Knitting Tutorial: Sailor Monkey in Summer Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern.

This sweet knitted sailor monkey is a soft summer doll with a rounded cream face, warm brown head, round ears, blue short overalls, a tiny sailboat on the bib, and a cream cardigan with green stripes. The look is finished with a flower headband, yellow crossbody bag, brown sandals with daisy details, a small picnic basket, a little book, a knitted beret, and a long curved monkey tail.

 

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 free knitting pattern is written for a small stuffed monkey doll worked mainly in the round. The body, head, limbs, clothing, and accessories are made as separate knitted pieces and sewn together carefully so the finished doll matches the photographed design as closely as possible.

The finished toy has a soft seated shape, a large round head, short arms, rounded feet, and slightly bent legs. The cardigan is open at the front, the overalls sit high on the chest, and the shoulder bag crosses diagonally from the left shoulder to the right hip.

• Finished height: about 10.5 inches from head to toes when seated.
• Skill level: confident beginner to intermediate.
• Main method: small-circumference knitting in the round.
• Seaming: mattress stitch and small whipstitches.
• Stuffing: firm but still soft, especially in the head and feet.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in warm medium brown for head top, ears, arms, legs, tail, and sandal straps.
• DK weight yarn in cream for face, inner ears, hands, feet, cardigan base, and sandal soles.
• DK weight yarn in denim blue for overalls.
• DK weight yarn in forest green for cardigan stripes.
• DK weight yarn in mustard yellow for the crossbody bag and strap.
• Small amounts of white, navy blue, red, pale pink, soft yellow, and light green for flowers, sailboat, basket trim, and book details.
• US 3 double-pointed needles or a long circular needle for magic loop.
• US 2 needles for narrow straps, flowers, and small accessories.
• Two 8 mm black safety eyes or black beads.
• Black or dark brown embroidery floss for nose, mouth, eyebrows, and eye highlights.
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle.
• Stitch markers.
• Scrap yarn for holding stitches.

Gauge

In stockinette stitch with DK yarn and US 3 needles, 24 stitches and 34 rounds should measure about 4 inches after light blocking. Gauge does not need to be exact, but the fabric must be tight enough so stuffing does not show through.

If your knitting is loose, use a smaller needle. If your knitting is very tight and hard to stuff, use a slightly larger needle. Keep all doll pieces on the same needle size so the proportions stay balanced.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St or sts: stitch or stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• SSK: slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together.
• M1R: make 1 right increase.
• M1L: make 1 left increase.
• BO: bind off.
• PM: place marker.
• SM: slip marker.

Important Construction Notes

The monkey is designed with visible knitted texture. Work most pieces in stockinette in the round so the knit stitches run vertically, just like the image. Stuff gradually while shaping. Small parts should be stuffed lightly so they remain flexible and easy to sew in place.

The face is created with a cream knitted face panel sewn onto a brown head. This gives the soft scalloped forehead edge seen in the photo. For the most accurate look, embroider the brown hairline points after the cream face panel is attached.

The cardigan is knitted separately as a tiny open jacket. The sleeves are attached to the arm openings, and the jacket is dressed onto the monkey after the body and arms are assembled. The overalls are also made separately and sewn lightly to the body so they sit smoothly.

Main Monkey Body

Body Base

Work the body from the lower waist upward in brown first, then cover it with blue overalls. Use brown yarn and US 3 needles.

1. CO 36 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join in the round. PM for beginning of round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rnd 5: K5, M1R, K8, M1L, K10, M1R, K8, M1L, K5. 40 sts.
4. Rnds 6-12: K all sts.
5. Rnd 13: K8, K2tog, K20, SSK, K8. 38 sts.
6. Rnds 14-18: K all sts.
7. Rnd 19: K7, K2tog, K20, SSK, K7. 36 sts.
8. Rnds 20-24: K all sts.
9. Rnd 25: K6, K2tog, K18, SSK, K6. 34 sts.
10. Rnds 26-28: K all sts.
11. Rnd 29: K5, K2tog, K16, SSK, K5. 30 sts.
12. Rnds 30-33: K all sts.
13. BO loosely, leaving a long tail for sewing to the head.

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Stuff the body firmly at the lower belly and more lightly near the neck. Shape it into a rounded seated torso. The front should be slightly fuller than the back so the overalls will sit naturally.

