Crochet an Adorable Amigurumi Monkey

Crafting your own amigurumi monkey is a delightful project that combines creativity with the satisfaction of making something by hand. This Amigurumi Monkey comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a charming crochet monkey from start to finish. Perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, this amigurumi pattern uses basic techniques to create a cuddly companion that makes an excellent gift or a sweet addition to your handmade collection. Follow along as we detail each step of creating this playful primate.

Amigurumi Monkey Essential Materials and Techniques

Before beginning your amigurumi monkey project, gather these supplies:

Worsted weight yarn in your preferred color for the monkey
Contrasting yarn for facial details (optional)
Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn (typically 3.5mm-4.5mm)
Fiberfill or polyester stuffing
Safety eyes or buttons (or yarn for embroidering eyes)
Yarn needle for assembly
Stitch markers
Scissors

For this Amigurumi Monkey, you’ll need to be familiar with these techniques:

Working in continuous spirals (not joining rounds)
Magic ring/magic circle for starting pieces
Single crochet stitch
Invisible increase (working two single crochets in one stitch)
Invisible decrease (working two stitches together)

All instructions use US terminology, where “single crochet” refers to inserting the hook, pulling up a loop, and pulling through both loops on the hook.

Creating Amigurumi Monkey Legs

You’ll need to make two identical legs that will later be attached to the body:

Round 1: Create 6 single crochets in a magic ring. Round 2: Increase in each stitch around by working 2 single crochets in each stitch (12 stitches). Round 3: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet followed by an increase, repeated 6 times around (18 stitches). Rounds 4-8: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 5 rounds, maintaining 18 stitches. Round 9: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet followed by a decrease, repeated 6 times around (12 stitches).

At this point, add some polyester filling to the foot portion.

Round 10: Work 2 decreases, 2 single crochets, 2 decreases, 2 single crochets (8 stitches). Rounds 11-32: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 22 rounds, maintaining 8 stitches.

Crochet the opening closed by working through both layers. Leave a long tail for attaching to the body later. Repeat the entire process to create the second leg.

Forming Amigurumi Monkey Ears

The distinctive ears add character to your amigurumi monkey:

Flatten each ear and join the edges together with single crochet stitches. Leave a tail for attaching to the head. Make two identical ears.

Crafting the Monkey’s Arms

The arms include hands and will be positioned for a classic monkey pose:

Round 1: Create 6 single crochets in a magic ring. Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (12 stitches). Round 3: Work a pattern of 5 single crochets followed by an increase, repeated twice around (14 stitches). Rounds 4-7: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 4 rounds, maintaining 14 stitches. Round 8: Work a pattern of 5 single crochets followed by a decrease, repeated twice around (12 stitches).

Add a small amount of polyester filling to the hand portion.

Round 9: Work 6 decreases around (6 stitches). Rounds 10-24: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 15 rounds, maintaining 6 stitches.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching to the body later. Make two identical arms.

Creating the Monkey’s Head and Body

The head connects directly to the body in this pattern, creating a seamless design:

Head Section

Round 1: Create 6 single crochets in a magic ring. Round 2: Increase in each stitch around (12 stitches). Round 3: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet followed by an increase, repeated 6 times around (18 stitches). Round 4: Work a pattern of 2 single crochets followed by an increase, repeated 6 times around (24 stitches). Round 5: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet, increase, 2 single crochets, repeated 6 times around (30 stitches). Round 6: Work a pattern of increase followed by 4 single crochets, repeated 6 times around (36 stitches). Rounds 7-15: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 9 rounds, maintaining 36 stitches. Round 16: Work a pattern of decrease followed by 4 single crochets, repeated 6 times around (30 stitches). Round 17: Work a pattern of decrease followed by 3 single crochets, repeated 6 times around (24 stitches).

At this point, if using safety eyes, attach them to the face. Add polyester filling to the head, making sure to stuff firmly for good shape.

Round 18: Work a pattern of decrease followed by 2 single crochets, repeated 6 times around (18 stitches). Round 19: Work a pattern of decrease followed by 1 single crochet, repeated 6 times around (12 stitches). Round 20: Work a pattern of decrease followed by 2 single crochets, repeated 3 times around (9 stitches).

