Knitting Tutorial: Woodland Donkey Gardener in Green Overalls with Vegetable Basket – Free Knitting Pattern.

This friendly woodland donkey gardener is knit as a soft standing toy with long gray ears, a cream muzzle, black hooves, a textured cream sweater, green overalls, a purple dotted bandana, a tan flower bag, a green garden hat, a gray watering can, and a small basket filled with knitted carrots and radishes.

 

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 pattern is written to recreate the donkey gardener shown in the image as closely as possible. The donkey has a large rounded head, a soft oval muzzle, wide upright ears, a short black yarn mane, rounded arms, sturdy legs, rolled green overall cuffs, brown garden sandals, and several tiny garden accessories.

The toy is worked mostly in the round using small needles and firm stuffing. Small decorative pieces are worked flat where that gives a neater shape. The finished donkey stands about 12 inches tall from hoof to head, or about 14 inches tall including the raised ears.

• Skill level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
• Finished height: About 12 inches tall, not including the ears.
• Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or circular needle for magic loop.
• Gauge: 7 stitches and 10 rounds = 1 inch in stockinette, worked firmly.
• Construction: Body, head, muzzle, ears, limbs, clothing, and accessories are made separately, then sewn together.

Materials

• DK weight yarn in medium gray for donkey head, ears, lower legs, and body details.
• DK weight yarn in dark charcoal gray for inner ears and shadow details.
• DK weight yarn in warm cream for muzzle, sweater, and upper arms.
• DK weight yarn in black for hooves, hair mane, and nostril accents.
• DK weight yarn in moss green for overalls and garden hat.
• DK weight yarn in tan for shoulder bag, basket, hat band, and basket handle.
• DK weight yarn in brown for sandal straps and bag strap.
• Small amounts of orange, red, pink, white, yellow, and leafy green yarn for vegetables and flowers.
• Small amount of lavender or purple fabric, or knitted purple bandana if preferred.
• White embroidery thread or yarn for bandana dots.
• Two 9 mm black safety eyes, or black yarn eyes if making for a young child.
• Two small wooden buttons, about 8 mm wide, for the overalls.
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing.
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, pins, and row counter.

Abbreviations

• BO: Bind off.
• CO: Cast on.
• K: Knit.
• P: Purl.
• Sts: Stitches.
• Rnd: Round.
• RS: Right side.
• WS: Wrong side.
• K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together.
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit.
• M1L: Make 1 left increase.
• M1R: Make 1 right increase.
• PM: Place marker.
• SM: Slip marker.
• I-cord: Knit a narrow tube by sliding stitches back to the needle tip after every row.

Important Knitting Notes

Work the donkey pieces with a firm gauge so the stuffing does not show through. Stuff gradually as you knit long pieces, especially the legs, arms, body, and muzzle. Use smaller needles than your yarn label recommends for a tidy toy fabric.

The toy in the image has a soft handmade look, so slight stitch texture is welcome. Keep the head rounded, the muzzle oval and forward-facing, and the ears large compared with the face. These three details create the recognizable donkey shape.

• Use invisible mattress stitch when joining flat seams.
• Use whipstitch for small appliqués, flowers, leaves, and accessory edges.
• Do not overstuff the ears; they should stay flattened but shaped.
• Stuff the lower body firmly so the donkey can stand with support.
• Pin every piece in place before sewing permanently.

Body and Torso

The torso is knit in gray, but most of it will be covered by the cream sweater and green overalls. The shape should be oval, slightly wider at the belly, and narrower at the neck. Knit in the round from the bottom upward.

1. With medium gray yarn, CO 12 sts. Divide across needles and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: *K1, Kfb; repeat from * around. 36 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: *K5, Kfb; repeat from * around. 42 sts.
8. Rnds 7-14: K all sts for the lower belly.
9. Rnd 15: *K6, Kfb; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
10. Rnds 16-26: K all sts. Begin stuffing lightly after Rnd 22.
11. Rnd 27: *K6, K2tog; repeat from * around. 42 sts.
12. Rnd 28: K all sts.
13. Rnd 29: *K5, K2tog; repeat from * around. 36 sts.
14. Rnds 30-34: K all sts.
15. Rnd 35: *K4, K2tog; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
16. Rnd 36: K all sts.
17. Rnd 37: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
18. Rnds 38-40: K all sts for the neck base.
19. BO, leaving a long tail for sewing the head to the body.

