Introduction

Meet the Curious Donkey—a soft, seated knit plush styled for a cozy UK allotment day. He has a heather-gray head and body with a cream muzzle and inner ears, big friendly eyes, sage-green dungarees with a tiny carrot sprout on the pocket, a cream/gray striped jumper, a mustard flat cap, a tan crossbody seed bag labeled “Seeds,” bright red boots, and a mint mini watering can resting in his arms. The overall look is pastel, airy, and very handmade—perfect for photos on a wooden table or sofa backdrop.




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

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Form & Proportions Analysis (Step 1)

• Overall pose: Seated. Thighs forward, shins vertical. Arms relaxed down/forward to cradle a small watering can.
• Scale: Finished height seated ≈ 24–25 cm (9.5–10 in) to cap tip. Head is slightly larger than the body cylinder for a cute ratio (head ≈ 9 cm tall × 8.5 cm wide; body ≈ 8.5 cm tall × 7.5 cm wide before shaping).
• Head: Spherical-oval with gentle wedge shaping at the top for ear placement. Cream oval muzzle sits low, slightly protruding. 8 mm safety eyes placed wide apart.
• Ears: Tall, slightly tapered ovals with cream inner panel and gray outer; attached at a slight forward tilt (~15°) to enhance “curious” look.
• Arms: Plump tubes with subtle cuff ridge (jumper sleeve).
• Legs/Boots: Distinct boot shape—rounded toe, visible sole line, and ankle transition. Boot height ends just under the dungaree cuffs.
• Tail: Short tassel with gentle curve, centered low back.
• Accessories:
  1. Dungarees: Sage; bib with centered pocket; pocket shows a tiny carrot sprout (orange nub + green leaves). Straps button to back.
  2. Striped jumper: Cream and gray narrow stripes; crew neck.
  3. Flat cap: Mustard; classic crown with soft peak/brim.
  4. Seed bag: Tan crossbody with flap and small stitched label “Seeds.”
  5. Watering can: Mint; simplified cylindrical body with spout and top handle.
• Stitch character: Fine-gauge stockinette with small “V” stitches; light fuzzy halo. Use smaller needles than usual for your yarn to keep a dense fabric and crisp shaping.
• Seam angles: Head sits directly on body cylinder (no neck). Legs splayed slightly outward (~10°) so toes point forward. Arms attach at body’s upper third, angled inwards to hold the can.

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Materials

• Yarn (DK / light worsted, non-fuzzy or lightly haloed):
  1. Heather Gray (Main) – 50 g
  2. Cream – 20 g
  3. Sage Green – 40 g
  4. Mustard – 20 g
  5. Tan – 15 g
  6. Red – 20 g
  7. Mint – 10 g
  8. Orange + Leaf Green (scraps) for carrot sprout
• Needles: 3.0 mm (US 2½) double-pointed needles or circulars for small-circumference knitting; 2.75 mm (US 2) for accessories/edges optional.
• Notions: 8 mm black safety eyes, black/gray/cream embroidery thread, tapestry needle, stitch markers, 10–12 mm plastic buttons (2) for dungaree straps, small amount of cardboard/plastic for bag label support (optional), toy-safe stuffing, pipe cleaner or floral wire for watering-can handle (optional and remove for small children).
• Gauge: 28 sts × 36 rnds = 4″ (10 cm) in stockinette in the round, lightly stretched after stuffing.

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

k – knit; p – purl; st(s) – stitch(es); rnd(s) – round(s); inc – knit front and back (kfb) increase; dec – k2tog decrease; m1 – make one (lifted) increase; pm – place marker; sm – slip marker; BO – bind off; CO – cast on; tbl – through back loop; RS/WS – right/wrong side.

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Pattern Notes

• Work pieces in the round unless noted.
• Stuff firm but not hard—you should still pinch surface stitches.
• Safety eyes are installed before closing the head.
• Color changes for the jumper stripes are every 4 rnds. Carry yarn neatly up the inside.
• Leave long tails for sewing.
• Stitch counts are after the instruction on that line.

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Finished Size

Seated height 9.5–10 in (24–25 cm). Width across boots ≈ 12 cm; head width ≈ 8.5–9 cm.

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Body Parts (Step 2)

Head (Gray)

CO 8 sts. Distribute over DPNs, pm for start.

1. Inc rnd: kfb around. (16)
2. k around.
3. [k1, kfb] around. (24)
4. k around.
5. [k2, kfb] around. (32)
6. k around.
7. [k3, kfb] around. (40)
8. k around.
9. [k4, kfb] around. (48)
   10–18) k around 9 rnds even.
10. [k7, kfb] around. (54)
    20–26) k around 7 rnds even.
    Install safety eyes later; continue.
11. [k7, k2tog] around. (48)
12. k around.
13. [k4, k2tog] around. (40)
14. k around.
15. [k3, k2tog] around. (32)
    Pause to place eyes: Insert 8 mm safety eyes between rnds 19–20, spaced 11 sts apart, centered front.
16. [k2, k2tog] around. (24)
17. [k1, k2tog] around. (16)
    Stuff firmly, shaping a gentle oval.
18. k2tog around. (8)
    Break yarn, draw through remaining sts, pull tight. Weave in.

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Muzzle (Cream; worked flat then shaped)

CO 8 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k across.
Row 2: p across.
Row 3: kfb, k to last st, kfb. (10)
Row 4: p.
Row 5: kfb, k to last st, kfb. (12)
Rows 6–12: work in st st, increasing 1 st at each edge on RS rows only until 16 sts.
Rows 13–18: st st even 6 rows.
Rows 19–23: dec 1 at each edge on RS rows until 12 sts.
Row 24: BO leaving long tail.
Block lightly; sew to lower face centered, bottom edge 3 rnds above head’s closing point. Stuff lightly as you sew to create a soft protrusion.
Embroider two vertical nostrils with gray/black and a soft smile line.

Inner Ear Panels (Cream; make 2, worked flat)

CO 8 sts.
Row 1: k.
Row 2 and all WS rows: p.
Row 3: kfb, k to last st, kfb. (10)
Row 5: inc at both edges. (12)
Row 7: inc. (14)
Row 9: inc. (16)
Row 11: inc. (18)
Rows 12–16: st st even.
Row 17: k2tog at both edges. (16)
Row 19: k2tog at both edges. (14)
Row 21: k2tog at both edges. (12)
Row 23: k2tog at both edges. (10)
Row 24: BO. Shape like a tall almond.

Outer Ears (Gray; make 2, worked flat)

Work as Inner Ear but add 1 extra increase row at the beginning (finish with 20 sts at peak) so the outer is slightly larger. BO.
Seam each cream panel centered onto a gray panel using whip stitch; fold the base to pinch and sew, forming a slight curve. Set aside.

Body (Gray)

CO 10.

1. kfb around. (20)
2. k.
3. [k1, kfb] around. (30)
4. k.
5. [k2, kfb] around. (40)
   6–18) k 13 rnds even for torso depth.
6. [k8, kfb] around. (44)
   20–24) k 5 rnds even (broad belly).
7. [k9, k2tog] around. (40)
8. k.
9. [k3, k2tog] around. (32)
10. k.
11. [k2, k2tog] around. (24)
    Stuff firmly, flattening slightly top and bottom for seated look.
12. [k1, k2tog] around. (16)
13. k2tog around. (8)
    Break yarn, draw through, close.

Arms (Gray; make 2)

CO 8.

1. kfb around. (16)
   2–5) k 4 rnds.
2. [k2, kfb] around. (21)
   7–10) k 4 rnds (upper arm plump).
   Change to Cream to suggest jumper cuff;
3. p around (creates cuff ridge).
   12–24) Work striped sleeve: 4 rnds cream, 4 rnds gray, repeat once more, ending with cream. Keep at 16 sts by decreasing 1 st randomly on rnd 12 and 16 to taper: (from 21 to 19, then to 17).
4. k2tog around to 10–12 sts (choose 10 for slimmer forearm).
   26–30) k straight 5 rnds.
   Stuff lightly (leave 1 cm unstuffed at top for easy bending). BO leaving a long tail for sewing.

Legs with Boots (make 2)

Boot (Red):
CO 8.

