Knitting Tutorial: Playful Monkey in Blue Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted monkey is designed as a charming collectible soft toy with classic nursery appeal and a handmade boutique look. The finished doll features a warm brown body, a rounded beige muzzle, bright blue overalls, a striped sweater, flower sandals, a tiny ladybug, a sun hat, a crossbody carrot bag, a mini watering can, and a tiny fruit basket. It is a lovely project for knit toy lovers searching for handmade monkey doll patterns, knitted animal gifts, heirloom nursery toys, and cute stuffed monkey decor to make or sell at craft fairs.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials

• Main yarn: DK weight yarn in dark brown, medium beige, cream, denim blue, brick red, orange, leaf green, yellow, black, white, and tiny scraps of pink, green, and red for accessories.
• Needles: Set of 3.0 mm double-pointed needles or your preferred method for knitting small circumferences.
• Optional smaller needles: 2.75 mm for tiny accessories if you prefer firmer fabric.
• Stuffing: Fine polyester toy stuffing.
• Safety eyes alternative: This pattern uses felt eye whites with attached black pupils for the same cartoon style shown in the image. You may also embroider the pupils if preferred.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, waste yarn, small buttons, sewing thread matching yarn colors, sharp scissors.
• Optional support: Small pipe cleaner or flexible toy armature for the tail if you want a posed curve.

Finished Size

Using DK yarn and 3.0 mm needles, the monkey itself measures about 13 to 15 inches tall seated, including the head but not including the ladybug. The proportions are important for the same look as the image: a large oval head, narrow neck opening, slim torso, long thin arms and legs, oversized muzzle, medium ears, and broad soft feet fitted into sandals.

Gauge and Fabric Notes

This project should be knitted at a tight toy gauge so the stuffing does not show through. Exact gauge is less important than keeping the fabric dense and consistent.

• A useful reference gauge is about 28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette worked in the round with DK yarn on 3.0 mm needles.
• If your fabric looks loose, go down a needle size.
• If your monkey becomes too stiff to shape, go up slightly, but keep the stuffing hidden.

Construction Overview

The monkey is made in separate pieces for best shaping accuracy. The head, muzzle, ears, body, arms, hands, legs, feet, tail, sweater, overalls, sandals, hat, carrot bag, ladybug, watering can, and fruit basket are all worked individually, then assembled carefully.

• The head is a rounded oval with the widest section above the muzzle.
• The muzzle is large, padded, and slightly flattened at the front.
• The body is slim and sits naturally under the bib overalls.
• The arms and legs are long, narrow tubes with soft shaping at the ends.
• The overalls are full in the seat and legs, with a front bib and two straps.
• The sweater has cream and red stripes and short sleeves.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• rep = repeat
• sl = slip
• BO = bind off
• m1 = make one increase

Head

Work the head in dark brown from the top down. Stuff firmly as you go, especially through the crown and cheek area, but leave the lower opening softer so the head can sit neatly on the neck.

1. CO 8 sts. Divide evenly across needles and join to work in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Knit.
7. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: Knit.
9. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: Knit.
11. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: Knit.
13. Rnd 12: K5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13 to 24: Knit 12 rounds even.
15. Rnd 25: K5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
16. Rnd 26: Knit.
17. Rnd 27: K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
18. Rnd 28: Knit.
19. Rnd 29: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
20. Rnds 30 to 34: Knit 5 rounds even.
21. Begin stuffing firmly, shaping the head into a smooth tall oval, not a sphere.
22. Rnd 35: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
23. Rnd 36: Knit.
24. Rnd 37: K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
25. Rnd 38: Knit.
26. Leave yarn tail long for sewing. Do not close further; this opening will attach to the neck area of the body.

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Muzzle

The muzzle is a separate padded beige oval. It should sit low on the face and cover much of the lower front of the head, just like the image. Make it broad and softly stuffed rather than flat.

1. Using beige, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1 RS: Knit.
3. Row 2 WS: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Row 5: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
7. Row 6: Purl.
8. Row 7: K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 16 sts.
9. Rows 8 to 15: Continue in stockinette for 8 rows.
10. Row 16: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
11. Row 17: Purl.
12. Row 18: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
13. Row 19: Purl.
14. Row 20: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
15. BO knitwise.

Make a second identical muzzle piece. Place wrong sides together, sew around the edges, leaving a small gap. Stuff lightly so the piece becomes a plump shallow pad. Close the gap.

Ears

Make 2 in dark brown. The ears are rounded half-cups and should project from each side of the head. Keep them medium sized, not too small, because the image shows clearly visible ears.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, knit to last 1 st, kfb, k1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Row 5: K1, kfb, knit to last 1 st, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
7. Row 6: Purl.
8. Row 7: Knit.
9. Row 8: Purl.
10. Row 9: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
11. Row 10: Purl.
12. Row 11: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 8 sts.
13. BO.

