Every third Friday in May, we honor Endangered Species Day—a time to reflect on the beauty and fragility of the world’s most at-risk animals. As crocheters, we have a unique way to spotlight these incredible creatures: with yarn, hooks, and heart.
This year, let your stitches tell a story. Whether you’re crafting for awareness, gifting with meaning, or teaching kids about conservation, these endangered species crochet patterns are a beautiful way to get involved.
Meet the Bearded Monkey—a quirky, lovable character with a wild beard and tons of personality! Whether you’re crafting for a curious kiddo, a fun-loving friend, or just to add some charm to your own collection, this crochet pattern is a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern:
Beginner-Friendly: With simple stitches and clear instructions, this pattern is perfect for confident beginners and seasoned crocheters alike.
Customizable: Make your monkey one-of-a-kind! Choose any beard color—bright rainbow, classic gray, or even multicolored for a funky twist.
Great Gift: Ideal for baby showers, birthdays, or jungle-themed nurseries.
🐵 What You’ll Need:
Worsted weight yarn – 5 oz. MC and 1 oz. CC
Lion Brand Fun Fur in contrasting color for the beard
Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
Fiberfill stuffing
Safety eyes or embroidery thread
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
Directions:
HEAD: Rnd 1: With MC yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in ring. Do not join rounds.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (12 sc).
Rnd 3: Sc in 1st st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 4: Sc in 2 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (24 sc).
Rnd 5: Sc in 3 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (30 sc).
Rnds 6-10: Work even on 30 sc.
Rnd 11: Sc in 2 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (40 sc).
Rnd 12: Sc in 3 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (45 sc).
Rnds 13-17: Work even on 45 sc.
Rnd 18: Sc in 7 sc, dec, repeat around (40 sc).
Rnd 19: Sc in 6 sc, dec, repeat around (35 sc).
Rnd 20: Sc in 5 sc, dec, repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 21: Sc in 4 sc, dec, repeat around (25 sc).
Rnd 22: Sc in 3 sc, dec, repeat around (20 sc).
Rnds 23-24: Work even on 20 sc. Stop here but do not fasten off.
MUZZLE:
Rnd 1: With CC yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in ring. Do not join rounds.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (12 sc).
Rnd 3: Sc in 1st st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 4: Sc in 2 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (24 sc).
Rnds 5-6: Work even on 24 sc. Join. Fasten off CC. Turn.
Rnd 7: With fun fur, in back loops only, work 2 sc in each sc around (48 sc). Fasten off fun fur.
Stuff muzzle and sew to head. Attach eyes to top of muzzle and stuff head.
HEAD/BODY (Continued):
Rnd 25: Sc in 3 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (25 sc).
Rnd 26: Sc in 4 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 27: Work even on 25 sc.
Rnd 28: Sc in 5 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (35 sc).
Rnd 29: Work even on 35 sc.
Rnd 30: Sc in 6 sc, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (40 sc).
Rnds 31-40: Work even on 40 sc.
Rnd 41: Sc in 6 sc, dec, repeat around (35 sc).
Rnd 42: Sc in 5 sc, dec, repeat around (30 sc).
Rnd 43: Sc in 4 sc, dec, repeat around (25 sc).
Rnd 44: Sc in 3 sc, dec, repeat around (20 sc). End off. Stuff and sew.
ARMS: (make 2)
Rnd 1: With CC yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in ring. Do not join rounds.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (12 sc).
Rnd 3: Work even on 12 sc. Fasten off CC. Attach MC.
Rnds 4-24. Work even on 12 sc. Fasten off leaving a 12” length for sewing. Stuff arms and sew to body at shoulders.
LEGS: (make 2)
Rnd 1: With CC yarn, ch 2, 6 sc in ring. Do not join rounds.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (12 sc).
Rnd 3: Sc in next 2 st, 2 sc in next st, repeat around (18 sc).
Rnd 4: Work even on 18 sc. Fasten off CC. Attach MC.
Rnds 5-29. Work even on 12 sc. Fasten off leaving a 12” length for sewing. Stuff legs and sew to bottom of body.
TAIL:
Rnd 1: With fun fur, ch 2, 6 sc in ring. Do not join rounds.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (12 sc).
Rnd 3: Work even on 12 sc. Fasten off fun fur. Attach MC.
Rnds 4-11: Work even on 12 sc.
Rnds 12-13: Sl st in next 4 st, sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 4 st, sc in next 2 sc (12 st).
Rnd 14: Sc in next 13 sc. (The extra sc is necessary to help keep tail lined up correctly).
Rnds 15-17: Repeat rounds 12-14.
Rnds 18-22: Work even in sc.
Rnds 23-24: Sc in next 2 sc, hdc in next 4 sc, sc in next 2 sc, sl st in next 4 st.
Rnd 25: Sc in next 13 sc.
Rnds 26-28: Repeat rounds 23-25.
Rnds 29-33: Work even on 12 sc. Fasten off. Stuff tail and sew to back of body just above legs.
PDF is 50% off through 5/18/2025: Bearded Monkey Plush Toy Crochet Pattern
More Endangered Species Patterns
Crochet Pattern Ebook – 20 Endangered Animal Crochet Patterns
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
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