Before Barbie, Before Beanie Babies… There Was the Sock Monkey
Few things scream “nostalgia” quite like a sock monkey. Whether you had one as a kid, saw one tucked away in your grandparent’s attic, or just love their weirdly endearing expressions, sock monkeys have been a part of American culture for nearly a century.
But where did they come from? Who looked at a pair of socks and thought, “This would make an excellent stuffed animal”? And why, exactly, do they have those famous red lips?
Buckle up—we’re about to dive into the surprisingly dramatic history of the sock monkey.
The Mysterious Beginnings of the Sock Monkey
Like all great legends, the exact origins of the sock monkey are a little hazy. Some say it traces back to the Victorian era, when children’s toys were handmade from scraps of fabric. But let’s be real—those early versions probably looked less adorable and more like something out of a horror movie.
However, what we do know for sure is that the true sock monkey we recognize today wouldn’t exist without one very special sock.
1932: The Birth of the Rockford Red Heel Sock (And the Monkey That Followed)
The year was 1932. America was in the thick of the Great Depression, and families were making do with whatever they could find—including turning old socks into makeshift toys.
Enter the Nelson Knitting Company of Rockford, Illinois. That year, they launched the Rockford Red Heel sock, a sturdy work sock featuring a distinctive red heel patch. Unbeknownst to them, this design would change history.
Instead of simply using any old sock for crafting, people began making sock dolls specifically from Rockford Red Heel socks. The reason? That signature red heel created the perfect set of monkey lips.
And thus, the sock monkey was born.
The Sock Monkey Goes Mainstream
For years, sock monkeys were a handmade tradition, passed down from one crafty parent or grandparent to the next. But as their popularity grew, Nelson Knitting Company wanted credit for the accidental toy they helped create.
In 1955, after much legal back-and-forth, they were finally granted a patent for the sock monkey design. And because they knew they were onto something good, they included official sock monkey-making instructions in every package of Rockford Red Heel socks.
It was a marketing move of pure genius.
Now, if you bought these socks, you weren’t just getting cozy footwear—you were getting a DIY toy kit. Sock monkeys weren’t just a Depression-era necessity anymore—they were a cultural phenomenon.
The Sock Monkey Takes Over America
By the late 20th century, sock monkeys weren’t just homemade projects anymore. They had become beloved childhood companions, quirky collectors’ items, and even unofficial mascots of Rockford, Illinois.
In fact, by 1988, Nelson Knitting Company was receiving 50-100 letters per month from people wanting to know more about sock monkeys—proving that America was still very emotionally invested in these fabric primates.
But like all good things, Nelson Knitting’s time came to an end. After a series of mergers and acquisitions, the company closed its doors in 1992. However, Fox River Mills swooped in to keep the sock monkey dream alive.
Even though the original patent expired in 1970, Fox River Mills continues to sell Rockford Red Heel socks AND include sock monkey-making instructions.
Which means, yes—you can still make your own sock monkey the old-school way.
The Sock Monkey Festival, Super Bowl Commercials & the World’s Largest Sock Monkey
You thought this was just a small-town story? Think again.
Rockford, Illinois has fully embraced its sock monkey heritage. Every year, they host Sock Monkey Madness Festival at Midway Village Museum, where visitors can:
- Learn about Rockford’s knitting industry roots
- Make their own custom sock monkeys
- Pay homage to Nelson, the world’s largest sock monkey (standing 7 feet, 2 inches tall and made from 44 Rockford Red Heel socks!)
And if you’re thinking, “Sock monkeys are cool, but have they ever been in a Super Bowl commercial?”—the answer is yes.
In 2010, Kia featured a sock monkey in a big-budget Super Bowl ad, proving that even in the era of high-tech gadgets and fast cars, a humble sock monkey still has star power.
Today’s Sock Monkey: More Than Just a Toy
The classic brown sock monkey is still alive and well, but over the years, these fabric primates have gotten a serious glow-up.
Nowadays, you can find sock monkeys in:
- Every color imaginable
- Patterns ranging from polka dots to camo
- Pop culture themes that make them even more ridiculous
- Fashion accessories (because yes, sock monkey slippers, hats, and pajamas exist, and they are glorious)
Basically, what started as a simple DIY toy has turned into an all-out cultural icon.
Want to Make Your Own Sock Monkey? Here’s How.
If this history lesson has inspired you to create your own one-of-a-kind sock monkey, here’s what you need to do:
- Choose your sock – Rockford Red Heel socks are the classic choice, but you can get creative with colors and patterns.
- Find a guide – There are countless tutorials online (or just use the Fox River Mills instructions that come with the socks!).
- Start crafting – Scissors, stuffing, thread, and a little patience—that’s all it takes.
- Show it off – Because if you don’t post a picture of your creation, did you even make a sock monkey?
Tag us on social media with your sock monkey design for a chance to be featured!
Final Thoughts: The Sock Monkey Legacy Lives On
The world has changed a lot since 1932, but the sock monkey remains.
From its humble beginnings as a Depression-era comfort toy to its Super Bowl commercial stardom, the sock monkey proves that sometimes, the simplest things bring the most joy.
So whether you grew up with one, are making your first one now, or just think they’re weirdly awesome, know that you’re part of a long, sock-filled tradition.
Now go forth and make some monkeys.