Legs, Make 2

The legs are brown at the upper section, cream at the feet, and later dressed with blue overall shorts and brown sandals. Begin at the foot with cream yarn.

1. CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1R, K3, M1L, K2, M1R, K3, M1L, K1. 14 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K2, M1R, K4, M1L, K2, M1R, K4, M1L, K2. 18 sts.
6. Rnds 5-8: K all sts.
7. Rnd 9: K2tog 3 times, K6, SSK 3 times. 12 sts.
8. Rnd 10: K all sts.
9. Change to brown yarn.
10. Rnds 11-22: K all sts.
11. Rnd 23: K2tog around. 6 sts.
12. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed.

Stuff each foot firmly and stuff each leg lightly. Sew the legs to the bottom front of the body at a seated angle. The cream feet should point forward, and the brown lower legs should hang below the blue shorts.

Arms, Make 2

The hands are cream and the arms are brown. The cardigan sleeves cover most of the arms, but the cream hands should remain visible at the sleeve cuffs.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: K1, M1R, K2, M1L, K2, M1R, K2, M1L, K1. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: K all sts.
5. Rnd 7: K2tog around. 6 sts.
6. Change to brown yarn.
7. Rnd 8: K all sts.
8. Rnd 9: K1, M1R, K4, M1L, K1. 8 sts.
9. Rnds 10-24: K all sts.
10. BO, leaving a long tail.

Stuff the hands only. Leave the upper arms almost flat so the cardigan sleeves fit neatly. Sew one arm to each side of the upper body, angled slightly downward and forward.

Head and Face

Round Brown Head

The head is large and round, with a warm brown upper area. Work from the top down with brown yarn.

1. CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: K3, Kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: K4, Kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 11-25: K all sts.
13. Rnd 26: K4, K2tog around. 40 sts.
14. Rnd 27: K all sts.
15. Rnd 28: K3, K2tog around. 32 sts.
16. Rnd 29: K all sts.
17. Rnd 30: K2, K2tog around. 24 sts.
18. Pause and stuff the head firmly, keeping the front smooth and rounded.
19. Rnd 31: K1, K2tog around. 16 sts.
20. Rnd 32: K2tog around. 8 sts.
21. Break yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed.

Shape the head gently with your hands while stuffing. The head should be wider than the body and slightly flattened at the lower front where the cream face panel will sit.

Cream Face Panel

This panel forms the pale monkey face with a soft curved cheek line and pointed brown hairline above it. Work flat with cream yarn.

1. CO 18 sts.
2. Row 1, RS: K all sts.
3. Row 2, WS: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, M1R, K16, M1L, K1. 20 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K2, M1R, K16, M1L, K2. 22 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Rows 7-14: Work in stockinette.
9. Row 15: K2tog, K18, SSK. 20 sts.
10. Row 16: P all sts.
11. Row 17: K2tog, K16, SSK. 18 sts.
12. Row 18: P all sts.
13. Row 19: K2tog, K14, SSK. 16 sts.
14. Row 20: P all sts.
15. BO loosely.

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Pin the panel onto the lower front of the head. The lower edge should sit just above the neck seam. Sew around the panel with tiny cream stitches. Do not overstuff under the panel; it should lie smooth, not raised like a muzzle.

Brown Forehead Points

Using brown yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider five soft downward points along the top edge of the cream face panel. The center point should dip slightly lower than the side points. This creates the sweet scalloped hairline visible in the image.

• Make the center point about 5 rows deep.
• Make the two nearby points about 4 rows deep.
• Make the outer points about 3 rows deep.
• Use duplicate stitch so the embroidery follows the knitted texture.

Ears, Make 2

The ears are round with brown outer edges and cream inner circles. Knit each outer ear first.

1. With brown yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnds 4-6: K all sts.
6. Rnd 7: K1, K2tog around. 16 sts.
7. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 8 sts.
8. Break yarn, pull through remaining sts, flatten into a round disc.

For each cream inner ear, CO 8 sts with cream yarn. Work 1 round Kfb around for 16 sts, then BO. Sew one cream circle to the center of each brown ear. Attach ears to the sides of the head between rounds 14 and 21. They should sit level with the eyes and extend outward like small round buttons.

Facial Features

Place the eyes on the cream face panel about 8 stitches apart and about 7 rows above the lower edge of the face. Secure the safety eyes before final closing if you prefer, or sew black beads firmly after the head is complete.

