Knitting Tutorial: Gorilla Amigurumi in Striped Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This cheerful knitted gorilla amigurumi is designed as a soft woodland-style plush with a rounded gray face, dark charcoal arms, striped green-and-brown overalls, tiny fox motifs, a crossbody satchel, acorn charms, sandals, mushrooms, and a matching striped beret. The finished toy makes a beautiful handmade gift, nursery shelf piece, plush toy collectible, baby shower keepsake, knitted animal doll, amigurumi gift, handmade stuffed animal, or woodland nursery decor. Worked mostly in the round with firm stuffing and careful shaping, this pattern is written with detailed stitch counts so you can recreate the cozy garden-table character shown in the image.

 

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

Finished Size

• Finished gorilla height: about 13 in / 33 cm from soles to top of head flower.
• Seated width across arms: about 7.5 in / 19 cm.
• Head width: about 4.75 in / 12 cm.
• Body height: about 5 in / 12.5 cm from neckline to bottom of overalls.
• Leg length: about 3.5 in / 9 cm before sandals.
• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 in / 2.5 cm in stockinette using smaller needles, knitted firmly.

Skill Level

This pattern is best for an adventurous beginner to intermediate knitter. The toy uses small circumference knitting, simple increases and decreases, color stripes, duplicate stitch, short seams, and embroidered details. Most pieces are knitted separately, stuffed firmly, then sewn together at clear angles.

Materials

• Yarn weight: DK or light worsted cotton/acrylic blend. Use a firm yarn that shows stitches clearly.
• Main face gray: 45 yd / 41 m.
• Charcoal black: 70 yd / 64 m for hair cap, arms, upper legs, and outlines.
• Leaf green: 80 yd / 73 m for overalls, bag, strap, and beret.
• Warm brown: 60 yd / 55 m for stripes, sandals, bag trim, acorns, and fox details.
• Light cream: 15 yd / 14 m for toes, sandal highlights, mushrooms, flower center, and fox faces.
• Rust orange: 12 yd / 11 m for fox bodies and leaf charm.
• Red: 8 yd / 7 m for mushroom caps and flower petals.
• Tan: 8 yd / 7 m for flower petals, acorn body, and mushroom cap.
• Yellow: 4 yd / 4 m for flower centers and sandal bees.
• White: 4 yd / 4 m for mushroom dots, tiny wings, and fox chest marks.
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or magic loop circular needle.
• Optional needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm for small accessories if your stitches are loose.
• Safety eyes: two 8 mm black eyes.
• Buttons: two small tan 6 mm buttons for overall straps.
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill.
• Tools: tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, row counter, removable markers, black embroidery thread, and pink or gray embroidery thread for nose shading.

Abbreviations

• k: knit.
• p: purl.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• rnd / rnds: round / rounds.
• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch, increasing 1 stitch.
• k2tog: knit 2 stitches together, decreasing 1 stitch.
• ssk: slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through back loops.
• st st: stockinette stitch, knit every round when working in the round.
• MC: main color.
• CC: contrast color.
• pm: place marker.
• sl m: slip marker.

Important Construction Notes

The gorilla is built with a large oval head, a rounded belly, long heavy arms, short sturdy legs, and wide sandal feet. The face is light gray, while the hair cap, outer arms, and upper legs are charcoal. The overalls are green with narrow brown stripes, covering the belly and continuing into short legs.

Use a tight gauge so the stuffing does not show. Stuff each piece gradually and firmly, especially the head, belly, feet, and hands. The finished shape should be soft but stable enough to sit upright with the legs forward and the arms hanging at the sides.

Stripe Pattern for Overalls, Bag, and Beret

• Stripe A: 4 rounds leaf green.
• Stripe B: 2 rounds warm brown.
• Repeat: Continue 4 green rounds and 2 brown rounds whenever the pattern says to work in striped pattern.
• Jog control: On every new color, knit the first stitch of the second round of that color together with the stitch below to soften the jog.

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Head

The head is a broad oval with a gentle forward face. Work in light gray for the face section. Stuff firmly as you go so the front stays rounded, not flat.

