Monkey + Mini in Sirdar Happy Cotton - TwoofakindMonkey - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Happy Cotton Monkey + Mini Crochet Pattern – Amigurumi Toy Set for Beginners to Intermediate Crocheters

This free downloadable PDF crochet pattern by Sirdar guides you through making an adorable matching pair of crocheted monkey toys: a larger Monkey measuring 25cm and a smaller Mini measuring 20cm. Often described as a mother-and-daughter set, the two figures are worked in the same construction style but differ slightly in scale and finishing details, making this a charming amigurumi project for intermediate crocheters who enjoy making handmade stuffed toys.

About the Designs

The Monkey (Mother Figure – 25cm)

The larger monkey is the centrepiece of the pattern. She is constructed in separate pieces — including a fully shaped head, body, limbs, ears, and facial features — which are then assembled and stuffed to create a three-dimensional, poseable toy. Finishing details include 7mm safety eyes and dark pink embroidery thread used to add expressive facial embellishment. Toy stuffing is used generously throughout to give the finished figure a firm, rounded shape.

The Mini (Daughter Figure – 20cm)

The Mini is a scaled-down companion piece worked using the same techniques and colour palette as the larger monkey. She uses 5mm safety eyes rather than the larger 7mm version, giving her a slightly different, younger appearance. The construction method mirrors that of the mother figure, making it straightforward to work both toys from the same pattern sitting.

Techniques and Construction Method

Both monkeys are worked in the round using continuous spiral rounds, a hallmark of amigurumi crochet construction. Each section of the toy — head, body, arms, legs, ears, and tail — is crocheted separately and then sewn together using a tapestry needle. This modular approach allows for careful shaping and stuffing of each individual component before assembly.

The head construction is clearly detailed in the pattern and demonstrates the classic amigurumi increase and decrease method. Beginning with a magic ring, stitches are increased evenly across multiple rounds to build out a smooth sphere shape, then decreased symmetrically to close the form. For example, the head begins with 6dc in a magic ring, increases to 36 stitches over six rounds, works straight for several rounds, then decreases back down — a technique that produces a neatly rounded, stuffable head.

Stitches Used

• dc – double crochet (equivalent to US single crochet): the primary stitch used throughout both toys
• dc2tog – double crochet decrease (equivalent to US sc2tog or sc dec): used to shape and close sections of the toy
• 2dc into next st – standard increase used to expand rounds evenly
• htr – half treble crochet (equivalent to US half double crochet): used in select sections for subtle texture or shaping variation
• sl st – slip stitch: used for joining and finishing
• ch – chain: used in foundational and joining elements
• Magic ring: the starting technique for all worked-in-the-round components, creating a tight, closed centre

Colour Palette and Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically for Sirdar Happy Cotton DK weight yarn (shade reference F234), a popular 100% cotton yarn well-suited to amigurumi and toy making due to its stitch definition, softness, and wide colour range. Four colours are used across the pattern:

• Colour A – Shade 776: 2 balls (the main body colour)
• Colour B – Shade 793: 1 ball
• Colour C – Shade 764: 1 ball
• Colour D – Shade 773: 2 balls

The use of four distinct shades allows for colour-blocked sections across the body, face, and limbs, giving each monkey its characteristic playful, contrasting appearance typical of Sirdar's Happy Cotton toy designs.