• Eyes: add a tiny white stitch at the upper outer edge of each eye for shine.
• Nose: embroider a short horizontal dark brown oval, 3 stitches wide.
• Mouth line: make one straight vertical stitch from the nose downward for about 5 rows.
• Eyebrows: sew two short diagonal brown lines above the eyes, tilting gently upward toward the center.
• Cheeks: add very light pink duplicate stitches or soft blush on both sides of the face.

Blue Overall Shorts

The overalls are denim blue and have a high bib with a small white sailboat design. They are made to fit over the brown body and legs. Work the shorts first, then add the bib and straps.

Shorts Section

1. With blue yarn, CO 40 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K2, P2 rib around.
3. Rnds 5-14: K all sts.
4. Divide for legs: place first 20 sts on one needle and second 20 sts on another needle.
5. First leg opening, Rnds 15-20: Work 20 sts in the round, K all sts.
6. Rnd 21: K2, P2 rib around.
7. Rnd 22: BO in rib.
8. Return to second 20 sts and repeat Rnds 15-22 for second leg opening.

Slip the shorts over the body before sewing legs permanently if desired. The leg openings should cover the top of the brown legs while leaving the brown shins and cream feet visible.

Overall Bib

Work flat from the front waist upward. With blue yarn, pick up 16 sts centered on the front waist edge of the shorts.

1. Row 1, RS: K all sts.
2. Row 2, WS: P all sts.
3. Rows 3-12: Continue stockinette.
4. Row 13: K2tog, K12, SSK. 14 sts.
5. Row 14: P all sts.
6. Row 15: K all sts.
7. Row 16: P all sts.
8. BO loosely.

Overall Straps

Make two narrow blue straps. Each strap should cross from the top corner of the bib over the shoulder to the back waist.

1. CO 4 sts.
2. Rows 1-30: K all sts for garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a sewing tail.

Sew each strap to the top of the bib. Cross or angle them slightly over the shoulders and sew them to the back waist of the shorts. Add two tiny dark blue or brown stitches at the front corners to suggest buttons.

Sailboat Motif on Bib

Embroider the tiny sailboat on the center of the blue bib. Use white yarn for two triangular sails, navy yarn for the hull, and red yarn for the small flag or mast accent.

• Make the navy hull 7 stitches wide, shaped like a shallow curve.
• Embroider the center mast with one straight white vertical stitch, about 7 rows tall.
• Fill the left sail with white diagonal stitches over 4 stitches wide.
• Fill the right sail with white diagonal stitches over 3 stitches wide.
• Add one small red stitch near the top of the mast.

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Summer Cardigan

The cardigan is cream with narrow green stripes. It has long sleeves, open fronts, and a soft ribbed edge. Work the body flat from the bottom up.

Cardigan Body

1. With cream yarn, CO 48 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: K2, P2 rib across.
3. Rows 5-6: Work stockinette in cream.
4. Rows 7-8: Change to green and work stockinette.
5. Rows 9-12: Change to cream and work stockinette.
6. Rows 13-14: Change to green and work stockinette.
7. Rows 15-18: Change to cream and work stockinette.
8. Rows 19-20: Change to green and work stockinette.
9. Rows 21-24: Change to cream and work stockinette.
10. Row 25, RS: K10 for right front, BO 4 sts for armhole, K20 for back, BO 4 sts for armhole, K10 for left front.

Work the fronts and back separately from this point. Keep the stripe sequence consistent, using 4 rows cream and 2 rows green.

Right Front

1. Work 10 sts in stockinette for 10 rows, following stripe sequence.
2. Next RS row: K2tog, K8. 9 sts.
3. Work 3 rows even.
4. Next RS row: K2tog, K7. 8 sts.
5. Work 2 rows even.
6. BO.

Back

1. Work 20 sts in stockinette for 16 rows, following stripe sequence.
2. BO all sts.

Left Front

1. Work 10 sts in stockinette for 10 rows, following stripe sequence.
2. Next RS row: K8, SSK. 9 sts.
3. Work 3 rows even.
4. Next RS row: K7, SSK. 8 sts.
5. Work 2 rows even.
6. BO.

