Knitting Tutorial: Cute Donkey in Sweater – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: Cute Donkey in Sweater – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet knitted donkey is designed with a soft gray body, an oversized rounded head, long expressive ears with pink inner panels, shiny embroidered eyes, a chocolate-brown mane, and a tiny tassel tail. The outfit includes a blue, cream, and green striped sweater, a matching slouchy beret, a small crossbody pouch with a flower, a strawberry chest patch, a berry basket, and tiny ankle ties for a cheerful garden-inspired finish.

 

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This donkey is worked as a seated toy with a large head, small rounded body, short arms, sturdy legs, and oversized ears. Most pieces are knitted in the round for a smooth amigurumi-style finish, then stuffed firmly and sewn together. The sweater is knitted separately and fitted over the body before final assembly.

The photo shows a plush donkey with a slightly forward-tilted head, a soft oval muzzle, tall ears, a rounded belly, and cute garden accessories. The directions below use exact stitch counts and shaping rows so the finished toy keeps the same friendly proportions.

  • Finished size: About 10.5 to 11.5 inches tall when seated, depending on stuffing and gauge.
  • Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
  • Construction: Knitted in pieces, stuffed, and sewn together.
  • Main texture: Stockinette stitch with small decorative garter and ribbed details.
  • Gauge: 24 stitches and 34 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette using main yarn and smaller needles.

Materials

  • Yarn A, donkey gray: DK weight, about 150 yards.
  • Yarn B, pale pink: DK weight, about 20 yards for inner ears.
  • Yarn C, sky blue: DK weight, about 55 yards for sweater, hat, pouch, and eye details.
  • Yarn D, cream: DK weight, about 35 yards for stripes, muzzle highlights, sole details, and pouch trim.
  • Yarn E, soft green: DK weight, about 35 yards for stripes, ties, leaves, and accessories.
  • Yarn F, dark brown: DK weight, about 35 yards for mane, hooves, tail tuft, basket handle accents, and eyebrow embroidery.
  • Yarn G, tan: DK weight, about 45 yards for basket and foot soles.
  • Yarn H, red: Small amount for strawberry patch and berries.
  • Yarn I, deep blue: Small amount for berries.
  • Yarn J, black: Small amount for eyes.
  • Yarn K, white: Small amount for eye shine and lower eye crescent.
  • Needles: US 3, 3.25 mm double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
  • Optional smaller needles: US 2, 2.75 mm for tighter small accessories.
  • Other supplies: Fiberfill, tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, scissors, row counter, and removable stitch markers.

Abbreviations

  • CO: Cast on.
  • BO: Bind off.
  • K: Knit.
  • P: Purl.
  • St or sts: Stitch or stitches.
  • Rnd: Round.
  • RS: Right side.
  • WS: Wrong side.
  • K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together.
  • SSK: Slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit slipped stitches together through the back loop.
  • M1R: Make 1 right-leaning stitch.
  • M1L: Make 1 left-leaning stitch.
  • Inc: Increase by knitting into the front and back of the stitch.
  • Dec: Decrease.
  • PM: Place marker.
  • SM: Slip marker.
  • St st: Stockinette stitch.

Helpful Notes Before You Begin

Knit the donkey tightly so stuffing does not show through the fabric. If your stitches look loose, go down one needle size. Stuff the head and body firmly, but do not overstuff the ears, arms, pouch, or hat. The ears need enough softness to curve naturally.

The donkey in the image has a high forehead, a rounded muzzle, a small seated belly, and slightly angled limbs. Pin every piece in place before sewing. Small changes in angle will strongly affect the final personality.

  • Use gray yarn for all donkey body pieces unless another color is stated.
  • Use the mattress stitch for clean seams on flat pieces.
  • Use duplicate stitch or embroidery for small motifs like the strawberry, eye shine, and eyebrows.
  • Stuff as you go, especially on the head, body, arms, and legs.
  • Keep yarn tails long for sewing pieces securely.

Head

The head is the largest piece. It is shaped like a soft donkey head with a rounded forehead, full cheeks, and a tapered muzzle. Work in the round with gray yarn. Place the beginning marker at the center back of the head.

