Knitting Tutorial: Gardening Monkey in Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming knitted gardening monkey is designed as a collectible handmade toy with sweet heirloom details, soft earthy colors, and beautifully styled accessories. The finished set makes a lovely nursery decor piece, handmade gift, shelf display, or boutique-style stuffed animal for anyone searching for a knitted monkey doll, artisan toy, or garden-themed softie. With embroidered flowers, a tiny watering can, a crossbody pouch, sprout cap, sandals, sunhat, and miniature garden props, this design is meant to look polished, cozy, and wonderfully characterful.

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

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English and is built to match the image as closely as possible. The monkey has a rounded head, a broad cream muzzle, small nostril shaping, medium round ears, a slim neck, long tube-shaped arms, long seated legs, a soft stuffed body, and a calm garden-themed outfit.

The overalls are a major visual feature. They sit high on the chest, have narrow straps with button details, slightly loose legs, floral embroidery, and cuffed hems. The monkey also wears open-toe sandals with leaf-green straps and tiny red ladybug accents, plus a sprout cap and a crossbody pouch carrying a miniature watering can.

The optional props shown in the image are included so the full knitted display can be recreated: a soft sunhat with ribbon and daisy trim, a tiny potted succulent, and a miniature basket filled with vegetables. These details are small, but they strongly affect the final look.

Materials

• Main monkey yarn: light worsted or DK weight in warm medium brown
• Muzzle, hands, feet, and ear lining yarn: light worsted or DK in cream
• Overalls yarn: muted sage, moss, olive, and taupe marled tones
• Bag yarn: dusty beige or light clay
• Watering can yarn: light gray
• Hat yarn: soft olive green
• Sprout yarn: fresh leaf green
• Pot yarn: terracotta brown
• Vegetable yarn scraps: red, green, cream
• Flower embroidery yarn: coral, rust red, blush, cream, white, and green
• Ladybug yarn or embroidery thread: red and black
• Needles: US 2.5 (3 mm) double-pointed needles or magic loop circulars
• Smaller needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) for tiny accessories if preferred
• Stuffing: polyester fiberfill
• Eyes: 12 mm to 14 mm dark safety eyes, or firm glossy sewn eyes
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• 2 small wooden buttons for overall straps
• Thin ribbon for the sunhat trim

Finished Size

The seated monkey shown in the image is proportioned like a display doll rather than a baby toy. Using DK yarn at a firm gauge, the finished monkey measures about 13 to 14 inches tall from foot sole to top of head, or about 15 inches to the top of the sprout stem.

The accessories are scaled to match that size. The pouch sits across the chest and rests at the belly. The watering can fits inside the pouch opening. The sandals cover only the front half of the feet, and the overalls stop above the ankle so the sandal shape remains visible.

Gauge

Gauge in stockinette: 8 sts and 11 rows = 1 inch on US 2.5 / 3 mm needles after light blocking.

For knitted toys, exact gauge matters less than knitting firmly enough that stuffing does not show through. If your fabric feels loose, go down one needle size.

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd = round
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• ssk = slip, slip, knit
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• BO = bind off
• rep = repeat

Construction Notes

• The monkey is knitted mostly in the round for a smooth toy finish.
• Head and body are worked separately, then joined by sewing.
• Arms and legs are long, gently tapered tubes to match the relaxed seated posture in the image.
• The cream muzzle is a separate shaped piece and must be stuffed lightly before sewing on.
• The overalls are made separately and dressed onto the monkey before final strap placement.
• Work all pieces firmly and stuff in small amounts for smooth shaping.

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Head

With brown yarn, CO 8 sts. Divide across needles and join to work in the round. Place marker for start of round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Knit.
10. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 11: Knit.
12. Rnd 12: K5, kfb around. 56 sts.
13. Rnd 13 to 24: Knit 12 rnds even.

At this stage, the head should look rounded, not tall and narrow. The image shows a broad cranium with gently domed height. Do not over-elongate this section.

Insert safety eyes between Rnds 16 and 17, spaced 12 sts apart across the front face. The eyes sit slightly wide to allow the large muzzle to fill the middle space. If embroidering eyes, wait until assembly.

1. Rnd 25: K5, k2tog around. 48 sts.
2. Rnd 26: Knit.
3. Rnd 27: K4, k2tog around. 40 sts.
4. Rnd 28: Knit.
5. Rnd 29: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 30: Knit.