Sleeves, Make 2

1. With cream yarn, CO 18 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K2, P2 rib.
3. Rnds 5-6: K all sts in cream.
4. Rnds 7-8: K all sts in green.
5. Rnds 9-12: K all sts in cream.
6. Rnds 13-14: K all sts in green.
7. Rnds 15-18: K all sts in cream.
8. Rnds 19-20: K all sts in green.
9. Rnds 21-24: K all sts in cream.
10. BO loosely.

Sew each sleeve into an armhole. Seam the shoulders with small stitches. Place the cardigan on the monkey so the fronts remain open and the blue overall bib shows clearly. Tack the cardigan at the shoulders and underarms only, so it looks like a real removable jacket.

Flower Headband

The headband is a thin cream cord crossing over the brown head from one side to the other. Small flowers sit near the top left side of the head.

Headband Cord

1. With cream yarn and US 2 needles, CO 3 sts.
2. Work an i-cord for 42 rows.
3. BO and leave long tails.

Lay the cord over the top of the head, slightly behind the forehead points. Sew the ends behind the ears so the band stays neat and lightly curved.

Small Knitted Flowers

Make one white daisy, one pale pink flower, and one tiny yellow flower. For each flower, use the following simple petal method.

1. CO 15 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K2tog across to last st, K1. 8 sts.
4. Break yarn, thread through sts, pull tightly to gather into a flower.
5. Sew the gathered edge into a circle.
6. Add a small yellow or white center stitch.

Sew the flowers to the headband at the upper left side of the monkey’s head. Add two tiny green leaves by embroidering short lazy-daisy stitches beside the flowers.

Yellow Crossbody Bag

The bag is mustard yellow with pale cream horizontal stripes near the lower area. It hangs on the monkey’s right side, with the strap crossing over the cardigan and overall bib.

Bag Body

1. With yellow yarn, CO 20 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rnds 5-6: Change to cream and K all sts.
4. Rnds 7-8: Change to yellow and K all sts.
5. Rnds 9-10: Change to cream and K all sts.
6. Rnds 11-18: Change to yellow and K all sts.
7. Rnd 19: K2tog around. 10 sts.
8. Break yarn, thread through sts, pull closed for the bottom.

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Lightly stuff the bag so it keeps its rounded pouch shape. Flatten the top slightly and sew it closed. The bag should be about 1.5 inches tall.

Bag Strap

1. With yellow yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work i-cord for 72 rows.
3. BO and leave sewing tails.

Sew one end of the strap to each side of the bag. Place the strap over the left shoulder and across the front body. Tack the strap lightly at the shoulder so it does not slide.

Long Monkey Tail

The tail is brown, narrow, and curved. It appears on the right side of the seated monkey, extending down and outward.

1. With brown yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-38: K all sts.
3. Rnd 39: K2tog around. 4 sts.
4. Break yarn, thread through sts, and pull closed.

Insert a small amount of stuffing using the blunt end of a needle. Do not overstuff. Bend the tail gently while shaping. Sew the open end to the back right side of the body, just below the cardigan hem. Curve it forward so it is visible beside the leg.

Brown Sandals With Daisy Details

The sandals are built over the cream feet. They have tan soles, brown straps, and tiny white daisies near the outside edges.

Soles, Make 2

1. With tan or light brown yarn, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1R, K6, M1L, K1. 10 sts.
4. Rows 3-8: K all sts.
5. Row 9: K2tog, K6, SSK. 8 sts.
6. Row 10: K all sts.
7. BO.

Sew one sole under each cream foot. The front of the sole should extend slightly beyond the toes, creating the rounded sandal shape seen in the image.

Sandal Straps

1. For each foot, make one toe strap by CO 4 sts and knitting 12 rows in garter stitch. BO.
2. Make one ankle strap by CO 4 sts and knitting 16 rows in garter stitch. BO.
3. Sew the toe strap across the front of the foot.
4. Sew the ankle strap around the top of the foot, leaving the cream front visible.

For each daisy, use white yarn to make five small straight stitches in a circle on the outside of each sandal. Add one yellow stitch in the center.

Picnic Basket Accessory

The basket sits beside the monkey and is made in warm tan yarn with a pink stripe and a curved handle.

Basket Body

1. With tan yarn, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rnd 5: P all sts to create a lower ridge.
4. Rnds 6-10: K all sts.
5. Rnds 11-12: Change to pale pink and K all sts.
6. Rnds 13-16: Change to tan and K all sts.
7. Rnd 17: P all sts for top rim.
8. BO loosely.

