The Retro Rascal Monkey Amigurumi: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Chunky, Vintage-Style Toy

Bring Back the Charm: Crochet Your Own Retro Rascal Monkey Amigurumi

There's something incredibly special about a handmade toy, especially one that evokes the warmth of a bygone era. Our Retro Rascal Monkey Amigurumi pattern is designed to capture that exact feeling. With its chunky, huggable design and classic brown and cream color palette, this little fellow is a perfect project for creating a nostalgic, vintage-style gift. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a fun challenge, this pattern will guide you through every step to create a lovable, old-school toy that's sure to become a cherished companion.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the exact specifications will ensure your monkey turns out just like the pattern intends.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Brown (MC - Main Color): Approximately 150 yards
  • Cream (CC - Contrast Color): Approximately 50 yards
  • Black: A small amount for face details (eyes and mouth)
• Crochet Hook: Size G (4.0 mm), or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge.
• Gauge: 4 single crochet (sc) stitches and 4 rows = 1 inch. Checking your gauge is important for achieving the correct size and shape.
• Other Supplies: Yarn needle, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill stuffing, scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. The monkey is constructed from the head down, with separate arms and legs that are sewn on later.

Head

Using Brown (MC) yarn.

• Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
• Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
• Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
• Rounds 6-10: Sc in each stitch around. (30 stitches for each round)
• Round 11: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, sc2tog (single crochet 2 together)*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
• Round 12: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
• Round 13: *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)
• Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill.
• Round 14: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)
• Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave the end through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in the end securely.

Face

Using Cream (CC) yarn.

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (24 stitches)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Using the black yarn, embroider two small eyes and a smiling mouth onto the center of the face piece. Sew the face securely onto the front of the head.

Ears (Make 2)

Using Brown (MC) yarn.

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
• Round 4: Sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Fold each ear in half and sew the open edge closed to create a flat, rounded shape. Sew the ears to the sides of the head.

Body

Using Brown (MC) yarn.

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
• Round 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch*; repeat around. (24 stitches)
• Rounds 5-8: Sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches for each round)
• Round 9: *Sc in next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
• Round 10: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat around. (12 stitches)
• Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill.
• Round 11: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the body to the bottom of the head.

Arms (Make 2)

Using Brown (MC) yarn. Do not stuff.

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
• Rounds 2-8: Sc in each stitch around. (6 stitches for each round)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the arms to the sides of the body, positioning them so they hang down.

Legs (Make 2)

Using Brown (MC) yarn.

• Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
• Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
• Rounds 3-6: Sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches for each round)
• Round 7: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat around. (8 stitches)
• Stuff the legs lightly with fiberfill.
• Round 8: Sc2tog around. (4 stitches)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body, ensuring the monkey can sit upright.

Tail

Using Brown (MC) yarn.

• Chain 15.
• Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (14 stitches)
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the tail to the back of the body.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely. For a final touch, you can add a small bow or a tiny hat to give your Retro Rascal Monkey even more personality. Enjoy your new handmade friend!