This sweater is inspired by the touching story of Punch, a little monkey from the zoo who was rejected by her mother. Seeking comfort and warmth, he held tightly to a toy monkey, using it as his source of safety and love.

His story moved me deeply — the tenderness, the vulnerability, and the quiet strength he showed stayed with me long after I first saw him. I felt compelled to capture that feeling in something warm and comforting, and so this sweater was created, carrying the image of this sweet little monkey and the emotion his story inspired.

Punch the Monkey Sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down using a circular yoke construction, allowing for effortless try-ons and easy customization of body and sleeve length. Designed with an intentionally oversized fit, it features a deeper yoke and lowered armholes that create a modern, relaxed silhouette.

Multiple neckline options are included to suit your personal style: a double-folded collar, full turtleneck, mock turtleneck, or classic crew neck. Subtle short-row shaping at the upper yoke gently raises the back neckline, enhancing both comfort and fit.

The pattern is written for 10 adult sizes, offering flexibility in choosing your preferred ease — from a closer, more tailored fit to a generously oversized look. Sleeves can be finished in two variations: tapered for a refined silhouette or wider for an effortlessly relaxed feel.

Sizes: 1(2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)(8, 9, 10)

Finished bust circumference: 96 (106, 116, 126) (136, 146, 154) (164, 174, 184) cm / 38 (42, 46, 50) (54, 58, 61) (65, 68, 72) in

Full length: 57.5 (57.5, 58, 59.5) (59.5, 59.5, 61) (62, 62, 62) cm / 22.5 (22.5, 23, 23.5) (23.5, 23.8, 24) (24.5, 24.5, 24.5)in

Note: This sweater is designed to be worn with approximately 6-10 in /15.5-25.5 cm of positive ease; however, this is just a guide. Some people prefer a closer fit; do not be afraid to select an option that provides somewhat less than the suggested ease according to your own preferences.

Materials:

Option 1:

Any DK/Worsted Weight (4) yarn to achieve recommended gauge
I used Yarn Drops Fiesta (75% wool, 25% Polyamide) 120 yds/1.76 oz (110 m/50 g) and DROPS Karisma (100% Wool) 120 yds/1.76 oz (100m/50g)

Main color:
DROPS Fiesta print 31, midnight forest 340 (380, 420, 460) (490, 525, 560) (600, 635, 670) g
Other colors:
DROPS Karisma uni colour 11, orange 80 (90, 100, 110) (115, 125, 135) (145, 150, 160) g
DROPS Fiesta uni colour 02, light beige less than 50 g
Drops Fiesta beige mix less than 50 g
DROPS Fiesta print 32, strawberry ice cream less than 50 g

Option 2:
Fingering-weight yarn held together with lace mohair (The mohair option creates a lighter, more fluid fabric.)
DROPS Fabel (75% Wool, 25% Polyamide), 50g=205m + DROPS Kid-Silk (75% Mohair, 25% Silk), 25g=210m.

Main color:
DROPS Flora mix 05, dark grey, brown+ DROPS Kid-Silk uni colour 10, grey

Other colors:
DROPS Flora uni colour 29, tangerine + DROPS Kid-Silk uni colour 49, electric orange
DROPS Flora uni colour 39, marzipan + DROPS Kid-Silk uni colour 56, marzipan
DROPS Flora mix 07, beige + DROPS Kid-Silk uni colour 12, beige
DROPS Flora uni colour 21, pink + DROPS Kid-Silk uni colour 72, pastel pink

This is approximate, so as the yardage will vary depends on your type of yarn

Dark grey:
Fingering: 210 (235, 260, 280) (300, 320, 340) (365, 390, 410) g
Lace: 100 (115, 125, 140) (145, 155, 165) (180, 190, 200) g

Rust:
Fingering: 50 (55, 60, 65) (70, 75, 82) (88, 92, 100) g
Lace: 24 (27, 30, 33) (34, 37, 40) (43, 45, 48) g

Cream:
Fingering: less than 50 g
Lace: less than 50 g

Beige:
Fingering: less than 50 g
Lace: less than 50 g

Pink:
Fingering: less than 50 g
Lace: less than 50 g

This is approximate, so as the yardage will vary depends on your type of yarn

Yarn alternatives:
You could use any fingering yarn:
Sandnes Garn Tynn Peer Gynt, Sandnes Garn Sunday, Palette, Heritage or any other fingering wight yarn

Plus any lace yarn:
Kid Seta by Gepard,Sandnes Garn Tynn Silk Mohair,Isager Yarn Silk Mohair,Filcolana Tilia and
Saga, Drops Kid-Silk or any other to achieve recommended gauge

US 6 (4mm) circular needles or other to achieve gauge.
US 4 (3.5mm) circular needles or smaller than main needle
Needle
Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rnds = 10 cm / 4” in colorwork after blocking with main gauge needles

Difficulty: Intermediate

Language: English. All patterns are written in standard US terms