How to Knit Monkey Ears

A pair of knitted monkey ears can be great inspiration for imaginary play.

A pair of knitted monkey ears makes a fun kids' dress-up item, a great start to a Halloween costume or a whimsical addition to a hat or hood. Kids love to pretend, and they especially love to pretend they are animals. A simple pair of ears can be an invitation to hours of imagining, arts and crafts projects and learning about the animal world.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap DK weight yarn in brown and beige
• Size 8 straight knitting needles
• Tapestry needle
• A small amount of stuffing
• Headband (optional)

Instructions

Outer Ear

1. Knit the outer ear piece in brown yarn as follows:
   Cast on 11 stitches.
   Row 1: Knit each stitch.
   Row 2: Knit 1, increase 1, knit to last 2 stitches, increase 1, knit 1 (13 stitches).
   Row 3: Knit each stitch.
   Row 4: Knit 1, increase 1, knit to last 2 stitches, increase 1, knit 1 (15 stitches).
   Rows 5 through 22: Knit each stitch.
   Row 23: Knit 1, knit 2 together, knit until 3 stitches remain, knit 2 together, knit 1.
   Row 24: Knit 2 together across entire row.
   Row 25: Knit 2 together, knit to last 2 stitches, knit 2 together (5 stitches).
   Bind off and weave in ends.

2. Repeat pattern three more times to make a total of four outer ear pieces.

3. Place two outer ear pieces together, right sides together, and stitch together with a tapestry needle, leaving the bottom of the ear open for turning. Turn right side out and repeat with the other two outer ear pieces.

Inner Ear

1. Knit the inner ear piece in beige yarn as follows:
   Cast on 7 stitches.
   Row 1: Knit 1, increase 1, knit to last 2 stitches, increase 1, knit 1.
   Rows 2 through 10: Knit each stitch.
   Row 11: Knit 2 together, knit to last 2 stitches, knit 2 together (7 stitches).
   Row 12: Knit 2 together, knit to last 2 stitches, knit 2 together (5 stitches).
   Row 13: Knit 2 together, knit 2, knit 2 together (3 stitches).
   Bind off, leaving an 8-inch tail for stitching the inner ear to the outer ear.

2. Repeat to make a total of two inner ear pieces.

3. Stitch each inner ear piece to each outer ear with a tapestry needle. Weave in ends.

4. Stuff each ear lightly and sew the bottoms closed.

Tips & Warnings

• To do a basic increase, make a backwards loop in your working yarn, so that your working yarn is pointing away from you, and place it on your right needle. This is also called "make one" or "make one away."

• Whipstitch the finished ears to the sides of a headband, if desired, or attach them to a hat or hood.

Resources

• Scholastic: Five Little Monkeys
• Preschool Rainbow: Preschool Activities for Animal Themes