purlJam

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# MATHILDA — A KNITTED RHESUS MACAQUE DOLL
### *A Dressed Stuffed Monkey in Sport-Weight Yarn*

---

## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Mathilda is a 14-inch (36 cm) knitted Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) doll with a biscuit-colored boucle body, flesh-toned face, hands, and feet, four fingers and a thumb on each hand, five toes on each foot, and slightly pointed ears. She wears a knitted dress with a white collar and puff sleeves, finished with a crisp white knitted pinafore over the top.

**Difficulty:** Intermediate
**Techniques used:** Knitting in the round, short rows, I-cord, picking up stitches, decreasing and increasing, seaming (Mattress stitch and Kitchener)

---

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

| Part | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Total height (seated) | approx. 10 in (25 cm) |
| Total height (standing) | approx. 14 in (36 cm) |
| Body circumference | approx. 9.5 in (24 cm) |
| Head circumference | approx. 8 in (20 cm) |
| Arm length | approx. 5 in (13 cm) |
| Leg length | approx. 5 in (13 cm) |

---

## MATERIALS

### Yarn
| Label | Color | Fiber | Weight | Yardage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Yarn A** — Body | Biscuit / warm tan | Boucle (wool/acrylic blend recommended) | Sport | 220 yds (200 m) |
| **Yarn B** — Face, Hands, Feet | Flesh / pale peach | Smooth cotton or cotton-blend | Sport | 110 yds (100 m) |
| **Yarn C** — Dress | Mid-tone color of your choice (dusty rose, sage, or soft blue suggested) | Smooth DK or sport weight | Sport | 175 yds (160 m) |
| **Yarn D** — Collar, Cuffs, Pinafore | White or cream | Smooth cotton or sport weight | Sport | 130 yds (120 m) |

> **Yarn A Note:** Boucle yarns vary widely. Choose one with a reasonably tight loop structure so stitch definition is maintained. A sport-weight boucle with a smooth plied core works best.

### Needles
- US 2 / 2.75 mm — set of 5 double-pointed needles (DPNs) *or* 32-in (80 cm) circular for magic loop — **main needles**
- US 1 / 2.25 mm — set of 5 DPNs — **for fingers and toes only**
- US 3 / 3.25 mm — straight or circular — **for dress and pinafore**

### Notions
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Stitch markers (at least 6, including 2 locking/removable)
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Waste yarn for holding stitches
- 2 × black safety eyes, 10 mm (or embroider eyes if making for a child under 3)
- Embroidery floss — black, dark brown (for facial features)
- Sewing thread — matching flesh tone
- 3 × small snaps or 3 × small buttons (for pinafore back closure)
- Stitch holders or spare DPNs
- Row counter (optional but recommended)
- Removable stitch markers

---

## GAUGE

**26 sts × 36 rows = 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) in Stockinette stitch on US 2 / 2.75 mm needles**

*Check your gauge before beginning. The size of this toy depends on accurate gauge. Adjust needle size as needed.*

> **Gauge swatch tip for boucle:** Work your swatch flat, then measure only in the center of the swatch, away from selvedge edges. Boucle can "fill in" and appear denser once washed — wash and block your swatch before measuring.

---

## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| approx | approximately |
| beg | beginning |
| BO | bind off |
| CO | cast on |
| cont | continue |
| dec | decrease |
| DPN(s) | double-pointed needle(s) |
| inc | increase |
| k | knit |
| k2tog | knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease) |
| kfb | knit into front and back of stitch (increase) |
| m | marker |
| M1L | make 1 left (lift bar between sts, knit through back loop) |
| M1R | make 1 right (lift bar between sts, knit through front loop) |
| p | purl |
| pm | place marker |
| rem | remaining |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| RS | right side |
| sl | slip |
| slm | slip marker |
| ssk | slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease) |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| St st | stockinette stitch (knit all rnds when working in the round; knit RS rows, purl WS rows when flat) |
| tog | together |
| W&T | wrap and turn (short rows) |
| WS | wrong side |
| wyib | with yarn in back |
| [ ] | work instructions within brackets as directed |

---

## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Construction Order:** Work the body first, then head, then arms, then legs and feet. Assemble the monkey, then knit and attach the dress and pinafore. This order makes stuffing and assembly easier.

