It has a shorter tail with a little curve at the tip because the tail is cut from the toe end of the sock instead of the cuff end. The tail has less white on the end because the toe has a shorter white section than the cuff end of the sock.

The arms of this Sock Monkey are usually a bit larger around, more equal to the size of the legs because they are sewn from the whole upper tube section of the sock. Both arms will have only one seam, unlike the vintage pattern that was often sewn with two seams on one arm.

The new pattern doesn’t leave you with a whole extra toe piece, so if you want the traditional self-fabric cap you have to use 3 socks.

Many people find the newer pattern easier to sew up, due to the shorter tail. This gives you more room to work with for the arms and it is not as difficult to stuff a short tail.

MATERIALS:

1. One pair of Rockford Red Heel Socks

2. Stuffing - cut up old nylon stockings, cotton batting, kapok, shredded foam rubber or polyester fiber. (do not use yams or other vegitables)

3. Red knitting yarn.

INSTRUCTIONS:

TURN THE SOCKS INSIDE OUT
Sew a seam (A) 1/2 inch on both sides of the center of sock starting three inches from the white heel and across the end of the top. Cut the sock between the seams and to within 1-1/2 inches of white heel. This leaves an opening in the crotch.

Then turn the sock so the seams are on the inside and use the crotch opening to stuff the head, body and legs

ARMS:
Cut the upper part of the sock into two pieces. Seam, rounding the ends and stuff the arms.

MOUTH:
Cut the heel from the sock, leaving a brown edge around the white. Fasten on lower part of the face, whip-stitching around the bottom; stuff and finish sewing around the top. The mouth can be improved by a running stitch of either black or white across the middle of the lips.

TAIL:
Cut a one inch strip, taper to end of cuff on length of front of sock. Seam and stuff.

EARS:
Cut the ears from the remaining brown part of the sole of the sock.

EYES:
Sew on moving eyes, buttons, felt, or embroider with black thread. (For very small children embroider the eyes.)

CAP: (Optional)
Cut off toe of another sock, leaving 1/2 inch of brown to roll for a brim. Sometimes a fez is used for a cap.

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Do you need some Rockford Socks or maybe a D.I.Y. Kit? Visit our supplies page for all your Sock Monkey needs!