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Head

The donkey head is rounded and slightly tall, with the widest area around the cheeks. The cream muzzle will be sewn onto the front later, so the gray head should stay smooth and symmetrical. Place the eyes before the head is fully closed.

1. With medium gray yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: *K1, Kfb; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: *K2, Kfb; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: *K4, Kfb; repeat from * around. 48 sts.
10. Rnds 9-22: K all sts, keeping the fabric smooth.
11. Rnd 23: *K6, K2tog; repeat from * around. 42 sts.
12. Rnd 24: K all sts.
13. Rnd 25: *K5, K2tog; repeat from * around. 36 sts.
14. Rnd 26: K all sts.
15. Rnd 27: *K4, K2tog; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
16. Pause here and place safety eyes between Rnds 15 and 16, about 9 stitches apart on the front of the face.
17. Rnd 28: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
18. Stuff the head firmly, shaping the cheeks with your fingers.
19. Rnd 29: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
20. Rnd 30: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
21. Rnd 31: K2tog around. 6 sts.
22. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and secure.

Cream Oval Muzzle

The muzzle is large, cream colored, and oval, covering the lower half of the face. It sits forward like a soft snout and gives the donkey its gentle expression. Knit it separately, stuff it lightly, and sew it centered below the eyes.

1. With cream yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: *K1, Kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: *K3, Kfb; repeat from * around. 30 sts.
8. Rnds 7-13: K all sts.
9. Rnd 14: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
10. Rnd 15: K all sts.
11. Rnd 16: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
12. Lightly stuff the muzzle, keeping it oval rather than round.
13. Rnd 17: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
14. Rnd 18: K2tog around. 6 sts.
15. Cut yarn, gather closed, and leave a long sewing tail.

Muzzle Embroidery

• Use dark gray yarn to embroider two short oval nostrils, each about 3 stitches long, on the upper sides of the muzzle.
• Use cream or light gray yarn to stitch a short vertical line down the center front of the muzzle.
• Add a tiny inverted V shape at the bottom of the center line to suggest a soft mouth.
• Sew the muzzle to the head between the eyes and lower face, adding a pinch more stuffing before closing the final inch.

Large Donkey Ears

The ears are the most important donkey feature. Each ear is long, wide at the center, rounded at the tip, and slightly cupped. The outer ear is medium gray, and the inner ear is dark charcoal gray, matching the image.

Outer Ear, Make 2

1. With medium gray yarn, CO 8 sts. Work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K1, M1R, K6, M1L, K1. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: K1, M1R, K8, M1L, K1. 12 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K1, M1R, K10, M1L, K1. 14 sts.
9. Row 8: P all sts.
10. Row 9: K1, M1R, K12, M1L, K1. 16 sts.
11. Rows 10-22: Work in stockinette, beginning with a P row on WS.
12. Row 23: K1, SSK, K10, K2tog, K1. 14 sts.
13. Row 24: P all sts.
14. Row 25: K1, SSK, K8, K2tog, K1. 12 sts.
15. Row 26: P all sts.
16. Row 27: K1, SSK, K6, K2tog, K1. 10 sts.
17. Row 28: P all sts.
18. Row 29: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
19. Row 30: P all sts.
20. Row 31: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1. 6 sts.
21. BO loosely, leaving a long tail.

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Inner Ear, Make 2

1. With dark charcoal gray yarn, CO 6 sts. Work flat.
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. Rows 6-18: Work in stockinette.
8. Row 19: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
9. Row 20: P all sts.
10. Row 21: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1. 6 sts.
11. Row 22: P all sts.
12. Row 23: K1, SSK, K2tog, K1. 4 sts.
13. BO loosely.