Do not fasten off; continue directly to the body section.

Body Section

Round 1: Work a pattern of increase followed by 2 single crochets, repeated 3 times around (12 stitches). Round 2: Work a pattern of increase followed by 1 single crochet, repeated 6 times around (18 stitches). Round 3: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around (18 stitches). Round 4: Work a pattern of 5 single crochets followed by an increase, repeated 3 times around (21 stitches). Round 5: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around (21 stitches). Round 6: Work a pattern of 6 single crochets followed by an increase, repeated 3 times around (24 stitches). Round 7: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around (24 stitches). Round 8: Work a pattern of 7 single crochets followed by an increase, repeated 3 times around (27 stitches). Rounds 9-14: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 6 rounds, maintaining 27 stitches. Round 15: Work a pattern of 7 single crochets followed by a decrease, repeated 3 times around (24 stitches). Round 16: Work a pattern of 2 single crochets followed by a decrease, repeated 6 times around (18 stitches). Round 17: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet followed by a decrease, repeated 6 times around (12 stitches). Round 18: Decrease 6 times around (6 stitches).

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Thread through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and secure.

Creating the Monkey’s Tail

The tail adds balance and playfulness to your amigurumi monkey:

Round 1: Create 5 single crochets in a magic ring. Rounds 2-30: Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around for 29 rounds, maintaining 5 stitches.

Fasten off, leaving a tail for attachment to the body.

Final Assembly

Bringing all components together creates your finished amigurumi monkey:

Position and sew the ears to the top of the head, making sure they’re symmetrically placed.
Attach the arms to the upper sides of the body, just below where the head and body join.
Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, positioning them so the monkey can sit.
Attach the tail to the back of the body, curving it slightly for a natural look.
Add any additional facial details like embroidered eyebrows, nose, or mouth as desired.

Customization Ideas for Your Amigurumi Monkey

While this pattern creates a classic monkey, you can personalize your creation with these ideas:

Use brown, tan, or beige yarn for a traditional monkey color, or get creative with bright colors for a playful twist
Add a small hat or bow for extra character
Create a tiny banana from yellow yarn for your monkey to hold
Embroider different facial expressions to change the monkey’s personality
Make multiple monkeys in different sizes by changing your hook and yarn weight

Caring for Your Amigurumi Creation

To keep your monkey looking its best:

Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap as needed
Allow to air dry completely if it becomes wet
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
If the monkey will be played with by small children, make sure all parts are securely attached

The Joy of Handcrafted Amigurumi

Your completed amigurumi monkey represents more than just a toy—it’s a handcrafted creation that showcases your crochet skills and creativity. The process of making each part and bringing them together creates a unique character with personality and charm.

This monkey pattern combines simple techniques with thoughtful design elements to create a finished piece that appeals to crafters of all levels. The seamless connection between head and body reduces assembly work, while the expressive ears, arms, and tail add distinctive monkey characteristics.

Whether you’re making this amigurumi as a gift or for your own collection, the satisfaction of creating something by hand adds special value to the finished piece. No mass-produced toy can match the care and attention that goes into each stitch of a handmade amigurumi.

As you complete your monkey, take a moment to appreciate the journey from yarn to finished character. The skills you’ve practiced—from perfect magic rings to invisible decreases and assembly techniques—will serve you well in future crochet projects, while your finished monkey will bring smiles for years to come.

Check this out :Create an Adorable Amigurumi Love Heart Mouse with Complete Crochet Pattern

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Results

If you encounter challenges while making your amigurumi monkey, try these solutions:

If your magic ring has a hole in the center, pull the tail tighter or weave it through the stitches again
For even tension, try to maintain consistent stitch tightness throughout the project
If your monkey won’t sit properly, adjust the positioning of the legs or add more stuffing to the body
To prevent stuffing from showing through, work your stitches closely together and consider using a smaller hook
If your monkey seems too floppy, add more stuffing, especially in the neck area

With practice and patience, you’ll create an adorable amigurumi monkey that showcases your crochet skills and brings joy to whoever receives it. Happy crocheting!