2. **Boucle Tips:** Because boucle is textured and can obscure stitches, count stitches frequently. Place a locking marker every 8 stitches when working in the round. Use a smooth waste yarn to lifeline critical rounds.

3. **Joining limbs:** Arms and legs are knitted separately, then sewn on after the body is assembled and stuffed. Use locking markers to pin in place before sewing.

4. **Fingers and toes** are worked as short I-cords then sewn directly onto the hands and feet. They are not knitted in one piece with the hand — this gives a cleaner result with boucle yarn.

5. **Face and muzzle:** The Rhesus macaque has a distinctive pale/flesh-toned face with a slightly protruding muzzle. This is achieved with short-row shaping and a separately knitted muzzle piece sewn on.

6. **Ears** are knitted flat and shaped to a slight point at the top, characteristic of the Rhesus macaque.

7. **For child safety:** If this toy is intended for a child under 36 months, substitute embroidered eyes for safety eyes, and use firmly knotted yarn ends rather than snaps or buttons.

8. **Dress and Pinafore** are knitted separately and can be removed. The pinafore fastens at the back with 3 snaps.

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

---

### PART ONE: THE MONKEY

---

#### BODY

Worked in the round, bottom-up, in **Yarn A (boucle)**.

**Cast on:**
Using US 2 / 2.75 mm DPNs or magic loop, CO 32 sts in Yarn A. Distribute evenly across needles. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Pm for beg of rnd.

**Bottom shaping (Rounds 1–4):**
- Rnd 1: [k1, M1R, k6, M1L, k1] 4 times. — 40 sts
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: [k1, M1R, k8, M1L, k1] 4 times. — 48 sts
- Rnd 4: Knit.

> **Stitch check:** 48 sts ✓

**Body (Rounds 5–54):**
Work 50 rnds even in St st (knit every rnd). — 50 rnds worked.

> At approx. 5.5 in (14 cm) from cast-on.

**Upper body shaping (Rounds 55–62):**
- Rnd 55: [k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1] 4 times. — 40 sts
- Rnd 56: Knit.
- Rnd 57: [k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1] 4 times. — 32 sts
- Rnd 58: Knit.
- Rnd 59: [k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1] 4 times. — 24 sts
- Rnd 60: Knit.
- Rnd 61: [k1, ssk, k2tog, k1] 4 times. — 16 sts
- Rnd 62: Knit.

> **Stitch check:** 16 sts ✓

Stuff body firmly with fiberfill.

**Neck:**
- Rnd 63: [k2tog] 8 times. — 8 sts
- Rnd 64–68: Knit 5 rnds even. — neck tube approx. 0.5 in (1.3 cm)

Leave these 8 sts on a holder or waste yarn. Do not break yarn — you will pick up for the head.

---

#### HEAD

Worked in the round from the neck up, in **Yarn B (flesh cotton)**.

*Note: The head is worked in Yarn B, with the boucle Yarn A used only for the back and top of the head (as Rhesus macaques have a pale face and slightly darker top of head). For simplicity, this pattern works the entire head in Yarn B and you may add a Yarn A "cap" patch if desired, or use duplicate stitch or surface embroidery.*

**Pickup and cast-on:**
Pick up the 8 held neck sts with Yarn B onto US 2 DPNs.

- Rnd 1 (inc): [kfb] 8 times. — 16 sts
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3 (inc): [k1, kfb] 8 times. — 24 sts
- Rnd 4: Knit.
- Rnd 5 (inc): [k2, kfb] 8 times. — 32 sts
- Rnd 6: Knit.
- Rnd 7 (inc): [k3, kfb] 8 times. — 40 sts
- Rnd 8: Knit.

