How to Make Easy-Sew Sock Plushies

Our boys don't play with stuffed animals — they play with plushies. Apparently, there's a big difference. Stuffed animal or not, an economical way to create fun and adorable characters is to use colorful socks that are either old or missing a mate. Move over sock monkeys, there's a new and easier sock bunny in town you can create in less than 30 minutes.

Gather Your Materials

For an awesome finished product, choose long socks in colorful patterns. While any color thread and felt will work, we chose matching colors for our project.

Sew Into Shape

Turn the sock inside out — the toe portion of the sock will be the plushie's feet while the top of the sock will be the ears. You don't have to cut off the cuff of the sock, but keep in mind that it's a bit bulky to pass under the foot of a sewing machine without a walking foot.

Cut rectangles out of the top and bottom of the sock as shown in the diagram above (Image 1). Once cut, the sock should look like Image 2. Sew around the ears and feet, leaving the space between the feet open for stuffing.

Stuff It

Turn the sock right-side out and then use a pencil to push the ears all the way through. Stuff the plushie with polyester filling, add the stuffing to the ears first, use your pencil to help fill the narrow space. Once the sock is filled, hand sew the opening closed.

Create Belly Accents

Thread a tapestry needle with embroidery floss. Tie a knot at one end and insert the needle under the fabric on one side of the plushie. Come up about 1/8 inch and go back into where you inserted the needle at the start. This will make a secure knot. Go down about three inches and insert the needle all the way through to the back of the plushie. Bring the needle out through the other side and bring it to the back of the first stitch and insert it through. Pull the thread snug and tie it off. Cut off the excess floss. Repeat on the other side.

Finishing Touches

Sew on buttons for eyes. Cut felt in the shape of an oval and hand sew it to the heel of the sock to form a cute, oversized nose.

All Ages-Approved

These fun toys will be a hit for any kid that's too cool for "stuffed animals" and matching sets of sock plushies make perfect little gifts.