purlJam

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# CHARLIE THE MONKEY
### A Knitted Amigurumi Pattern

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## AT A GLANCE

| | |
|---|---|
| **Finished Size** | Approx. 10 inches (25 cm) tall when seated |
| **Difficulty** | Beginner |
| **Technique** | Knitting in the round; pieces worked separately and seamed |
| **Construction** | Bottom-up, worked in the round on DPNs or Magic Loop |

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:**
- **MC (Main Color):** Dark brown fluffy/boucle-texture yarn, worsted weight — approx. 200 yards (185 m)
 *Look for a yarn labeled "fluffy," "boucle," or with a soft brushed texture for the monkey's fur effect. Examples: a dark chocolate brown boucle or a brushed mohair-blend worsted.*
- **CC (Contrast Color):** Soft cotton yarn in tan or light beige, worsted weight — approx. 50 yards (46 m)
 *Used for the muzzle, palms of hands, and soles of feet. A smooth, soft cotton gives a clean contrast against the fluffy main yarn.*

**Needles:**
- US 5 / 3.75 mm double-pointed needles (DPNs), set of 5, OR 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle for Magic Loop
 *Note: Using a needle one size smaller than the yarn label recommends is intentional. A tighter fabric prevents stuffing from showing through.*

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers (at least 6, including 1 locking/split-ring marker for BOR)
- Tapestry needle
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- One pair of 12 mm black safety eyes
- Black embroidery floss (for nostrils and mouth)
- Embroidery needle
- Scissors
- Smooth dark brown DK or worsted yarn (for seaming — see Seaming Note below)
- Optional: a small amount of dark brown or black yarn for eyebrows

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## GAUGE

**22 stitches / 28 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)** in Stockinette stitch in the round, on US 5 / 3.75 mm needles, using MC.

*Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size. Take time to swatch before beginning.*

> **FLUFFY YARN TIP:** Fluffy or boucle yarns can make it tricky to count stitches. Place a stitch marker after every 7 stitches (or at regular intervals you choose) in the first few rounds, and count carefully. Remove and reposition markers as you work increases and decreases.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BOR | Beginning of round |
| CO | Cast on |
| DPN(s) | Double-pointed needle(s) |
| k | Knit |
| k2tog | Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease; 1 st decreased) |
| kfb | Knit into the front and back of the same stitch (increase; 1 st increased) |
| MC | Main Color (dark brown fluffy yarn) |
| CC | Contrast Color (soft cotton) |
| pm | Place marker |
| rem | Remaining |
| rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| RS | Right side |
| sl | Slip stitch purlwise |
| sm | Slip marker |
| ssk | Slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together (left-leaning decrease; 1 st decreased) |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| WS | Wrong side |

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## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

**Knitting in the Round (Small Circumference):**
Distribute stitches evenly across 4 DPNs and knit with the 5th, or use the Magic Loop method with a long circular needle.

**kfb (Knit Front and Back — Increase):**
Knit into the front loop of the stitch as normal but do not slip it off the needle. Then knit into the back loop of the same stitch and slip it off. This creates 2 stitches from 1.

**I-Cord:**
Cast on the required number of stitches onto one DPN. *Without turning*, slide stitches to the right end of the needle, bring the yarn firmly across the back, and knit all stitches again. Repeat until the cord is the desired length.

**Judy's Magic Cast-On (Optional for Muzzle Oval):**
Used to begin a flat oval with live stitches on both sides. Instructions provided in the Muzzle section. A simple long-tail cast-on is given as an alternative.

**Seaming Note — Fluffy Yarn:**
Fluffy or boucle yarns are difficult to thread through a tapestry needle and can break when pulled through seams. For all seaming steps, cut a length of *smooth* dark brown DK or worsted yarn and use this to whip-stitch or mattress-stitch the pieces together. The smooth yarn will disappear into the fluffy texture once seamed.

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## PATTERN NOTES

1. All pieces are worked with RS facing out in Stockinette stitch (knit every round).
2. Stuff each piece firmly before closing or seaming — a well-stuffed monkey holds its shape.
3. **Safety eyes must be inserted before the head is fully closed.** Read ahead to the Head finishing instructions before starting.
4. Use a locking stitch marker to mark the beginning of round (BOR) throughout.
5. After working the first increase round on any piece, count your stitches carefully before continuing.
6. The toy is not intended for children under 3 years of age due to safety eye components.