1. With light gray, CO 8 sts. Divide across needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb in every st. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts. 32 sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts. 40 sts.
11. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts. 48 sts.
13. Rnd 12: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnd 13: k all sts. 56 sts.
15. Rnd 14: repeat k6, kfb around. 64 sts.
16. Rnds 15-28: k all sts for 14 rnds. 64 sts.
17. Rnd 29: k18, kfb, k26, kfb, k18. 66 sts.
18. Rnds 30-33: k all sts. 66 sts.
19. Rnd 34: k20, k2tog, k22, ssk, k20. 64 sts.
20. Rnd 35: k all sts. 64 sts.
21. Rnd 36: repeat k6, k2tog around. 56 sts.
22. Rnd 37: k all sts. 56 sts.
23. Rnd 38: repeat k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
24. Rnd 39: k all sts. 48 sts.
25. Rnd 40: repeat k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
26. Rnd 41: k all sts. 40 sts.
27. Rnd 42: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
28. Rnd 43: repeat k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
29. Insert safety eyes between rnds 24 and 25, 11 sts apart. Place them slightly above the midpoint so the face looks gentle and rounded.
30. Rnd 44: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
31. Stuff the head firmly, adding extra stuffing to the cheeks and upper forehead.
32. Rnd 45: k2tog around. 8 sts.
33. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in end.

Charcoal Hair Cap

The hair cap sits over the upper back of the head and curves down in a dark scalloped fringe at the forehead. It should cover the crown and back, leaving the gray face visible.

1. With charcoal, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts. 32 sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts. 40 sts.
11. Rnd 10: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 11: k all sts. 48 sts.
13. Rnd 12: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 13-20: k all sts. 56 sts.
15. Next row, worked flat for front fringe: k10, BO 36 sts, k10. Keep the remaining 20 sts for the back edge.
16. Work 4 rows flat in st st on the 20 back-edge sts. Row 1 knit, row 2 purl, row 3 knit, row 4 purl.
17. BO all 20 sts. Leave a 20 in / 51 cm tail for sewing.

Pin the cap to the head with the round crown centered on top. The bound-off front edge should curve just above the eyes. Sew around the edge using small backstitches. To create the vertical ribbed hair texture, embroider 18 long charcoal straight stitches from crown toward forehead, spacing them 2 sts apart.

Muzzle and Nose

The muzzle is a small raised gray oval with two cheek bumps and a soft embroidered mouth line. Keep it compact so it matches the sweet gorilla face in the image.

1. With light gray, CO 8 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts. 8 sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts. 10 sts.
6. Row 5: k all sts. 10 sts.
7. Row 6: p all sts. 10 sts.
8. Row 7: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
9. Row 8: p all sts. 8 sts.
10. BO, leaving a long tail.

Place the muzzle centered between the eyes, with its top edge 2 rounds below the eyes. Add a tiny amount of stuffing under the center. Sew down around the oval. With gray yarn, make two small horizontal nostril bumps by stitching 4 short satin stitches on each side of the top muzzle. With charcoal thread, embroider a shallow smile curve 3 sts below the muzzle.

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Ears

The ears are small rounded half-circles attached at each side of the head, slightly lower than the eyes. They should look like soft gray ears with charcoal shadow at the back.

1. Make 2 outer ears with charcoal. CO 10 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.
5. Rows 4-6: work st st for 3 rows. 12 sts.
6. Row 7: ssk, k8, k2tog. 10 sts.
7. Row 8: p all sts. 10 sts.
8. Row 9: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
9. BO.
10. Make 2 inner ears with light gray. CO 8 sts.
11. Row 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
12. Row 2: p all sts. 8 sts.
13. Row 3: kfb, k6, kfb. 10 sts.
14. Rows 4-5: work st st. 10 sts.
15. Row 6: p all sts. 10 sts.
16. Row 7: ssk, k6, k2tog. 8 sts.
17. BO.

Sew one gray inner ear onto one charcoal outer ear. Fold each ear slightly at the base and stitch the fold closed across 4 sts. Sew ears to the head between rnds 23 and 31, about 18 sts apart across the back. Angle them outward so the ears sit like small side cups.

Body

The body is a rounded belly shape knitted directly in the striped overall colors. The top has a narrow brown bib band, and the lower half widens before narrowing at the crotch. Use the stripe pattern carefully so the body has the same garden-overall look as the image.

