Sock it to me! Want to learn how to make a classic sock monkey? This step-by-step tutorial shows you exactly how to turn a simple pair of socks into a soft, handmade toy. Whether you’re sewing your first stuffed animal or revisiting a childhood favorite, this project is approachable, fun, and surprisingly forgiving.
A sock monkey is one of the easiest soft toys to make, using basic sewing skills and minimal supplies. With just a few stitches, you’ll create a charming handmade gift that’s full of personality.
Even though the classic style has button eyes, if you are making the sock monkey for a very young child, use pieces of felt or fleece appliquéd or embroider the eyes – buttons can be a choking hazard.
What you’ll learn
- How to cut and shape socks into a soft toy
- How to sew and assemble a simple stuffed animal
- Tips for even stuffing and shaping
- How to add facial features and personality
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Quick start
Skill level: Beginner
Time: 2-3 hours
Tools needed: Scissors, needle, thread, and pins
Recommended: Sewing machine, corner turner
Best for: Gifts, keepsakes, memory projects
With our tutorial, you don’t need a sock monkey pattern. Just use our cutting guides and have fun!
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How to Make a Sock Monkey
Learn how to make an adorable classic sock monkey with our step-by-step tutorial.
No need to purchase a sock monkey kit - it's easy to make one with our step-by-step directions.
Materials
- One (1) pair of socks, preferably with contrasting toe and heel. Traditional sock monkeys are made with red heel socks.
- Polyfill or other toy stuffing
- Thread that blends with color of monkey
- Fray-Check
- Embroidery floss or thread for mouth. I used Perle cotton #8
- Two (2) buttons
- OPTIONAL: Scrap of fleece to make a scarf for the monkey
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Hand sewing needle
- Fabric scissors
- Embroidery needle suitable for thread selected
- Corner turner, optional but recommended
Instructions
Step 1: Cut the socks into pieces
Start with a pair of socks. 
Turn the socks inside out with the wrong sides out.
Place one sock with the heel facing up; this will be the body of the monkey. And, the second sock with the heel placed to one side will be for the other body parts.
If your sock has a small cuff, cut it off - it is too thick and not consistent with the rest of the sock. 
Here is a diagram of how to cut the socks. If you want the legs or arms shorter, don't cut them as long. 
Here is how to cut the tail and mouth from the other section. 
Step 2: Sew the legs
Once you have cut out all of your pieces, you are ready to sew. I started with the body, but you can start with any of the parts. With the right sides together, start at the fold along one of the sides of the monkey. Sew across the raw edge at the bottom of the foot, turn, and sew up the leg. 
Stop and backstitch about 1-inch from the center between the monkey's legs. 
Sew the other leg the same way. Now you have an opening to turn and stuff the monkey's body. 
Turn the monkey's body inside out. I like to use this long corner turner to get into the feet and make sure they are all poked out. You can use the blunt end of a knitting needle, too. Just make sure not to poke through the fabric.
Here is the monkey's body turned right side out.
Step 3: Stuff & stitch the body closed
Fill the monkey body with poly fill. I started by filling the feet and up the monkey's legs, then the main body. 
Slip stitch the opening closed. Some people use a ladder stitch for this. TIP: Use a double thread. Knot the end. Take a little stitch and loop your needle through the loop with the knot. This secures the knot, and it won't slip through the sock. 
Stitch the opening closed.
Step 4: Make the arms
I like to go ahead and make all of the rest of the body parts and sew them to the monkey. For the monkey arms, with right sides together, start sewing at the fold along the hand. Leave the tops of the arms open so you can stuff them.
Step 5: Create the tail
Next, sew the tail together. Again, with right sides together, start at the tip of the tail and sew up the side, leaving the top open.
Step 6: Sew the ears
Finally, sew the ears. With right sides together, sew around the curved edge, leaving the straight edge open.
Step 7: Assemble the sock monkey
Here are all of the parts sewn together.
Turn them right side out. Again, use a corner turner to help poke out all of the corners.
Now, stuff each of the monkey's body parts with the toy stuffing from the open end. I don't put much fill in the finished ears, just enough to make them stand out. You don't want them stuffed full.
Next, let's work on the monkey's head and give him a neck! Knot your thread and then wrap it around the neck several times. 
Pull the thread tight and tie a knot. Add a dab of Fray-Check to the knot to keep it secure. 
Next, sew on the tail piece. I like to sew the open edge closed first, then, using a whip stitch, sew along one edge and turn to sew the other edge. 
Then, using the same technique, sew on the arms and ears. Place the arms close to the indent for the neck.
Step 8: Add the face
Next, we'll embroider the mouth. 
I started stitching across the top of the mouth and used a chain stitch, but you can use any line stitch. I stitched around the outside of the contrast area (was the heel of the sock).
Then I stitched across the center to reflect the mouth opening.
For the mouth of the monkey, I pinned it in place before whip stitching to the face. Add a little bit of the poly fill. Begin sewing and add more poly fill as you go along. When the mouth is almost all attached, but you still have a little opening, add a little more to fill it out. Stitch the opening closed and tie off your thread.
The monkey is all sewn together!
Sew on the button eyes. Or use some embroidery floss and embroider eyes on your monkey. Another option is to cut fleece or felt and hand appliqué the eyes.
Step 9: Give your monkey some personality!
Optional: Cut a piece of fleece for a scarf for your monkey to cover the neck. Just make a few short snips into the ends for fringe. 
Last step: tie the scarf on the monkey and it is done! 
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Overstuffing: Makes the monkey stiff instead of soft
- Uneven legs: Measure before cutting
- Loose stitching: Reinforce seams, especially at the joints
- Crowded face features: Place eyes before stitching permanently
Do I have to use a special sock to make a sock monkey?
No – any sock works! Just use one for the body and one for the other parts. If you have a smaller sock, it will just have shorter legs and arms.
Have fun and play around with different types of socks. Make them big and small – make a barrel of monkeys!
Are sock monkeys washable?
If all of the materials you use for the monkey are washable, then, yes, it is washable. Most socks are cotton or acrylic (or a blend). Most fiber fill is poly or poly-cotton. Both of these components are washable. Toss the monkey in with linens, and he’ll come out clean from the dryer!
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but socks with a defined heel give the best shape
Find socks with defined heels. I like ones where the heel is a different color than the rest of the sock to make a great mouth.
Use embroidered eyes instead of buttons for small childen
Yes. As long as all of the materials you used are washable, the sock monkey is washable. If in doubt, hand wash.
Please do! Add scarves, hats, or embroidered details. If you are a knitter, knit the little guy a sweater!
Yes! This is a great first stuffed project with simple shapes and forgiving seams.
No. You can sew a sock monkey entirely by hand.
Plan for 2-3 hours, depending on your experience sewing.
Make it your own
Try different sock colors, patterns, or textures. Each sock monkey turns out a little different, which is part of the magic.
There’s something quietly wonderful about turning a simple sock into a handmade companion. Whether you’re making one for a child, a friend, or yourself, this project is less about perfection and more about personality. Each stitch adds a little character, and before long, you’ll have something that feels like it’s been around forever.
Browse through more toy projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.
