Bongo Monkey With Banana Amigurumi For Handmade Gifts
Finished Size: Approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide
Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Hook Size: 3.5 mm
Yarn: worsted yarn
Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, polyfill
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 3.5 mm hook
Why This Pattern Is Worth Your Time
This Bongo Monkey With Banana amigurumi is an amigurumi doll worked in light brown, cream, black, and dark brown. You will crochet the head, muzzle, eye, eyebrow, nose, mouth, ear, body, arm, hand, leg, foot, tail, banana, banana stem, and the banana tip. The pattern walks through each piece with clear round-by-round counts, then shows how to assemble and finish everything so the result matches the reference photos.
Use the pattern card as your material checklist before starting. Safety eyes give a polished look. It stands upright on its own. Keep your tension even, count stitches at the end of shaping rounds, and check the placement notes before sewing pieces together for a clean handmade result.
A Few Notes Before We Begin
This project rewards the maker with a playful, character-driven piece that doubles as both a decorative accent and a huggable companion. The banana motif gives the monkey a quirky personality that reads clearly even from across a room, and the small scale keeps the work manageable without sacrificing detail. It suits crocheters who already feel comfortable reading stitches, shaping curves, and assembling sewn pieces, and it also appeals to gift makers looking for a memorable handmade present for a child or a collector of novelty plush.
For a finished size of roughly 10 inches tall and 7 inches wide, a worsted or light worsted weight yarn with clear stitch definition works best, since the facial features and the banana shape rely on visible texture. A 3.5 mm hook paired with this weight produces a tight fabric that holds stuffing securely and prevents the polyfill from peeking through the stitches. Traditional monkey tones of medium brown paired with a sunny yellow banana feel classic, but swapping the brown for taupe, mocha, or even a soft gray creates a modern twist, while a pastel banana in pink or mint shifts the mood toward nursery decor. Choosing a yarn with a smooth, non-fuzzy surface helps embroidered details stay crisp.
One common pitfall with shaped amigurumi is loose tension at the color changes, which leaves small gaps where the monkey's face meets the head or where the banana tucks against the body. To avoid this, work the last stitch of the old color tightly, then pull the new color through with a firm tug before completing the first stitch of the new round. Using an decreases on the shaping rounds also keeps the surface smooth, so the finished piece looks polished rather than lumpy. Blocking the pieces lightly before assembly helps the curves sit flat and makes the final sewing step much easier.
Materials and Supplies You'll Need
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | worsted yarn in light brown, cream, black, dark brown, yellow |
| Hook | 3.5 mm crochet hook |
| Stuffing | Polyfill or fiberfill |
| Eyes | Safety eyes or embroidery thread |
| Extras | Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors |
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 3.5 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if stuffing shows through, go down one hook size.
Crochet Stitches in This Pattern
Note: This pattern uses US crochet terms. All rounds are worked in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | Decrease (sc 2 together) |
The Full Pattern, Step by Step
head, light brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
Rnd 6: sc around (30)
Rnd 7: sc around (30)
Rnd 8: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 10: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 11: dec around (6)
Rnd 12: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to cream yarn for the muzzle.
muzzle, cream yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)
Rnd 3: sc around (9)
Rnd 4: (1 sc, dec) x 3 (6)
Rnd 5: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black yarn for the eye.
eye (make 2), black yarn
Use 6 mm safety eyes or embroidered eyes; place them on the upper half of the head, about one eye-width apart.
If using safety eyes, insert the posts before closing the head opening and secure the backs firmly on the inside.
If embroidering, work two small black satin stitches, then add a tiny white stitch highlight if desired.
Switch to brown yarn for the eyebrow.
eyebrow (make 2), brown yarn
Embroider this facial detail with black thread after the head is closed.
Use short straight stitches or satin stitch, keeping the line light and curved so it sits naturally above the eye.
nose, brown yarn
Embroider the nose with black thread after the eyes are placed.
Work a small triangular satin stitch centered between the eyes, about 8 mm wide.
mouth, brown yarn
Embroider the mouth with black or dark brown thread after the eyes are placed.
Use a single curved satin stitch or back stitch, centered below the eyes and about 1.5 cm wide.
Switch to light brown yarn for the ear.
ear (make 2), light brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)
Rnd 3: sc around (8)
Rnd 4: sc around (8)
Rnd 5: sc around (8)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 2 (6)
body, light brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: (11 sc, inc) x 2 (26)
Rnd 6: sc around (26)
Rnd 7: sc around (26)
Rnd 8: sc around (26)
Rnd 9: sc around (26)
Rnd 10: sc around (26)
Rnd 11: (11 sc, dec) x 2 (24)
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 13: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 14: dec around (6)
Rnd 15: fasten off, close hole (6)
arm (make 2), light brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (2 sc, inc) x 2 (17)
Rnd 4: sc around (17)
Rnd 5: sc around (17)
Rnd 6: sc around (17)
Rnd 7: sc around (17)
Rnd 8: sc around (17)
Rnd 9: sc around (17)
Rnd 10: sc around (17)
Rnd 11: sc around (17)
Switch to cream yarn for the hand.
hand (make 2), cream yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: sc around (24)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 8: dec around (6)
Rnd 9: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to light brown yarn for the leg.
leg (make 2), light brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: sc around (18)
Rnd 5: sc around (18)
Rnd 6: sc around (18)
Rnd 7: sc around (18)
Rnd 8: sc around (18)
Rnd 9: sc around (18)
Rnd 10: sc around (18)
Rnd 11: sc around (18)
Switch to dark brown yarn for the foot.
foot (make 2), dark brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: dec around (6)
Rnd 4: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to light brown yarn for the tail.
tail, light brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: sc around (6)
Rnd 3: sc around (6)
Rnd 4: sc around (6)
Rnd 5: sc around (6)
Rnd 6: sc around (6)
Rnd 7: sc around (6)
Rnd 8: sc around (6)
Rnd 9: sc around (6)
Switch to yellow yarn for the banana.
banana, yellow yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: sc around (18)
Rnd 5: sc around (18)
Rnd 6: sc around (18)
Rnd 7: sc around (18)
Rnd 8: sc around (18)
Rnd 9: sc around (18)
Rnd 10: sc around (18)
Rnd 11: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 12: dec around (6)
Rnd 13: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to dark brown yarn for the banana stem.
banana stem, dark brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: sc around (12)
Rnd 4: sc around (12)
Rnd 5: sc around (12)
Rnd 6: dec around (6)
Rnd 7: fasten off, close hole (6)
banana tip, dark brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: sc around (12)
Rnd 4: dec around (6)
Rnd 5: fasten off, close hole (6)
Final Stitch Counts
- head: 30 stitches at widest point
- muzzle: 9 stitches at widest point
- eye (x 2): See pattern
- eyebrow (x 2): See pattern
- nose: See pattern
- mouth: See pattern
- ear (x 2): 8 stitches at widest point
- body: 26 stitches at widest point
- arm (x 2): 17 stitches at widest point
- hand (x 2): 24 stitches at widest point
- leg (x 2): 18 stitches at widest point
- foot (x 2): 12 stitches at widest point
- tail: 6 stitches at widest point
- banana: 18 stitches at widest point
- banana stem: 12 stitches at widest point
- banana tip: 12 stitches at widest point
Putting the Pieces Together
1. Stuff head, body, hand, foot, banana firmly with polyfill for stability. Shape as you go, pressing and molding to match the reference photo. Add extra stuffing to the base for a sturdy foundation.
2. Sew muzzle to the front of the head. Center between the eyes, slightly below the eye line. Stuff lightly with polyfill before closing for a 3D effect. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles.
3. Attach eye to the head. Position on the upper half of the head, spaced about one eye-width apart. Secure firmly with embroidery thread or fabric glue. Embroider a small line below each eye for a more expressive look.
4. Embroider eyebrow above each eye, following the natural brow arch. Use short satin or back stitches in matching yarn, keeping the line light and slightly curved. Place them about one eye-width above the eyes for a balanced expression.
5. Embroider the nose with black thread centered between the eyes. Work a small triangular satin stitch about 8 mm wide.
6. Sew mouth to the head. Pin in place before sewing to check positioning. Use whipstitch for a secure attachment.
7. Sew ear to the sides of the head. Position on the upper sides of the head, angled outward. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles. Use the long tail left for sewing and whipstitch around the base.
8. Sew arm to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
9. Sew leg to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
10. Sew tail to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
11. Sew eyebrow in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
12. Sew banana stem in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
13. Sew banana tip in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
14. Check all seams are secure. Gently tug each attached piece to test. Trim any loose yarn ends with sharp scissors. Weave in all remaining tails with a needle, passing through at least 3 stitches in each direction to prevent unraveling. Give the finished piece a gentle squeeze to distribute stuffing evenly and shape the final form.
Pro Tips and Care Advice
These practical crochet tips will help you work the Bongo Monkey With Banana amigurumi with a 3.5 mm hook at an intermediate skill level. Each suggestion addresses a specific technique that affects how your finished doll looks great and holds together.
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round and move it up at the start of each new round. This keeps your stitch count accurate and prevents the spiral from drifting, which is especially important when shaping the curved head and rounded banana.
- Use decreases rather than standard two-together decreases throughout the body, head, and limbs. The decrease blends into the surrounding stitches and avoids the small holes that can appear at shaping points, giving the doll a smoother surface.
- Maintain even tension so your single crochet stitches sit tightly together with no gaps between them. Amigurumi fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through, so work with a relaxed hand and consistent yarn-over size.
- Stuff the head, body, and limbs firmly but not rock-hard, paying extra attention to the neck area where the head joins. Add small amounts of fiberfill gradually and shape it with the tip of your hook to avoid lumps and to keep the neck stable when attaching the head.
- Work color changes for the monkey face details on the final pull-up of the last stitch in the previous color. This locks the new yarn in place and produces a clean transition without leaving a gap or a long tail to weave in later.
- Join the limbs to the body with a firm whip stitch or the stitch detail seam, sewing through both layers several times for security. Reinforce the join with a second pass so the arms and legs can withstand gentle play without pulling loose.
- Check your gauge by crocheting a small swatch of single crochet in the round before starting the main pieces. Consistent tension across the sw
Quick Answers for Makers
What yarn and hook should I use for the Bongo Monkey With Banana amigurumi?
Use a worsted weight yarn paired with a 3.5 mm crochet hook to match the pattern gauge. Worsted weight gives the monkey enough structure to hold its shape while keeping the stitches soft and defined. Cotton or acrylic blends both work well, so choose whichever feels best in your hands.
How long does it take to crochet the Bongo Monkey With Banana amigurumi?
Most crocheters finish the Bongo Monkey With Banana amigurumi in 2-4 hours, depending on pace and how often you stop. The body and head come together quickly because the pieces are small, and the banana accessory adds only a few extra rounds. Blocking and sewing the parts at the end may add another 15-20 minutes.
Is the Bongo Monkey With Banana amigurumi pattern suitable for beginners?
The pattern is rated Intermediate, so some experience with amigurumi basics is helpful. You will likely encounter techniques like decreases and working in continuous spiral rounds, which are standard at this level. If you have completed a few simple amigurumi projects before, you should be able to follow this one with patience.
Can I sell finished items made from the Bongo Monkey With Banana amigurumi pattern?
Yes, finished toys crocheted from the Bongo Monkey With Banana amigurumi pattern are generally allowed for small-scale sale, such as at craft fairs or online shops. Always check the specific designer terms listed with the pattern, since credit is usually appreciated. Mass production or factory manufacturing is typically not permitted.
How can I customize the colors of
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