About a month ago, I was at the library and happened to stumble upon a book called “Sock Doll Workshop: 30 Dolls to Create and Cherish” (or something to that effect!). After peeking through the illustrations, I was so taken by the little dolls that I wanted to try it myself!
The book, which apparantly teaches the old fashioned skill of making dolls out of socks, took me step by step through the process of this new-to-me (and fun!) craft. For most dolls, only a pair of socks are needed and can be of any size (although women’s size 9-13 are most typically used). The toe part of one sock is used to create the head, and the foot part of another sock can be used to create the legs and torso. Ribbing from the upper part (above the heel) can be used to make the arms or fashion a ribbed sweater. Cotton socks (especially ones with a terry cloth like feel) make the most appealing dolls, but ethnic dolls and a variety of clothing can be made from synthetic socks. Color choices are left up to your imagination! The only other tools needed to make your own sock doll is a needle, all-purpose thread, stuffing (cheap polyfill will be just fine), scissors, and a measuring tape (optional).
I have never sewed anything (not even a button) in my entire life, which is funny because my mom worked in a sewing room for many years before I was born and when I was very little - but I was determined to teach myself how to do this awesome little craft. The patterns in the book were easy to follow and after making 2-3 of the dolls in there I picked up the flow of things and started making my own patterns for the dolls. Mom taught me how to tie a neat little not at the end of my thread, and a few basic stitches – because it’s so much easier to watch someone than to try to read how such as the ladder stitch (needed to sew on the head and hands). It was the most she’s ever taught me about sewing in her life. She says working in a sewing room for sew so many years made her hate it. She avoids thread and needles whenever possible.
I made two matching dolls for me and my hubby, going all out in the clothing and hair styling (used yarn for hair and embroidered the face). White cotton socks were used for the face & hands. For clothing I used a tan ribbed man’s dress sock for my vest and my hubby’s pants, and a deep blue argile type pattern for hubby’s sweater, and a deep blue ribbed dress sock for my skirt (which is convertable from long to short). I also used the brown dress sock to make a ski hat for Kevin (he wears hats a lot). They’re taller dolls and shaped like more of a cloth doll instead of a fat little sock doll, but it was quite fun and Kevin was impressed with how “his” turned out. He think’s it’s really “cool” when a woman knows how to sew (he’s old fashion like that I guess). 
I also tried my hand at making an ethnic doll and working with various facial features. I didn’t have real embroidery thread when doing these, so I just used my all-purpose thread. It was my first time embroidering something as well. Quite fun, might I say, and if you make a mistake all you have to do is a quick *snip-snip*! Each doll’s personality seems to evolve during creation, so I never know what color eyes…or lips…or hair they need until they are almost through. I also gave this one a little hat and had some dark brown hair peeking from under it, as if she were out in the winter weather and wanted nothing more than to play outside. She’s all bundled up!
One of my favorite ones came out of a pattern I thought of myself. I figured, if you can make dolls, why not animals? I had a dark grey sock left over from another doll and decided to use it to make a little kitty cat. I put some rice wrapped in seran wrap at the bottom before stuffing him the rest of the way so he’d stay upright easier and have some weight to him. I fell in love with the little guy as soon as I finished. He’s about 5 inches tall and looks adorable sitting by a picture frame on a shelf in the living room! I can’t wait to teach my own little girl how to make her own dolls. Too bad Little Jack probably wont “cotton” to the idea very well. I can’t imagine my son being thrilled over sewing a doll for himself.
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Tags: Fun Crafts
ok this is a little scary (we’re still on the same wave length
i have a sock doll book i bought a few years back. luv ya girlie!
I your dolls are cute especially for a first try at dolls. I am at age 68 just now finding what all I can do. good Luck on any future endeavors.