  1. CO 8 sts in gray. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts. 16 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K1, inc; repeat around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K all sts. 24 sts.
  7. Rnd 6: K2, inc; repeat around. 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: K all sts. 32 sts.
  9. Rnd 8: K3, inc; repeat around. 40 sts.
  10. Rnd 9: K all sts. 40 sts.
  11. Rnd 10: K4, inc; repeat around. 48 sts.
  12. Rnd 11: K all sts. 48 sts.
  13. Rnd 12: K5, inc; repeat around. 56 sts.
  14. Rnds 13 to 22: K all sts for 10 rounds. 56 sts.
  15. Rnd 23: K20, M1R, K16, M1L, K20. 58 sts.
  16. Rnd 24: K all sts. 58 sts.
  17. Rnd 25: K21, M1R, K16, M1L, K21. 60 sts.
  18. Rnds 26 to 31: K all sts. 60 sts.
  19. Rnd 32: K8, K2tog; repeat around. 54 sts.
  20. Rnd 33: K all sts. 54 sts.
  21. Rnd 34: K7, K2tog; repeat around. 48 sts.
  22. Rnd 35: K all sts. 48 sts.
  23. Rnd 36: K6, K2tog; repeat around. 42 sts.
  24. Rnd 37: K all sts. 42 sts.
  25. Rnd 38: K5, K2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Begin stuffing the upper head firmly. Shape the cheeks with your fingers while adding stuffing. The widest part should sit around Rnds 24 to 31, with the face slightly longer in front.

  1. Rnd 39: K all sts. 36 sts.
  2. Rnd 40: K4, K2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
  3. Rnd 41: K all sts. 30 sts.
  4. Rnd 42: K3, K2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 43: K all sts. 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 44: K2, K2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
  7. Rnd 45: K all sts. 18 sts.
  8. Rnd 46: K1, K2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.

Add final stuffing. Thread yarn through remaining 12 sts, pull closed, and secure. The closing point sits at the lower back of the head and will be hidden when the head is joined to the body.

Muzzle Shaping Embroidery

The muzzle in the image is not a separate large color patch. It is shaped by the head structure and soft embroidery. Use gray yarn first to sculpt the lower face, then use dark brown and cream for facial details.

  1. Thread a long gray yarn tail through a tapestry needle.
  2. Insert at the bottom center of the head and bring the needle out 8 rounds above the lower closing point.
  3. Pull gently to create a subtle lower muzzle indentation.
  4. Repeat from the bottom to the left cheek, then from the bottom to the right cheek.
  5. Do not pull too tightly. The front should stay plump and oval.
  6. With dark brown yarn, embroider two short nostril lines, each about 3 stitches long, placed low on the muzzle.
  7. Use one long vertical stitch between the nostrils for the soft mouth line.

Body

The body is smaller than the head and has a rounded seated shape. It is mostly hidden by the striped sweater, but the gray lower belly and seat remain visible.

  1. CO 8 sts in gray. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts. 16 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K1, inc; repeat around. 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K all sts. 24 sts.
  7. Rnd 6: K2, inc; repeat around. 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 7: K all sts. 32 sts.
  9. Rnd 8: K3, inc; repeat around. 40 sts.
  10. Rnds 9 to 16: K all sts. 40 sts.
  11. Rnd 17: K9, inc, K20, inc, K9. 42 sts.
  12. Rnds 18 to 23: K all sts. 42 sts.
  13. Rnd 24: K5, K2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.
  14. Rnd 25: K all sts. 36 sts.
  15. Rnd 26: K4, K2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
  16. Rnd 27: K all sts. 30 sts.
  17. Rnd 28: K3, K2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
  18. Rnd 29: K all sts. 24 sts.
  19. Rnd 30: K2, K2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.

Stuff the body firmly. Keep the bottom broad and flat so the donkey can sit. Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull closed, and weave in. The closing point will be the neck area.

Legs, Make 2

The legs are short, rounded, and slightly forward-facing. The image shows tan soles at the front bottom, gray legs, dark brown hoof bands, and small green ankle bows. Start at the sole with tan yarn.