Ear Assembly

• Sew one dark inner ear onto each gray outer ear, centered and slightly lower than the outer tip.
• Fold each ear lengthwise at the base and stitch the first 4 rows together to create a cupped base.
• Sew the ears to the top sides of the head between Rnds 6 and 12, angled upward and outward.
• The left ear should lean slightly higher. The right ear should extend outward, as shown in the garden image.

Black Yarn Mane

The donkey has a playful black mane made from short strands of yarn. It begins between the ears and runs down the top of the head. The strands should look like soft loops and tassels, not a smooth knitted cap.

1. Cut 22 strands of black yarn, each about 5 inches long.
2. Using a crochet hook or tapestry needle, pull each strand halfway through a stitch along the top center of the head.
3. Tie each strand in a firm knot close to the knitted fabric.
4. Place 8 strands between the ears, 8 strands down the forehead, and 6 shorter strands toward the back of the head.
5. Trim the mane unevenly to about 1 1/4 inches long, keeping the handmade shaggy look.

Legs, Make 2

The legs are short, sturdy, and shaped to support the donkey. Each leg starts with a black hoof, changes to gray lower leg, then becomes covered by green overall pants. The black hoof should be visible below the brown sandal strap.

1. With black yarn, CO 12 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 3-7: K all sts for the rounded hoof.
5. Rnd 8: *K4, K2tog; repeat from * around. 20 sts.
6. Change to medium gray yarn.
7. Rnds 9-13: K all sts for the lower leg.
8. Change to moss green yarn.
9. Rnd 14: K all sts through the back loop to make a firm color edge.
10. Rnds 15-25: K all sts for the pant leg.
11. Rnd 26: P all sts to create the fold line for the rolled cuff.
12. Rnds 27-30: K all sts.
13. BO, leaving a long tail.
14. Stuff the hoof firmly and the upper leg moderately.
15. Fold the last 4 green rounds outward over the purl ridge to make a rolled cuff. Stitch loosely in place.

Arms, Make 2

The arms are cream at the sleeve with black hooves at the hands. In the image, the cream sweater sleeves are textured with small cable-like ridges, and the black hooves are rounded at the ends.

1. With black yarn, CO 10 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 20 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: K all sts.
5. Rnd 7: *K3, K2tog; repeat from * around. 16 sts.
6. Change to cream yarn.
7. Rnd 8: K all sts.
8. Rnd 9: *K2, P2; repeat from * around.
9. Rnd 10: K all sts.
10. Rnd 11: *K2, P2; repeat from * around.
11. Rnds 12-22: Work cable texture as follows: *K4, P1, K3; repeat from * around as evenly as possible.
12. Rnd 23: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
13. Rnd 24: K all sts.
14. BO, leaving a long tail.
15. Stuff the hoof firmly and the sleeve lightly. Do not overstuff the top of the arm.

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Cream Cable Sweater Body

The cream sweater is visible above the overalls and on both sleeves. It has a cozy knitted texture with vertical cable-like lines. Because most of the lower torso is hidden by the overalls, this sweater section is made as a fitted sleeveless layer sewn around the upper body.

1. With cream yarn, CO 42 sts. Work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K4, *P1, K5; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
5. Row 4: P4, *K1, P5; repeat from * to last 2 sts, P2.
6. Rows 5-6: Repeat Rows 3-4.
7. Row 7: K4, *P1, slip next 2 sts to cable needle and hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle, K1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
8. Row 8: P4, *K1, P5; repeat from * to last 2 sts, P2.
9. Rows 9-20: Repeat Rows 3-8 twice.
10. Row 21: K all sts.
11. Row 22: P all sts.
12. BO loosely.

Fitting the Sweater

• Wrap the sweater panel around the upper body with the cable texture facing outward.
• The top edge should sit just below the neck, and the lower edge should disappear under the green overalls.
• Sew the back seam neatly. Leave arm openings at both sides.
• Sew the arms onto the side openings, angled slightly downward.

Green Overalls

The overalls are moss green with a high waist, short pant legs, rolled cuffs, front bib, and two straps with small wooden buttons. They should fit snugly over the donkey’s body and legs, creating the gardener outfit seen in the image.

