Needles & Notions: Size 8 US/5 mm circular needle, 16 ”/40 cm long for central squares; three size 8 US/5 mm circular needles, 40”/100 cm long required for borders; four point protectors (rubber bands will do); stitch markers (scrap yarn will do); sewing machine (for circular version; unnecessary if blanket is knit flat).

There’s a coordinating Monkey Hat pattern, with all sorts of fun monkey faces, in sizes for everyone, and it’s right here on Ravelry!

You can see Mary Ann’s steeking article on her shop’s site here:
https://www.maryannstephens.com/technique