  1. CO 8 sts in tan. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K1, inc; repeat around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: P all sts to create a sole edge ridge. 24 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: K all sts. 24 sts.
  7. Change to dark brown.
  8. Rnds 6 to 8: K all sts. 24 sts.
  9. Change to gray.
  10. Rnd 9: K all sts. 24 sts.
  11. Rnd 10: K6, K2tog, K8, SSK, K6. 22 sts.
  12. Rnd 11: K all sts. 22 sts.
  13. Rnd 12: K5, K2tog, K8, SSK, K5. 20 sts.
  14. Rnd 13: K all sts. 20 sts.
  15. Rnd 14: K4, K2tog, K8, SSK, K4. 18 sts.
  16. Rnds 15 to 23: K all sts. 18 sts.
  17. Rnd 24: K1, K2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.

Stuff the foot firmly and the upper leg lightly. The sole should be round and visible from the front. Thread through remaining sts and close. Leave a long tail for sewing.

Green Ankle Tie, Make 2

  1. CO 36 sts in green.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: K all sts.
  4. BO all sts loosely.
  5. Tie around the ankle above the dark brown hoof band and secure with a hidden stitch.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Arms, Make 2

The arms are small and rounded with dark brown hoof ends. They sit out from the sweater sleeves, angled slightly downward.

  1. CO 8 sts in dark brown. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnds 3 to 6: K all sts. 16 sts.
  5. Change to gray.
  6. Rnd 7: K all sts. 16 sts.
  7. Rnd 8: K6, K2tog, K6, K2tog. 14 sts.
  8. Rnds 9 to 18: K all sts. 14 sts.
  9. Rnd 19: K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog, K1, K2tog, K2, K2tog. 10 sts.

Stuff the hoof end firmly and the upper arm lightly. Thread yarn through the remaining stitches and close. Leave a long sewing tail.

Outer Ears, Make 2

The ears are tall and pointed, with one ear standing mostly upright and the other bending gently outward. The outer ear is gray and the inner panel is pink. Knit the outer ears flat so they can be shaped and seamed around the inner panel.

  1. CO 10 sts in gray.
  2. Row 1, RS: K all sts.
  3. Row 2, WS: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. 12 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: K1, M1R, K10, M1L, K1. 14 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: K1, M1R, K12, M1L, K1. 16 sts.
  9. Row 8: P all sts.
  10. Row 9: K1, M1R, K14, M1L, K1. 18 sts.
  11. Rows 10 to 26: Work in stockinette, beginning with a purl row on WS. 18 sts.
  12. Row 27: K1, SSK, K12, K2tog, K1. 16 sts.
  13. Row 28: P all sts.
  14. Row 29: K1, SSK, K10, K2tog, K1. 14 sts.
  15. Row 30: P all sts.
  16. Row 31: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
  17. Row 32: P all sts.
  18. Row 33: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
  19. Row 34: P all sts.
  20. Row 35: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
  21. Row 36: P all sts.
  22. Row 37: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1. 6 sts.
  23. Row 38: P all sts.
  24. Row 39: K1, SSK, K2tog, K1. 4 sts.
  25. Row 40: P all sts.
  26. Row 41: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
  27. Row 42: P2tog. 1 st.
  28. Fasten off.

Inner Ear Panels, Make 2

The pink inner ear is smaller than the gray outer ear and sits inside with a gray border visible around it. Knit it flat in pale pink.

  1. CO 6 sts in pale pink.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: K1, M1R, K4, M1L, K1. 8 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: K1, M1R, K6, M1L, K1. 10 sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. 12 sts.
  9. Rows 8 to 24: Work in stockinette. 12 sts.
  10. Row 25: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
  11. Row 26: P all sts.
  12. Row 27: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
  13. Row 28: P all sts.
  14. Row 29: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1. 6 sts.
  15. Row 30: P all sts.
  16. Row 31: K1, SSK, K2tog, K1. 4 sts.
  17. Row 32: P all sts.
  18. Row 33: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
  19. Row 34: P2tog. 1 st.
  20. Fasten off.

Sew one pink panel to each gray ear using small whip stitches. Do not sew the base closed yet. Lightly steam or hand-shape each ear. Fold the base of each ear in half and stitch through the folded base to create a cupped shape.

