Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Monkeys to Knit for the Year of the Monkey

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Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and we’re about to begin the Year of the Monkey.

I found so many cute monkey knitting patterns I actually had to stop looking for fear of overwhelming you all with the cuteness, but here are a bunch to get you started, whether you’re knitting to celebrate the new year or just to make a gift for a monkey-loving kiddo.

Elaine Fitzpatrick has an adorable Imp Cloth that can be made as a washcloth or a baby bib. It’s decorated with a monkey in textured stitches and is so cute I just might have to make one even though we’re beyond the bib stage.

Looking for more knitting patterns for a Monkey? Check out these knitting patterns on Etsy and these free monkey knitting patterns from our sister site Craftbits.com

Nett Hulse has adorable little baby mittens with monkey motifs, among other designs.

Tommy Smith has a Monkey Finger Puppet, or check out the Tiny Monkey by Katie Startzman, Monkey Moo from the Knitted Toy Box, Mary Kate Long’s Tiny Sock Monkey, or Aine Marriott’s Mini Monkey. So cute!

If you like your monkeys bigger, there are many, many options, including:

There’s even a Curious George chart (from Justyna Lorkowska) and a Boots the Monkey from Jennifer Wilson-Parkes (though it should be noted those characters are licensed, so don’t try to sell anything using these patterns!).

Have you ever knit a monkey? I’d love to know what you made or if any of these designs catch your eye.

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.