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## FINISHED PIECE DIMENSIONS (APPROXIMATE)

*(These are the target dimensions before seaming.)*

| Piece | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Head | 3.5 inches (9 cm) diameter |
| Body | 4.75 inches (12 cm) tall, 3.5 inches (9 cm) wide |
| Arm (each) | 3.5 inches (9 cm) long, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide |
| Leg (each) | 4 inches (10 cm) long, 1.25 inches (3 cm) wide |
| Ear (each) | 1.25 inches (3 cm) tall, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide at base |
| Muzzle | 2 inches (5 cm) wide, 1.5 inches (4 cm) tall |
| Tail | 6 inches (15 cm) long |

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# THE PATTERN

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## PIECE 1: HEAD

**Yarn:** MC throughout
**Cast on:** 8 sts. Distribute evenly over DPNs or set up for Magic Loop.
Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for BOR.

**Round 1:** [kfb] 8 times. *(16 sts)*
**Round 2:** Knit.
**Round 3:** [k1, kfb] 8 times. *(24 sts)*
**Round 4:** Knit.
**Round 5:** [k2, kfb] 8 times. *(32 sts)*
**Round 6:** Knit.
**Round 7:** [k3, kfb] 8 times. *(40 sts)*
**Round 8:** Knit.
**Round 9:** [k4, kfb] 8 times. *(48 sts)*
**Round 10:** Knit.
**Round 11:** [k5, kfb] 8 times. *(56 sts)*

> **Stitch count check:** You should have 56 sts. Count carefully — place markers every 14 sts if helpful (4 sections of 14).

**Rounds 12–19:** Knit 8 rounds even. *(56 sts)*

*This is the widest part of the head. Now begin the decreases:*

**Round 20:** [k5, k2tog] 8 times. *(48 sts)*
**Round 21:** Knit.
**Round 22:** [k4, k2tog] 8 times. *(40 sts)*
**Round 23:** Knit.
**Round 24:** [k3, k2tog] 8 times. *(32 sts)*
**Round 25:** Knit.

> ⚠️ **STOP HERE — insert safety eyes before continuing.**
> Refer to the Face Assembly section at the end of this pattern for eye placement guidance. Insert the safety eyes now, between the decrease rounds where the opening is still accessible. The eyes sit on approximately Round 15 of the head (counting up from the CO), centered on the face, approximately 1.25 inches (3 cm) apart.

**Round 26:** [k2, k2tog] 8 times. *(24 sts)*
**Round 27:** Knit.
**Round 28:** [k1, k2tog] 8 times. *(16 sts)*

*Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill now, shaping it into a round ball.*

**Round 29:** [k2tog] 8 times. *(8 sts)*

**Finishing:** Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch (25 cm) tail. Thread the tail through all 8 remaining sts using a tapestry needle, draw up tightly and secure. Weave in end.

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## PIECE 2: BODY

**Yarn:** MC throughout
**Cast on:** 8 sts. Join to work in the round; pm for BOR.

**Round 1:** [kfb] 8 times. *(16 sts)*
**Round 2:** Knit.
**Round 3:** [k1, kfb] 8 times. *(24 sts)*
**Round 4:** Knit.
**Round 5:** [k2, kfb] 8 times. *(32 sts)*
**Round 6:** Knit.
**Round 7:** [k3, kfb] 8 times. *(40 sts)*
**Round 8:** Knit.
**Round 9:** [k4, kfb] 8 times. *(48 sts)*
**Round 10:** Knit.
**Round 11:** [k5, kfb] 8 times. *(56 sts)*

> **Stitch count check:** You should have 56 sts.