> **Stitch check:** 40 sts ✓

**Head body (Rounds 9–30):**
Work 22 rnds even in St st.

> At approx. 2.5 in (6.5 cm) from neck join.

**Muzzle placement (Rounds 31–36):**
The muzzle is worked with short rows on the front 14 sts of the round.

Set-up: Identify front-center 14 sts (sts 14–27 of the round if you number from beg of rnd). Pm before st 14 and after st 27.

- **Short row 1 (RS):** Knit to 2nd marker, W&T.
- **Short row 2 (WS):** Purl back to 1st marker, W&T.
- **Short row 3:** Knit to 2 sts before previous wrap, W&T.
- **Short row 4:** Purl to 2 sts before previous wrap, W&T.
- **Short row 5:** Knit to 2 sts before previous wrap, W&T.
- **Short row 6:** Purl to 2 sts before previous wrap, W&T.
- **Resolution rnd:** Knit across all 40 sts, picking up all wraps and knitting them together with their wrapped sts.

> This creates a slight forward protrusion for the muzzle. ✓

**Continue head (Rounds 37–42):**
Work 6 rnds even in St st.

**Top of head decreases (Rounds 43–50):**
- Rnd 43: [k3, k2tog] 8 times. — 32 sts
- Rnd 44: Knit.
- Rnd 45: [k2, k2tog] 8 times. — 24 sts
- Rnd 46: Knit.
- Rnd 47: [k1, k2tog] 8 times. — 16 sts
- Rnd 48: Knit.
- Rnd 49: [k2tog] 8 times. — 8 sts
- Rnd 50: [k2tog] 4 times. — 4 sts

> **Stitch check:** 4 sts ✓

Stuff head firmly. Break yarn leaving 6-in (15 cm) tail. Thread through rem 4 sts, pull tight, and weave in.

---

#### MUZZLE OVERLAY (optional but recommended)

Worked flat in **Yarn B** with US 2 needles.

CO 10 sts.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl.
- Rows 3–6: Rep rows 1–2 twice.
- Row 7: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1. — 8 sts
- Row 8: Purl.
- Row 9: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1. — 6 sts
- Row 10: Purl.
- Row 11: k1, ssk, k2tog, k1. — 4 sts
- Row 12: Purl.
- Row 13: k2tog twice. — 2 sts
- Row 14: p2tog. — 1 st. Fasten off.

This is the muzzle overlay. Lightly stuff and sew onto the face over the short-row muzzle bump, centering it horizontally and positioning it in the lower third of the face. Embroider nostrils with black embroidery floss using 2 small French knots.

---

#### EARS (Make 2)

Worked flat in **Yarn A (boucle)** with US 2 needles.

*Rhesus macaque ears are rounded with a slight upward point at the top outer edge.*

CO 10 sts.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl.
- Row 3: k1, M1R, k8, M1L, k1. — 12 sts
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: k1, M1R, k10, M1L, k1. — 14 sts
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: Knit.
- Row 8: Purl.

**Point shaping:**
- Row 9: k12, W&T.
- Row 10: p10, W&T.
- Row 11: k8, W&T.
- Row 12: p6, W&T.
- Row 13: Knit to end, picking up wraps.
- Row 14: Purl.
- Row 15: ssk, k10, k2tog. — 12 sts
- Row 16: p2tog, p8, p2tog. — 10 sts
- Row 17: ssk, k6, k2tog. — 8 sts

BO all sts. Fold ear in half lengthwise (RS together), seam the curved edge. Turn RS out. Do not stuff. Sew base of ear to side of head, positioned about 1 in (2.5 cm) above and slightly behind where the eye will be. The slight point should face upward and outward.

---

#### TAIL

Worked as an I-cord in **Yarn A** with US 2 DPNs.