Eyes, Make 2

The donkey has large glossy cartoon eyes with black centers, white lower crescents, blue side highlights, and bright white shine dots. These can be knitted as tiny circles or embroidered directly. For a soft toy finish, use knitted patches.

Black Eye Base

  1. CO 6 sts in black.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: Inc in every st. 12 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: K1, inc; repeat across. 18 sts.
  7. BO all sts knitwise, shaping into an oval while sewing.

📌Thank you for reading the article

White Lower Crescent

  1. CO 8 sts in white.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: K2tog, K4, SSK. 6 sts.
  5. BO all sts.
  6. Sew along the lower outside edge of the black eye.

Blue Highlight

  1. CO 5 sts in sky blue.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. BO all sts.
  5. Sew on the outer side of each eye, slightly curved.

Use white yarn to embroider two small shine dots on each black eye. Place one shine dot near the upper left of the eye and one smaller dot near the lower side. Sew eyes to the head between Rnds 23 and 31, spaced about 12 stitches apart.

Eyebrows and Facial Expression

The eyebrows are simple dark brown angled stitches. They create the gentle, curious look seen in the image. Do this after the eyes are attached.

  1. Cut a 12 inch length of dark brown yarn.
  2. Above the left eye, embroider one diagonal stitch over 4 knitted stitches.
  3. Repeat once beside it for a thicker eyebrow.
  4. Above the right eye, mirror the angle.
  5. Keep both eyebrows soft, not sharply angry.

Mane

The mane is dark brown and sits along the top of the head, between the ears and down the back of the neck. In the photo it looks like short soft loops and ridges, not a long flowing mane.

  1. Cut 24 strands of dark brown yarn, each 5 inches long.
  2. Fold one strand in half and pull the loop through a stitch at the top center of the head.
  3. Pull both cut ends through the loop and tighten gently.
  4. Repeat in a line from the forehead crown to the back neck area.
  5. Add extra strands behind the ears for a fuller tuft.
  6. Trim the mane to about 1 inch long at the forehead and 1.25 inches at the back.

For the raised knitted look, twist pairs of strands together and tack them down at their base. This creates the chunky brown texture visible in the photo.

Tail

The tail is short, gray at the base, and finished with a dark brown tassel. It points slightly outward from the back of the body.

  1. CO 5 sts in gray.
  2. Work i-cord for 12 rows.
  3. BO all sts and leave a sewing tail.
  4. Cut 8 strands of dark brown yarn, each 4 inches long.
  5. Fold strands together and tie firmly to one end of the i-cord.
  6. Trim the tassel to 1.25 inches.

Striped Sweater Body

The sweater is a key feature. It has blue ribbing, wide blue sections, cream stripes, and soft green stripes. It fits snugly around the donkey body and leaves the gray lower belly visible. Work from the bottom up in the round.

  1. CO 48 sts in sky blue. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1 to 5: K1, P1 rib around in sky blue. 48 sts.
  3. Rnds 6 to 11: K all sts in sky blue.
  4. Change to green.
  5. Rnds 12 to 15: K all sts in green.
  6. Change to cream.
  7. Rnds 16 to 20: K all sts in cream.
  8. Change to green.
  9. Rnds 21 to 24: K all sts in green.
  10. Change to sky blue.
  11. Rnds 25 to 34: K all sts in sky blue.
  12. Rnd 35: K10, BO 6 sts for first armhole, K16, BO 6 sts for second armhole, K10. 36 live sts remain.
  13. Rnd 36: K10, CO 4 sts over first armhole gap, K16, CO 4 sts over second armhole gap, K10. 44 sts.
  14. Rnds 37 to 41: K all sts in sky blue.
  15. Rnd 42: K9, K2tog; repeat around. 40 sts.
  16. Rnds 43 to 46: K1, P1 rib around in sky blue.
  17. BO loosely in rib.

Try the sweater on the body before attaching the arms. The lower rib should sit around the widest belly. The blue upper chest should reach the neck. Adjust stuffing if needed so the sweater sits smoothly.

Sweater Sleeves, Make 2

The sleeves are blue with cream and green stripe detail near the shoulder. They are short and slightly wide, matching the photo.