**Rounds 12–31:** Knit 20 rounds even. *(56 sts)*

*The body is now approximately 7 inches (18 cm) from the cast-on, including the increase section. Begin decreases:*

**Round 32:** [k5, k2tog] 8 times. *(48 sts)*
**Round 33:** Knit.
**Round 34:** [k4, k2tog] 8 times. *(40 sts)*
**Round 35:** Knit.
**Round 36:** [k3, k2tog] 8 times. *(32 sts)*
**Round 37:** Knit.
**Round 38:** [k2, k2tog] 8 times. *(24 sts)*
**Round 39:** Knit.
**Round 40:** [k1, k2tog] 8 times. *(16 sts)*

*Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill now.*

**Round 41:** [k2tog] 8 times. *(8 sts)*

**Finishing:** Cut yarn. Thread tail through remaining 8 sts, draw up tightly, secure. Weave in end.

> **Construction note:** The cast-on end (bottom) of the body is the monkey's bottom. The closed top will be seamed to the head.

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## PIECE 3: ARMS (Make 2)

*Each arm is worked as a tube, starting at the hand (in CC cotton) and working up to the shoulder (in MC fluffy yarn).*

**Yarn:** Begin with CC; switch to MC partway through.
**Cast on:** 14 sts in CC. Distribute over DPNs; join in the round; pm for BOR.

**Rounds 1–6:** Knit 6 rounds in CC. *(14 sts)*
*This forms the hand/palm section — approximately 0.75 inch (2 cm).*

**Switch to MC.**

**Rounds 7–30:** Knit 24 rounds in MC. *(14 sts)*
*The arm tube is now approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) long.*

> **Stitch count check:** You should have 14 sts.

**Stuff the arm lightly** — arms should be flexible, not rock-hard. Leave the top 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) unstuffed for ease of seaming.

**Finishing (close the top of the arm):**
Flatten the top of the arm so the stitches line up (7 sts on front, 7 sts on back). Using a tapestry needle and a length of smooth dark brown yarn, work a running stitch or whip stitch across the top to close. This flat seam will be hidden when the arm is attached to the body.

**Make a second arm identical to the first.**

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## PIECE 4: LEGS (Make 2)

*Each leg is worked as a tube starting at the foot (in CC cotton) and working up to the hip (in MC fluffy yarn).*

**Yarn:** Begin with CC; switch to MC partway through.
**Cast on:** 16 sts in CC. Join in the round; pm for BOR.

**Rounds 1–7:** Knit 7 rounds in CC. *(16 sts)*
*This forms the foot/sole section — approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm).*

**Switch to MC.**

**Rounds 8–34:** Knit 27 rounds in MC. *(16 sts)*
*The leg tube is now approximately 4 inches (10 cm) long in total.*

> **Stitch count check:** You should have 16 sts.

**Stuff the leg firmly** — legs need to hold the monkey in a seated position.

**Finishing (close the top of the leg):**
Flatten the top (8 sts front, 8 sts back) and whip stitch closed using smooth dark brown yarn, same as arms.

**Make a second leg identical to the first.**

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## PIECE 5: POINTY ELFIN EARS (Make 2)

*These ears are worked flat (back and forth) to create a triangular pointed shape. No seaming between a front and back piece — just one flat triangle folded and attached.*

**Yarn:** MC throughout
**Needles:** Work flat on 2 DPNs (or use a small straight needle).

**Cast on:** 10 sts using MC.

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit. *(10 sts)*
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl. *(10 sts)*
**Row 3 (RS):** k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. *(8 sts)*
**Row 4 (WS):** Purl. *(8 sts)*
**Row 5 (RS):** k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. *(6 sts)*
**Row 6 (WS):** Purl. *(6 sts)*
**Row 7 (RS):** k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. *(4 sts)*
**Row 8 (WS):** Purl. *(4 sts)*
**Row 9 (RS):** ssk, k2tog. *(2 sts)*
**Row 10 (WS):** p2tog. *(1 st)*

Cut yarn and pull tail through the remaining stitch to fasten off.

