17 Free Monkey Patterns to Knit and Crochet
Today is Monkey Day! This unofficial holiday celebrates monkeys around the world. This collection of patterns to knit and crochet from Yarnspirations is full of monkey-related projects to love, including knit and crochet monkeys to cuddle, monkey hats, and more.
Many of these projects are based off of sock monkeys, which were traditionally made using gray and white athletic socks, stuffed with filling and sewn together. The name is now used for many similar styles of toy stuffed monkeys. These versions are knit and crocheted for a similar look. Plus, there are other monkey patterns too!
Stuffed Monkeys
- Monkey Toy – A basic monkey crocheted in shades of brown.
- Monkey Around – A classic gray and white knit sock monkey, made in wool.
- Sock Monkey Toy – A crocheted toy with realistic covering.
- Crochet Monkey Decor – A fun blue crochet monkey with big ears.
- Basic Crochet Sock Monkey – A classic gray and white crochet sock monkey.
- Sock Monkey and Baby Hat – A matching crochet beige sock monkey toy and a hat for a baby.
- Love Monkey – A cute little crochet monkey with a heart on its belly.
- Knit Striped Funky Monkey – A classic knit sock monkey style, but in royal blue with stripes on the ends.
- Knit Mini Sock Monkey – A traditional sock monkey in knit in gray, in a miniature size.
- Sock Monkey Ornament – A beige sock monkey crocheted in a tiny version as an ornament.
- Sock Monkey – A knit monkey made in brightly striped sock yarn.
Monkey-Related Projects
- Monkey Felted Slippers – Slippers that look like monkeys!
- Sock Monkey Blanket – A crocheted blanket with a hood and mitts as part of it.
- Sock Monkey Key Fob – A crochet sock monkey head attached to a key fob.
- Sock Monkey Pillow Pal – A pillow pal to crochet for a kid to hug and sleep on.
- Monkey Around Baby Blanket – A crocheted baby blanket with monkey faces on it.
- Cup Cozy – Cup cozies crocheted with monkey faces.
Also on the Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of monkey projects are in this collection?
Fun and fuzzy monkey friends! The 17 patterns include amigurumi stuffed monkeys in various styles and sizes… from realistic-looking toy monkeys to stylized cartoon characters. There are baby shower monkey items (a beloved nursery theme!), monkey-themed children’s accessories like hats and mittens, and some monkey-inspired home decor pieces. Both knit and crochet versions are represented. Whether you’re making a present for a child who loves monkeys or just can’t resist a playful, funny stuffed animal… there’s a monkey project here for you.
What yarn makes the best monkey amigurumi?
For a classic brown monkey, look for warm medium brown yarn with smooth stitch definition… you want the facial features and details to show clearly. Worsted weight acrylic in tan, brown, and cream is the most popular combination. Sandy or golden brown for the body, lighter cream or tan for the face and belly, and a dark brown or black for the nose and small details. Machine washable is always smart for toys. Some crafters use a slightly textured yarn for the body for a more realistic fur-like look, but smooth is usually easier to work with and count.
Are monkey patterns good for beginners?
The simpler ones are! A basic monkey amigurumi uses the same fundamental techniques as any stuffed toy… single crochet in the round with increases and decreases. The monkey-specific challenge is getting the proportions right (those long arms!) and creating an expressive face. For your first monkey, choose a pattern with clear stitch counts and a simple design. The face especially makes or breaks an amigurumi’s personality… take your time with the eye placement and facial features before sewing anything permanently.
What makes a monkey toy look cute vs. creepy?
It’s mostly about the face and proportions! Eye size and placement have a huge impact on personality. Eyes set too far apart or too close together can make a monkey look off. A round, symmetrical face with big eyes proportional to the head reads as cute. Very small or very large eyes can tip into unsettling territory. Mouth shape matters too… a subtle upward curve looks happy, while straight or downturned can look stern. Always pin features in place and step back to evaluate before committing. And definitely ask someone else’s opinion before sewing on the eyes!
Can I give monkey toys to very young children?
With appropriate safety considerations! For babies and toddlers, embroider features rather than using safety eyes (which can be pulled out). No small parts, loose embellishments, or strings. Make the construction very sturdy with all seams secure and firmly sewn. Avoid fuzzy yarns that shed loose fibers. Machine washable yarn is essential for baby toys. For children over 3 years who are past mouthing everything, safety eyes and more detailed construction is generally fine. When in doubt, err on the side of simpler and sturdier for young children.
Categories: Free Patterns, Round Ups, Uncategorized