Overall Pants

1. With moss green yarn, CO 48 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: *K2, P2; repeat from * around for waistband ribbing.
3. Rnds 5-14: K all sts.
4. Rnd 15: K24, place next 24 sts on holder for second leg.
5. First leg Rnd 1: Join first 24 sts in the round and K all sts.
6. First leg Rnds 2-8: K all sts.
7. First leg Rnd 9: P all sts for cuff fold line.
8. First leg Rnds 10-12: K all sts.
9. BO loosely.
10. Return held 24 sts to needles and work second leg the same way.
11. Fold each cuff upward at the purl ridge and stitch in place.

Overall Bib

1. With moss green yarn, pick up and knit 18 sts from the front center waistband.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Rows 3-12: Continue stockinette, keeping the edges neat.
5. Row 13: K2, SSK, K10, K2tog, K2. 16 sts.
6. Row 14: P all sts.
7. Row 15: K2, SSK, K8, K2tog, K2. 14 sts.
8. BO.

Overall Straps, Make 2

1. With moss green yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-36: Knit every row for garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.
4. Sew each strap to the back waistband, cross them slightly over the shoulders, and bring them to the front bib corners.
5. Sew one small wooden button over each front strap end.

Floral Embroidery on Sweater Front

The sweater front shows tiny garden flowers and vines above the bib. Use simple embroidery after the overalls are fitted. Keep the stitches small, delicate, and slightly scattered so the design looks like hand-stitched garden stems.

• With green yarn, embroider three thin stems from the top of the bib upward onto the cream sweater.
• Use lazy daisy stitches in pale pink, lavender, and white for small flowers.
• Add yellow knots at the flower centers.
• Add one burgundy flower on the right side of the chest.
• Use small green straight stitches for leaves along the stems.

Purple Polka Dot Bandana

The donkey wears a purple triangular bandana around the neck. You may knit it or use fabric. A fabric bandana gives the closest look to the image because it keeps the points crisp and shows white dots clearly.

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Knitted Bandana Option

1. With purple yarn, CO 3 sts. Work flat in garter stitch.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K1, M1R, K1, M1L, K1. 5 sts.
4. Row 3: K all sts.
5. Row 4: K1, M1R, K3, M1L, K1. 7 sts.
6. Continue increasing in this way every RS row until you have 31 sts.
7. Knit 2 rows even.
8. BO loosely.
9. Use white yarn to embroider tiny dots across the triangle.

Bandana Placement

• Wrap the bandana around the neck with the point centered at the front.
• Tie or stitch the ends behind the neck.
• Let the front point sit above the sweater embroidery but below the muzzle.

Green Garden Hat

The garden hat sits separately beside the donkey in the image. It is round, green, and has a short brim, a tan braided band, and a small white daisy on one side. Knit the crown in the round and the brim flat or picked up around the edge.

Hat Crown

1. With moss green yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: *K1, Kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: *K2, Kfb; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: *K3, Kfb; repeat from * around. 40 sts.
10. Rnds 9-20: K all sts.
11. Rnd 21: *K6, K2tog; repeat from * around. 35 sts.
12. Rnd 22: P all sts for brim fold line.

Hat Brim

1. Rnd 23: *K1, M1; repeat around to increase to about 70 sts.
2. Rnds 24-29: K all sts.
3. Rnd 30: P all sts.
4. BO loosely.
5. Shape the brim outward with your fingers while the yarn is slightly damp.

Hat Band and Daisy

• With tan yarn, knit a 3-stitch I-cord for 14 inches.
• Wrap the cord around the base of the hat crown and stitch the ends together at the back.
• For the daisy center, with yellow yarn, CO 5 sts, gather tightly into a small knot, and secure.
• For each white petal, CO 4 sts, knit 1 row, BO, and sew around the yellow center. Make 7 petals.
• Sew the daisy to the left side of the hat band.

Tan Crossbody Flower Bag

The small tan shoulder bag hangs across the donkey’s chest and rests at the right side of the overalls. It has a flap texture, a long brown strap, and a tiny white flower on the front.