1. kfb around. (16)
2. k.
3. [k1, kfb] around. (24)
4. k.
5. [k2, kfb] around. (32)
   6–8) k 3 rnds even.
6. [k6, k2tog] around. (28)
7. k.
8. [k5, k2tog] around. (24)
9. k. Insert a small oval of felt/card for a firm sole if desired.
10. [k2, k2tog] around. (18)
11. k.
12. [k1, k2tog] around. (12) — toe rounds.
    Stuff toe firmly.
    Switch to Gray (leg):
13. p around (ankle fold).
    17–28) k straight 12 rnds (shin).
14. [k2, kfb] around. (16) – slight thigh increase.
    30–36) k 7 rnds more. Stuff evenly but allow a soft bend at the ankle. BO, leaving long tail.

Tail (Gray)

CO 6.
1–10) k i-cord for 10 rows.
Trim multiple short strands of gray; latch to end as tassel; secure. Sew to center-back low edge.

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Head & Ear Assembly

• Position ears on head top with a slight forward tilt (~15°). The inner cream faces forward. Stitch securely.
• Sew head to body: center the head over the body opening; whip stitch around, adding stuffing as you go to create a firm neckless join.
• Ladder stitch muzzle to head if not already done; tack sides gently for a rounded oval.
• Add soft blush with a tiny bit of pink yarn fuzz (optional).

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Attaching Arms and Legs

• Legs: Pin to front lower body so the donkey sits balanced, toes pointing slightly out (10°). Stitch around firmly.
• Arms: Pin to upper third of body, slightly forward-facing so wrists meet in front. Stitch securely but allow a touch of swing.

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Clothing & Accessories

Striped Jumper (worked bottom-up in the round)

With Cream, CO 64 sts; join, pm.
Rnd 1: k around.
Rnd 2: p around (hem ridge).
Rnds 3–10: 4 rnds cream, 4 rnds gray (stripe set #1).
Rnds 11–18: repeat stripe set #1 (stripe set #2).
Rnds 19–20: k2tog 4 times evenly spaced. (60)
Rnds 21–22: k.
Split for armholes:
Front: k30 to marker, place remaining 30 on holder. Work flat in st st for 8 rows, BO 4 sts at each armhole edge once, then k 4 more rows. BO center 12 for neck; work each shoulder 4 rows and BO.
Back: return held sts; mirror shaping but BO 2 fewer for a higher back neck (BO center 8).
Sleeves (pick up):
Pick up 28 sts around each armhole with Cream.
Rnd 1: p around (cuff ridge).
Rnd 2–10: 4 rnds cream, 4 rnds gray.
Rnd 11: k2tog every 6th st. (≈24)
Rnd 12–16: k even. BO.
Seams: Mattress stitch shoulders; pick up 60 sts around neckline with Cream, k 1 rnd, p 1 rnd for neckband, BO loosely. Slide jumper on now.

Dungarees (Sage; one piece with sewn side seams)

Legs (make 2):
CO 36. Join in the round.
Rnds 1–2: k.
Rnd 3: p (hem ridge).
Rnds 4–20: k even. BO 2 sts at inner thigh both legs; place both on one needle so the BO edges meet—join for body, CO 4 sts over gap. (36 + 36 − 4 + 4 = 72)
Body of dungarees:
Rnds 1–8: k.
Rnd 9: k2tog 6 times evenly. (66)
Rnds 10–16: k straight.
Waistband: p 1 rnd, then k 3 rnds, BO loosely.
Bib (worked flat):
Find center front; pick up 24 sts across 2.5–3 cm span.
Rows 1–12: st st even.
Row 13: work pocket opening: k6, BO 12, k6.
Row 14: k6, CO 12, k6.
Rows 15–18: st st. BO.
Pocket piece: Pick up 12 sts along the opening; work 6 rows st st, then k1 row, BO. Sew sides/bottom to form pocket.
Carrot sprout: With orange, embroider a small oval nub in pocket center; with green, add two tiny leaf stitches above it.
Straps: Pick up 6 sts at top corners of bib; knit each strap in garter (k every row) for 7–8 cm. BO. Cross to back and sew to waistband; add buttons or stitch ends directly.