> **Ear shape:** You now have a small triangle approximately 1.25 inches (3 cm) tall with a straight cast-on edge of approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The point is elfin/sharp. ✓

**Do not stuff the ears.** They are flat.

**Make a second ear identical to the first.**

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## PIECE 6: MUZZLE

*The muzzle is a small oval worked flat in CC cotton, then stuffed lightly and sewn onto the face to create a sculpted, protruding monkey snout.*

**Yarn:** CC throughout
**Work flat on 2 DPNs or straight needles.**

**Cast on:** 6 sts using CC.

**Row 1 (RS):** [kfb] in first st, k3, [kfb] in last st, k1. *(8 sts)*
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl. *(8 sts)*
**Row 3 (RS):** [kfb] in first st, k5, [kfb] in last st, k1. *(10 sts)*
**Row 4 (WS):** Purl. *(10 sts)*
**Row 5 (RS):** [kfb] in first st, k7, [kfb] in last st, k1. *(12 sts)*
**Rows 6–9:** Work 4 rows in stockinette (knit RS rows, purl WS rows). *(12 sts)*
**Row 10 (RS):** k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1. *(10 sts)*
**Row 11 (WS):** Purl. *(10 sts)*
**Row 12 (RS):** k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. *(8 sts)*
**Row 13 (WS):** Purl. *(8 sts)*
**Row 14 (RS):** k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. *(6 sts)*
**Row 15 (WS):** Purl. *(6 sts)*
**Row 16 (RS):** k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. *(4 sts)*
**Row 17 (WS):** [p2tog] twice. *(2 sts)*
**Row 18:** k2tog. *(1 st)*

Fasten off.

*The muzzle is a small oval shape, approximately 2 inches (5 cm) wide at its widest and 1.5 inches (4 cm) tall.* Leave a long CC tail for seaming.

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## PIECE 7: TAIL

*The tail is a 4-stitch I-cord.*

**Yarn:** MC
**Needles:** 2 DPNs (or 1 DPN and work I-cord technique)

**Cast on:** 4 sts.

**Work I-cord** as follows:
- Slide sts to right end of needle without turning.
- Bring yarn firmly across the back.
- Knit all 4 sts.
- Repeat this action for a total of **42 rows** (approximately 6 inches / 15 cm).

Bind off all 4 sts. Cut yarn and leave a 10-inch (25 cm) tail for seaming.

> **I-cord note for fluffy yarn:** Fluffy yarn may make it difficult to see the "cord" effect clearly, but the result will be a charming, fuzzy monkey tail. If desired, work the I-cord slightly longer (up to 50 rows / 7 inches / 18 cm) for a curlier tail look.

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# ASSEMBLY

*Read through all assembly steps before beginning. Lay all pieces out in front of you.*

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### STEP 1: FACE PREPARATION (muzzle and eyes)

**Muzzle placement:**
Hold the head with the cast-on point facing down (this is where the head will attach to the neck). The face is the front of the head.

Find the center-front of the head, about 3–4 rounds above the midpoint (slightly below center when the face is viewed straight-on — monkeys have a low muzzle). Pin the muzzle oval here.

Using the CC tail and a tapestry needle, whip-stitch around the edge of the muzzle, leaving a small gap. Stuff the muzzle very lightly with a pinch of fiberfill to give it a slightly rounded, protruding shape. Close the gap and secure the yarn.

**Safety eyes:**
*(If not already inserted — see Head instructions Round 25 note.)*
The eyes should sit on either side of the muzzle, approximately 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) above the top edge of the muzzle and approximately 0.75 inch (2 cm) apart from each other (center to center). Insert safety eyes through the knitted fabric and secure the washers firmly on the inside.

**Embroidered nostrils and mouth:**
Using black embroidery floss and an embroidery needle:
- **Nostrils:** Make two small horizontal stitches (about 3 mm each), one on each side of the center of the muzzle oval, approximately one-third down from the top of the muzzle.
- **Mouth:** Work a small curved line below the nostrils — create a gentle upward curve (a smile) using a single strand of floss in a short backstitch line, about 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) wide.
- **Optional eyebrows:** Using dark brown or black yarn, make 2 small angled straight stitches above each eye for an expressive brow.

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### STEP 2: ATTACH HEAD TO BODY

Place the head on top of the body with the closed top of the body meeting the cast-on base of the head. The face should face forward.

Using a length of smooth dark brown yarn (seaming yarn) and a tapestry needle, whip-stitch around the entire join, working through corresponding stitches on each piece. Pull firmly to keep the join secure. Work a second pass around the join if needed for strength.

> **Neck shaping tip:** For a more natural look, sew the head slightly forward (not perfectly centered over the body) so the face tilts very slightly downward. This gives a more lifelike seated monkey posture.