CO 6 sts. Work I-cord for 5 in (13 cm).
- Next rnd: [k2tog] 3 times. — 3 sts
- Next rnd: k3tog. — 1 st. Fasten off.

Lightly stuff the tail by threading a length of scrap yarn or a thin strand of fiberfill through the center before seaming closed. Sew securely to the base of the body at the back. Curve the tail upward and tack in position at the mid-back point if desired.

---

#### ARMS (Make 2)

Worked in the round in **Yarn A (boucle)** with US 2 DPNs.

CO 14 sts. Distribute across needles. Join to work in the round, pm for beg of rnd.

**Arm tube (Rounds 1–45):**
Work 45 rnds even in St st. — approx. 5 in (13 cm)

**Wrist shaping:**
- Rnd 46: [k2tog, k1] 4 times, k2. — 10 sts
- Rnd 47: Knit.

Leave sts on waste yarn for hand pickup. Do not stuff arm yet.

**HAND:**
Using **Yarn B (flesh cotton)** and US 2 DPNs, pick up the 10 live sts.

- Rnd 1: [kfb, k1] 5 times. — 15 sts
- Rnds 2–8: Knit 7 rnds even.

> This forms the palm area — approx. 0.75 in (2 cm).

**Hand top shaping:**
- Rnd 9: [k1, k2tog] 5 times. — 10 sts
- Rnd 10: [k2tog] 5 times. — 5 sts

Break yarn, thread through rem 5 sts, pull tight, fasten off. Stuff arm (not hand — hand is stuffed separately) before seaming closed. Leave hand opening.

> **Important:** Stuff arm firmly through the wrist opening before sewing the hand shut. The hand itself is stuffed via the cuff after the fingers are attached.

---

#### FINGERS AND THUMB (Make 4 fingers + 1 thumb per hand, ×2 hands = 10 total)

Worked as I-cords in **Yarn B (flesh cotton)** using US 1 / 2.25 mm DPNs.

**Fingers (make 8 total — 4 per hand):**

Each finger:
CO 4 sts. Work I-cord for:
- Index and ring fingers: 1.25 in (3 cm)
- Middle finger: 1.5 in (4 cm)
- Pinky finger: 1 in (2.5 cm)

Finish each: [k2tog] twice — 2 sts. K2tog — 1 st. Fasten off.

**Thumbs (make 2 — 1 per hand):**
CO 4 sts. Work I-cord for 0.75 in (2 cm).
Finish: [k2tog] twice — 2 sts. K2tog — 1 st. Fasten off.

**Attaching fingers and thumbs:**
Flatten the hand along the bound-off edge. Position and sew:
- 4 fingers evenly spaced across the top of the hand
- 1 thumb offset to the side (approximately 90° from the fingers), positioned at the outer edge of the hand near the wrist

Sew each I-cord firmly in place using matching flesh-toned yarn or thread. After all fingers are attached, stuff the hand through the palm/wrist join before final closing.

---

#### LEGS (Make 2)

Worked in the round in **Yarn A (boucle)** with US 2 DPNs.

CO 16 sts. Distribute across needles. Join to work in the round, pm for beg of rnd.

**Leg tube (Rounds 1–45):**
Work 45 rnds even in St st. — approx. 5 in (13 cm)

**Ankle shaping:**
- Rnd 46: [k2tog, k2] 4 times. — 12 sts
- Rnd 47: Knit.

Leave sts on waste yarn for foot pickup.

---

#### FEET (Make 2)

Using **Yarn B (flesh cotton)** and US 2 DPNs, pick up the 12 held ankle sts.

**Foot shaping:**
- Rnd 1: k6, kfb, k4, kfb. — 14 sts
- Rnd 2: Knit.
- Rnd 3: k6, kfb, k5, kfb, k1. — 16 sts
- Rnds 4–12: Knit 9 rnds even. — approx. 1 in (2.5 cm) foot length

> *Rhesus macaques have notably elongated feet — this longer foot section reflects that.*

**Toe end shaping:**
- Rnd 13: [k2, k2tog] 4 times. — 12 sts
- Rnd 14: Knit.
- Rnd 15: [k1, k2tog] 4 times. — 8 sts
- Rnd 16: [k2tog] 4 times. — 4 sts

Break yarn, thread through rem 4 sts, pull tight, fasten off. Stuff leg and foot firmly before closing.

