Turn one sock inside out. Cut off the cuff. The calf section becomes the legs; the more you cut off, the shorter the legs will be. (If you're using an anklet, there's no need to cut it off; your dog will have stubby legs.) The toe becomes the neck.

Flatten this sock with heel on top. Cut from ankle to beginning of heel. Sew sides to make back legs (leave an opening at the center to insert the stuffing).

Turn sock right side out and add stuffing. Stretch and shape as you stuff to form the body and the back legs.

Sew leg opening shut from side to side. Sew feet shut; bend paws forward at ankle, and stitch the fold in place. Bend neck back, and stitch the fold in place.

Cut the second sock into parts as shown. (If you're using an anklet, cut off the thin cuff, and cut off the toe -- it will become legs, ears, and tail in step 9.)

Slip the head piece over the neck, and sew in place. Add stuffing.

To make the snout, turn edges of head piece in, making a curve, and stitch shut.

For floppy ears (such as the basset hound's), cut toe into ears as shown. Turn each inside out; sew sides together, leaving bottom open. Turn right side out, stitch shut, and sew to head.

For an anklet, cut toe as shown. Sew ears as in step 8, inserting pipe cleaners for perky ears (like the Scottie's) before sewing to head.

Turn front-leg pieces inside out; stitch, leaving bottoms open. Turn right side out; stuff, stitch shut, and sew to body. Bend paws; stitch folds in place.

Turn tail piece inside out; sew sides, leaving bottom open. Turn right side out; stuff or insert pipe cleaner. Sew on.

Sew on small buttons for eyes using different color thread for pupils. For nose, sew on a larger button with two big holes (for nostrils) or a pom-pom.

Add finishing touches: For antlers, twist 3 or 4 brown pipe cleaners together for each side, letting ends branch out; make a chin strap from another pipe cleaner, and twist antlers around it to attach. For a sweater, cut off foot of crew or knee sock; slip calf section over dog, mark where front legs fall, then snip holes for legs. For a collar, tie on a ribbon and tuck in a fake holly sprig. Or cut a ribbon band to fit around neck and overlap; place it on dog; sew ends together, folding under raw edges.