Free Monkey Crochet Pattern & Video Tutorial: Make the Cutest Amigurumi Monkey Step by Step
If you’ve been searching for a free monkey crochet pattern that’s beginner-friendly, detailed, and comes with a video tutorial to guide you through every stitch, you’ve landed in exactly the right place. This pattern will walk you through creating an adorable amigurumi monkey from start to finish, whether you’re picking up a crochet hook for the first time or you’re a seasoned crafter looking for a new project to add to your collection. By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need — materials, abbreviations, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a video walkthrough — to make a monkey that’s soft, squishy, and absolutely irresistible.
Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Monkey Crochet Pattern
Amigurumi — the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals — has taken the crafting world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. These little creatures are endlessly customizable, make wonderful handmade gifts, and are genuinely satisfying to create. A monkey is one of the most popular amigurumi projects for good reason: it’s playful, full of personality, and surprisingly simple once you understand the basic construction.
This free monkey crochet pattern uses only a handful of basic stitches, mostly single crochets worked in the round, which means even beginners can follow along without feeling overwhelmed. The finished monkey stands about 8 to 9 inches tall when made with worsted weight yarn, making it a great size for a stuffed animal toy, a nursery decoration, or a gift for a child or a fellow crochet lover.
Whether you’re making this as a baby shower gift, a birthday present, or just for the joy of making something cute with your hands, this pattern delivers results that look far more complicated than they actually are.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your supplies. Having everything ready before you start will make the process much smoother.
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in brown (for the body), tan or beige (for the face and belly), and a small amount of black or dark brown (for the eyes, if you prefer yarn eyes over safety eyes). You can absolutely use any color combination you love — a pastel pink monkey, a grey monkey, or even a rainbow monkey would all turn out beautifully.
Hook: A 3.5mm or 4.0mm crochet hook. Amigurumi generally benefits from a hook size slightly smaller than the yarn label suggests, which gives you a tighter stitch and prevents the stuffing from showing through.
Polyfill stuffing: You’ll need enough to firmly stuff the head, body, and limbs. A well-stuffed amigurumi holds its shape better and feels much nicer to hold.
Safety eyes: 12mm black safety eyes are ideal for this pattern. If you’re making this monkey for a child under three years old, skip the safety eyes and use embroidered felt eyes or yarn eyes instead for safety reasons.
Yarn needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends.
Stitch markers: Optional but helpful, especially for marking the beginning of rounds.
Scissors.
Felt (optional): A small piece of dark brown or black felt for the nostrils, if you prefer that look over embroidered ones.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology. Here’s a quick reference guide:
MR — Magic ring (also called a magic circle)
ch — chain
sc — single crochet
inc — increase (two single crochets in the same stitch)
dec — decrease (invisible decrease: insert hook into the front loop of the next stitch, then the front loop of the stitch after that, yarn over and pull through both loops, yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops)
sl st — slip stitch
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
st — stitch
rnd — round
All rounds are worked in a continuous spiral unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round so you don’t lose your place.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for amigurumi, but for reference: with a 4.0mm hook and worsted weight yarn, approximately 4 sc = 1 inch. Your finished monkey may be slightly larger or smaller depending on your tension, but the proportions will remain the same.
Watch the Video Tutorial First
Before jumping into the written instructions, I highly recommend watching the full video tutorial linked at the bottom of this post (or embedded above, depending on where you’re reading this). Seeing each step demonstrated in real time makes a huge difference, especially when it comes to magic rings, invisible decreases, and sewing the pieces together. The video follows this exact written pattern, so you can pause, rewind, and refer back to the text as needed. Both resources together make this one of the most complete monkey crochet tutorials available online for free.
Step-by-Step Monkey Crochet Pattern
Part One: The Head
The head is worked in brown yarn, starting from the top.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30 sts)
Rnd 6: (Sc 4, inc) repeat 6 times. (36 sts)
Rnd 7: (Sc 5, inc) repeat 6 times. (42 sts)
Rnd 8: (Sc 6, inc) repeat 6 times. (48 sts)
Rnds 9–16: Sc in each st around. (48 sts) — 8 rounds even
Rnd 17: (Sc 6, dec) repeat 6 times. (42 sts)
Rnd 18: (Sc 5, dec) repeat 6 times. (36 sts)
At this point, attach your safety eyes between rounds 12 and 13, approximately 10 to 12 stitches apart. Use a pin to test placement before committing — getting the eyes right makes a big difference in the monkey’s expression.
Rnd 19: (Sc 4, dec) repeat 6 times. (30 sts)
Rnd 20: (Sc 3, dec) repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
Begin stuffing the head firmly now. Continue stuffing as you close the head.
Rnd 21: (Sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Rnd 22: (Sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12 sts)
Rnd 23: Dec 6 times. (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Use your yarn needle to weave through the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in the end.
Part Two: The Muzzle
The muzzle is worked in tan or beige yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
Rnds 5–6: Sc in each st around. (24 sts)
Sl st to close the round, fasten off, and leave a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff the muzzle before sewing it onto the face for a three-dimensional look, or leave it unstuffed for a flatter appearance. Center the muzzle below the eyes and sew it securely in place. Embroider two small nostrils with black yarn or attach small felt circles. Add a curved smile with black yarn if desired.
