Handmade : Sock Monkey Mania

Handmade Tutorial Alert!!

Aimee Brock
7 September 2010

Sock monkeys are the latest craze amongst crafty types – seriously cute softies fashioned from a simple pair of socks. While their popularity is huge right now, sock monkeys have actually been around since the end of the world wars and the depression, when mums and grandmothers got crafty making toys for their children with odds and ends from around the house. Perhaps that’s partly why they are back in fashion right now, but the fact that their clean and simple lines remind us of contemporary Scandinavian design and ongoing our love affair with all things vintage are probably the main reasons why.

Either way, this is one trend that you can have a go at yourself. There are free-to-follow tutorials online such as this one by Sarah Bird of Cotton Kiwi– you just need to gather up a pair of cool socks. If you have any used baby tights or socks in bright and cheery stripes, spots or animal prints, use these ones, as the pattern will ensure you get a funky result. Otherwise, visit the Warehouse or the $2 shop for some nice and bright pairs (knee highs are best) – or if making one for a gift for someone else, grab some stylish socks from a branded retailer and make something a bit more special.

An alternative to an online tutorial is to follow a craft book, such as ‘Sock and Glove’ by Miyako Kanamori (available at all good bookstores and online – also try your local library). Miyako’s book includes sock monkeys but also has elephants, horses, rabbits, zebras, dogs – you name the animal, it’s there! It also includes how to make wee clothes for them. There’s an item on this book and an elephant project by my friend Greta on our OTLP blog.

You could also buy instructions or a pre-packed ‘Sock Monkey DIY Kit’ from a local crafter, such as Miss Millie on Felt. Miss Millie’s DIY kit comes with everything you need to create your own monkey.

If it all seems too much, you could always purchase a pre-made monkey from a local crafter, and support the handmade community. Many crafters that sell sock monkeys also do custom orders, so you could supply your own socks to represent your little munchkin’s favourite things. Do a search online or try Cotton Kiwi, Miss Millie, Ti Ti on Toggle (Ti Ti sells a range of animals, including rabbits, dogs, bunnies), or for slightly scary monkeys for older kids try Miss Deb at Sock Monkey Headquarters.

Have a go yourself though – it’s a good beginner’s level project for developing your craftiness. I made two pink striped monkeys for my own girls, all in front of the telly, over two nights. You can do it!