  1. CO 22 sts in sky blue. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib around. 22 sts.
  3. Rnds 5 to 8: K all sts in sky blue.
  4. Change to green.
  5. Rnds 9 to 11: K all sts in green.
  6. Change to cream.
  7. Rnds 12 to 14: K all sts in cream.
  8. Change to sky blue.
  9. Rnds 15 to 17: K all sts in sky blue.
  10. BO all sts loosely.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Sew each sleeve around an armhole opening. Slide the gray arm through the sleeve before sewing the arm to the body. The dark brown hoof should show below the sleeve cuff.

Strawberry Patch on Sweater

The sweater has a small red strawberry motif on the upper front. It sits on the cream stripe toward the viewer’s right side of the chest.

Knitted Strawberry

  1. CO 5 sts in red.
  2. Row 1: K all sts.
  3. Row 2: P all sts.
  4. Row 3: Inc, K3, inc. 7 sts.
  5. Row 4: P all sts.
  6. Row 5: K all sts.
  7. Row 6: P all sts.
  8. Row 7: SSK, K3, K2tog. 5 sts.
  9. Row 8: P all sts.
  10. Row 9: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
  11. Row 10: P3tog. 1 st.
  12. Fasten off.

Strawberry Leaves and Seeds

  1. With green yarn, embroider three tiny leaf stitches across the top of the strawberry.
  2. With cream yarn, add five small seed stitches on the red fruit.
  3. Sew the patch flat to the front of the sweater.

Crossbody Strap

A green strap runs diagonally across the donkey’s chest and connects to the small pouch. Knit it narrow so it looks like a soft cord.

  1. CO 4 sts in green.
  2. Work i-cord for 46 rows, or until it reaches comfortably from the donkey’s left shoulder to the right hip.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. Pin the strap diagonally across the sweater before sewing.
  5. Tack it at the shoulder, center chest, and side hip with matching yarn.

Small Side Pouch

The pouch is a tiny striped bag hanging near the donkey’s hip. It has blue and green striping, a cream flap edge, and a little flower on the front.

  1. CO 18 sts in sky blue.
  2. Rows 1 to 4: Work stockinette, beginning with a knit row.
  3. Change to green.
  4. Rows 5 to 7: Work stockinette.
  5. Change to cream.
  6. Rows 8 to 10: Work stockinette.
  7. Change to sky blue.
  8. Rows 11 to 16: Work stockinette.
  9. Row 17: K1, SSK, K12, K2tog, K1. 16 sts.
  10. Row 18: P all sts.
  11. Row 19: K1, SSK, K10, K2tog, K1. 14 sts.
  12. Row 20: P all sts.
  13. BO all sts.

Fold the lower 10 rows upward to make the pouch pocket. Sew the side edges closed. Let the shaped upper rows become the front flap. Attach the pouch to the end of the green crossbody strap.

Pouch Flower

  1. CO 15 sts in cream.
  2. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.
  3. Coil the bound-off strip into a five-petal flower shape and stitch it together.
  4. Use yellow yarn to make three small center stitches.
  5. Sew the flower to the pouch flap.

Striped Slouchy Beret

The matching hat sits beside the donkey in the image. It is wide, soft, striped in blue, green, and cream, with a blue folded brim and a small green stem at the top.

  1. CO 48 sts in sky blue. Join in the round.
  2. Rnds 1 to 6: K1, P1 rib around in sky blue.
  3. Rnd 7: K all sts.
  4. Rnd 8: K3, inc; repeat around. 60 sts.
  5. Rnd 9: K all sts in sky blue.
  6. Change to cream.
  7. Rnds 10 to 13: K all sts in cream.
  8. Change to green.
  9. Rnds 14 to 18: K all sts in green.
  10. Change to sky blue.
  11. Rnds 19 to 23: K all sts in sky blue.
  12. Change to cream.
  13. Rnds 24 to 27: K all sts in cream.
  14. Change to green.
  15. Rnds 28 to 31: K all sts in green.
  16. Rnd 32: K8, K2tog; repeat around. 54 sts.
  17. Rnd 33: K all sts.
  18. Rnd 34: K7, K2tog; repeat around. 48 sts.
  19. Rnd 35: K all sts.
  20. Rnd 36: K6, K2tog; repeat around. 42 sts.
  21. Rnd 37: K5, K2tog; repeat around. 36 sts.
  22. Rnd 38: K4, K2tog; repeat around. 30 sts.
  23. Rnd 39: K3, K2tog; repeat around. 24 sts.
  24. Rnd 40: K2, K2tog; repeat around. 18 sts.
  25. Rnd 41: K1, K2tog; repeat around. 12 sts.
  26. Rnd 42: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  27. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

📌Thank you for reading the article

Hat Stem

  1. CO 4 sts in green.
  2. Work i-cord for 5 rows.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. Sew to the top center of the beret.

