkeys.
Hi!I really love your tutorial but i am failing epically at it every time:(. Is there any way you could maybe have a contest or a giveaway so i have a chance of getting one of my own (considering the fact I am terrible with crafts i probably will not attempt to make these again)So if you could do a contest or something of the sort i would be extremely happy!
I feel terrible sorry why this happened to you 🙁 I may consider your suggestion.
My english is not as good as I’d like it to be to express myself in it, any way, thanks for sharing us this pattern. I made one for my nephew and he loved it. Again thanks a lot I’ll keep visiting your site 😀
I just would like to know what kind of /brand of sock are you getting. I have looked everywhere in my area for the cute striped socks… guess my part of Ohio doesn’t have them….
I bought the socks from the local departmental store here in Malaysia, the brand is Larrie. I am not sure if you can locate them in Ohio.
So I have a question regarding the mouth. I saw that you use the heal of the sock for the mouth but does it come off of the body before you stuff or does it come off of the other sock? Thanks 🙂
If you view the pattern picture on how to cut the pieces of the monkey, the mouth is from another sock, together with the ears, tail and arms. The mouth is not from the heal side, it is from the toes side.
Fabulous tutorial!!! I am expecting my 1st grandchild in May and I feel every child deserves a Sock Monkey to love and cuddle. Thank you!!!
I been making sock monkeys for about 38 yrs…. but this is the first time I ‘ve seen instructions that really make sense. I love the way you do the body sew up… the crotch always seems to be the hardest…I love the tail inserting the quilt batting…
And the arms sewn …ingenious ….>SO, my next monkeys I intend to incorporate your stitches. I use the Red Heel, in brown, blue and pink… The pink ones with a tutu sell the best…Again thank you for all the neat suggestions
it is very nice
my english is not good but your website is very great
thanks for this pattern
These are the cutest sock monkeys I have ever seen. I love the gray and yellow one you made in the tutorial. I never seen a cute sock monkey before. You made me a believer. lol. 🙂
I love this! Though it was really hard at first, i managed to do one, though not as nicely as yours. But I am going to try to do another one this holiday!
Thats what I did wrong I tried stuffing the arms more and they turned out way better. Thanks for getting back to me.
Glad that you have found the way out 🙂
After looking for a good tutorial for how to make a sock monkey, I found yours which was so easy and explained so thoroughly! I featured you in my own blog. Hope that is okay!
You have the cutest monkeys without a doubt, and the BEST tutorial. Thank you!! Just had new grandbabies and think this will be fun for Christmas.
I was wondering if the sock monkey would look different if the sock was made of a thicker, knitted fabric (kind of like the classic sock monkey material).
The monkey will look different between closed-knit and lose-knit tension of socks. Thicker socks will give firmer look since the spandex won’t expand easily.
I’m having a hard time attaching the arms on it looks very sloppy.
Hi Ashley,
Did you stuff the arms firmly? You may use pin to secure the arm in place during sewing.
Hope this help.
One word: INSANELY ADORABLE!! Oh my God I love these cute Sock Monkeys. But what other length can we experiment with?
Love
Jessica x
You can try knee length socks, Jessica, to create a long arms and legs monkey 😉
Hi am loving this, I just made the first of 4 I need for my girls for Christmas but struggling to get the mouth sewn on, mine looks very messy and not shaped like your??? Help please xx
Do you mind to take a good photo so that I can take a closer look on what’s going wrong? You can send to me via the contact form.
Thanks.
Thanks! Can I use a womens sock standard size?
Sure, Katie. The size could be a little smaller.
Hi , how do I use your pattern ? Draw round it on the sock?
Thanks
Hi Katie, you just need to draw the lines with your marker directly on the wrong side of the socks.
Your work is beautiful. I would like to be able to enlarge the pattern to make a 4 to 4.5 ft sock monkey. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you so much
Provided you want to draft out your own pattern, otherwise, you can make a pair of big socks then follow this tutorial. Hope this help 🙂
Oops I used a knee length my monkey has huge legs and arms!!!! Better find some crew length socks!!!! Would love to eventually be able to get them to look like yours!!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful ideas! Last night, I bought socks and started making sock monkeys for my grandchildren! I am so excited to give them to them. What a great, personal touch! I have also made many of your felt coasters to give as gifts to my sisters and grown nieces! Keep the craft ideas coming PLEASE!
Hi Leanna, thanks for encouragement, you’ve made my day and week, even made my months and years. Will sure work hard on the sharing 🙂
lovely these sock monkey. can you suggest another pattern,please? I can’t find that here in Italy. how long is a crew size sock about? thanks for sharing
crew socks are the socks that normally wear by man for office attire.
Hi – thanks for this very clear & informative tutorial, the monkeys look great!
This is a very cute monkey, and I’d like to make some for my kids for Christmas. I didn’t understand the instructions at the step right after drawing the pattern on the socks. It says
“2. Sew it with sewing machine, best if you have walking foot so both layers walk together. You can use hand sewn too.”
Here are my questions:
1. Is this just a loose stitch so everything stays lined up? Would you pick it out later?
2. Where exactly on the socks do you sew it? Up the middle? On the side?
3. I’m assuming you do this for each sock separately, right?
I’ve done some sewing, but I think I’m not catching something that would be obvious to someone with more experience.
Thanks!
Hi Laura,
Here is the answer for you questions.
1. It is a straight stitch with normal tension and sew directly to the sock, no loose stitch and no picking out.
2. Follow the line as shown on the picture above this.
3. Please follow the pattern shown in the 3rd step by step picture.
Perhaps you really missed out something, may be pictures or instruction. If you read carefully by referring to each step’s picture, it is an easy to follow sewing. Beginner can do it without problem. I have seen many did it in great success.
Keep it up, you can do it!
OMGosh these are ADORABLE. The most gorgeous sock monkeys I have ever seen. Im no good at sewing though, do you sell the ones you make?? Thanks for the tutorial, some day I may have a go?? Soooo GORGEOUS <3
I would encourage you to sew it with this tutorial, the first few sock monkey might not look as good as the one shown in the photos, but the more you make the better it will get. Practice makes perfect, go Charmaine, give it a shot!!!
Hi can you lease let me know what batting to get 2oz, 4oz, 6oz or 8oz?
Thanks looking so farward to making these.
Good question, Kelly, I don’t know what is the oz value of the batting, a usual quilting batting will do, as I used my stray for it.
Is the arm placement just below the ear
I sewed them a little below the ears. You can sew them just below the ears if you like the monkey to look that way 🙂
Hi What size sock should I get ladies knee high?
I used normal crew length sock (as stated in the materials section). knee length socks will be too long for the monkey, unless you want to make a long arm monkey.
Hi,
thank you for this amazing post.
may i ask where you bought the socks?
i cant find any good socks online.
thank you!
-James
Hi James, the socks are from the local departmental store in Malaysia, the brand is Larrie.
I just came across your sock monkey tutorial and I’m in love. I was little when they were popular the first time and wen they reamerged I thought they were ugly and then I saw yours. I love the bright colors and have 10 great-grandbabies who will love these. Thank you for putting the cute back into sock monkeys. Trish Butler
This is so sweet, Trish, your great-grandbabies are lucky to have at least one of the sock monkey from you!!!
I’m finally going to make one of these! Wonderful pictures and directions. Thank you!
Can you tell me the difference in making a sock monkey for an adult and one for a child? Is it based on the size of the sock? I want to make one for my niece/nephew due to arrive next year. Thanks!
Use adult socks to make adult monkey and kid size socks to make a smaller one for the kid. You can use baby socks to make an even smaller sock monkey. Good luck and happy sewing 🙂
I’m confused about this bit
1. Align the stripes on both layers, pin.
2. Sew it with sewing machine, best if you have walking foot so both layers walk together. You can use hand sewn too.
3. Cut as per pattern.
4. Cut all pieces out.
Sew what with a sewing machine? I’m confused about where I have to sew cause then it says cut everything out? :S
Yes, you have to sew before you cut, I find that it is the best way to handle the socks. Hope this help.
just found you,great site,love the sock monkeys.
I tagged my blog here, so folks can see what other type of socks look like. I used a cheap dollar store pair for these 2. Just be aware, with the dollar store, they’re machine crochet, and if stretched too far, will rip! But, if you don’t stuff too fat, they work great!
Hi Joane,
I don’t speak inglish but i like your site. Thank you!! Love all…
OMG! I finally found the BEST sock monkey pattern on youtube and probably the world! I am so thrilled that I came across your website. I love you and everything that you do. You are so talented andhave been blessed with gifted hands. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us and for the free download. That was truly a blessing especially for us novice sewers. Thank you once again and God bless you!
I have always wanted to make a sock monkey, but they just looked hard. Your tutorial is great. I can do that. Thank you so much.
Do you sell those sock monkeys because i would like to buy one
were do u get your socks for the monkeys??????
All the socks were bought from the local departmental shops.
How do you hide the stitches so well?
Made 2 for my first grandchild : )
Hi Kelly, I pull the thread snugly when doing the slip stitches, release the pulling tension a little after that, the stitches will be hidden nicely and invisible.
Thank you for a great tutorial!!! my monkey turned out great, I am soooo pleased!
Thanks for sharing!!
I saw this monkey on a children page on facebook. since that time, I have been searching how to make it for my little baby boy Michael… lastly, I found it. really, it is fabulous. all the pictures and captures r great. thank u so much…I share it on my facebook
Hello! I am currently making a couple sock monkeys and was wondering how you manage to keep the bodies from looking lumpy from the poly-fill? I really like your tutorial though! Thanks!
I’d love to know where you got those socks! They’re adorable. My mom made us tons of sock monkeys when we were kids but its hard to find good, colorful socks for them these days. Most socks look too thin to last long.
Thank you so much for this! I’m a very broke student and I’m always looking for thrifty ways to make gifts. I used your pattern to make a monkey for my cousin’s christening. He was very well received and I’ve had a number of requests from other friends and relations. Here’s a picture of my (not very good) attempt!!
It is cute!, I just shared your photo on the Facebook Page, check it out!
Please HELP! Can’t download tutorial for the Sock Monkey. It is so cute. My Grandchildren would love him.
May I know the exact difficulty to download? The pattern will open in new tab or window, if you have pop-up blocker, please disable it for this site.
I love this, best monkey ive seen.
Where do you get your socks? I cant find the strips any where?
Hope to hear from you
I bought from a local departmental store here… you just have to shop to chance upon, be it for man, woman, kids, or even baby. Good luck!
These monkeys are the cutest one ive seen. Bur where do u get ue socks. Ive look everywhere for strip socks
this is so cool i love it, i want to try it now
Angelique, when is your daughter’s birthday party?
Is there anyone that can help im situated in Pretoria and need 12 Sockmonkeys for my daughters Birthday party!!!
Hi is there any way i can order sockmonkeys from you,i am willing to pay i need 12 and want to give them as gifts for my daughters Birthday.Please help!!!
Thank you so much for the awesome tutorial! Very cute! My kids are going to love these!
i suck at sewing… but i’m so happy with how the monkey turned out! thanks for the tutorial 🙂
Cute!!!
You are so talented. I was having a really depressing and fearful night and I ran across your sock monkey tutorial. You made me forget all my worries for awhile there I was in pure Bliss. You never know who you can affect in life and when. Stay loving and creative. Thanks, Im gonna make my daughter and grandkids some. GOD Bless You..
Hi Brenda, I feel sorry about your condition. I hope my work will continue to bring in more therapeutic effect to help you walk out from the blue.
I just love your sock monkeys, they are the cutest I’ve seen. I wanted to share a pic of the one I did using your method, just can’t add pics to the post. He’s a rainbow monkey that I sent to my brother in law for his BDay. I haven’t done alot of hand sewing so this project put me to the test, and I have to say I did pretty good. Thank you for posting your sock monkey tutorial.
Hi Denise, please share your picture at Craft Passion Facebook Page. Thanks, can’t wait to see your rainbow monkey 🙂
This is so awesome, thanks! Mine came out a bit differently :, but I will keep on trying. I’m now looking at socks in the all the shops I go to, trying to find the perfect design! Your monkey family is sooo adorable!
I just got my socks !! I’m excited to make some monkeys !!
Wow I want to make one right now I have two socks beside me now
Have you seen this org for sock monkeys? OperationSockMonkey.com? I’m looking for tuts so I can make some for this and I love yours! Maybe you or some of your readers would like to also!
I love these!! I am going to try and make some at the weekend my kids love them I already have the socks ready, just need to find some time xx
What kind of socks do you recommend? Do you have a special place where you get them?
Hi! Where did you get such a cute pair of socks?
I absolutely love the look of this sock monkey and I’m going to try it out this weekend!
I can’t believe how talented you are… Your work is just amazing! Thank you for sharing it with us!
Geanina from Romania
WOW! I have a friend (72 yrs old) who is ill with cancer and she received a small sock monkey (not handmade) for Christmas. She loves it but was pining for a “real” sock monkey that was handmade. Guess what she’s getting as a gift from me. Love your tutorial. It is by far the easiest and best (especially the pictures) that I have found on the web. Will be making some for church bazaar and for grandkids. THANK YOU!!!
I made 13 of these for Christmas – for my teenage daughter’s friends (she helped with those ones and then made one herself for her boyfriend – it was very cute with a heart stitched on its chest), for my teenage son’s girlfriend, and for my 5 daycare kids. Everyone who saw them wanted one, and I spent a fun afternoon helping my 8 year old son and my 9 yr old niece to make their own over the Christmas holidays. They were loved by all and so easy to make thanks to your amazing tutorial! I wish I could post pics of them for you – it was VERY hard to give them away, I was crushing on the monkeys!
Wow, that’s ridiculous, 13 of them, you are amazing!!! Yes, please show me some pictures of the grand family of the monkey, you can either send to me privately via the contact form, or, share it on Craft Passion facebook page. Thank you so much for telling us this 🙂
I just spent 4 and a half hours making my monkey! It was so much fun and by no means as neat and tidy as yours but I still love it 😀 Yay sock monkeys!
woohooo… thanks!!! You are making me wanting to sew the monkey again!!!
Thank you for sharing this. I will try to make this and give it to someone obsess like me with monkeys! ^^
Please try, I would love you all to sew at least one 🙂
You make it look so EASY… I have such a hard time with them. Thank you for sharing this. Your monkeys are ADORABLE!
Ooh ooh thank you so much for sharing !!! I love sock monkeys and these are so cute!!! I’ll be sock shopping now !
ps. Do I simply cut out the mouth, ears, arms and tail as you’ve shown in the right hand side sock and then turn the sock around and use the other half for the body but sew up the opening to form the rounded shap of the head? Do you know what i mean? thanking you again. Hope I’m making sense.
Hi there, I love this tutorial as I’ve never sewn a sock monkey before but am so looking forward to giving it a go for the first time.
I have a pair of long adult knee high socks – when one is ironed flat side on, they measure almost 68cm from point of toe to top of cuff. How do i adjust the cutting to get one sock monkey out of each of the one socks so I can make two? Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry this sounds like a silly question. Am a novice sewer!
I just used your tutorial to make my very first sock monkey as a gift for my boyfriend for Christmas. This is the most challenging craft I have done thus far, and I am very pleased with the outcome! Thank you so much 🙂
How absolutely adorable! Sock monkeys usually creep me out with that red slash of a mouth. The softer colors you use make the monkeys cute and cuddly. I may actually try making my first sock monkey after reading your wonderful tutorial. Thanks for helping me rethink my views on sock monkeys. 🙂
Thank you, Susan. I had the same thought as yours, that’s how I came out with this sock monkey 😉
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’m having a great time making these! They’re fantastic! I’m just looking for some more really neat socks, that becomes so much fun in itself. Thank you again for sharing, I’m giving a sock monkey to my daughter and all of my nieces and nephews for Christmas.
fabulous tutorial, most comprehensive that ive seen, im definitely having a go! thanks so much
CUTEST THINGS EVER!!! 🙂 thanks so much for sharing!!! 🙂
These are so cute!! I have been looking for something fun to make my daycare kids for Christmas. These are just the thing. I am new to sewing but this looks doable, your instructions are so clear. Thanks you so much, I just found your site and can’t wait to look around. I found you from a Pin on Pinterest. Are you on Pinterest? I would love to follow you there but I don’t see a link. Thanks Again!!
Thanks, Lura. Here is my pinterest account, thanks for following 🙂
Thanks so much this is very helpful
….
How long would you say they take to make
First timer could take up forever to make this … lol…. It took me 2-3 hours for the first test piece, including design and method, the next few are fast, approximately a few monkeys in 1 day.
Great tutorial on making sock monkeys! We love sock monkeys and are desperately looking for “unique” crafted in America finished sock monkeys for gifts to our customers. Do you have ANY connections for finished sock monkeys that are on the unusual, eclectic and / or rock & roll style? We make our products in the USA and it’s really important that the sock monkeys be made here as well. Really any help would be appreciated. THANKS!
For the baby socks are they baby crew socks? Also im finding lots of knee high socks , would this work ? I would have to cut off the tight part of the ok at the to of the sock , but i wasn’t sure if i really needed that part.
Yes, baby crew socks. Knee high socks work too, if you leave the length, your monkey has long arms and legs. I would cut them off as it is hard to stuff.
What size socks would you recommend using to make the baby sized monkey. I am going to make this for my 2 month old son for xmas and I am unsure of what size socks to look for.
I used baby socks (12 months old) for the smallest sock monkey.
What a great tute! Thank you so much for sharing, now I need to find cool socks….
This is definitely the best tutorial for sock monkeys that I have found — THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Thank you for such clear, concise, instructions and pattern. I’m making my whole family sock monkeys this year. I have about 15 to make so I better get busy! Your instructions are my favorite I’ve found on the internet. Thanks!
I don’t have a sewing machine, and I’d like to make this sock monkey for someone. Can I just sew everything by hand, without a machine?
Also, what kinds of materials can I use to fill the sock monkey?
And another question – I linked in the website socks that I think that would fit. Can you please tell me if that’s okay?
Sorry for bothering you with so many questiong, I’m new to sewing!
Thanks a lot! ♥
Hi May, you can definitely use hand to sew. Make small back-stitch stitches will be good for this expendable material.
You can use poly fill or cotton fill, same material of the pillow stuffing.
The socks in the link are too long, provided you want to make some long arms and legs sock monkey, otherwise, get those just a few inches above the foot ankle. If you really like the socks you have chosen, you can alter the cutting and fit 1 monkey pattern in 1 sock.
Thanks a lot! ♥
And I linked a new pair of socks (I just couldn’t find proper socks in the store so I have to order… *laughs*) are these better?
Please ignore the reply I just sent!
Umm, how do I alter the cutting? Just cutting less / smalled pieces? Beacuse I really liked these socks, and I can’t really find anything suitable. (and when I do, it costs like 16 pairs…)
I absolutely adore sock monkeys. They can be such wonderful friends for a little one. I got a sock monkey as a gift and he was my best friend for many years.
He went through the washer and dryer quite a few times and survived it all to be my first son’s extra, special friend too.
Now both of my grandsons have sock monkeys. I love that my son is following through with this great tradition.
Susan
EducatingToday.com
That’s wonderful, Susan. I hope my kids and the receiver of the sock monkey will keep the monkey that long then pass on to the off spring 🙂
I find Holiday socks in the unique places like sewing or fabric shoppes, farm stores, and yes grocery stores. And to save money I buy after that Holiday when they are ready to get rid of it. And you be surprised what you find in clearence sections. Hope this helps, and happy sewing.
Thanks for the info, it sure helps 🙂
Your tutorial is excellent and these monkeys are adorable!
