Hanging Monkey

Hanging Monkey Knitting Pattern by Sachiyo Ishii

Project Overview

This is a downloadable knitting pattern for creating a charming hanging monkey toy measuring approximately 15cm in finished height. Designed by Sachiyo Ishii, this intermediate-level knitting project combines basic shaping techniques to construct a three-dimensional stuffed toy suitable for decoration or play.

What You Will Make

The Hanging Monkey is a small plush toy featuring a body, legs, and head constructed primarily through knitting. The finished piece is designed to be suspended or displayed, making it an ideal handmade gift or decorative accent. The toy uses contrasting yarn colors to create visual interest, with a taupe base color complemented by sand and chocolate brown accents.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch (St st) – The primary fabric construction method, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Increases (kfb) – Knit through the front and back of the same stitch to add stitches and create shaping
• Decreases (K2tog and P2tog) – Knit two together and purl two together to reduce stitch counts and form the toy's contours
• Mattress stitch seaming – A professional finishing technique used to join pieces with right sides facing, creating nearly invisible seams
• Cast-on and bind-off methods – Essential foundation and closure techniques for starting and finishing knitted pieces

Stitches and Abbreviations

• St st – Stocking stitch, the primary stitch pattern
• K – Knit stitch
• P – Purl stitch
• Kfb – Knit front and back (increase stitch)
• K2tog – Knit two together (decrease stitch)
• P2tog – Purl two together (decrease stitch)
• RS – Right side of the fabric
• WS – Wrong side of the fabric

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses DK weight yarn (also known as 8-ply), which is a medium-weight yarn ideal for creating detailed toys with good stitch definition. The recommended yarn is King Cole Pricewise DK, a 100% acrylic yarn offering durability and easy care for a toy that may require washing.

• Yarn A (Taupe) – 20g (primary color for body and legs)
• Yarn B (Sand) – 10g (secondary color for contrast)
• Yarn C (Chocolate) – Small amount (accent color, likely for facial features)
• Yarn specifications – 100g per 282 meters, 100% acrylic fiber

Tools and Notions Required

• 3mm knitting needles – Appropriate needle size for DK weight yarn
• Chenille needle – For weaving in yarn ends and detailed embroidery work
• All-purpose sewing needle – For attaching beads and safety features
• Toy stuffing – Polyester fiberfill to fill the completed knitted pieces
• 6mm mushroom-shaped eye beads or safety eyes – For creating the monkey's facial features
• Cotton thread – For sewing on beads and assembling the toy
• Scissors – For cutting yarn and thread

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches by 36 rows over a 10cm square worked in stocking stitch using DK weight yarn on 3mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the toy to reach its intended 15cm finished size and for all pieces to fit together properly during assembly.

Construction Method

The monkey is constructed in sections, beginning