Fold each ear slightly at the lower edge before sewing so it becomes a shallow cup.

Body

The body is slim because the overalls provide most of the visual bulk. Use dark brown. Work from the bottom up. Shape only gently. The seated monkey in the image has a soft, narrow torso with no wide belly bulge visible outside the overalls.

1. CO 24 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: Knit.
3. Rnd 5: K3, kfb around. 30 sts.
4. Rnds 6 to 14: Knit 9 rounds.
5. Rnd 15: K4, k2tog around. 25 sts.
6. Rnds 16 to 20: Knit 5 rounds.
7. Rnd 21: K3, k2tog around. 20 sts.
8. Rnds 22 to 26: Knit 5 rounds.
9. Stuff firmly at the bottom and medium-firm through the upper body.
10. Leave a long sewing tail.

Arms

Make 2. Each arm has a beige hand and a dark brown sleeve-length upper arm. The arms in the image are long and slim, hanging straight from the shoulder and reaching below the overall bib.

Hand Section

1. Using beige, CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 6: Knit.
3. Rnd 7: K4, k2tog around. 10 sts.
4. Rnd 8: Knit.
5. Change to dark brown.

Arm Section

1. Rnds 9 to 24: Knit 16 rounds.
2. Stuff the hand firmly and the arm lightly.
3. Flatten top and BO using three-needle bind off or thread-gather closure across the flat opening.

Legs

Make 2. Each leg begins with the foot and continues into a long dark brown tube. The monkey has long dangling legs, so keep them narrow and elongated.

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Foot Base

1. Using beige, CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, knit to last 1 st, kfb, k1. 12 sts.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Row 5: K1, kfb, knit to last 1 st, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
7. Rows 6 to 11: Work 6 rows in stockinette.
8. Row 12: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
9. Row 13: Purl.
10. Do not bind off. Pick up and knit around the sides to work in the round.

Foot to Leg Conversion

1. After picking up, arrange 16 sts in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: Knit in beige.
3. Rnd 5: Change to dark brown and knit.
4. Rnds 6 to 24: Knit 19 rounds.
5. Stuff foot firmly and leg lightly.
6. Flatten top and close neatly.

Tail

The tail is slim, medium length, and slightly angled to the monkey’s right side in the image. Knit it narrow so it remains cute and not bulky.

1. Using dark brown, CO 6 sts and divide evenly in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 18: Knit.
3. Stuff lightly, or insert a thin pipe cleaner wrapped in stuffing.
4. Break yarn and thread through stitches to close.

Striped Sweater

The monkey wears a cream short-sleeve sweater with narrow brick red stripes. The sweater is visible at the neck, sleeves, and sides of the overall bib. It should fit close to the body.

Lower Body of Sweater

1. Using cream, CO 28 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 3: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rnds 4 to 5: Knit in cream.
4. Rnd 6: Knit in red.
5. Rnds 7 to 8: Knit in cream.
6. Rnd 9: Knit in red.
7. Rnds 10 to 13: Knit in cream.

Divide for Front and Back

1. Next row: Work 14 sts for front, place remaining 14 sts on holder for back.
2. Work front and back flat separately for armhole shaping.

Front

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: BO 2 sts, knit to end. 12 sts.
4. Row 4: BO 2 sts, purl to end. 10 sts.
5. Rows 5 to 8: Work even in stockinette, keeping stripe sequence so a thin red stripe appears near the upper chest.
6. Row 9: K3, BO 4, knit to end.
7. Row 10: Purl shoulders separately.
8. Rows 11 to 12: Work each shoulder even.
9. BO.

Back

1. Join yarn to back sts.
2. Repeat armhole shaping as for front.
3. Work 6 rows even.
4. BO all sts.

Sleeves

Make 2. The sleeves are short and striped.

1. Using cream, CO 18 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rnd 2: Knit in red.
4. Rnd 3: Knit in cream.
5. Rnd 4: Knit in red.
6. Rnd 5: Knit in cream.
7. Rnd 6: Knit.
8. BO loosely.

Sew shoulder seams. Set sleeves into armholes. This sweater may be sewn onto the monkey at the shoulders and underarms for a smooth fitted appearance.

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Blue Overalls

The overalls are the key clothing piece. They are soft blue, roomy through the hips, slightly rounded at the seat, with loose pant legs, a front bib, two straps, and a decorative pocket centered on the bib. Make sure the top edge sits high enough to show only part of the striped sweater underneath.

Leg 1

1. Using blue, CO 20 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 3: K1, p1 rib.
3. Rnds 4 to 14: Knit 11 rounds.
4. Place on holder.