Part Three: The Body
The body is worked in brown yarn.
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: (Sc 2, inc) repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
Rnd 5: (Sc 3, inc) repeat 6 times. (30 sts)
Rnd 6: (Sc 4, inc) repeat 6 times. (36 sts)
Rnds 7–18: Sc in each st around. (36 sts) — 12 rounds even
Rnd 19: (Sc 4, dec) repeat 6 times. (30 sts)
Rnd 20: (Sc 3, dec) repeat 6 times. (24 sts)
Rnd 21: (Sc 2, dec) repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Stuff the body firmly. Continue stuffing as you go.
Rnd 22: (Sc 1, dec) repeat 6 times. (12 sts)
Rnd 23: Dec 6 times. (6 sts)
Fasten off, close, and weave in the end. The body should be nice and plump.
Part Four: The Belly Patch (Optional but Adorable)
Using tan or beige yarn, ch 5.
Row 1: Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc 4. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, inc, sc 2, inc. Turn. (6 sts)
Rows 3–6: Ch 1, sc across. Turn.
Row 7: Ch 1, dec, sc 2, dec. Turn. (4 sts)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc across. Turn.
Fasten off and leave a long tail. Sew the belly patch to the center front of the body with the yarn needle.
Part Five: The Arms (Make Two)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnds 3–14: Sc in each st around. (12 sts) — 12 rounds even
Stuff lightly — the arms should be floppy rather than stiff, which gives the monkey a more natural, cuddly look. Flatten the top of the arm and sc across to close (6 sts). Fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.
Part Six: The Legs (Make Two)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Rnds 4–16: Sc in each st around. (18 sts) — 13 rounds even
Stuff firmly. Flatten and close the top with sc across (9 sts). Fasten off and leave a long tail.
Part Seven: The Ears (Make Two)
Using brown yarn:
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: (Sc 1, inc) repeat 6 times. (18 sts)
Sl st to close, fasten off and leave a tail. For the inner ear, use tan yarn and repeat only rounds 1 and 2 (12 sts). Sew the tan piece onto the brown piece, then sew the completed ear onto the side of the head, positioned about 3 to 4 rounds down from the top.
Part Eight: The Tail
Ch 30 (or more for a longer tail). Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch back to the beginning. Sl st to join. Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing. Sew the tail to the back lower section of the body. For a curled tail effect, leave a bit of slack as you sew or work a few extra single crochets at the tip.
Assembly
Now comes the most satisfying part — putting your monkey together.
Start by sewing the head firmly onto the body. Make sure the muzzle is facing forward and the orientation feels right before you commit to sewing. Use your yarn needle to stitch around the base of the head all the way through, pulling firmly to make the join secure. You don’t want a wobbly head.
Next, attach the legs to the bottom sides of the body. Position them symmetrically so the monkey sits evenly. Sew the arms to either side of the upper body, just below the neck area. Pin everything before sewing to make sure you’re happy with the placement.
Attach the ears to the sides of the head. A well-placed ear makes an enormous difference in how the monkey looks, so take your time here.
Finally, sew the tail to the back of the body and you’re done with construction.
Finishing Touches and Customization Ideas
Once your monkey is assembled, take a moment to review the details. Trim any stray yarn ends, double-check that all the pieces are secure, and fluff up the stuffing if any spots feel flat.
Here are some fun ways to make this monkey your own: you can add a tiny bow tie or a little dress using scrap yarn; give your monkey a name embroidered on its belly; use variegated yarn for a wild, colorful coat; make a family of monkeys in different sizes by adjusting your hook size and yarn weight; or add a tiny banana accessory crocheted in yellow yarn to complete the look.
Tips for Beginner Crocheters
If this is one of your first amigurumi projects, here are a few tips that will make a noticeable difference in your finished piece. Always use a stitch marker — losing track of your rounds is the most common frustration for beginners, and a simple marker eliminates it entirely. Practice the magic ring a few times before starting your first piece if it feels tricky; it becomes second nature quickly. Use the invisible decrease rather than the standard decrease, since it eliminates the gap that can make your work look uneven. And don’t rush the sewing — assembly is where the magic happens, and careful stitching makes the difference between a lumpy monkey and a polished one.
Video Tutorial
The full video tutorial for this free monkey crochet pattern is linked here. The video covers every section of this pattern in real time, with close-up shots of each technique including the magic ring, the invisible decrease, and the assembly process. If anything in the written instructions is unclear, the video will make it click immediately. Make sure to subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss new free patterns and tutorials every week.
Share Your Monkey!
Once you’ve finished your monkey, share a photo in the comments below or tag me on social media. There is nothing more joyful than seeing a pattern come to life in someone else’s hands, and every monkey turns out with its own little personality. Whether yours is serious and dignified or goofy and cross-eyed, it’s going to be wonderful.
Happy crocheting, and enjoy every stitch.