> **Stitch check at each step:** 16 → 12 → 8 → 4 ✓

---

#### TOES (Make 5 per foot, ×2 feet = 10 total)

Worked as I-cords in **Yarn B** on US 1 / 2.25 mm DPNs.

Each toe:
CO 4 sts. Work I-cord for:
- Big toe (hallux): 1 in (2.5 cm) — positioned offset to the inner side, as in Rhesus anatomy
- 2nd toe: 1.25 in (3 cm)
- 3rd toe: 1.1 in (2.8 cm)
- 4th toe: 1 in (2.5 cm)
- 5th (little) toe: 0.75 in (2 cm)

Finish each: [k2tog] twice — 2 sts. K2tog — 1 st. Fasten off.

Sew toes onto the toe end of each foot. The big toe is offset to the inner side (Rhesus macaques have an opposable big toe). Sew the remaining 4 toes evenly across the front of the foot.

---

### ASSEMBLY: MONKEY BODY

1. **Neck join:** Thread the neck sts (8 sts held from body) through the base of the head and seam together, easing around the circumference. Ladder stitch or Mattress stitch to close any gaps.

2. **Attach ears:** Sew ears to sides of head as described, with points facing upward.

3. **Place eyes:** Position safety eyes (10 mm) in the middle area of the face, approximately 1 in (2.5 cm) apart horizontally and 0.75 in (2 cm) above the muzzle. Secure firmly from inside. *If making for a child under 3, embroider eyes with black floss using satin stitch.*

4. **Embroider face:** Using black or dark brown embroidery floss:
   - **Nostrils:** 2 small French knots on the muzzle overlay
   - **Mouth:** A small curved line using stem stitch, centered below the nostrils

5. **Attach arms:** Pin arms to the sides of the upper body approximately 0.5 in (1.3 cm) below the neck seam. The hands should face forward. Sew securely using matching yarn and Mattress stitch, working all the way around the arm opening.

6. **Attach legs:** Pin legs to the lower body sides/front, approximately 0.75 in (2 cm) above the cast-on base. Sew securely. Feet should point forward.

7. **Attach tail:** Sew tail securely to center back at the base of the body.

8. **Boucle head cap (optional):** Cut a small oval of Yarn A loops or work a duplicate stitch surface overlay across the top and back of the head using Yarn A to give the characteristic darker cap coloring of the Rhesus macaque.

---

### PART TWO: THE DRESS

---

The dress is worked in **Yarn C** with a **Yarn D** collar and cuff trim. The dress has a simple A-line body, set-in puff sleeves, and a white collar. It is worked flat in two pieces (front and back), then seamed at the sides and shoulders. Sleeves are worked separately and gathered into the armhole.

**Needle:** US 3 / 3.25 mm throughout for dress and pinafore.

**Dress gauge on US 3:** Approx. 24 sts × 32 rows = 4 in (10 cm). *(Slightly looser needle for the dress gives a better drape and makes it easier to work on/off the monkey.)*

---

#### DRESS BACK

CO 42 sts in **Yarn C**.

**Hem (Rows 1–4):**
- Row 1 (RS): Knit.
- Row 2 (WS): Purl.
- Row 3: Knit.
- Row 4: Purl.

**Body (Rows 5–40):**
Work in St st (k RS, p WS) for 36 rows. — approx. 4.5 in (11.5 cm) from hem.

**Waist shaping:**
- Row 41 (RS): k2, [k2tog, k4] 6 times, k2tog, k2. — 35 sts
- Row 42: Purl.
- Rows 43–56: Work 14 rows even in St st. — approx. 2 in (5 cm) above waist.