Leg 2

1. Work same as Leg 1.

Join Legs

1. Knit across Leg 1, CO 2 sts, knit across Leg 2, CO 2 sts. 44 sts.
2. Join for body.
3. Rnds 1 to 8: Knit.
4. Rnd 9: K9, k2tog around. 40 sts.
5. Rnds 10 to 16: Knit.
6. Rnd 17: K8, k2tog around. 36 sts.
7. Rnds 18 to 20: Knit.

Front Bib and Back Extension

Flatten overalls so the center front and center back are aligned. Work bib first.

1. Select 12 center front sts.
2. Row 1 RS: Join yarn and knit 12.
3. Rows 2 to 11: Work in stockinette for 10 rows.
4. BO.

For the back upper edge:

1. Select 14 center back sts.
2. Work 4 rows in stockinette.
3. BO.

Straps

Make 2 in blue.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 20: Knit every row for garter straps.
3. BO.

Sew straps to upper back, cross straight over shoulders, and attach to the front bib. Add a tiny button at the outer top of one strap as shown in the image. The second strap may be sewn down without a visible button if preferred.

Bib Pocket

The image shows a decorative pocket with a pale blue base and small heart-like color details. This tiny pocket adds much of the charm, so do not skip it.

1. Using pale blue or the same blue with contrast embroidery, CO 8 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 6: Work in stockinette.
3. Row 7: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 6 sts.
4. Row 8: Purl.
5. BO.

Embroider tiny V-shapes, hearts, or seed motifs in cream, red, and pale pink before sewing the pocket to the bib. Stitch the pocket centrally.

Sandals

The sandals are dark brown with an open toe effect and small yellow flowers. They should fit over the finished feet and sit low around the ankle.

Sole

Make 2 in dark brown.

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, knit to last 1 st, kfb, k1. 14 sts.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Rows 5 to 8: Continue in stockinette.
7. BO.

Upper Strap

1. CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 10: Knit every row.
3. BO.

Sew each sole under a foot. Wrap the strap across the front upper foot and tack at both sides. Add a narrow ankle band if desired using a 3-stitch i-cord or a knitted strip. Sew a tiny yellow flower to the outer side of each sandal.

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Flower Embellishments

Make 2 small flowers in yellow and 2 tiny centers in cream or beige.

1. CO 18 sts in yellow.
2. BO all sts.
3. Gather into a circle and twist into 5 little petals.

Alternatively, make simple embroidered daisy flowers. Sew one to each sandal.

Ladybug

This accessory sits on top of the monkey’s head at the right side. It should be tiny, round, and cheerful.

1. Using red, CO 6 sts on dpns.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: K1, kfb around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 4: Knit.
6. Rnd 5: K1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Rnd 6: K2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Close.

Embroider a black center line and black dots. Make a tiny black head with 4 stitched rounds or a wrapped yarn nub and sew it to one end.

Striped Sun Hat

The hat beside the monkey is cream with brick red stripes and a softly flared brim. It is not worn in the main pose, but it is part of the full set shown in the image.

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Knit.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: Knit.
5. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: Knit in red.
7. Rnd 6: Knit in cream.
8. Rnd 7: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
9. Rnd 8: Knit in cream.
10. Rnd 9: Knit in red.
11. Rnd 10: Knit in cream.
12. Rnd 11: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
13. Rnd 12: Knit in cream.
14. Rnd 13: Knit in red.
15. Rnd 14: Knit in cream.
16. Rnd 15: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
17. Rnds 16 to 19: Continue striping every other 2 rounds until the hat reaches the same shallow bucket shape as the image.
18. BO loosely.

Carrot Crossbody Bag

This orange bag is shaped like a plump carrot with green leaves under the flap and a long orange strap crossing from the monkey’s left shoulder to right hip. It should be oversized enough to be noticed, but not so large that it hides the overalls completely.

Bag Body

1. Using orange, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Rows 3 to 14: Continue in stockinette.
5. Row 15: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 12 sts.
6. Row 16: Purl.
7. Row 17: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
8. Rows 18 to 22: Work even.
9. Make a second matching piece.

Sew the two pieces together around sides and bottom. Lightly stuff or leave flat. Add a flap by picking up 8 sts along the upper front edge and working 5 rows in garter, then BO. Sew a small button to the front.

Leaves

1. Using green, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Purl.
4. Row 3: K1, kfb, k1. 4 sts.
5. Row 4: Purl.
6. Row 5: Knit.
7. Row 6: K2tog, k2tog. 2 sts.
8. BO.

Make 2 leaves and sew under the flap.

Strap

1. CO 3 sts in orange.
2. Work 45 to 55 rows in i-cord or knit flat in garter until it crosses the body diagonally.
3. BO.

Sew the strap to each upper side of the bag.

Mini Watering Can

The watering can is a tiny decorative piece placed behind the monkey. It is light beige or taupe in the photo. Keep it simple but recognizable.

1. Using taupe, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 6: Knit.
3. Rnd 7: K3, k2tog around. 8 sts.
4. Rnd 8: Knit.
5. BO.

