Donkey Amigurumi For Handmade Gifts
Finished Size: Approximately 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 7 inches (18 cm) wide
Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Hook Size: 3.5 mm
Yarn: worsted yarn
Notions: Yarn needle, stitch marker, polyfill
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 3.5 mm hook
Why This Pattern Is Worth Your Time
This donkey amigurumi is an amigurumi doll worked in brown, beige, green, and black. You will crochet the head, muzzle, eye, nostril, ear, neck, body, arm, leg, sweater, mane, dress, hands, and the feet. The pattern walks through each piece with clear round-by-round counts, then shows how to assemble and finish everything so the result matches the reference photos.
Use the pattern card as your material checklist before starting. It stands upright on its own. The instructions include embroidered facial features. The instructions include embroidery details. Keep your tension even, count stitches at the end of shaping rounds, and check the placement notes before sewing pieces together for a clean handmade result.
Before You Start: Pattern Notes
Everything You Need to Make This
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | worsted yarn in brown, beige, green, black, cream, tan |
| Hook | 3.5 mm crochet hook |
| Stuffing | Polyfill or fiberfill |
| Eyes | Safety eyes or embroidery thread |
| Extras | Yarn needle, stitch markers, scissors |
Gauge: Approximately 12 sc x 14 rounds = 4 inches with 3.5 mm hook. Not critical but aim for tight, even stitches, if stuffing shows through, go down one hook size.
The Stitches, Explained
Note: This pattern uses US crochet terms. All rounds are worked in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in same stitch) |
| dec | Decrease (sc 2 together) |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| ch | Chain |
Crochet Along: Full Instructions
head, brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
Rnd 6: sc around (30)
Rnd 7: sc around (30)
Rnd 8: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 10: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 11: dec around (6)
Rnd 12: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to beige yarn for the muzzle.
muzzle, beige yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (9)
Rnd 3: sc around (9)
Rnd 4: (1 sc, dec) x 3 (6)
Rnd 5: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to black yarn for the eye.
eye (make 2), black yarn
Use 6 mm safety eyes or embroidered eyes; place them on the upper half of the head, about one eye-width apart.
If using safety eyes, insert the posts before closing the head opening and secure the backs firmly on the inside.
If embroidering, work two small black satin stitches, then add a tiny white stitch highlight if desired.
nostril (make 2), black yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: sc around (24)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 8: dec around (6)
Rnd 9: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to brown yarn for the ear.
ear (make 2), brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: (2 sc, inc) x 2 (8)
Rnd 3: sc around (8)
Rnd 4: sc around (8)
Rnd 5: sc around (8)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 2 (6)
Rnd 7: fasten off, close hole (6)
neck, brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: sc around (12)
Rnd 4: sc around (12)
Switch to green yarn for the body.
body, green yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: (11 sc, inc) x 2 (26)
Rnd 6: sc around (26)
Rnd 7: sc around (26)
Rnd 8: sc around (26)
Rnd 9: sc around (26)
Rnd 10: sc around (26)
Rnd 11: (11 sc, dec) x 2 (24)
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 13: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 14: dec around (6)
Rnd 15: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to brown yarn for the arm.
arm (make 2), brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 3 (2 sc, inc) x 2 (17)
Rnd 4: sc around (17)
Rnd 5: sc around (17)
Rnd 6: sc around (17)
Rnd 7: sc around (17)
Rnd 8: sc around (17)
Rnd 9: sc around (17)
Rnd 10: sc around (17)
Rnd 11: sc around (17)
leg (make 2), brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: sc around (18)
Rnd 5: sc around (18)
Rnd 6: sc around (18)
Rnd 7: sc around (18)
Rnd 8: sc around (18)
Rnd 9: sc around (18)
Rnd 10: sc around (18)
Rnd 11: sc around (18)
Switch to green yarn for the sweater.
sweater, green yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: sc around (18)
Rnd 5: sc around (18)
Rnd 6: sc around (18)
Rnd 7: sc around (18)
Rnd 8: sc around (18)
Rnd 9: sc around (18)
Rnd 10: sc around (18)
Rnd 11: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 12: dec around (6)
Rnd 13: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to brown yarn for the mane.
mane, brown yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: sc around (24)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 8: dec around (6)
Rnd 9: fasten off, close hole (6)
Switch to green yarn for the dress.
dress, green yarn
Rnd 1: Ch 35, join with sl st to form ring, sc in each ch around (34)
Rnd 2: sc around (34)
Rnd 3: sc around (34)
Rnd 4: sc around (34)
Rnd 5: sc around (34)
Rnd 6: sc around (34)
Rnd 7: sc around (34)
Rnd 8: sc around (34)
Rnd 9: sc around (34)
Rnd 10: sc around (34)
Rnd 11: sc around (34)
Rnd 12: sc around (34)
Rnd 13: sc around (34)
Rnd 14: sc around (34)
Rnd 15: sc around (34)
Rnd 16: sc around (34)
Rnd 17: sc around (34)
Fasten off. Do not stuff.