> **Stitch check:** 35 sts ✓

**Armhole shaping:**
- Row 57 (RS): BO 3 sts, knit to end. — 32 sts
- Row 58 (WS): BO 3 sts, purl to end. — 29 sts
- Row 59: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — 27 sts
- Row 60: Purl.
- Row 61: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — 25 sts
- Rows 62–72: Work 11 rows even. — approx. 1.5 in (4 cm) armhole depth.

> **Stitch check:** 25 sts ✓

**Back neck and shoulder shaping:**
- Row 73 (RS): k8, BO center 9 sts, k8.
- Work each shoulder separately.

*Right shoulder (as worn):*
- Row 74 (WS): Purl.
- Row 75: k1, ssk, k5. — 7 sts
- Row 76: Purl.
- Row 77: k1, ssk, k4. — 6 sts
- Rows 78–80: Work 3 rows even.
- BO 6 sts.

*Left shoulder (as worn):*
Reattach yarn at neck edge.
- Row 74 (WS): Purl.
- Row 75: k5, k2tog, k1. — 7 sts
- Row 76: Purl.
- Row 77: k4, k2tog, k1. — 6 sts
- Rows 78–80: Work 3 rows even.
- BO 6 sts.

---

#### DRESS FRONT

Work exactly as Dress Back until armhole shaping is complete (25 sts at Row 72), *but* at Row 68, begin front neck shaping:

**Front neck shaping (from Row 68):**
- Row 68 (RS): k9, BO center 7 sts, k9.
- Work each side separately.

*Left front (as worn):*
- Row 69 (WS): Purl.
- Row 70: k1, ssk, k6. — 8 sts
- Row 71: Purl.
- Row 72: k1, ssk, k5. — 7 sts
- Row 73: Purl.
- Row 74: k1, ssk, k4. — 6 sts
- Rows 75–80: Work 6 rows even.
- BO 6 sts.

*Right front (as worn):*
Reattach yarn at neck edge.
- Row 69 (WS): Purl.
- Row 70: k6, k2tog, k1. — 8 sts
- Row 71: Purl.
- Row 72: k5, k2tog, k1. — 7 sts
- Row 73: Purl.
- Row 74: k4, k2tog, k1. — 6 sts
- Rows 75–80: Work 6 rows even.
- BO 6 sts.

> **Stitch check:** Both shoulder stitches match (6 sts each side, front and back) ✓

---

#### DRESS COLLAR

Worked in **Yarn D (white)** flat on US 3 needles. The collar is a flat rounded Peter Pan collar in two mirrored pieces.

**Left collar piece:**
CO 3 sts.
- Row 1 (RS): k1, M1R, k2. — 4 sts
- Row 2 (WS): Purl.
- Row 3: k1, M1R, k3. — 5 sts
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: k1, M1R, k4. — 6 sts
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: k1, M1R, k5. — 7 sts
- Row 8: Purl.
- Row 9: k1, M1R, k6. — 8 sts
- Rows 10–18: Work 9 rows even in St st.
- Row 19: k1, ssk, k5. — 7 sts
- Row 20: Purl.
- Row 21: k1, ssk, k4. — 6 sts
- Row 22: Purl.
- Row 23: k1, ssk, k3. — 5 sts
- Row 24: Purl.
BO all sts.

**Right collar piece:**
Work as Left collar piece, substituting k2tog for ssk and placing the M1L at the end of RS rows instead of M1R at the beginning (mirroring the shaping).

- CO 3 sts.
- Row 1: k2, M1L, k1. — 4 sts
- Row 2: Purl.
- Row 3: k3, M1L, k1. — 5 sts
- Row 4: Purl.
- Row 5: k4, M1L, k1. — 6 sts
- Row 6: Purl.
- Row 7: k5, M1L, k1. — 7 sts
- Row 8: Purl.
- Row 9: k6, M1L, k1. — 8 sts
- Rows 10–18: Work 9 rows even.
- Row 19: k5, k2tog, k1. — 7 sts
- Row 20: Purl.
- Row 21: k4, k2tog, k1. — 6 sts
- Row 22: Purl.
- Row 23: k3, k2tog, k1. — 5 sts
- Row 24: Purl.
BO all sts.

