This term in class we have been running a soft toys theme. And in keeping with this theme, this week I have been demo-ing the hugely affectionate Sock Monkey!
This pattern is by Craft Passion and includes 3 sizes - Adult, Toddler & Baby!
You need one pair of socks to make 1 monkey. The pattern suggests using crew length socks (approx 8" from heel to cuff) however I adapted knee length socks for my large monkey and used a pair of ladies ankle socks (approx 5" from heel to cuff) for the medium monkey.
I found these monkeys surprisingly easy to sew, especially as the pattern directs you to mark and sew the limbs and features on the complete sock first, before cutting out! Genuis!
And there is a nifty way of getting stuffing into that narrow channel of a tail!! (It's so clever!)
The toys we have been making in class require lots and lots of stuffing, really well packed in to achieve the finished shape. However, that is not the case with these little fellows!
Because socks are made from a stretchy knit fabric, the more you stuff, the more it will stretch! So my advice is not to over stuff, just enough for maximum cuddle factor!
A little hand sewing brings all the features together. Don't worry if you're not that neat a hand sewer like me. The stitches just seem to get absorbed into the knit fabric! Magic!
Aren't they cute! And great gift ideas for little (& big) kids (I recommend using safety eyes instead of buttons if gifting to small children).
So no need to discard those old or odd socks! Get sewing your very own troop of monkeys!
