How to make a Cotton Kiwi Sock Monkey.
You will need:
1 pair of socks, the brighter the better
Sharp scissors
Pins
Tape measure or ruler
Marker pen or tailors chalk
Needle and thread and/or sewing machine
2 matching buttons or embroidery thread for eyes
Toy stuffing
Chopstick or similar to use as a stuffing tool
Red embroidery thread or wool to embroider mouth
Instructions:
1. Turn one sock inside out and lay it out flat with the heel facing upwards. Using the tape measure, mark a central point on the cuff of the sock and draw a line from the cuff to about a finger’s-width from the bottom of the heel. Starting at one edge, sew along the cuff and then up 1cm away from the centre point to the top of the line. Back stitch at both ends to secure your stitching. Do the same on the other side. You should have a gap between the legs where you will turn and stuff the monkey. Cut up the centre line and turn the monkey right side out.
2. Stuff the monkey firmly and
evenly using the chopstick to push the stuffing into hard to reach areas. Leave
about 2cm at the top of each leg free of stuffing to allow the monkey to sit
more easily. Once you are happy with the shape of your monkey, hand sew the
hole closed. The toe of the sock will become the monkey’s head and the heel of
the sock will be its bottom.
3. Using the cutting guide below,
cut out the other pieces of the monkey.
4. Using and needle and matching thread, create and attach the body parts as follows:
·
Tail: Cut the tail from the
side of the ankle and along part of the toe. Fold in half, right sides together
and stitch along long edge and then curve around at the bottom to create a
point for the tail. Turn and stuff lightly. Using your finger, tuck in the raw
edges and pin the tail to the point you want it. Hand sew to attach. When you
have completed your stitching, push your needle through to another part of the
monkey’s body, pull tight and cut. The thread will then be secure and hidden
inside the body. Repeat this step with all other body parts.
·
Arms: Cut 2 wide pieces from
the other side of the ankle. Fold each in half, right sides together and sew
along cuff and down long edge. Turn and make sure both arms are even. Stuff
lightly and stitch to the sides of the body about half way down the torso. When
you have stitched one arm, pass the thread through the body of the monkey to
the other side and continue stitching.
· Ears: Make an ear template and draw around it to create 2 ears from the sole part of the sock. Sew around curved edges, turn and top stitch around outside edge. Fold in raw edges and stitch closed. Put your forefinger in the middle of the ear and fold the ear around it to create a crease. Put a couple of stitches in the ear to secure it in this position and attach it to the sides of the monkey’s head. Repeat with the other ear making sure they are at even heights.
·
Mouth: Cut out the heel of the
sock. Tuck in each corner and pin just below the ears. Lightly stuff and then
hand sew it to the monkey’s face, turning under the edges as you go. Using the red embroidery thread and back
stitch, give your monkey a smile.
·
Eyes: Decide if you want button or embroidered eyes. Use pins to decide on
placement for your eyes. Experiment with different eye positions. It can really change the expression of your monkey. Add eyebrows if you want to. If you are making this toy for a
child under 3 years old, you should embroider the eyes instead of using buttons to make sure the
toy is safe. Have a look at the monkeys below for some inspiration for your faces and added decorations.