---

#### PUFF SLEEVES (Make 2)

Worked flat in **Yarn C** then seamed, with **Yarn D** cuff.

CO 36 sts.

**Puff gathering rows (Rows 1–6):**
These rows create the gathered puff at the sleeve cap. Work in Seed stitch:
- Row 1 (RS): [k1, p1] to end.
- Row 2 (WS): [k1, p1] to end.
- Row 3: [k1, p1, k1, p3tog] 6 times. — 24 sts
- Row 4: [k1, p1] to end.
- Row 5: Knit.
- Row 6: Purl.

> **Stitch check:** 36 → 24 sts ✓

**Sleeve body (Rows 7–24):**
Work 18 rows even in St st. — approx. 2.25 in (5.7 cm)

**Sleeve cap shaping:**
- Row 25: BO 2 sts, knit to end. — 22 sts
- Row 26: BO 2 sts, purl to end. — 20 sts
- Row 27: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — 18 sts
- Row 28: Purl.
- Row 29: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — 16 sts
- Row 30: Purl.
- Row 31: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — 14 sts
- Row 32: Purl.
- Row 33: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — 12 sts
- Row 34: Purl.
- Row 35: [k1, k2tog] 4 times. — 8 sts *(Note: This is the last dec row at top of sleeve cap — adjust gathering.)*

> **Stitch check:** 24 → 22 → 20 → 18 → 16 → 14 → 12 → 8 sts ✓

BO rem 8 sts.

**Cuff (Yarn D):**
With RS facing and Yarn D, pick up and knit 24 sts along cast-on edge of sleeve.
- Rows 1–4: Work in 1×1 rib [k1, p1].
BO in rib.

---

#### DRESS ASSEMBLY

1. Seam front and back at shoulders using Mattress stitch or 3-needle bind-off.
2. Seam sides from hem to armhole.
3. Set in sleeves: Pin sleeve cap into armhole, matching center of sleeve cap to shoulder seam. Sew in place using Mattress stitch. Ease fullness evenly.
4. Attach collar: Lay both collar pieces along the neck edge, meeting at center front. The inner (straight) edges of the collar sit along the neckline. Sew down using matching Yarn D thread, sewing through the back of the collar knit stitches.
5. Sew a 3-snap closure at center back of dress if desired (or leave as a pullover — the neck opening should be wide enough to fit over the monkey's head).

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### PART THREE: THE WHITE PINAFORE

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The pinafore is worked in **Yarn D (white)** on US 3 needles. It has a gathered skirt, a bib front, shoulder straps, and back ties. The back closes with 3 small snaps.

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#### PINAFORE SKIRT

CO 72 sts.

**Hem:**
- Rows 1–3: Knit (garter stitch). — 3-row garter hem.

**Skirt body (Rows 4–36):**
Work 33 rows in St st (k RS, p WS). — approx. 4 in (10 cm) above hem.

**Waist gathering:**
- Row 37 (RS): [k2tog, k2] 18 times. — 54 sts
- Row 38: Purl.
- Row 39 (RS): [k2tog, k1] 18 times. — 36 sts
- Row 40: Purl.

> **Stitch check:** 72 → 54 → 36 sts ✓

**Waistband (Rows 41–44):**
- Rows 41–44: Work in 1×1 rib [k1, p1] for 4 rows.

Leave sts on needle — do not bind off. Divide: Place first 12 sts on holder (back right), knit center 12 sts (front bib), place last 12 sts on holder (back left).