Begin stuffing firmly, shaping the cheeks and crown. The head in the image is full and smooth with no sharp angles.

1. Rnd 31: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
2. Rnd 32: Knit.
3. Rnd 33: K1, k2tog around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 34: Knit.

Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure. Do not close with a point. Flatten the gathered area gently so the top remains softly rounded.

Muzzle

With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, M1L, k6, M1R, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 12 sts.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: Repeat Row 5. 14 sts.
8. Row 8: Purl.
9. Row 9: Repeat Row 5. 16 sts.
10. Row 10: Purl.
11. Rows 11 to 18: Work 8 rows in stockinette.
12. Row 19: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 14 sts.
13. Row 20: Purl.
14. Row 21: Repeat Row 19. 12 sts.
15. Row 22: Purl.
16. Row 23: Repeat Row 19. 10 sts.
17. Row 24: Purl.
18. Row 25: Repeat Row 19. 8 sts.
19. Row 26: Purl.
20. BO knitwise.

Sew around the outer edge with running stitch and pull very lightly to cup the muzzle. Add a pinch of stuffing. Sew centered on the head so the top of the muzzle sits below the eyes and the lower edge reaches the chin area.

Embroider a short horizontal nose line in taupe or brown. Add two small nostrils above it, close together. The face in the image is gentle and minimal, so keep all embroidery soft and understated.

Eye Ridge Bumps

These tiny raised cream bumps above each eye are important for likeness.

With cream yarn, make 2 small pieces.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 3: Work stockinette.
3. BO.

Roll each strip into a tiny crescent pad and sew above each eye. They should be subtle, not bulky.

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Ears

Make 2 outer ears in brown and 2 inner ears in cream.

Outer Ear

CO 6 sts. Work flat.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, M1L, k4, M1R, k1. 8 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 10 sts.
6. Row 6: Purl.
7. Row 7: Repeat Row 5. 12 sts.
8. Rows 8 to 14: Work stockinette.
9. Row 15: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 10 sts.
10. Row 16: Purl.
11. Row 17: Repeat Row 15. 8 sts.
12. Row 18: Purl.
13. Row 19: Repeat Row 15. 6 sts.
14. BO.

Inner Ear

Work same as outer ear but stop after Row 17 and BO. Sew one cream piece onto one brown piece, easing slightly so the ear cups inward. Make 2.

Sew ears to the head level with the eyes, slightly angled outward. The ears in the image are round, broad, and stick out from the sides rather than sitting flat against the head.

Body

With brown yarn, CO 12 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
7. Rnd 7 to 18: Knit 12 rnds even.

The body is slimmer than the head and slightly pear-shaped. Keep the stuffing moderate so the overalls can fit naturally without stretching too tightly.

1. Rnd 19: K8, k2tog around. 36 sts.
2. Rnd 20 to 24: Knit.
3. Rnd 25: K4, k2tog around. 30 sts.
4. Rnd 26 to 28: Knit.
5. Rnd 29: K3, k2tog around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 30 to 32: Knit.

Stuff body firmly at the lower half and a bit more lightly at the upper chest. Break yarn with long tail for sewing. Leave top open and sew body to head, centering carefully so the neck remains short.

Arms

Make 2. The arms in the image are long, smooth, and lightly bent inward.

With cream yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 3: Knit.
2. Change to brown.
3. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnd 5 to 22: Knit 18 rnds.
5. Rnd 23: K4, k2tog twice. 10 sts.
6. Rnd 24 to 26: Knit.

Stuff only the lower half and middle section. Leave top 1 inch unstuffed so the arm can flatten naturally against the shoulder. BO leaving long tail. Sew flat to body just below the head seam, angling slightly downward.

Legs

Make 2. These are longer than the arms and must hold a seated bend.

With cream yarn, CO 10 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 4: Knit.
2. Rnd 5: K1, kfb around. 15 sts.
3. Rnd 6: Knit.
4. Change to brown.
5. Rnd 7 to 28: Knit 22 rnds.
6. Rnd 29: K3, k2tog around. 12 sts.
7. Rnd 30 to 32: Knit.

Stuff foot section firmly and leg section moderately. Shape a bend at the knee by placing a little extra stuffing at the back of the upper leg. BO with long tail. Sew each leg to lower body so they point forward in a seated pose.

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Feet and Toes

The visible feet in the image are cream with a softly divided toe look. This effect is created by stitch columns and light shaping rather than separate toes.

