Sock Dogs

See how Jessica Scheick creates this adorable sock dog.

All About

Product Ideas

Full time student Jessica Scheick has a self-admitted obsession with stuffed animals. Her boyfriend instigated the start of her own creations. He loved dogs and longed to have one of his own, but his roommate was highly allergic. Wanting to help, Scheick set out to make a dog and the result was her first ever argyle sock dog. Her boyfriend loved the puppy and Scheick found she loved making them.

Materials and Tools:

pair of above ankle length socks
matching thread (sock color)
sewing needle
scissors
3 buttons (one pair for eyes, one for nose)
small bag polyester fiberfill
sewing machine
dried lavender

Steps:

1. Turn one sock inside out to make the body and hind legs.

2. Flatten the sock so that the heel is facing up. Note: The heel will form the dog's rump, and the toe forms the neck.

3. Use the length from the opening of the sock to the heel to create the hind legs.

a. Determine the length of the hind legs starting from the heel (the rump). Allow at least an extra 1/2-inch for the seam allowance.
b. Remove the excess by cutting across the width of the sock. For example, suppose there are six inches from the heel to the opening of the sock. For four-inch legs, measure 4-1/2 inches from the heel and cut off 1-1/2 inch from the opening of the sock. Note: Save the excess portion for the tail.
c. Cut up the center of the sock to the edge of the heel.
d. Stitch around the edges of the feet and up the inside edge on each side. Leave about a two-inch gap in the center for stuffing.

4. Turn the sock right side out and stuff with fiberfill and lavender.

5. Sew the gap closed.

6. Bend a leg forward and stitch the fold to the body to pull the leg forward. Repeat with the other leg.

7. Bend the end of one leg forward and hand stitch to create a paw. Repeat with the other leg.

8. Bend the sock's toe back toward the rump and hand stitch the fold to pull the fabric up and create a neck.

9. Create the ears, head, and front legs with the second sock.

a. Cut off about 2-1/2 or 3 inches of the toe at a slight angle, less than 90 degrees, so the edge of the sock with heel is slightly longer than the opposite edge. Note: Save this portion for the ears.
b. Create the head by starting at the center of the heel and measuring about 3 inches toward the opening of the sock. Cut through the width of the sock to remove the excess length. Note: Save the excess portion for the front legs.

10. Sew the head to the neck, leaving the front of the head open for stuffing. Note: Do not worry if your sock dog looks a little funny at this point.

11. Fill the head with stuffing and lavender. Add slightly more stuffing around the top of the head. Mold the stuffing with hands to form the shape of the face and a snout.

12. Stitch up the snout, adding more stuffing as needed.

13. Create the front legs.

a. Take the excess piece saved for the front legs and turn it inside out.
b. Make the front and hind legs roughly the same length (allow an extra 1/2 inch for the seam allowance). Cut off any excess closer to the open end of the sock if needed.
c. Cut the piece in half, lengthwise.
d. Turn the right sides together. Sew the long edge and one short edge together to create what resembles a small pillowcase.
e. Repeat with the second leg.

14. Turn both legs out and stuff with fiberfill.

15. Sew both legs to the body.

16. Bend the end of one leg forward and hand stitch to create a paw. Repeat with the other leg.

17. Flatten the toe piece (9a) for the ears and cut in half.

18. Turn each piece inside out and stitch around the edges, leaving the bottom open.

19. Turn out one ear, position appropriately, and hand stitch to the head. Repeat with the other ear. Note: Do not stuff ears with fiberfill.

20. Form the tail in a triangular shape. Make it as thin, wide, short, or long as desired.

a. Cut a triangle out of the material that was saved for the tail, making sure to leave a little space for the seam.
b. Turn the right sides together. Sew the long edges together. Note: Do not stuff the tail with fiberfill.