Flatten the bottom and sew it closed with tan yarn. Add duplicate stitches in slightly darker brown across the basket to suggest woven texture. Use short horizontal and vertical stitches, keeping the pattern soft and handmade.

Basket Lid and Handle

1. For the lid, CO 16 sts with tan yarn.
2. Rows 1-8: K all sts in garter stitch.
3. BO and sew the lid to the back edge of the basket top.
4. For the handle, CO 3 sts and work i-cord for 32 rows.
5. Sew one end of the handle to each side of the basket.

Little Book Accessory

The small book lies beside the basket. It is light blue with a simple embroidered sailboat on the cover.

1. With light blue yarn, CO 18 sts.
2. Rows 1-14: K all sts for garter stitch.
3. BO.
4. Fold the rectangle in half like a book.
5. Sew around two edges, leaving the folded edge as the spine.
6. With white yarn, embroider a small rectangle on the cover.
7. Add a navy diagonal line and one red stitch to echo the sailboat theme.

For extra thickness, place a small scrap of felt or folded yarn inside before sewing the edges closed. Keep the book flat and tidy.

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Round Summer Beret Accessory

The round accessory at the monkey’s side looks like a small brown knitted beret or soft cap with blue and white decorative stitches. It should be flat on the bottom and gently domed on top.

1. With rust-brown yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: K all sts.
6. Rnd 5: K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnds 6-10: K all sts.
8. Rnd 11: K2, K2tog around. 24 sts.
9. Rnd 12: K all sts.
10. Rnd 13: K1, K2tog around. 16 sts.
11. Rnd 14: K2tog around. 8 sts.
12. Break yarn, pull through sts, and close.

Stuff lightly before closing so the beret keeps a soft dome. Embroider tiny white and blue V stitches around the upper side. Add one narrow rust-brown rim by working duplicate stitches around the lower edge.

Optional Cardigan Front Ribbing

To make the open cardigan look more finished, add narrow front bands after sewing the shoulders.

1. With cream yarn, pick up 18 sts along the right front edge.
2. Rows 1-3: K all sts.
3. BO.
4. Repeat along the left front edge.
5. Pick up 24 sts around the back neck and front neckline.
6. Rows 1-2: K all sts.
7. BO neatly.

This ribbing should not close the cardigan. The jacket must stay open so the blue bib and sailboat are visible at the center front.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the head to the body with the cream face centered over the overall bib.
2. Attach the ears evenly on both sides of the head.
3. Sew the arms to the body, then dress the cardigan over them.
4. Place the overalls smoothly and tack them at the waist, sides, and back.
5. Attach the legs at a seated angle so the monkey sits naturally.
6. Sew the tail to the back right side and curve it beside the body.
7. Add the headband and flowers after all head shaping is finished.
8. Position the yellow bag diagonally across the body and secure it with hidden stitches.
9. Set the basket, book, and beret beside the doll as separate display accessories.

Check the face last. The monkey should have a gentle, slightly shy expression. If the eyebrows look too strong, remove and restitch them with a single strand of embroidery floss. A small adjustment in eyebrow angle can change the entire personality of the doll.

Care Notes

Spot clean the finished monkey with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak the toy if you used safety eyes, beads, or heavy embroidery. Let the doll air dry completely before storing or displaying.

• Keep away from high heat and direct sunlight.
• Reshape the head, ears, bag, and tail gently after cleaning.
• Do not machine wash if the accessories are attached.
• Store flat or seated so the cardigan and bag do not stretch.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The head is larger than the body and smoothly stuffed.
• The cream face panel is centered and the brown hairline has five soft points.
• The ears are round, even, and placed level with the eyes.
• The blue overalls show clearly beneath the open striped cardigan.
• The sailboat motif is centered on the bib.
• The yellow bag crosses from shoulder to opposite hip.
• The sandals show cream toes, brown straps, and tiny daisies.
• The basket, book, beret, flowers, and tail are all included.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, brush away dust with a soft dry paintbrush. If the doll needs deeper cleaning, dab only the stained area with cool water. Press with a towel and let it dry naturally. Avoid twisting, wringing, or stretching the small knitted accessories.

To preserve the shape, store the monkey in a breathable cotton bag with the accessories beside it rather than stacked on top. Add tissue paper around the ears, bag, and tail if storing for a long time. This helps the finished doll keep the same cozy handmade look as the photographed design.