Our kids don't play with stuffed animals, they play with stuffed animals. Apparently there is a big difference. Stuffed animals or not, an inexpensive way to create fun and lovable characters is to use colorful socks that are old or single. Move over the sock monkeys, there's a new and easier sock bunny in town that you can create in under 30 minutes.
Debbie Wolfe
For a stunning end product, choose long socks in colorful patterns. While any colored yarn and felt will work, we chose coordinating colors for our project.
Debbie Wolfe
Debbie Wolfe
Turn the sock inside out:the toe part of the sock will be the stuffed animal's feet, while the top of the sock will be the ears. You don't have to cut off your sock cuff, but be aware that it's a bit bulky to go under the feet of a sewing machine without a walking foot.
Cut rectangles from the top and bottom of the sock as shown in the diagram above (Image 1). Once cut, the sock should look like Picture 2. Sew around the ears and feet, leaving the space between the feet open for stuffing.
Debbie Wolfe
Debbie Wolfe
Debbie Wolfe
Turn the sock to the right, and then use a pencil to push the ears all the way through. Stuff the plushie with polyester stuffing, add the stuffing to the ears first, use your pencil to help fill in the narrow gap. Once the sock is filled, hand sew the opening closed.
Debbie Wolfe
Debbie Wolfe
Thread a tapestry needle with embroidery floss. Tie a knot in one end and insert the needle under the fabric on one side of the stuffed animal. Go up about 1/8 inch and back to where you started the needle. This will make a secure knot. Go down about three inches and insert the needle to the bottom of the stuffed animal. Bring the needle out the other side and bring it to the back of the first stitch and insert it. Pull the thread and tighten it. Cut off excess silk. Repeat on the other side.
Debbie Wolfe
Debbie Wolfe
Sew buttons for the eyes. Cut the felt into the shape of an oval and hand sew it onto the heel of the sock to form a cute oversized nose.
Debbie Wolfe
These fun toys will be a hit with any child who's too good at "stuffed animals," and the matching sock plush sets make perfect little gifts.
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