How to Crochet a Monkey Face Hat

A monkey face hat can be compiled from crocheted features.

Kids and babies are undoubtedly drawn to silly faces and animals, and many of today's children's garments and accessories are covered in recognizable characters and learning aids. Animal face hats are a unique DIY to channel these trends, and few faces are more famous than Sock Monkey, an American toy first created in the early 1900s. Made with worsed weight yarn and a free pattern, this crocheted monkey face hat eliminates the need for excessive color switches by crocheting each facial feature separately and sewing it onto a more traditional ear flap tassle hat.

Things You'll Need

• Patton's canadiana grey yarn
• Patton's canadiana red yarn
• Patton's canadiana cream yarn
• Size G crochet hook
• Free pattern
• 2 black buttons
• Crochet needle
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Use chain, single and double crochet stitches according to the free pattern on the Knotty Knotty Crochet website (knottyknotty.blogspot.com) to start the top, cream-colored portion of Sock Monkey's head.

2. Change to red-colored yarn to complete two rows, to separate the face and top of head, according to the pattern.

3. Change to grey-colored yarn for the face of the monkey. Complete 6 rows according to the pattern.

4. Attach new grey yarn to the bottom row of the hat, at the desired ear flap location. Crochet according to the pattern, and repeat on the opposite side of the hat for second ear flap.

5. Crochet monkey ears individually according to the pattern, leaving 12 inches of yarn on each ear. Attach these to the side of the hat, using the excess yarn end and a crochet needle. Knot the yarn on the inside of the hat and trim the ear yarn for each side.

6. Crochet the mouth of the monkey separate from the hat. Leave a long tail on the mouth piece (enough for the circumference of the mouth). Sew the mouth to the hat with a crochet needle, and knot the mouth yarn on the inside of the hat; trim the excess mouth yarn.

7. Thread cream-colored yarn onto the crochet needle and attach each button for the eyes. Stitch each button hole individually, in a criss-cross pattern, and knot the yarn on the inside of the hat. Trim the excess eye yarn.

8. Cut yarn strands of each color, double the desired length, for the tassles. Thread the yarn strands through a center bottom stitch of the ear flap and match the strand ends to the same length. Braid the yarn strands and knot the ends; repeat for other side of the hat.

Tips & Warnings

• Switch out red-colored yarn for pink shades to add a more feminine look for a girl's hat.

Resources

• Knotty Knotty Crochet: Free Sock Monkey Hat Pattern!