Knitting Tutorial: Monkey in Summer Striped Outfit – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Monkey in Summer Striped Outfit – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted monkey is designed as a cheerful summer companion with a soft sculpted face, rounded ears, striped short-sleeve sweater, blue shorts, red sandals, a sunflower head accessory, a tiny crossbody pouch with a bee charm, a sun hat, a small mug, and a red mushroom. It is a lovely choice for knit toy lovers searching for a handmade monkey doll, knitted stuffed animal, nursery gift, collectible soft toy, or boutique-style amigurumi knit pattern to make, gift, display, or even sell as a finished handmade item.

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

Overview

This pattern is written in US English and is designed to closely match the monkey shown in the image.

The finished monkey sits with a large head, broad muzzle, long narrow limbs, rounded tummy, short striped sweater, blue shorts, red sandals, and several summer accessories.

The body proportions are important for the final look. The head is noticeably larger than the torso. The muzzle is wide and softly padded. The ears are large and rounded. The arms and legs are slim and long.

The monkey is worked mostly flat in pieces and seamed, with light shaping throughout.

The accessories are also knitted so the finished project feels complete and visually faithful to the original image.

Skill Level

Intermediate to advanced. A confident beginner can make it if comfortable with shaping, seaming, embroidery, and small decorative finishing.

Materials

  • DK weight yarn in medium brown for head, outer ears, upper head, limbs, and tail
  • DK weight yarn in light cream for face, muzzle, inner ears, hands, and feet
  • DK weight yarn in light green for striped sweater
  • DK weight yarn in cream for sweater stripes
  • DK weight yarn in sky blue for shorts
  • DK weight yarn in bright red for sandals
  • DK weight yarn in mustard or honey brown for pouch strap and pouch
  • DK weight yarn in yellow, dark brown, white, black, and green for sunflower and bee details
  • DK weight yarn in beige or natural straw for the sun hat
  • DK weight yarn in soft taupe or pale beige for mug
  • DK weight yarn in red and white for mushroom
  • Small amount of pale blue yarn for the pom-pom beside the pouch
  • Pair of 2.75 mm needles for toy pieces
  • Pair of 3.0 mm needles for clothing and hat if you prefer slightly softer fabric
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Safety eyes, about 9 mm to 10 mm, or black toy eyes
  • Polyester stuffing
  • Thin craft wire optional for hat brim if you want it poseable
  • Small button for pouch front
  • Tiny decorative bee charm if available, or use knitted bee included below

Finished Size

Approximate seated height: 11 to 12 inches from sandals to top of head.

Approximate full stretched height: 14 to 15 inches including legs.

Because yarn and tension vary, your finished size may differ slightly.

Gauge

28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on 2.75 mm needles after light blocking.

For toys, exact gauge matters less than producing a firm fabric that does not allow stuffing to show through.

Abbreviations

  • CO = cast on
  • BO = bind off
  • K = knit
  • P = purl
  • St st = stockinette stitch
  • Garter = knit every row
  • Kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
  • K2tog = knit 2 together
  • SSK = slip, slip, knit
  • P2tog = purl 2 together
  • Rep = repeat
  • RS = right side
  • WS = wrong side
  • St(s) = stitch(es)

📌Thank you for reading the article

Construction Notes

  • The monkey is made from separate flat pieces: head front, head back, muzzle, ears, body front, body back, arms, legs, hands, feet, and tail.
  • The sweater and shorts are knitted as separate clothing pieces and stitched onto the body where needed.
  • The sandals, pouch, hat, mug, mushroom, flower, and bee are small finishing elements.
  • Keep all seams neat and narrow because bulky seams change the shape of the face and limbs.
  • Stuff gradually and firmly, especially the muzzle, head crown, and feet.

Head Back

Using medium brown, CO 34 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work in St st, beginning with a WS purl row.
  2. Row 5: K2, Kfb, K28, Kfb, K2. 36 sts.
  3. Row 6: Purl.
  4. Row 7: K2, Kfb, K30, Kfb, K2. 38 sts.
  5. Row 8: Purl.
  6. Rows 9-18: Continue in St st.
  7. Row 19: K3, Kfb, K30, Kfb, K3. 40 sts.
  8. Row 20: Purl.
  9. Rows 21-30: Continue in St st.
  10. Row 31: K2tog, K36, SSK. 38 sts.
  11. Row 32: Purl.
  12. Row 33: K2tog, K34, SSK. 36 sts.
  13. Row 34: Purl.
  14. Row 35: K2tog, K32, SSK. 34 sts.
  15. Row 36: Purl.
  16. Row 37: K2tog, K30, SSK. 32 sts.
  17. Row 38: Purl.
  18. Row 39: K2tog, K28, SSK. 30 sts.
  19. Row 40: Purl.
  20. BO.