Switch to tan yarn for the hands.
hands (make 2), tan yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: sc around (24)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 8: dec around (6)
Rnd 9: fasten off, close hole (6)
feet (make 2), tan yarn
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
Rnd 2: inc around (12)
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
Rnd 5: sc around (24)
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18)
Rnd 7: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
Rnd 8: dec around (6)
Rnd 9: fasten off, close hole (6)
Final Stitch Counts
- head: 30 stitches at widest point
- muzzle: 9 stitches at widest point
- eye (x 2): See pattern
- nostril (x 2): 24 stitches at widest point
- ear (x 2): 8 stitches at widest point
- neck: 12 stitches at widest point
- body: 26 stitches at widest point
- arm (x 2): 17 stitches at widest point
- leg (x 2): 18 stitches at widest point
- sweater: 18 stitches at widest point
- mane: 24 stitches at widest point
- dress: 34 stitches at widest point
- hands (x 2): 24 stitches at widest point
- feet (x 2): 24 stitches at widest point
Assembling Your Amigurumi
1. Stuff head, neck, body, sweater, hands, feet firmly with polyfill for stability. Shape as you go, pressing and molding to match the reference photo. Add extra stuffing to the base for a sturdy foundation.
2. Sew muzzle to the front of the head. Center between the eyes, slightly below the eye line. Stuff lightly with polyfill before closing for a 3D effect. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles.
3. Attach eye to the head. Position on the upper half of the head, spaced about one eye-width apart. Secure firmly with embroidery thread or fabric glue. Embroider a small line below each eye for a more expressive look.
4. Sew ear to the sides of the head. Position on the upper sides of the head, angled outward. Pin in place before sewing to check alignment from all angles. Use the long tail left for sewing and whipstitch around the base.
5. Sew arm to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
6. Sew leg to the body. Align carefully and pin in place before sewing. Check from all angles, then sew firmly with whipstitch.
7. Slip dress over the body; do not stuff it. Whipstitch the top edge to the shoulders or neckline, and leave the hem free so the garment drapes naturally. Pin evenly before sewing to keep the opening centered.
8. Sew nostril in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
9. Sew mane in place following the reference photo. Pin first to check positioning, then whipstitch with matching yarn, weaving in the ends securely.
10. Check all seams are secure. Gently tug each attached piece to test. Trim any loose yarn ends with sharp scissors. Weave in all remaining tails with a needle, passing through at least 3 stitches in each direction to prevent unraveling. Give the finished piece a gentle squeeze to distribute stuffing evenly and shape the final form.
Pro Tips and Care Advice
These tips will help you crochet a clean, well-finished amigurumi doll:
- Block flat pieces: Lightly steam any flat components before assembly, they will line up much better.
- Carry, don't cut: When changing colors within a piece, carry the unused yarn inside to minimize end-weaving.
- Embroider the details: Safety eyes aren't your only option. Embroidered features give a softer, handmade feel.
- Pin before sewing: Use sewing pins to position parts before attaching. Adjust until the shape looks right, then sew.
- Smaller hook = neater result: If stuffing peeks through, drop one hook size. Tight stitches look professional.
Caring for your donkey amigurumi:
- Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent, no machine washing.
- Air dry flat, away from direct sunlight. Sun fades colors faster than you think.
- If safety eyes are used, ensure they are locked tight, not suitable for children under 3.
- Spot clean small stains with a damp cloth instead of washing the whole piece.
Your Questions, Answered
My stitches are too loose and stuffing shows, help?
Drop down one hook size. Tight, even stitches are the single most important thing for clean amigurumi.
Safety eyes or embroidered eyes?
Both work. Safety eyes look more polished but aren't safe for babies. Embroidered eyes are softer and baby-safe.
Can I sell finished items from this pattern?
Absolutely. Sell at craft fairs, online, wherever you like, just don't distribute the pattern itself.
What yarn works best?
Cotton gives the crispest stitches and most defined shape. Acrylic is softer and more affordable, both work great.
How long does this take?
Most crocheters finish in 2-4 hours. Your first one will be slower, and that's completely normal.
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