Bag Body

1. With tan yarn, CO 18 sts. Work flat.
2. Rows 1-4: Knit every row for garter stitch base.
3. Rows 5-18: Work stockinette, beginning with a K row.
4. Row 19: K all sts.
5. Row 20: K all sts.
6. Rows 21-26: Continue garter stitch for the flap.
7. BO.
8. Fold the lower stockinette section upward to form a pocket about 1 3/4 inches deep.
9. Sew both side seams. Fold the garter flap over the front.

Bag Strap

1. With brown yarn, CO 3 sts.
2. Work a 3-stitch I-cord for 18 inches.
3. BO and sew one end to each upper corner of the bag.
4. Place the strap over the donkey’s left shoulder so the bag rests on the right hip.

Bag Flower

• Use yellow yarn to make one small center knot.
• Make 5 white petals by stitching short loops around the yellow center.
• Sew the flower to the lower right front of the bag flap.

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Brown Garden Sandals, Make 2

The sandals are brown straps over the black hooves. They sit around the front of the feet and leave the black hoof visible. A small white daisy is attached near each sandal, matching the playful garden theme.

1. With brown yarn, CO 5 sts.
2. Rows 1-24: Knit every row.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.
4. Wrap the strip across the front of one black hoof and around the sides.
5. Sew the ends under the foot so the strap stays secure.
6. Repeat for the second sandal.

Sandal Daisies

• Make 2 tiny yellow centers with French knots or small gathered stitches.
• For each daisy, embroider 5 white petal loops around the center.
• Sew one daisy to the outer side of each sandal.

Gray Watering Can

The watering can is a separate knitted prop placed beside the donkey. It is small, ribbed, gray, and has a handle, spout, and rose nozzle. Keep it lightly stuffed so it stands upright on the table.

Can Body

1. With light gray yarn, CO 24 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: *K1, P1; repeat from * around for ribbed base.
3. Rnds 5-20: Continue *K1, P1* ribbing to create vertical texture.
4. Rnd 21: *K2, K2tog; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
5. Rnd 22: K all sts.
6. Rnd 23: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
7. Lightly stuff the can.
8. Rnd 24: K2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Cut yarn, gather closed, and secure.

Watering Can Handle

1. With light gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work a 4-stitch I-cord for 5 inches.
3. BO.
4. Curve the I-cord into a handle and sew both ends to one side of the can body.

Watering Can Spout

1. With light gray yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-10: K all sts.
3. Rnd 11: *K1, Kfb; repeat from * around. 9 sts.
4. Rnds 12-13: K all sts.
5. BO.
6. Stuff very lightly, angle the spout outward, and sew it to the opposite side of the can.

Vegetable Basket

The basket is tan, round, and filled with colorful garden vegetables. In the image, it holds orange carrots, pink and red radishes, white turnip shapes, and leafy green tops. Keep the basket short and wide so the vegetables remain visible.

Basket Bowl

1. With tan yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in every st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: *K1, Kfb; repeat from * around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 4: *K2, Kfb; repeat from * around. 32 sts.
6. Rnd 5: P all sts to define the base edge.
7. Rnds 6-14: K all sts.
8. Rnds 15-17: *K1, P1; repeat from * around for a textured rim.
9. BO loosely.

Basket Handle

1. With tan yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work a 4-stitch I-cord for 7 inches.
3. BO.
4. Sew one end to each side of the basket rim, forming an arch.

Knitted Carrots, Make 3

1. With orange yarn, CO 9 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-3: K all sts.
3. Rnd 4: K7, K2tog. 8 sts.
4. Rnd 5: K all sts.
5. Rnd 6: K6, K2tog. 7 sts.
6. Rnd 7: K all sts.
7. Rnd 8: K5, K2tog. 6 sts.
8. Rnd 9: K all sts.
9. Rnd 10: K2tog around. 3 sts.
10. Cut yarn, gather closed, and hide the tail inside.
11. For leaves, cut 3 green strands, fold through the top, knot securely, and trim to 1 inch.

Round Radishes and Turnips

Red Radish, Make 1

1. With red yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in every st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: *K1, Kfb; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
5. Rnds 4-6: K all sts.
6. Rnd 7: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 6 sts.
9. Change to white yarn and K 1 round.
10. Gather closed to make the small pale root tip.

