Gosh… I am supposed to sew some thing for the Earth Month this April, but I can’t wait to sew these sock monkeys. My hands simply took over my head and see what I did after a few days and nights of sewing…. a house full of sock monkeys!!!! 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 may be 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 a dinner. Now, everyone wants one from me…. ha ha ha… Seeing their positive responses, I am certain that you will want one too 
…. After a few researches and findings, here is my version of sock monkey. Though it may looks a bit different from the popular vintage sock monkey of Red-Heel that comes with a red lip but it is surely as lovely.
With different sizes of socks, I made the sock monkey out of a family, from baby, toddlers, teens to adult. 3rd picture in the above album 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. Click next on the above photo album to see them all.
The siblings are indeed loving each other, not only they are huggy to human, 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 sock monkey, crochet amigurumi monkey, aren’t they look identical?
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
Vedoca39@bellsouth.net
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) https://www.bearmama.com.tw/products/product_detail.php?id=12868&cid=25&sid=198. 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) https://www.bearmama.com.tw/products/product_detail.php?id=12868&cid=25&sid=198. 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 😉