Ever since I can remember I have had a love for any kind of primate, monkeys and apes being my favorite. When I was growing up it was so bad that every time we went on a trip I had to find some kind of monkey figurine to bring home and when I was about 11 years old I even talked my mom into helping me paint a jungle mural on my wall. It was one of my most treasured memories. As I have gotten older and became an adult I slowly got rid of all my monkey treasures but still had the love of them tucked away inside me. I have tried to think of a way to rekindle that passion without cluttering my home with them. This week as I was playing around with my knitting machine I thought why not create a monkey stuffy? That way I can enjoy them for a little while and then give them a new forever home and let someone else share that same love. So I went to work! Little did I know that it would be quite the process but oh so worth it! So let me introduce you to Theo! Theo means “Gift of God”. I truly believe that my craftiness is a gift from God! I seriously get withdrawl when I don’t get to crochet or knit. I pray that as you make each Theo that it will bring peace and comfort to whoever receives it and that they will know how much God loves them. :)
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB
Materials:
48 or 46 circular knitting machine (large machine)
22 circular knitting machine (small machine)
#4 worsted weight yarn
Polyfil or stuffing of your choice
Felt or black yarn for the nose, smile, and belly button
Scissors
Measuring Tape
Stitch markers or pins
Needle for casting off and sewing on parts
Hot glue
2 pipe cleaners (optional to make your tail bendable)
Tag (optional)
MEASUREMENTS:
Standing approximately 12" tall
Sitting approximately 8" tall
PATTERN NOTES:
- YARN: For this pattern I used both Red Heart Super Saver Retro Stripes (bright-colored monkey pictured) and Red Heart roll with it tweed in Party Mix (dark-colored monkey pictured). You know your machine the best so if the yarns recommend do not work well in your machine, pick one that does.
- This Blog post includes a basic recipe. For the full pattern which includes written, picture, and video tutorials, you can find the downloadable PDF below.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
PATTERN RECIPE
Body (make 1)
- Work 95 rows on your large machine.
- Cinch one end together like a hat.
Ears (make 2)
- Work 14 rows on your small machine.
- Cinch each end and fasten together to make a circle.
Arms (make 2)
Legs (make 2)
Mouth (make 1)
- Work 20 rows on your small machine
Tail:
- Work 50 rows on your small machine.
Form and stuff the body:
- Using a piece of yarn, weave the yarn through the center of the body to separate the body and head.
- Using another piece of yarn, weave yarn through the top to close off. Do not knot the top until you have added the mouth and safety eyes.
- Stuff the body
- Sew on the mouth and add the safety eyes.
- Cinch up the top and knot it to secure it.
Sew up the arms, legs, and tail lengthways by mattress stitching closed.
- If you would like the tail bendable be sure and add your pipe cleaner when sewing closed.
- Add stuffing as you close them.
Add any details you would like:
- Belly button
- Nostrils
- Smile
- Hair