Pink Radish, Make 1

1. Work the same as the red radish, using pink yarn for Rnds 1-8.
2. Use white yarn for the final root tip.
3. Add three small green leaves at the top.

White Turnip, Make 1

1. With white yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in every st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: *K1, Kfb; repeat from * around. 18 sts.
4. Rnds 3-6: K all sts.
5. Rnd 7: *K1, K2tog; repeat from * around. 12 sts.
6. Stuff lightly.
7. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 6 sts.
8. Gather closed and embroider a tiny purple line near the top.
9. Add green leaves at the top.

Bee and Ladybug Hair Decorations

The image includes tiny garden insects nestled into the donkey’s black mane. One is a red ladybug, and one is a yellow and black bee with small white wings. These decorations are optional, but they strongly match the pictured design.

Ladybug

1. With red yarn, CO 6 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb in every st around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2-3: K all sts.
4. Rnd 4: K2tog around. 6 sts.
5. Gather closed.
6. Use black yarn to embroider a center line and 3 tiny dots on each side.
7. Sew the ladybug near the base of one ear.

Bee

1. With yellow yarn, CO 8 sts. Join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Change to black yarn, K all sts.
4. Rnd 3: Change to yellow yarn, K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Change to black yarn, K all sts.
6. Rnd 5: K2tog around. 4 sts.
7. Gather closed.
8. Use white yarn to make two small loop wings on top.
9. Sew the bee near the opposite ear, resting against the mane.

Tail

The tail is short and gray with a black tassel. It should sit at the back of the overalls and peek out naturally. Keep it flexible rather than stiff.

1. With medium gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
2. Work a 4-stitch I-cord for 3 inches.
3. BO.
4. Cut 8 black strands, each 3 inches long.
5. Fold the strands through the tail tip and knot securely.
6. Trim the tassel to about 1 inch.
7. Sew the tail to the back of the body just above the overall waistband.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

1. Sew the stuffed legs to the bottom of the body, placing them slightly apart so the donkey stands with a balanced gardener pose.
2. Sew the head to the neck opening, tilting it slightly forward for a gentle expression.
3. Sew the arms to the upper sides of the sweater, with the black hooves pointing slightly inward.
4. Attach the ears securely, making sure the bases are pinched and cupped.
5. Sew the muzzle to the lower face, centered between the eyes and extending forward.
6. Add nostrils, mouth line, and small gray eyebrow stitches above the eyes if desired.
7. Fit the sweater panel, then pull the green overalls into place over the lower body.
8. Attach the bib, straps, buttons, and rolled cuffs neatly.
9. Tie the purple dotted bandana around the neck with the point facing front.
10. Add the crossbody bag, sandals, hat, watering can, basket, vegetables, ladybug, bee, and small daisies.

Care Notes

• Spot clean the donkey with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if safety eyes, buttons, or small decorations are attached.
• Let the toy air dry completely before storing.
• Reshape the ears, hat brim, and bag while damp if needed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• The donkey has two large gray ears with dark inner panels.
• The muzzle is cream, oval, lightly stuffed, and centered below the eyes.
• The mane is black, shaggy, and placed between the ears.
• The sweater is cream with cable-style texture and floral embroidery.
• The overalls are moss green with rolled cuffs, bib, straps, and buttons.
• The purple bandana has white dots and sits around the neck.
• The tan bag hangs across the body and has a white flower.
• The hat, watering can, vegetable basket, carrots, radishes, bee, ladybug, and sandal daisies are all included.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished donkey in a dry place away from strong sunlight so the green overalls, purple bandana, and vegetable colors stay bright. If the toy is displayed on a shelf, gently dust it with a soft brush every few weeks.

For deeper cleaning, dab soiled areas with a damp cloth instead of soaking the toy. Press with a towel to remove moisture, then let it dry flat. Avoid pulling the mane, insect decorations, bag strap, and vegetable leaves during cleaning.

To preserve the standing shape, keep the legs firmly stuffed and avoid compressing the body under heavier items. The ears may be lightly steamed from a safe distance, then shaped by hand. Always allow every piece to cool and dry before returning the donkey to display.