On the front of each foot, use cream yarn and duplicate stitch to define 4 toe divisions. Make three short vertical lines, each 3 rows tall, spaced evenly across the foot front.

Pull the duplicate stitches very lightly so the toe area gathers just enough to resemble padded digits. Do not sculpt deeply. The sandal will cover the upper foot, leaving the toes visible.

Tail

With brown yarn, CO 6 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 18: Knit.
2. Rnd 19: K1, k2tog twice. 4 sts.
3. Rnd 20 to 22: Knit.

Lightly stuff only the base. Draw yarn through remaining sts and close. Sew tail low on the back body, centered, pointing slightly to one side.

Overalls

The overalls are loose, soft, and garden-worn in appearance. Use muted green marled yarn if available. If not, alternate olive and sage every 2 rows to mimic tonal texture.

Leg Section

Make 2 identical legs.

CO 18 sts loosely and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1 to 4: K1, p1 rib.
2. Rnd 5 to 18: Knit 14 rnds.
3. BO one leg. Leave the second leg on needle.

Join legs by knitting across first leg, CO 4 sts for crotch bridge, knit across second leg, CO 4 sts. 44 sts total.

1. Rnd 19 to 30: Knit even.
2. Rnd 31: K9, k2tog around. 40 sts.
3. Rnd 32 to 36: Knit.
4. Rnd 37: K8, k2tog around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 38 to 40: Knit.

Work 2 short rows at back if desired for seated shaping, but this is optional. The image shows a good seated fit with slightly roomy thighs.

Bib

Flatten work so front center is identified. Place marker at each side of center 12 sts for bib. Work bib flat over these 12 sts only.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit 12.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl 12.
3. Rows 3 to 16: Continue in stockinette.

BO all 12 sts.

Back Edge

Return to remaining waist sts. Work 4 rnds of K1, p1 rib. BO loosely.

Straps

Pick up 3 sts at top right of bib.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until strap measures 5 inches.
4. BO.

Make second strap on left side of bib. Cross each strap over shoulders and sew to back waistband. Add a small wooden button to the front base of each strap for the image-matched look.

Embroidery on Overalls

Use duplicate stitch and tiny straight embroidery stitches to place scattered flowers over the bib and lower legs.

• Make 3 small flower groups on the bib using coral, rust, and blush.
• Add tiny green stems below each bloom.
• Embroider a narrow decorative band near each lower cuff using cream and sage.
• Place extra tiny flower dots near the outer calf areas.

Do not overfill the embroidery. In the image, the floral motifs are delicate and spaced, allowing the knitted texture to remain visible.

Crossbody Pouch

With beige yarn, CO 18 sts and work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 20: Work stockinette, beginning with a knit RS row.
2. Rows 21 to 24: K1, p1 rib.
3. BO loosely.

Fold lower half upward to form pouch. Sew side seams. Leave top open. Embroider one tiny white flower with green leaves on the front lower corner.

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For strap, CO 4 sts and work i-cord for 14 inches. BO. Sew each end to upper side corners of pouch. Place pouch diagonally across monkey from right shoulder to left waist, matching the image orientation.

Mini Watering Can

With gray yarn, CO 8 sts and join in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to 10: Knit.
4. Rnd 11: K2, k2tog around. 12 sts.
5. Rnd 12: Knit.
6. Rnd 13: K1, k2tog around. 8 sts.

Stuff very lightly. Draw yarn through sts and close.

For spout, CO 4 sts and knit i-cord for 8 rows. On next row, kfb in first st, knit to end. 5 sts. Work 3 more rows. BO. Sew to front lower side.

For handle, CO 18 sts, BO, and sew as curved arc to back side. Embroider a tiny yellow-and-cream flower on the can front.

Sprout Cap

This cap is essential to the exact image styling. It fits close to the head and has a short stem with two leaves.

With brown yarn, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9 to 16: Knit even.
10. Rnd 17: K3, k2tog around. 32 sts.
11. Rnd 18: Knit.
12. Rnd 19: K2, k2tog around. 24 sts.
13. BO loosely.

Sew the BO edge into a shallow cap shape that sits on the top half of the monkey head rather than pulling to a closed point.

For stem, with brown yarn, CO 4 sts and work i-cord for 6 rows. Sew to center top.

For each leaf, CO 3 sts with green yarn.

1. Row 1: Knit.
2. Row 2: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, M1L, k1, M1R, k1. 5 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Row 5: Knit.
6. Row 6: P2tog, p1, p2tog. 3 sts.
7. Row 7: Knit.
8. BO.