I, like Jessica, am having trouble finding the right socks online and in stores.
Has anyone suggested a source in the USA or online for the appropriate heavy socks?
Hello. I am wondering if you sell your sock monkeys anywhere? These look very well made and I would like to purchase one.
Hi Amanda, I don’t sell them at this point but I would encourage you to make it, that’s the mission of Craft Passion 🙂
hi i love the sock monkeys i have trouble with the tail though it seems to get stuck when i try and pull it through? also the mouth doesnt look as big and round as yours it kind of look flat lol any help would be great i want to make some as christmas presents ive bought some fabulous socks just they keep looking wrong !
thanks
Hi emma,
The tail does need some patience to turn.
Stuff the mouth until it is very firmed to make it big.
Hi. What are the socks made of? Are the cotton, cotton blend or nylon? thank you
The big one is from cotton, medium size is wool mix, small one is cotton mix.
Hello, not sure if anyone has asked this but where do you get your socks? I would love to make this for my niece/nephew as their first sock monkey, however I am having a hard time finding nice thick striped socks. Any hints would be helpful, thank you!
I bought them from several shops here in Malaysia.
Mayabe I’m missing something, but after you fold and baste the nose, the sew it on, do you take out the basting stitch? Or should I be sewing it on at the bating stitch so you don’t see it?? Help! Thank you!
Sara
Oh, I didn’t put it down clear enough, sorry. You should take out the baste stitches. 🙂
Hello craft passion, I want to make one like yours but I don’t know where to buy the socks. Can you help me buy one like yous.
Hi Joanne, I want to thank you for such wonderful instructions, I used your SOCK MONKEY guide with my students and they enjoyed it immensely and so did I. Congratulations on a lovely site!! read you soon, Alexandra
very cool! i wasn’t expecting it to look as amazing as it does! that could easily be a legitimate gift
For those looking for socks. I was able to find some cool strip socks at Five Below stores. The were knee highs, 3/5.00. Lime green and grey, purple and grey, pink and grey and more. Good luck. Trying to make my first monkey now.
I loved this monkey pattern when I first saw it. I have made 2 so far and I am on my 3rd. I like to re use and recyclye where possible.I have used old odd but coordinating socks so my monkey has a stripey body and plain arms tail etc. I also chop up old holey or unco-ordinating socks for stuffing.
However, primark shops in the uk sell 5 or 6 pairs of stripey socks for £4.00. If this helps any one.
Your tutorial was great! Thanks so much!. I love how my sock monkey turned out.
Cute 🙂
Thanks for the fab pattern. Bought a job lot of cheap socks 5 for £4 and am making a load for our school fair. My only worry is I won’t be able to make enough to satisfy the demand. They look fab finished.
i’m have been scouring the web for hours looking for the yellow, gray, and white striped socks! does anyone know where to find them? or something very similar? help please!
Thanks for the tutorial! I made one out of a knee length sock following your instructions (except I gave my monkey nostrils by making french knots)
Ahhh… it is so cute 🙂 I hope you will make some again!!!
I love sock monkey’s. Your blog is great! I have been wanting to jump in and make one. Have all the stuff just was afraid to tackle it. Your instructions make it look a lot easier to make. Hopefully I will get some made for presents this year at Christmas. Thank you!
Love these, I have been wanting to make these but was not sure how to do it. Thank you for the free instructions.
Beautiful work – thank you for sharing. I did make a traditional sock monkey – so much fun. The socks you chose are so nice! Could you please provide info about the striped socks (especially the white/yellow/grey)? The manufacturer, and maybe the store name that you purchased from, regardless of the country? I am ‘challenged’ when trying to find the appropriate socks to use. Thank you for your help
Hi Helen, it is from a local shoe brand, I think the name is Larrie. I am not sure if you can get it outside Malaysia. Good luck and happy sewing!!!
I like it. I’ve sew Sock Monkey. WUizzz.. I did it. Nice… (You can look it @ my facebook, I’ve uploaded the picture). Thank you for sharing your idea n pattern. Be blessed!
I saw your sock monkey, so cute. Great job done, Jenny!!!!
Hey i am planning on making these adorable sock monkeys but i cant seem to find colorful crew socks.. were did u get yours
I got them from sock shops and departmental shop, no particular brand…. wish you best of luck to find some nice colorful socks 🙂
Thank you very much for the instructions and pattern monkey,I bought yesterday six socks pairs kids.I will make for gifts carity in this christma’syear 🙂
That’s so kind of you to make some for the good cause 🙂
And here I thought I would make lots of these for gifts! I cannot sew stretch fabric. Three times the sock got sucked into the machine.
Any good websites with tutorials for beginners like me …. ha only been sewing for almost 40 years, just not stretch :{
Love your website, love your sock monkeys!
Did you cut the sock before sewing? Please cut it after sewing and not before.
I am using just ordinary electrical sewing machine and doesn’t seems to have this problem even with knitted fabrics. I used to have problem 30 years ago when trying to sew a knitted fabric, the seams were stretched and create wavy joint, but 30 years now with a different sewing machine, I don’t have this problem anymore.
Guess that it could be something to do with the tension, please adjust the tension and use a scrap sock to try before the actual sewing.
I am going crazy looking for socks to make quite a few for my daughters first birthday! Do you know where I can get some socks?
I shopped all over the places that sell socks locally, from specialty shops to departmental shops. Wish you best of luck in getting some of your favorites soon.
Nicole–Lots of cute socks at Target, esp. in the children’s section (as opposed to the hosiery section). Many are knee socks, but that just means longer arms & legs. On sale last week, $2 a piece (in Virginia).
Thanks, DaisyCat, for the great deal info!!!! $2 is such a good price to grab 🙂
These are absolutely the best-looking sock monkeys I have seen, and the tutorial is extremely clear and easy to follow! I am so inspired, I went to Target and bought a bunch of socks to make for my daughter’s birthday party as favors. Can’t wait to make them & take the pics. I never would have thought I could do this w/o the excellent instruction–thanks!
Do show us your sock monkeys, yay 🙂 Can’t wait too!!!
What if we can’t sew. Can we buy one from you?
Hi Cassie, sorry, I don’t make to sell, I only design, create and develop pattern and tutorials. Perhaps someone who can sew can make it for you.
Hi, we feature together in an article today. We are The Great Sock Monkey Challenge and we are referring people here for your tutorial. Is that ok. I love how clear your pictures are and you have neat finishes. x Check us out, we’re on Facebook. Let me know if this causes any issues. Thank you for this amazing tutorial. x
These are the cutest sock monkeys I have ever seen!
Wow! Super cute!!! Do you think this project could be completed by hand by someone with no sewing experience? I just want one so bad!!!
It could be difficult with zero sewing skill, but who knows, may be you have the hidden talent in you. Give it a try, may be the first piece won’t look perfect, but practice makes perfect, you can make a pretty one too. Just don’t give up!!!
I am in the US. Would you ever sell a gray and yellow monkey?
Sorry, Kay 🙁
Where did you buy the gray, yellow and white sock? He’s just adorable!!
Hi Kay, I bought it from the local department store (men department). If you are in Malaysia, you can get it from Aeon Jusco.
Wow, these are adorable! Love the details, they make all the difference. Great job!
These are adorable!!!! Would you consider selling one or two? I’m no good with sewing and these are the cutest I’ve seen 🙂
I deff. love your Sock Monkeys’ better than the original. I wanted to make them, but was put off by the color.
I can’t wait to go out and buy a pair of socks and make my own monkeys… thanks for the tutorial…
Adorable!
Lindos!!!!
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Aww, your monkeys are so CUTE!! I love your colorful rendition!
Thanks, Grandma G 🙂
Thank you for your pattern! I bought the “red soks” a while ago to make the monkey, but was a bit afraid even to start – your directions will help a lot! Our grandma had a “red sok” money on her couch always! It is a fond memory! Wanted to make one for our exchange christmas present to bring back memories of grandma and grandpa! Thanks again!
loves it!