Lightly stuff the beret crown only if you want it to hold the same rounded shape as the image. Otherwise leave it soft and place it beside the donkey or slightly tilted on the head.

Berry Basket

The basket is tan and small, with a rounded base, upright sides, and a handle. It holds red and blue berries with green tops. Knit it tightly so it keeps its shape.

Basket Base and Sides

  1. CO 8 sts in tan. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: Inc in every st around. 16 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K1, inc; repeat around. 24 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K2, inc; repeat around. 32 sts.
  6. Rnd 5: P all sts to create a turning ridge.
  7. Rnds 6 to 16: K all sts. 32 sts.
  8. Rnd 17: P all sts for rim texture.
  9. Rnds 18 to 20: K1, P1 rib around.
  10. BO loosely in pattern.

Flatten the base gently and shape the sides upward. For a firmer basket, place a small circle of felt or cardstock between two knitted base circles before sewing. For an all-yarn version, stuff the lower base lightly and keep the sides unstuffed.

Basket Handle

  1. CO 5 sts in tan.
  2. Work i-cord for 36 rows.
  3. BO all sts.
  4. Sew one end to each side of the basket rim.
  5. Wrap a few dark brown stitches around each handle base for the same rustic accent shown in the photo.

Knitted Berries

Make a mix of red and deep blue berries to fill the basket. Each berry is tiny and round. The green tops make them look like strawberries and garden fruit.

Round Berry, Make 8 to 10

  1. CO 6 sts in red or deep blue. Join in the round.
  2. Rnd 1: Inc in every st around. 12 sts.
  3. Rnd 2: K all sts. 12 sts.
  4. Rnd 3: K all sts. 12 sts.
  5. Rnd 4: K2tog around. 6 sts.
  6. Add a tiny pinch of stuffing.
  7. Thread yarn through remaining sts and close.

Green Berry Top

  1. With green yarn, embroider three small straight stitches on top of each red berry.
  2. For blue berries, add one tiny green stitch only, so they look slightly different.
  3. Sew berries into the basket or leave them loose if the toy is for display only.

Small Flower for Ear

A little cream and blue flower sits near one ear in the image. It gives the donkey a garden-party look and balances the colorful sweater.

  1. CO 20 sts in cream.
  2. BO all sts, leaving a long tail.
  3. Coil the strip into a small flower with five rounded petals.
  4. Stitch the center closed using yellow yarn.
  5. With sky blue yarn, add one small petal or accent stitch beside the cream petals.
  6. With green yarn, embroider two short leaf stitches under the flower.
  7. Sew the flower near the base of the upright ear.

Optional Neck Gusset

If your head feels too heavy, add a small gray neck gusset. This hidden piece helps the head sit forward while staying secure.

  1. CO 18 sts in gray.
  2. Rows 1 to 6: Work stockinette.
  3. Row 7: K1, SSK, K12, K2tog, K1. 16 sts.
  4. Row 8: P all sts.
  5. BO all sts.
  6. Roll lightly and sew between the body neck and lower back of the head.

Assembly Order

Use pins before sewing. The donkey’s charm depends on the head angle, ear placement, and diagonal strap position. Work slowly and compare both sides as you go.