1. With leaf green, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k2, kfb around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 5: k all sts. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 6: repeat k3, kfb around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 7: k all sts. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 8: repeat k4, kfb around. 48 sts.
10. Rnd 9: k all sts. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 10: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
12. Rnds 11-14: work 4 rnds leaf green. 56 sts.
13. Rnds 15-16: work 2 rnds warm brown. 56 sts.
14. Rnds 17-20: work 4 rnds leaf green. 56 sts.
15. Rnds 21-22: work 2 rnds warm brown. 56 sts.
16. Rnd 23: with leaf green, k all sts. 56 sts.
17. Rnd 24: k14, kfb, k26, kfb, k14. 58 sts.
18. Rnds 25-28: continue leaf green for 4 rnds total in this green band. 58 sts.
19. Rnds 29-30: work 2 rnds warm brown. 58 sts.
20. Rnds 31-34: work 4 rnds leaf green. 58 sts.
21. Rnds 35-36: work 2 rnds warm brown. 58 sts.
22. Rnds 37-39: work leaf green. 58 sts.
23. Rnd 40: k12, k2tog, k29, ssk, k13. 56 sts.
24. Rnd 41: k all sts. 56 sts.
25. Rnd 42: repeat k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
26. Rnd 43: k all sts. 48 sts.
27. Rnd 44: repeat k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
28. Rnd 45: k all sts. 40 sts.
29. Rnd 46: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
30. Stuff body firmly, shaping the belly round and full.
31. Rnd 47: repeat k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
32. Rnd 48: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
33. Rnd 49: k2tog around. 8 sts.
34. Cut yarn, draw through remaining sts, and close.

Overall Bib Panel

The bib is a rectangular green panel with brown striping and small fox motifs. It is sewn onto the front of the body, from the upper chest to the belly, leaving the striped body visible at the sides.

1. With leaf green, CO 26 sts and work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: work st st, beginning with a knit row. 26 sts.
3. Rows 5-6: change to warm brown and work st st. 26 sts.
4. Rows 7-10: change to leaf green and work st st. 26 sts.
5. Rows 11-12: change to warm brown and work st st. 26 sts.
6. Rows 13-20: change to leaf green and work st st. 26 sts.
7. BO all sts, leaving a long sewing tail.

Block the panel lightly with steam from a distance. Sew it to the front of the body from rnd 12 down to rnd 34. Stitch only around the edges so the panel stays flat and smooth over the belly.

Fox Motifs on Overalls

Use duplicate stitch after the bib is sewn on. Place one fox on the left side of the belly and one on the right side. Each fox is about 7 sts wide and 8 rows tall.

• Fox row 1: rust orange over 3 center sts.
• Fox row 2: rust orange over 5 sts.
• Fox row 3: rust orange over 7 sts.
• Fox row 4: rust orange 2 sts, cream 3 sts, rust orange 2 sts.
• Fox row 5: rust orange 1 st, cream 5 sts, rust orange 1 st.
• Fox row 6: cream 2 sts, charcoal 1 st, cream 1 st, charcoal 1 st, cream 2 sts.
• Fox row 7: rust orange 2 sts, cream 3 sts, rust orange 2 sts.
• Fox row 8: rust orange 1 st, white 1 st, rust orange 3 sts, white 1 st, rust orange 1 st.

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For the tail beside each fox, duplicate stitch 4 rust orange sts in a diagonal line and finish with 2 cream sts at the tip. Keep the motifs small and bright, like the tiny fox decorations visible on the green overalls.

Overall Straps

The straps are narrow green bands that cross at the back and button at the front. They add the toy-like detail visible near the shoulders.

1. Make 2 straps. With leaf green, CO 6 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts. 6 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts. 6 sts.
4. Repeat rows 1-2 until strap measures 8.5 in / 21.5 cm.
5. BO all sts.

Sew one strap to the back-left upper body, cross it over the shoulder, and bring it to the front-right bib corner. Sew the second strap from back-right to front-left. Sew one small tan button at each front strap end. Add 4 tight stitches through each button so it is secure.

Legs

The gorilla has two short legs with charcoal upper sections, green striped overall cuffs, and light gray feet peeking into brown sandals. Work both legs the same.

1. With charcoal, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-6: k all sts. 18 sts.
3. Rnd 7: repeat k5, kfb around. 21 sts.
4. Rnds 8-16: k all sts. 21 sts.
5. Change to leaf green.
6. Rnds 17-20: k all sts. 21 sts.
7. Change to warm brown.
8. Rnds 21-22: k all sts. 21 sts.
9. Change to leaf green.
10. Rnds 23-27: k all sts. 21 sts.
11. BO all sts loosely.

Stuff legs firmly but leave the top 0.5 in / 1.25 cm slightly flatter for sewing. Attach the legs to the lower body between rnds 39 and 45. Position them 8 sts apart at the front so the gorilla sits with feet forward.

Feet

The feet are light gray oval shapes with individual toe ridges. They sit inside the brown sandals and should be broad, rounded, and slightly flat on the bottom.

1. Make 2. With light gray, CO 10 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 20 sts.
5. Rnd 4: k6, kfb 4 times, k10. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-9: k all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 10: k6, k2tog 4 times, k10. 20 sts.
8. Rnd 11: repeat k3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
9. Stuff lightly, keeping the sole flat.
10. Rnd 12: k2tog around. 8 sts.
11. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and close.

Embroider 4 toe ridges on each foot with charcoal or gray yarn. Make each ridge 3 long vertical stitches from the front top edge toward the center, spacing ridges 2 sts apart. Sew each foot to the bottom of a leg before attaching the sandal straps.

Sandals

The sandals are warm brown, open at the toes, with a darker rim and a small yellow bee on each strap. They should wrap around the foot rather than cover it fully.

1. Make 2 soles. With warm brown, CO 12 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: k all sts. 12 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts. 12 sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k10, kfb. 14 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts. 14 sts.
6. Row 5: kfb, k12, kfb. 16 sts.
7. Rows 6-13: work st st. 16 sts.
8. Row 14: ssk, k12, k2tog. 14 sts.
9. Row 15: k all sts. 14 sts.
10. Row 16: p all sts. 14 sts.
11. Row 17: ssk, k10, k2tog. 12 sts.
12. BO all sts.
13. For each top strap, CO 6 sts with warm brown.
14. Work 18 rows in garter stitch, knitting every row. BO.
15. Sew the strap across the top of the foot from left side of sole to right side, leaving the gray toes visible.

For the sandal rim, use warm brown and pick up 34 sts around each sole edge. Knit 2 rounds, then BO. Sew each sole under the gray foot with the strap crossing over the instep.

Tiny Bees on Sandals

• With yellow yarn, make 4 small horizontal stitches in an oval shape on the outer side of each sandal strap.
• With charcoal thread, add 2 tiny stripes across each yellow oval.
• With white yarn, add 2 small wing stitches above each bee.
• Keep each bee no larger than 0.4 in / 1 cm wide.

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Arms

The arms are long, thick, and dark charcoal with light gray hands. They hang down beside the body and curve slightly forward. Make two matching arms.

1. With light gray, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 3-7: k all sts. 20 sts.
5. Rnd 8: repeat k3, k2tog around. 16 sts.
6. Change to charcoal.
7. Rnds 9-18: k all sts. 16 sts.
8. Rnd 19: k4, kfb, k7, kfb, k3. 18 sts.
9. Rnds 20-35: k all sts. 18 sts.
10. Rnd 36: repeat k7, k2tog around. 16 sts.
11. Rnds 37-39: k all sts. 16 sts.
12. Stuff hand firmly and arm moderately. Leave top slightly flat.
13. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.

Use light gray yarn to embroider 3 finger lines on each hand. Sew the arms to the upper sides of the body at a downward angle, beginning near rnd 12 of the body. The top of each arm should sit just under the head, and the hands should reach the sandal area.

Joining Head to Body

Pin the head onto the body before sewing. The face should look forward with the chin resting slightly over the top bib band. Use light gray yarn at the front and charcoal yarn at the back if needed, matching the visible colors.

1. Place the head centered over the body opening area.
2. Tilt the head forward about 5 degrees so the expression looks gentle.
3. Use a long yarn tail to sew around the neck twice.
4. Add extra stuffing into the neck gap before closing the final 1 in / 2.5 cm.
5. Make 2 stabilizing stitches from the back of the head into the upper body to prevent wobbling.

Crossbody Bag

The crossbody bag hangs on the gorilla’s left hip. It is green with brown stripes, a leaf flap, and a long green strap crossing from shoulder to hip. The bag should look soft and slightly slouchy.

Bag Body

1. With leaf green, CO 24 sts and work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: work st st. 24 sts.
3. Rows 5-6: change to warm brown and work st st. 24 sts.
4. Rows 7-10: change to leaf green and work st st. 24 sts.
5. Rows 11-12: change to warm brown and work st st. 24 sts.
6. Rows 13-18: change to leaf green and work st st. 24 sts.
7. BO all sts.
8. Fold the rectangle in half with right sides out, making a pouch about 24 sts wide and 9 rows tall.
9. Sew side seams using mattress stitch.

Bag Flap

1. With leaf green, CO 22 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: work st st. 22 sts.
3. Row 5: ssk, k18, k2tog. 20 sts.
4. Row 6: p all sts. 20 sts.
5. Row 7: ssk, k16, k2tog. 18 sts.
6. Row 8: p all sts. 18 sts.
7. Row 9: ssk, k14, k2tog. 16 sts.
8. BO all sts.

Sew the flap to the back top edge of the pouch. Embroider a small leaf vein on the flap with dark green or brown yarn. Add one tan button or embroidered circle near the lower right corner of the flap.

Bag Strap

1. With leaf green, CO 5 sts.
2. Work in garter stitch for 17 in / 43 cm.
3. BO all sts.

Sew one strap end to the top right of the bag and the other end to the top left of the bag. Place the strap over the gorilla’s right shoulder and across the chest to the left hip. Tack it invisibly at the shoulder, center chest, and bag top so it stays in place.

Acorn Charms

The image shows small brown acorn details hanging near the strap and bag. Make two acorns: one at the center chest and one near the bag.

1. With tan, CO 6 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 6 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: k all sts. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 6: k2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Stuff lightly, draw closed, and weave in end.
7. For cap, with warm brown, CO 12 sts and join.
8. Rnds 1-3: k all sts. 12 sts.
9. BO and sew cap over the tan acorn body.
10. Add a 3-stitch brown stem at the top.

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Sew one acorn to the front strap intersection. Sew the second acorn to the bag side, letting it hang slightly lower for a natural charm look.

Leaf Charm

1. With leaf green, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: kfb, k3, kfb. 7 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts. 7 sts.
6. Row 5: ssk, k3, k2tog. 5 sts.
7. Row 6: p all sts. 5 sts.
8. Row 7: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
9. Row 8: p3tog. 1 st.
10. Fasten off.

Embroider a center vein with warm brown. Sew the leaf to the bag flap, angling it diagonally like the small decorative patch in the image.

Orange Side Tassel

• Cut 6 strands of rust orange yarn, each 3 in / 7.5 cm long.
• Fold strands in half and pull the folded loop through the left side seam of the bag.
• Pull ends through the loop and tighten.
• Trim to 1 in / 2.5 cm.
• Wrap the top of the tassel with warm brown yarn 4 times and knot securely.

Flower Cluster on Head

The head has a small flower cluster sitting on the charcoal hair near the upper right side. Make one red flower, one tan flower, and three small green leaves.

Red Flower

1. With red, CO 5 sts.
2. Row 1: k all sts. 5 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: kfb in every st. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: p all sts. 10 sts.
6. BO, then curl the strip into a small flower.
7. Sew the base closed. Add a yellow center with 5 small satin stitches.

Tan Flower

1. With tan, CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: work st st. 4 sts.
3. Row 3: kfb in every st. 8 sts.
4. Row 4: p all sts. 8 sts.
5. BO and curl into a tiny blossom.
6. Sew the base closed.

Small Leaves

1. Make 3. With leaf green, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: kfb, k1, kfb. 5 sts.
3. Row 2: p all sts. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: ssk, k1, k2tog. 3 sts.
5. Row 4: p3tog. 1 st.
6. Fasten off.

Arrange the flowers and leaves together on the upper right side of the hair cap. Sew leaves first, then flowers on top. The red flower should sit slightly forward, with the tan flower behind it.

Striped Beret

The beret sits beside the gorilla in the image, not on the head. It is green with brown stripes and a brown brim. Make it as a separate accessory.

1. With warm brown, CO 48 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: k1, p1 rib around. 48 sts.
3. Change to leaf green.
4. Rnd 5: k all sts. 48 sts.
5. Rnd 6: repeat k5, kfb around. 56 sts.
6. Rnds 7-10: k all sts in leaf green. 56 sts.
7. Rnds 11-12: change to warm brown and k all sts. 56 sts.
8. Rnds 13-16: change to leaf green and k all sts. 56 sts.
9. Rnds 17-18: change to warm brown and k all sts. 56 sts.
10. Rnds 19-22: change to leaf green and k all sts. 56 sts.
11. Rnd 23: repeat k5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
12. Rnd 24: k all sts. 48 sts.
13. Rnd 25: repeat k4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
14. Rnd 26: k all sts. 40 sts.
15. Rnd 27: repeat k3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
16. Rnd 28: repeat k2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
17. Rnd 29: repeat k1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
18. Rnd 30: k2tog around. 8 sts.
19. Cut yarn, draw through sts, and close.

Stuff the beret very lightly or leave it soft. Shape it into a domed cap with a flat brown brim. Add a tiny red mushroom decoration on the right side of the brim using the mushroom instructions below in miniature.

Mushroom Set

The small mushroom group sits near the gorilla’s feet. Make one red mushroom and one tan mushroom. They should be small, rounded, and spotted.