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### STEP 3: ATTACH EARS

The ears should sit on the upper sides of the head, pointing slightly backward and upward — like true elfin/pointy ears.

**Placement:**
- Position each ear approximately 0.75 inch (2 cm) back from the center-top of the head, along the side.
- The cast-on (straight) edge of the ear triangle is the base that attaches to the head.
- The ear should angle slightly away from the face (flare outward a little) and tilt so the point aims upward and slightly backward.

Pin each ear in position and check symmetry by viewing the head from the front. Adjust as needed.

Using smooth dark brown seaming yarn, whip-stitch each ear firmly along its base edge into the head. Add 1–2 extra stitches at the point where the ear base meets the head, at each corner, for security.

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### STEP 4: ATTACH ARMS

The arms attach to the upper sides of the body, approximately 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) below the head/body seam.

The CC (contrast) cotton hand/palm section should face downward and slightly forward (imagine a monkey with its arms slightly out to the sides, palms facing forward).

Pin each arm in position and check symmetry. Using smooth dark brown seaming yarn, whip-stitch each arm firmly to the body along the flat top seam of the arm. Work multiple passes to ensure the arms are secure.

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### STEP 5: ATTACH LEGS

The legs attach to the lower sides/front of the body, near the bottom of the body piece. Position them so the monkey will sit stably.

The CC (contrast) cotton foot section should face forward and downward. Position the legs slightly outward (angled away from center) so the monkey appears to be seated with legs out in front.

Pin each leg and check balance — set the monkey down on a flat surface and adjust until it sits steadily. Seam each leg securely using smooth dark brown yarn.

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### STEP 6: ATTACH TAIL

The tail attaches at the center back of the body, near the bottom.

Using the long MC tail left at the bind-off end of the I-cord, thread through the body center-back, positioning the tail base approximately 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) above the body base. Whip-stitch the end of the I-cord securely. Weave in all ends.

For a curled tail: lightly steam-block the tail (hold a steam iron 1 inch / 2.5 cm above; do not touch the fluffy yarn with the iron) and curl it around your finger. Hold in position until cool. *Note: Always check the yarn fiber content before applying steam — avoid steam on acrylic yarns.*

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# FINISHING

**Weave in all ends** using a tapestry needle. On the fluffy MC, ends can be hidden by threading into the WS fabric and trimming short — the fluffiness disguises the ends naturally.

**Final check:**
- All limbs are secure (tug gently — no movement).
- Safety eyes are firmly washered.
- The monkey sits upright and balanced.
- Face is expressive and centered.

**Blocking:**
Knitted amigurumi does not typically require blocking. If the fluffy yarn has flattened in places, gently fluff with a soft-bristled toothbrush or pet slicker brush to restore texture.

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## YARN YARDAGE BREAKDOWN (APPROXIMATE)

| Piece | Yarn | Yards Used |
|---|---|---|
| Head | MC | ~55 yards |
| Body | MC | ~75 yards |
| Arms (×2) | MC + CC | ~35 yards MC / ~10 yards CC |
| Legs (×2) | MC + CC | ~40 yards MC / ~15 yards CC |
| Ears (×2) | MC | ~8 yards |
| Tail | MC | ~10 yards |
| Muzzle | CC | ~15 yards |
| Seaming | Smooth brown | ~10 yards |
| **TOTAL** | | **~MC: 223 yards / CC: 40 yards** |

*Purchase at least 250 yards (230 m) MC and 60 yards (55 m) CC to allow for gauge variations and swatching.*

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## QUICK-REFERENCE STITCH COUNT TABLE

| Piece | CO | Max Sts | Closing Sts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | 8 | 56 | 8 |
| Body | 8 | 56 | 8 |
| Arm (each) | 14 | 14 | closed flat |
| Leg (each) | 16 | 16 | closed flat |
| Ear (each) | 10 | 10 | 1 (point) |
| Muzzle | 6 | 12 | 1 (point) |
| Tail (I-cord) | 4 | 4 | bound off |

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*Pattern designed for personal use. Charlie the Monkey loves banana-colored accessories and tree-top adventures.*

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