Raellyn Hatter (photo)

Monkey Around

Like playing games and feeling flirtatious? Show off your whimsical side with a lovely merkin made of brightly colored monkeys, and you're guaranteed to have fun the next time you want to "monkey around."

by Raellyn Hatter

Suggested Entertainment

Barrel of Monkeys game
by Milton Bradley

Difficulty

Boy Scout Dropout
Click here for definitions of difficulty levels.

Finished Measurements

Small: 3"/7.5cm W x 3.5"/8.75cm H
Medium: 4"/10.2cm W x 3.5"/8.75cm H
Large: 5/12.7" W x 3.5"/8.75cm H
X-Large: 6"/15.2cm W x 3.5"/8.75cm H

Download

Monkey Around Template (pdf format)

Materials

• Two 6.5"/16.5cm W x 4"/10.2cm H pieces of medium weight fabric, any color you choose
• One 6.5"/16.5cm W x 4"/10.2cm H piece of Heat n' Bond Iron on Adhesive
• Thread to match fabric
• Plastic monkey game favors
• Two jump rings
• Fabric marking tool that is appropriate for the fabric chosen
• An iron
• Scissors
• Needle
• Ruler

Design Notes

Raellyn Hatter (photo)
click image to enlarge

Check with local party stores to find the plastic monkeys. They are often sold as party favors in packs of twelve barrels, with at least ten monkeys to a barrel. You will need approximately 30 - 60 monkeys for your merkin, depending upon the size desired and if you choose to create a monochromatic merkin instead of multicolored.

Directions

Cut:

Raellyn Hatter (photo)
click image to enlarge

Select a size template and cut it out, then prepare and iron your chosen fabric.

Trace the pattern template onto the back of the fabric with your preferred marking tool. Repeat with the other piece of fabric and label them lightly on the back as A and B. Trace the pattern template onto the paper backing of the Heat n' Bond adhesive and cut it out. Iron the Heat n' Bond adhesive onto the back of piece A and remove the paper backing. This gives a little more structure to the fabric and makes it easier to handle while sewing on the monkeys.

Now cut out the pattern triangles, but make sure to add at least .25"/.7cm to each side to turn under later for a smooth edge.

Sew:

Raellyn Hatter (photo)
click image to enlarge

Starting at the bottom, sew the monkeys onto piece A by stitching around either the curve in their arm or their tail. Space them about .5"-.75"/1.3-2cm apart in offset rows for good coverage.

When finished sewing on the monkeys, run a light bead of the Fabri-tac glue around the outer edge of piece A and fold the edge over to create a smooth hem. Trim any excess fabric at the corners to ensure that it lays flat and does not pucker. Repeat this process with piece B to create the backing for the merkin.

Raellyn Hatter (photo)
click image to enlarge

If you will be adding jump rings to the corners to facilitate wearing the merkin, sew those on now. Stitch them to the upper corners of the merkin at a couple of points on each ring.

Raellyn Hatter (photo)
click image to enlarge

Finally, match piece A and piece B to each other with the inner sides together. Using a hemming stitch, sew the two pieces together at the edge to firmly attach the front to the backer and achieve a smooth edge.

Wear:

You're all finished, so schedule yourself a little play time and show off your newest toy!

About

contact Raellyn: • legal info