Large Red Mushroom Cap

1. With red, CO 8 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: k all sts. 16 sts.
5. Rnd 4: repeat k1, kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-7: k all sts. 24 sts.
7. Rnd 8: repeat k2, k2tog around. 18 sts.
8. BO loosely.

Large Mushroom Stem

1. With cream, CO 12 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1-8: k all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 9: k2tog around. 6 sts.
4. Stuff firmly and draw closed.

Sew the red cap over the cream stem. With white yarn, add 8 small French-knot-style dots across the cap. Use secure stitches so the dots do not loosen.

Small Tan Mushroom

1. With tan, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: k all sts. 6 sts.
3. Rnd 2: kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 3: repeat k1, kfb around. 18 sts.
5. Rnds 4-5: k all sts. 18 sts.
6. Rnd 6: repeat k1, k2tog around. 12 sts.
7. BO loosely.
8. With cream, CO 8 sts and join for stem.
9. Rnds 1-6: k all sts. 8 sts.
10. Stuff and close.

Sew the tan cap to the small cream stem. Add 5 white dots on the tan cap. Join the two mushrooms together at the base with 3 hidden stitches so they stand as a pair.

Optional Ground Stability

To help the gorilla stand or sit neatly for display, sew a small flat fabric pouch of plastic pellets inside the lower body before closing. Keep all weighted inserts fully enclosed. Do not use loose pellets if the toy is intended for babies or young children.

Detailed Assembly Order

1. Knit and stuff the head first, then add the hair cap, muzzle, eyes, ears, and embroidery.
2. Knit and stuff the body, keeping the striped rounds even across the belly.
3. Sew the bib panel to the front and add the fox motifs by duplicate stitch.
4. Knit the legs, feet, and sandals. Attach feet to legs before sewing legs to the body.
5. Knit the arms and sew them downward from the shoulders.
6. Sew the head to the body with a firm double seam around the neck.
7. Add crossed overall straps and buttons.
8. Add bag, strap, acorn charms, leaf patch, and tassel.
9. Add head flowers, sandal bees, mushrooms, and beret.
10. Check balance and reshape stuffing with your fingers.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all pieces are attached, look at the toy from the front. The face should be centered above the bib, the arms should hang evenly, and the feet should point slightly outward. Add extra small stitches at any loose joint.

Use charcoal embroidery thread to deepen the smile line under the muzzle. Keep the mouth soft and shallow, not too wide. Add two tiny gray cheek stitches beside the muzzle if you want a more sculpted gorilla expression.

Thread a long needle with light gray yarn and gently sculpt the eye area. Insert the needle at the back of the head, exit beside one eye, take a tiny stitch, and return to the back. Repeat for the other eye. Pull gently, knot securely, and hide the ends inside the head.

Care Notes

• Cleaning: spot clean with cool water and mild soap.
• Drying: press gently in a towel and air dry flat.
• Storage: keep away from direct sunlight to protect the green, brown, and red yarn colors.
• Safety: use embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes if making the toy for a child under 3 years old.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is firmly stuffed and oval, with the gray face visible under the charcoal hair cap.
• The ears are sewn evenly on both sides and slightly folded at the base.
• The overalls show green-and-brown stripes across the body and legs.
• The fox motifs are placed symmetrically on the front bib area.
• The crossed straps are secure and finished with two small tan buttons.
• The bag sits on the left hip with the strap crossing the chest.
• The sandals show gray toes and tiny yellow bees.
• The beret, mushrooms, acorns, flowers, and leaf charm are all attached or displayed neatly.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For best results, clean the knitted gorilla by hand only. Dip a soft cloth in cool water with a tiny amount of gentle detergent, then dab the stained area. Avoid rubbing the stitches, especially on the duplicate-stitched foxes, the flower cluster, and the small embroidered bees.

Do not machine wash if you used buttons, safety eyes, weighted inserts, or delicate handmade accessories. These small parts can loosen with heavy agitation. If a deeper clean is needed, remove loose display accessories like the beret and mushrooms before gently hand washing the plush body.

To preserve the shape, support the head and belly while drying. Lay the toy on a clean towel, adjust the arms and legs, smooth the overalls, and reshape the bag strap. Let it dry completely before placing it on a shelf or gifting it.

Store the gorilla in a dry place with good airflow. A cotton storage bag is better than a sealed plastic bag because it helps prevent trapped moisture. Keep the toy away from strong sunlight, pets, and rough surfaces so the stitches stay neat and the colors remain bright.