Flat Cap (Mustard; worked in the round)

CO 72. Join, pm.
Rnds 1–3: k.
Rnd 4: [k10, k2tog] around. (66)
Rnd 5: k.
Rnd 6: [k9, k2tog] around. (60)
Rnd 7: k.
Rnd 8: [k8, k2tog] around. (54)
Rnd 9: k.
Rnd 10: [k7, k2tog] around. (48)
Rnd 11: k.
Rnd 12: [k6, k2tog] around. (42)
Rnd 13: k.
Rnd 14: [k5, k2tog] around. (36)
Rnd 15: k.
Rnd 16: [k4, k2tog] around. (30)
Rnd 17: k.
Rnd 18: [k3, k2tog] around. (24)
Rnd 19: k.
Rnd 20: k2tog around. (12)
Break yarn, draw through.
Brim: With RS facing, pick up 28 sts across front edge.
Rows 1–4: stockinette.
Row 5 (short-row shaping): k22, turn; p16, turn; k20, turn; p all.
Row 6: BO loosely. Fold brim under slightly and tack at sides to create a soft peak.

Crossbody Seed Bag (Tan; worked flat)

CO 12.
Rows 1–18: st st.
Row 19: k (fold line).
Rows 20–27: st st (flap). BO.
Fold at row 19; seam sides.
Strap: CO 3, knit i-cord for 22–24 cm; attach to side seams.
Label: With cream scrap, duplicate-stitch a small rectangle and embroider “Seeds” in brown. Tack to front. Optionally insert a tiny cardboard rectangle inside the front panel before closing for crispness.

Mini Watering Can (Mint; simplified)

Body: CO 18, join.
Rnds 1–10: k (tube).
Rnd 11: [k1, k2tog] around. (12)
Rnd 12: k.
Thread yarn through sts, pull closed (top).
Pick up 18 sts around foundation cast-on and [k1, m1] around once to flare slightly; BO to form base circle. Stuff lightly.
Spout: CO 6, knit i-cord for 2.5–3 cm; sew to body near top side; duplicate stitch a small round “rose.”
Handle: Crochet chain or i-cord 5–6 cm; sew top/back.
Place between arms; tack to hands so it stays in pose.

Tiny Carrot Prop

Carrot: CO 12 in orange, knit in the round 2 rnds; k2tog around (6); knit 2 rnds; k2tog to 3; cut yarn, pull tight.
Leaves: With green, embroider 2–3 lazy-daisy leaves at top. Place by the boot or tuck in pocket.

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Final Assembly & Finishing

1. Dress donkey with jumper first, then pull on dungarees. Adjust waistband so bib sits centered and pocket faces perfectly forward. Attach straps at the back in a slight “X”.
2. Put on the flat cap with brim just above eyes; a single tack stitch at each side keeps it from shifting.
3. Position the seed bag strap diagonally across the chest; tack strap at shoulders to prevent sliding.
4. Place the watering can between wrists; angle spout slightly outward. Secure with a few invisible stitches so arms “hold” it naturally.
5. Sit donkey on a firm surface; angle legs out slightly for stability; add a tiny hidden tack from boot soles to the dungaree cuffs if needed.
6. Lightly steam-block only the clothing pieces (avoid steaming the stuffed body) to smooth seams.
7. Trim fuzz sparingly to keep a neat, fine-gauge look while retaining a soft halo.

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Care & Display Tips

• Spot clean with a damp cloth; avoid machine washing if using safety eyes or cardboard label support.
• For photography, place on a light wooden table or neutral sofa; shoot near a window with diffused daylight for the airy pastel look.

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Troubleshooting Quick Notes

• Head too small/large: Adjust stuffing first; if gauge differs, add/subtract one increase round on the head and match with one extra plain round before decreases.
• Ears flop backward: Add a tiny tack stitch at the inner base front.
• Boots collapsing: Insert a small felt oval in the sole before closing the foot.
• Watering can slumps: Add a dab of stuffing or a rolled felt strip along the inside rim.

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Yarn Color Map (for exact visual match)

• Body/Head/Tail/Arms/Legs above ankle: Heather Gray
• Muzzle + Inner Ears + Jumper base stripes: Cream
• Jumper contrast stripes: Medium Gray
• Dungarees + Pocket + Straps: Sage Green
• Flat Cap: Mustard
• Boots: Soft Red
• Seed Bag: Tan (label cream/brown)
• Watering Can: Mint
• Carrot sprout: Orange + Leaf Green

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Safety Reminder

If gifting to a child under 3, replace safety eyes with embroidered eyes, remove any wire from the watering can handle, and avoid small buttons.