Make 2 leaves. Sew them at the top of stem in an open V shape.

Sandals

Make 2. These should sit like soft knitted slippers with open toe fronts.

Sole

With beige yarn, CO 8 sts.

1. Row 1 RS: Knit.
2. Row 2 WS: Purl.
3. Row 3: K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1. 10 sts.
4. Row 4: Purl.
5. Rows 5 to 12: Stockinette.
6. BO.

Front Strap

With green yarn, CO 16 sts, BO. Sew as curved band over top of foot, leaving toes exposed.

Side Ties

With green yarn, make two 8-st i-cords or twisted cords for each sandal. Sew one at each side of strap so they wrap slightly inward.

Ladybug Detail

With red yarn, make tiny 4-st bobbles or knot-stitch circles. Add one black head stitch and one center black line. Sew one ladybug to outer side of each sandal strap.

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Sunhat

The hat shown on the table is a soft olive gardener hat with shallow crown and medium brim. It is optional but strongly recommended for a faithful display.

With olive yarn, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, kfb around. 40 sts.
9. Rnd 9: Knit.
10. Rnd 10: K4, kfb around. 48 sts.
11. Rnd 11 to 18: Knit.

This forms the crown. For the brim:

1. Rnd 19: K5, kfb around. 56 sts.
2. Rnd 20: Purl.
3. Rnd 21: Knit.
4. Rnd 22: K6, kfb around. 64 sts.
5. Rnd 23: Purl.
6. Rnd 24: Knit.
7. Rnd 25: K7, kfb around. 72 sts.
8. Rnd 26: Purl.
9. Rnd 27: Knit.
10. BO loosely.

Add a narrow ribbon around the crown and sew a tiny knitted or embroidered white daisy on one side.

Potted Succulent

For pot, with terracotta yarn, CO 10 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1 to 6: Knit.
2. Rnd 7: Purl.
3. Rnd 8: Knit.
4. BO.

Stuff lightly and flatten base. For soil insert, use dark brown yarn and make a tiny flat circle: CO 6, join, kfb around to 12, knit 1 rnd, BO. Sew in place.

For succulent leaves, make 5 small leaves in green using the same leaf method as the sprout cap, but shorter. Sew in a rosette cluster.

Vegetable Basket

For basket, with beige yarn, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3 to 7: Knit.
4. Rnd 8: Purl.
5. Rnd 9: Knit.
6. BO.

Flatten base gently. For handle, CO 20 sts and BO. Sew from one side to the other.

Make 3 tiny vegetables:

• Radish: red mini tube with green top
• Cucumber: green narrow cylinder
• Turnip: cream bulb with green leaves

Stuff very lightly and arrange inside basket.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Sew head to body first and check that the face points slightly downward in a gentle seated pose. Add ears next, then arms, then legs. Attach tail at the back. Dress the monkey in overalls and position the straps neatly before fixing the buttons.

Sew the pouch diagonally across the body so it sits naturally against the overalls. Place the watering can inside the pouch opening. Add the sprout cap to the head with a few hidden stitches. Slip the sandals onto the feet and tack them in place if the toy is for display.

For facial detailing, slightly indent the eye area with a strand of matching yarn if you want a deeper expression. Keep the mouth minimal or omit it entirely, because the image relies more on muzzle shaping than heavy embroidered features.

Care Notes

• Spot clean whenever possible.
• Do not machine wash if the toy includes buttons, safety eyes, or fixed props.
• Store away from direct sunlight to preserve earthy yarn tones.
• Keep accessories attached securely if displayed near children.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is larger than body and well rounded
• Muzzle is broad, centered, and lightly stuffed
• Ears are level with eyes and angled outward
• Arms are long and slim
• Legs sit forward in a relaxed pose
• Overalls have floral embroidery and 2 button straps
• Pouch sits crossbody and holds the watering can
• Sandals show visible toes and red ladybugs
• Sprout cap is centered and upright

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Dust the finished monkey gently with a clean dry brush every few weeks, especially around embroidery, the sprout cap, and the pouch. If needed, dab marks with cool water and a mild wool-safe cleanser using a soft cloth, then blot without rubbing.

To preserve shape, dry the toy flat on a towel and reshape the muzzle, ears, sandals, and hat while damp. Avoid hanging the toy when wet. For long-term display, keep it in a dry room and rotate its position occasionally so one side does not fade faster than the other.