  1. Pull the sweater over the body, placing the blue rib at the lower belly.
  2. Sew the sweater at the back with a few hidden stitches so it does not twist.
  3. Attach the head to the body with the face angled slightly forward.
  4. Sew around the neck twice for strength.
  5. Attach the legs to the lower front of the body, angled outward slightly.
  6. Attach the arms at the upper sides, just below the sweater shoulder area.
  7. Sew the sleeves to the armholes and tack the arms beneath the sleeves.
  8. Sew the ears on top of the head, with one ear upright and one slightly curved outward.
  9. Add the mane down the center top of the head and back of the neck.
  10. Attach the tail to the back of the body, just below the sweater hem.
  11. Sew on the eyes, then embroider eyebrows, nostrils, and mouth.
  12. Add the strawberry patch to the sweater chest.
  13. Sew the green crossbody strap diagonally across the front.
  14. Attach the pouch at the hip and sew the flower to the pouch.
  15. Add the ear flower near the base of one ear.
  16. Place the beret and basket beside the donkey for the full photo-inspired display.

Detailed Sewing Placement

Head Placement

Place the head so the widest cheek area faces front and the closing point sits low at the back. The muzzle should lean forward, giving the donkey a gentle seated look. Sew through the sweater neckline and body fabric for extra support.

Ear Placement

Place the ears about 1.25 inches apart at the top of the head. The taller ear should stand upward with a soft inward curve. The second ear may bend slightly outward or forward. Sew around the folded base several times.

Leg Placement

Position the legs low on the body so the tan soles face forward. The legs should frame the basket and hat when displayed. Sew the upper leg firmly to the body, then add a few stitches under each thigh to help the donkey sit.

Arm Placement

The arms sit at the side of the chest and point slightly downward. The dark brown hoof ends should be visible below the sweater sleeves. Sew the arms after fitting the sleeves, not before.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Once all pieces are attached, check the face from the front and both sides. Add tiny adjustments with embroidery. A short brown stitch above each eye gives expression. A small gray shaping stitch under the muzzle can lift the face if it looks too flat.

  • Use white yarn to brighten each eye with two shine stitches.
  • Use blue yarn on the outer side of each eye for the image-style glossy highlight.
  • Use dark brown yarn for soft eyebrows, nostrils, hoof accents, mane, and tail tuft.
  • Use pink inner ears to keep the donkey looking warm and gentle.
  • Secure every accessory with hidden stitches if the toy will be handled often.

Care Notes

Spot clean the donkey gently with cool water and mild soap. Avoid soaking, especially if you used felt, cardstock, or firm inserts in the basket. Press with a towel and reshape the ears, sweater, hat, and pouch while damp.

  • Do not machine wash if small embroidered details are delicate.
  • Dry flat in a shaded, well-ventilated place.
  • Fluff the mane and tail with your fingers after drying.
  • Keep away from high heat to protect the shape of the stuffing.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • The head is larger than the body and tilted slightly forward.
  • The ears are tall, with pink panels centered inside gray borders.
  • The sweater has blue ribbing, blue body sections, cream stripes, and green stripes.
  • The strawberry patch is sewn on the upper front of the sweater.
  • The green strap crosses the chest diagonally.
  • The pouch hangs at the hip and has a small flower on it.
  • The hat has matching blue, green, and cream stripes with a green stem.
  • The basket is tan and filled with red and blue berries.
  • The mane and tail tuft are dark brown and softly trimmed.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For long-term display, store the donkey in a clean dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the blue, green, pink, and red details. If dust collects, use a soft brush and move in the direction of the knitted stitches.

If the toy becomes flattened, reshape it by gently pressing the stuffing back into place with your fingers. Lift the ears, smooth the sweater stripes, and straighten the crossbody strap. Store the basket and beret beside the donkey rather than pressing them under heavier objects.

  • Wrap the toy in acid-free tissue when storing for a long time.
  • Do not hang the donkey by the ears, arms, strap, or tail.
  • Keep embroidered eyes and small berries away from pets and very young children.
  • Check sewn-on accessories occasionally and reinforce loose stitches when needed.

Your knitted donkey is now complete, with its striped sweater, garden pouch, flower accents, berry basket, matching beret, expressive ears, and soft handmade charm.

Related Posts

Knitting Tutorial: Princess Piggy – Free Knitting Pattern.

Knitting Tutorial: Princess Piggy – Free Knitting Pattern.

May 12, 2026
Knitting Tutorial: French Bulldog in Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

Knitting Tutorial: French Bulldog in Overalls – Free Knitting Pattern

May 12, 2026
Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Raccoon in Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern.

Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Raccoon in Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern.

May 12, 2026

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *