I’ve been having fun playing around with different techniques lately. First with making something glow in the dark and now with making bendable limbs. After messing around with a few different approaches, it seems the simplest way is the best way!
So here’s how I made a little monkey that can grab at fingers!
Supplies:
* F – hook ( 3.75mm )
* Worsted weight yarn in two colors ( main color, second color for details )
* Small amounts of poly-fil stuffing
* Pipe cleaners ( 2 per animal )
* scissors ( no need for super special sharp ones )
* Yarn needle
* Black yarn for eyes
* Stuffing tool ( not 100% necessary, however I find it extremely helpful. My favorite is the one that comes in the bag of poly-fil )
Terms used:
* ch – chain
* sc – single crochet
* inc – increase
* dec – decrease
These require following the pattern in perfect order.
We’re going to start by preparing the pipe cleaners.
Using one ( the average sized ones you can purchase at Walmart, Michaels, etc. I believe they are 12inches in length ):
* Fold the pipe cleaner in half
* Cut right at the bend
* Repeat on second pipe cleaner
* You now have four 6 inch pieces
Body/Head:
The head and body are one piece worked from the body up.
Ch2 in main color
1. 5sc in the second ch from hk – 5
2. 2sc in each st – around
3. ( sc, inc )5x – 15
4. sc around – 15
5. ( sc, dec )5x – 10
6. sc around – 10
7. sc around – 10
* Insert pipe cleaner for legs ( see end of pattern for instructions )
* Stuff the body halfway
8. dec, sc, dec, sc, dec, sc, sc – 7
* Insert pipe cleaner for arms ( see end of pattern for instructions )
* Continue stuffing body ( this where the stuffing tool can come in handy, it will help to make sure your stuffing under and around the pipe cleaner, not just above )
9. inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, sc – 10
10. ( sc, inc )5x – 15
11. ( sc 2, inc )5x – 20
12. sc around – 20
13. sc around – 20
14. ( sc 2, dec )5x – 15
15. ( sc, dec )5x – 10
16. dec 5
Fasten off, weave in ends.
Arms: ( make two )
Ch 2 in second color
1. sc 4 in second ch from hook – 4
2. sc around – 4
* Switch to main color
3 – 10. sc around – 4 ( each row )
Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.
* Another good use for the stuffing tool, every few rows, insert the thinner end into the arm ( legs and tail ) it will open up the piece and help you see your stitches.
Legs: ( make two )
Ch 2 in second color
1. 5sc in second ch from hk – 5
2. sc around – 5
* Switch to main color
3 – 9. sc around – 5 ( each row )
Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.
Tail:
Ch 2
1. sc 4 in second ch from hk – 4
2 – 12. so around – 4 ( each row )
Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.
Ears: ( make two )
Ch 2 using second color
1. 5sc in second ch from hk – 5
* Switch to main color
2. 2sc in each st around – 10
Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing.
Muzzle:
Using second color:
4sc in a magic circle.
Pull circle tight and slip stitch into the first sc.
Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing.
Inserting the pipe cleaners for arms and legs:
* The process for setting up the bendable arms and legs can be a bit trying. It will take some practice and patience to line them up the way you’d like.
* Use your finger to hold open the body while inserting the first side. You’re going to go from the outside in, then run the pipe cleaner through the body coming out the second leg location.
* My example has the legs set up at just above row #3.
* The arms are set one row below the neckline.
* I find when pulling the second side through, it’s helpful to insert your hk where you’d like the pipe cleaner to exit the body. It will open up the stitch a bit making it easier to find.
Legs:
Arms:
Construction:
* Sew muzzle onto head. It can face any direction you’d like.
* Sew on eyes
* Sew on ears
* We’re now going to add limbs and tail:
1. Make sure the pipe cleaners are as even as possible on each side of body.
2. Line up one arm to the pipe cleaner, fold over at the end. You want it as close as possible to the length of the arm, however shorter is better than longer here!
3. Wrap the excess around itself, leaving a small loop at the end.
4. Run yarn through the loop, thread BOTH ends of the yarn through the needle.
5. Insert the needle through the arm, making sure to come through the center of the arm.
6. Use the yarn ( threaded through the pipe cleaner loop ) to pull the pipe cleaner up, while pulling the arm down.
7. Sew the arm into place before moving into the next one.
8. Repeat the process for both legs.
9. For the tail, take a piece of pipe cleaner, make the loop on the end and loop yarn through for helping to place in tail. Fold any excess length ( after sizing against your tail ) and wrap ALL of it around itself. I like the tail to have the extra thickness and stability. Sew in place.