This back piece should look gently rounded, not pointed.

Head Front Upper Section

Using medium brown, CO 30 sts.

  1. Rows 1-10: Work in St st.
  2. Row 11: K2, Kfb, K26, Kfb, K2. 32 sts.
  3. Row 12: Purl.
  4. Rows 13-18: Continue in St st.
  5. Row 19: K2, Kfb, K28, Kfb, K2. 34 sts.
  6. Row 20: Purl.
  7. Rows 21-24: Continue in St st.
  8. BO loosely.

Face Panel

Using light cream, CO 26 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Work in garter stitch.
  2. Row 3: K2, Kfb, K22, Kfb, K2. 28 sts.
  3. Row 4: Purl.
  4. Row 5: K2, Kfb, K24, Kfb, K2. 30 sts.
  5. Row 6: Purl.
  6. Rows 7-14: Continue in St st.
  7. Row 15: K2tog, K26, SSK. 28 sts.
  8. Row 16: Purl.
  9. Rows 17-20: Continue in St st.
  10. Row 21: K2tog, K24, SSK. 26 sts.
  11. Row 22: Purl.
  12. Rows 23-24: Continue in St st.
  13. BO.

Sew the lower edge of the brown upper section to the upper edge of the cream face panel to create the full head front.

Use mattress stitch and keep the join flat.

Muzzle

Using light cream, CO 16 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Work in garter stitch.
  2. Row 3: K1, Kfb, K14, Kfb, K1. 18 sts.
  3. Row 4: Purl.
  4. Row 5: K1, Kfb, K16, Kfb, K1. 20 sts.
  5. Row 6: Purl.
  6. Row 7: K1, Kfb, K18, Kfb, K1. 22 sts.
  7. Row 8: Purl.
  8. Rows 9-16: Continue in St st.
  9. Row 17: K2tog, K18, SSK. 20 sts.
  10. Row 18: Purl.
  11. Row 19: K2tog, K16, SSK. 18 sts.
  12. Row 20: Purl.
  13. BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Lightly stuff the muzzle only after sewing most of it to the face.

Before closing, add enough stuffing to create a rounded protruding snout, but do not overfill. The muzzle in the image is softly puffed, not spherical.

Ears Make 2

Outer ear, make 2: using medium brown, CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work in St st.
  2. Row 5: K1, Kfb, K12, Kfb, K1. 16 sts.
  3. Row 6: Purl.
  4. Rows 7-10: Continue in St st.
  5. Row 11: K2tog, K12, SSK. 14 sts.
  6. Row 12: Purl.
  7. Row 13: K2tog, K10, SSK. 12 sts.
  8. Row 14: Purl.
  9. BO.

Inner ear, make 2: using light cream, work same as outer ear through Row 12, then BO.

Sew one inner ear centered on one outer ear, leaving outer edge visible all around.

Fold lower edge slightly to cup the ear before attaching to head.

Body Front

Using medium brown, CO 24 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: Work in St st.
  2. Row 7: K2, Kfb, K20, Kfb, K2. 26 sts.
  3. Row 8: Purl.
  4. Rows 9-16: Continue in St st.
  5. Row 17: K2, Kfb, K22, Kfb, K2. 28 sts.
  6. Row 18: Purl.
  7. Rows 19-26: Continue in St st.
  8. Row 27: K2tog, K24, SSK. 26 sts.
  9. Row 28: Purl.
  10. Row 29: K2tog, K22, SSK. 24 sts.
  11. Row 30: Purl.
  12. Rows 31-34: Continue in St st.
  13. BO.

Body Back

Work exactly as Body Front.

Legs Make 2

Each leg is long and slender. The foot section is separate for better shaping.