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Stuff lightly. Add a handle from a short knitted strip of 3 stitches and a spout from a 3-stitch i-cord 3 to 4 rows long. Sew both on.

Mini Fruit Basket

The basket holds tiny fruit balls and adds balance to the picnic-garden theme of the image.

Basket

1. Using brown, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 5: Knit.
4. BO.

Add a handle with a 3-stitch knitted strip about 10 rows long.

Fruit

Make 3 tiny balls in yellow, red, and green.

1. CO 4 sts on dpns.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Knit.
4. Rnd 3: K2tog around. 4 sts.
5. Stuff if desired and close.

Eyes

The eyes are large, white, and cartoon-like, with black shiny pupils placed close together. They sit above the muzzle and give the monkey its playful expression.

• Cut or knit two white circles about 1 inch across.
• Add smaller black circles or embroidered pupils.
• Position the eyes so they touch or nearly touch in the center.
• The lower edge of the eyes should sit just above the muzzle.

Nose and Mouth Shaping

The nose is minimal in the image, with the muzzle itself doing most of the face shaping. The mouth is a simple curved stitched line low across the muzzle. For best likeness, keep the smile gentle and almost straight with a slight upward lift.

• Use brown embroidery yarn or sewing thread.
• Stitch a very small vertical center accent where the muzzle meets the face if desired.
• Work one long shallow curved line across the lower third of the muzzle.

Detailed Assembly Order

Careful placement is what makes this monkey match the image. Do not rush this stage. Pin everything first, then check from the front, both sides, and the seated position before sewing permanently.

1. Sew the head opening to the top of the body. Keep the head facing directly forward.
2. Attach the muzzle centrally on the lower front of the head. The muzzle should cover much of the lower face and sit wide, not narrow.
3. Sew the ears level with the middle height of the muzzle, one on each side of the head.
4. Attach the eyes above the muzzle, close together, with a cheerful slightly surprised look.
5. Embroider the mouth after the eyes are fixed.
6. Sew the arms to the upper body sides so they hang straight down.
7. Attach the legs to the lower body with strong stitching so the monkey can sit at the table edge.
8. Sew the tail at the lower back, angled slightly to the right side as seen in the image.
9. Dress the monkey in the striped sweater first.
10. Pull on the overalls and stitch them neatly in place at the back and shoulder area if needed.
11. Add the pocket to the bib if not already attached.
12. Sew on the sandal soles and straps, then add the flowers.
13. Place the carrot bag crossbody from the monkey’s left shoulder down to the right side.
14. Sew the ladybug near the top right side of the head.

Fit and Styling Notes for Accuracy

To capture the exact visual mood, focus on the proportion relationship between the large head and the long narrow limbs. The body should never look chunky. The overalls should supply the fullness. The muzzle must be large and pale. The eyes must be oversized. The sweater stripes should stay narrow. The carrot bag should sit diagonally, and the tiny accessories should feel handmade and whimsical rather than perfectly geometric.

• Head: taller than wide, softly oval.
• Muzzle: broad, slightly protruding, beige.
• Ears: medium round side ears.
• Arms: very slim, long, dark brown, ending in beige hands.
• Legs: long and thin with soft wide feet.
• Overalls: bright denim blue with a clear bib and visible straps.
• Sweater: cream base with brick red stripes.
• Mood: playful garden outing, sweet and relaxed.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Before the final stitches are secured, sit the monkey upright and check the symmetry of the face. The eyes should feel lively and centered. The muzzle should sit low and full. The smile should be soft, not wide. Lightly needle-sculpt the muzzle sides if needed so the cheeks look rounded.

Check the overall straps, bib pocket, and bag position one last time. The ladybug should sit slightly off-center for a playful touch. Shape the tail into a relaxed line, and make sure the sandals point forward evenly.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Use a damp cloth and mild soap for the overalls, hat, and accessories.
• Avoid soaking if you used felt eyes or glued details.
• Reshape the head, muzzle, and limbs while damp and allow to air dry fully.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Is the head larger than the body?
• Is the muzzle broad and lightly padded?
• Are the eyes close together and bright?
• Do the sweater stripes show above and beside the overalls?
• Are the straps attached evenly?
• Is the carrot bag crossing the body diagonally?
• Are both sandals aligned and decorated with flowers?
• Is the ladybug attached securely?

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the monkey away from direct sunlight to protect the yarn colors, especially the blue overalls, red stripes, and orange bag. If displaying long term, support the body in a seated pose so the limb joins are not strained. For seasonal storage, wrap in clean tissue and place in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic.

If the toy gathers dust, use a clean dry makeup brush or a cool low-suction vacuum through mesh. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, and high heat. If you need to refresh the shape, use a light steam nearby without soaking the toy, then reshape by hand and let it rest flat until dry.