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#### BIB FRONT

Working on center 12 sts:

- Rows 45–64: Work 20 rows even in St st. — approx. 2.5 in (6.5 cm)

**Bib top edge:**
- Row 65: k3, BO center 6 sts, k3. — 3 sts each shoulder strap.

**Left shoulder strap (3 sts):**
- Continue in garter stitch (knit every row) for 3 in (7.5 cm) — approx. 24 rows.
- BO 3 sts.

**Right shoulder strap (3 sts):**
Reattach yarn. Work as left strap.

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#### BACK PANELS (Make 2)

Pick up the 12 held back sts. Work each side:
- Work 4 rows in 1×1 rib.
- BO in rib.

The back panels sit flat against the back of the dress. Attach snaps (3 evenly spaced) to close the back panels together.

> **Note:** The shoulder straps cross at the back and button/snap to the back waistband edge. Sew the free ends of the straps to the back waistband edge approximately 1.5 in (4 cm) in from the side edge.

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#### PINAFORE FINISHING

1. Weave in all ends.
2. Block the pinafore lightly.
3. Attach 3 snaps to back panels at waist level.

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### PART FOUR: FINAL FINISHING AND ASSEMBLY

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1. **Dress the monkey:** Dress the monkey in the knitted dress first, then put the pinafore on over the top.

2. **Block all garments:** Lightly wet-block or steam-block the dress and pinafore before dressing the monkey. Do not press the boucle body.

3. **Facial details:** If not already done, add a tiny amount of blush-pink embroidery or diluted fabric paint to the cheeks for a lifelike Rhesus macaque flush.

4. **Secure all attachments:** Double-check that all limbs, ears, and the tail are sewn on securely. If this toy will be handled frequently, add extra stitching around each attachment point.

5. **Final stuffing check:** Squeeze the toy gently — it should be firm but not rock-hard. The head should be the firmest part.

6. **Weave in all ends** on both the monkey and garments using a blunt tapestry needle, making sure all ends are well-hidden and secured.

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## SCHEMATIC OVERVIEW

```
          ●●●           ← Ears (pointed)
         (   )          ← Head (Yarn B flesh)
          [≈≈]          ← Collar (Yarn D white)
        ══╪╪╪══         ← Puff Sleeves (Yarn C)
        ║     ║         ← Arms (Yarn A boucle)
        ║ ▓▓▓ ║         ← Body (Yarn A boucle)
        ║ ▓▓▓ ║         ← Dress (Yarn C) over body
        ╟──╥──╢         ← Waist
           ║            ← Pinafore skirt (Yarn D white)
         ╠═╬═╣          ← Legs (Yarn A)
         ║   ║
        ═╧═ ═╧═         ← Feet with 5 toes (Yarn B)
```

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## YARN AMOUNTS SUMMARY

| Yarn | Amount Needed |
|---|---|
| Yarn A — Boucle body | 220 yds (200 m) |
| Yarn B — Flesh cotton | 110 yds (100 m) |
| Yarn C — Dress color | 175 yds (160 m) |
| Yarn D — White | 130 yds (120 m) |

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## QUICK-REFERENCE STITCH COUNT TABLE

| Component | CO | Final/Key Count |
|---|---|---|
| Body | 32 | 48 (widest), 8 at neck |
| Head | 8 (pickup) | 40 (max), 4 at close |
| Arm | 14 | 10 at wrist |
| Hand | 10 (pickup) | 15 (max), 5 at close |
| Leg | 16 | 12 at ankle |
| Foot | 12 (pickup) | 16 (max), 4 at close |
| Dress back | 42 | 25 at armhole, 6 each shoulder |
| Dress front | 42 | 25 at armhole, 6 each shoulder |
| Sleeve | 36 | 24 after gather, 8 at cap |
| Pinafore skirt | 72 | 36 at waist |

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*Pattern designed for intermediate knitters. All stitch counts verified. Always check gauge before beginning.*

*Mathilda is a decorative toy. If made for a child, omit safety eyes and small buttons; replace with embroidery and sewn closures. Supervise play with any knitted toy.*

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