Leg upper section: using medium brown, CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-20: Work in St st.
  2. Row 21: K1, Kfb, K10, Kfb, K1. 14 sts.
  3. Row 22: Purl.
  4. Rows 23-26: Continue in St st.
  5. BO.

Feet Tops Make 2

Using light cream, CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: Work in St st.
  2. Row 7: K1, Kfb, K10, Kfb, K1. 14 sts.
  3. Row 8: Purl.
  4. Rows 9-12: Continue in St st.
  5. BO.

Feet Soles Make 2

Using light cream, CO 8 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
  2. Row 3: K1, Kfb, K6, Kfb, K1. 10 sts.
  3. Row 4: Knit.
  4. Row 5: K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb, K1. 12 sts.
  5. Row 6: Knit.
  6. Rows 7-10: Garter stitch.
  7. BO.

When assembling the feet, lightly shape the front into a rounded sandal-wearing foot rather than a flat rectangle.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Arms Make 2

The arms have brown upper sections and cream hands.

Upper arm: using medium brown, CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-16: Work in St st.
  2. BO.

Hand: using light cream, CO 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1-8: Work in St st.
  2. BO.

Sew hand to arm, matching width centrally. Add a little stuffing to upper arm and only a very small amount to hand.

The hands should remain softly flattened.

Tail

Using medium brown, CO 6 sts.

  1. Rows 1-24: Work in St st.
  2. BO.

Fold lengthwise and seam into a narrow tube. Stuff very lightly or leave unstuffed for a soft tail.

Sweater Body

The sweater is striped in light green and cream, with a ribbed hem and simple embroidered flowers across the lower front.

Using light green, CO 28 sts.

  1. Row 1: K2, P2 across for rib.
  2. Row 2: P2, K2 across for rib.
  3. Rows 3-6: Rep Rows 1-2.
  4. Change to striped St st.
  5. Rows 7-8: Light green.
  6. Rows 9-10: Cream.
  7. Rows 11-12: Light green.
  8. Rows 13-14: Cream.
  9. Rows 15-16: Light green.
  10. Rows 17-18: Cream.
  11. Rows 19-20: Light green.
  12. Rows 21-22: Cream.
  13. Rows 23-24: Light green.
  14. Row 25: K6, BO 16, K6.
  15. Row 26: P6, CO 16, P6. 28 sts.
  16. Rows 27-28: Cream.
  17. Rows 29-30: Light green.
  18. Rows 31-32: Cream.
  19. Rows 33-34: Light green.
  20. BO.

This creates a sweater front and back in one flat wrap piece, with a neck opening formed in the center.

Sweater Sleeves Make 2

Using light green, CO 18 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Work in St st.
  2. Rows 3-4: Cream.
  3. Rows 5-6: Light green.
  4. Rows 7-8: Cream.
  5. Rows 9-10: Light green.
  6. Rows 11-14: Work K2, P2 rib using light green.
  7. BO.

Sew each sleeve into a tube and attach around the arm openings.

The sleeves should appear slightly loose and end just above the wrists, as in the image.

Shorts

The shorts are simple, bright blue, and softly fitted. The waistband sits just under the sweater.

Front: using sky blue, CO 16 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Work K2, P2 rib.
  2. Rows 5-16: Work in St st.
  3. Row 17: K2tog, K12, SSK. 14 sts.
  4. Row 18: Purl.
  5. Rows 19-20: St st.
  6. BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Back: make same as Front.

Leg edging bands, make 2: CO 14 sts with sky blue.

  1. Rows 1-3: K2, P2 rib.
  2. BO.

Sew front and back shorts together at sides and lower center seam, then add leg edging bands around each leg opening.

The shorts should fit snugly but not tightly, allowing the monkey to sit naturally.

Sandals Make 2

The sandals are a key visual feature. They are bright red with an open upper that lets the cream toes show.

Sole: using red, CO 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
  2. Row 3: K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb, K1. 12 sts.
  3. Rows 4-6: Garter stitch.
  4. BO.

Upper band: using red, CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: Garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Toe bumps, make 6 total: using light cream, CO 3 sts.

  1. Rows 1-3: Work in St st.
  2. BO.

Sew 3 toe bumps on each foot front before attaching the sandal band.

Attach sole under foot. Sew the upper band across the front of the foot, leaving the toe bumps visible.

Add a tiny black bead or embroidered dot plus small red circle at outer side to suggest the ladybug detail shown in the image.

Pouch

Using mustard or honey brown, CO 12 sts.

  1. Rows 1-12: Work in St st.
  2. Row 13: K2tog, K8, SSK. 10 sts.
  3. Row 14: Purl.
  4. Rows 15-16: St st.
  5. BO.

Fold lower edge upward and seam sides to form a small pocket pouch.

Strap: CO 60 sts in mustard.

  1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Sew strap diagonally from one upper side of pouch across monkey body to opposite shoulder.

Add a small button at upper pouch front.

Tiny Bee for Pouch

If you do not have a charm, knit this tiny bee and stitch it to the pouch.

Using yellow, CO 4 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: St st.
  2. Row 3: Kfb across. 8 sts.
  3. Row 4: Purl.
  4. Row 5: K2tog across. 4 sts.
  5. BO.

Wrap a little black yarn around center for stripes.

Embroider tiny eyes.

For wings, CO 2 sts in white and knit 1 row for each wing, then sew behind the bee.

Sunflower Head Accessory

Flower center: using dark brown, CO 6 sts.

  1. Rows 1-4: St st.
  2. BO.

Roll into a tiny oval and stitch flat.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Petals, make 8: using yellow, CO 3 sts.

  1. Row 1: Knit.
  2. Row 2: Purl.
  3. Row 3: Kfb, K1, Kfb. 5 sts.
  4. Row 4: Purl.
  5. Row 5: K2tog, K1, SSK. 3 sts.
  6. Row 6: Knit.
  7. BO.

Sew petals around center.

Leaf tab: using green, CO 3 sts.

  1. Rows 1-3: Garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Attach flower with leaf tab near one ear on the left side of head.

Sun Hat

The hat sits beside the monkey in the image, so it is included as an accessory rather than permanently attached.

Crown side: using beige or straw color, CO 30 sts.

  1. Rows 1-14: Work in St st.
  2. BO.

Sew into a cylinder.

Top circle: using beige, CO 8 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
  2. Row 3: Kfb across. 16 sts.
  3. Row 4: Knit.
  4. Row 5: K1, Kfb across to last st, K1. About 30 sts.
  5. Row 6: Knit.
  6. BO.

Brim strip: CO 60 sts.

  1. Rows 1-6: Garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Sew brim around lower crown edge, easing slightly to create a soft outward flare.

If desired, run a very fine wire inside the brim seam.

Add a twisted mustard cord around the crown and sew a tiny white-and-yellow daisy at one side.

Mug

Using pale taupe or light beige, CO 14 sts.

  1. Rows 1-10: Work in St st.
  2. BO.

Sew into a cylinder with base partially gathered closed.

Stuff very lightly so it keeps shape.

Base circle: CO 6 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Sew to base.

Handle: CO 8 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
  2. BO.

Curve and sew to side.

Mushroom

Stem: using white, CO 6 sts.

  1. Rows 1-8: St st.
  2. BO.

Sew into a narrow tube and stuff lightly.

Cap: using red, CO 10 sts.

  1. Rows 1-2: Garter stitch.
  2. Row 3: K1, Kfb, K8, Kfb, K1. 12 sts.
  3. Row 4: Purl.
  4. Rows 5-6: St st.
  5. Row 7: K2tog, K8, SSK. 10 sts.
  6. Row 8: Purl.
  7. BO.

Sew cap into dome shape and attach to stem.

Add a few tiny white embroidered dots on the cap.

Small Blue Pom-Pom

Using pale blue yarn, wrap yarn around two fingers 14 to 16 times.

Tie tightly at center, cut loops, trim into a tiny pom-pom, and attach near the lower side of the pouch area.

Floral Embroidery on Sweater

The sweater front has tiny flower embroidery near the hem.

  • Use pink, red, pale blue, yellow, and green yarn scraps.
  • Embroider 4 or 5 small lazy-daisy flowers across the lower front center.
  • Keep them very small, each around 3 to 5 mm wide.
  • Add short green stem stitches under each flower.

This detail adds the handmade garden feel shown in the image.

Assembly of Head and Body

  1. Sew the head front to the head back, leaving the lower edge open.
  2. Place safety eyes before fully stuffing. Position them evenly above the muzzle line and slightly wide apart.
  3. Sew the muzzle to the lower face front, leaving a small opening.
  4. Stuff the muzzle first, then finish sewing.
  5. Embroider the nostrils with a few short vertical stitches.
  6. Add a subtle mouth line if desired, very small and centered.
  7. Stuff the head firmly, especially around cheeks and forehead.
  8. Sew the body front and back together, leaving neck opening.
  9. Stuff body moderately. It should be soft enough for sitting, but not floppy.
  10. Sew head to body with strong stitches.

Assembly of Limbs

  1. Sew each leg upper section into a tube and stuff firmly but not stiffly.
  2. Join each foot top to a sole and close the back seam, shaping the front rounded.
  3. Add a little extra stuffing at the ball of the foot.
  4. Sew legs to lower body front, angled forward slightly for a seated posture.
  5. Sew each arm tube and attach hand panel.
  6. Stuff lightly to medium.
  7. Sew arms at upper sides of body so they angle downward naturally.
  8. Attach tail to lower back, curving gently to one side.

Dressing the Monkey

  1. Sew the sweater wrap around the upper body after checking stripe placement.
  2. Close sleeve seams and stitch sleeves neatly around the arm tops.
  3. The sweater should sit a little loose and cozy, not skintight.
  4. Dress the monkey in the blue shorts and stitch waistband discreetly in place at back if needed.
  5. Fit the red sandals over the feet and secure them with a few invisible stitches underneath.
  6. Sew the pouch strap diagonally across the chest from the shoulder down toward the opposite hip.
  7. Attach the pouch at the front side of the torso so it hangs like the image.

Face Placement Guide

The face is the most important feature for achieving the same character.

  • The eyes sit above the center of the muzzle, not too high.
  • The muzzle is broad and slightly flattened, covering much of the lower face.
  • The nostrils are tiny and centered toward the top-middle of the muzzle.
  • The ears are attached high on each side of the head, sticking outward.
  • The head tilts slightly to one side for a gentle, curious expression.

Take time here. A few millimeters can change the entire personality of the monkey.

Summer Accessory Styling

To mirror the scene in the image, place the sunflower clip near one ear, set the hat beside the monkey, and position the mug and mushroom near the feet.

The pouch should rest over the sweater rather than under the arm.

The bee detail and tiny floral embroidery help the whole design feel warm, playful, and garden-inspired.

Tips for Accuracy

  • Do not make the limbs too thick. The original monkey has slim arms and long narrow legs.
  • Keep the head large compared to the body.
  • The face must be cream and the head crown brown, with a very soft seam between sections.
  • The sweater stripes should be fine and even, not wide blocks.
  • The shorts should be simple and smooth, ending above the knee.
  • The sandals should be bright and slightly oversized so the toes remain visible.
  • The ears must be wide and rounded, not small circles.
  • The muzzle should be stuffed enough to stand forward clearly.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the head tilt looks natural before securing the last neck stitches.

Use matching yarn to close any visible gaps at the ears, muzzle, or shoulders.

Add tiny eyelid shading with a strand of brown yarn if you want a softer expression.

Brush the embroidered flower centers lightly with a needle tip so they sit neatly.

Care Notes

This knitted monkey is best treated as a decorative toy or gentle play companion.

Store small accessories together when not in use.

Keep away from rough pulling, especially at the pouch strap, flower, and hat trim.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Head larger than body
  • Muzzle centered and softly stuffed
  • Ears evenly placed
  • Sweater stripes balanced
  • Flower embroidery added to sweater
  • Blue shorts fitted cleanly
  • Red sandals secure with visible cream toes
  • Pouch attached diagonally with bee detail
  • Sunflower clip added near ear
  • Hat, mug, mushroom, and pom-pom completed

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean only with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap.

Do not machine wash, soak, or tumble dry, because the stuffing and sculpted shape may distort.

Air dry flat away from direct sunlight.

For long-term storage, keep in a dry place and wrap accessories separately in soft tissue.

Related Posts

Knitting Tutorial: Christmas Deer – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Christmas Deer – Free Knitting Pattern

May 10, 2026
Knitting Tutorial: Pink Panther in Floral Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Pink Panther in Floral Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern

May 10, 2026
Knitting Tutorial: Grey Tabby Cat – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Grey Tabby Cat – Free Knitting Pattern

May 10, 2026

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *