Introduction

Meet the Donut Delivery Donkey—a pastel, city-morning cutie ready to bring sweet treats to your doorstep. Our donkey wears a pink gingham short-sleeve shirt, cream short overalls with two round buttons and rolled cuffs, cream shoes with a blush edge, and a caramel baseball cap. He carries a pale pink lunch-style tote and a cream donut box that opens to reveal three crocheted donuts with frosting and sprinkles.

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 & Proportion Analysis

• Height: ~10 in (25 cm) with DK cotton + 2.5 mm hook.
• Head: Slight oval sphere; widest at Rnds 15–19. Low, wide 8 mm eyes sit between Rnds 13–14 at 8 sts apart. Donkey has a muzzle disc sitting proud of the face, centered, with stitched smile. Cheeks appear plump from firm stuffing.
• Ears: Tall, tapered ovals with inner light ridge; set high and slightly forward, angling outward from the cap.
• Body: Compact cylinder with soft belly; narrow shoulder line to fit the shirt.
• Arms: Slim tubes with rounded hands; attached a touch forward to hold the boxes.
• Legs & Feet: Straight legs rising from rounded Mary-Jane-style shoes (open instep) in cream with blush edging. Soles are flat for stable posing.
• Outfit details:
  1. Gingham shirt: Alternating pink/cream blocks; rolled cuff.
  2. Short overalls: Cream with bib, two round “wood” buttons, hip seam, and rolled leg hem.
  3. Cap: Caramel 6-panel baseball cap with curved brim.
  4. Totes: Right hand—cream donut box (hinged lid) holding three donuts (two pink glazed with sprinkles, one plain). Left hand—pale pink lunch tote with small strap and tab closure.
• Fabric density: ~8 sc/in for the animal; garments slightly looser but tidy.
• Join angles: Ears tilt outward; arms forward; legs perpendicular; cap sits low over brows.

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Materials

• DK cotton (category 3) in:
  1. C1 Warm light gray (donkey head/body/ears/arms/legs)
  2. C1b Deeper gray or cocoa (hooves—optional hand/foot tips)
  3. C2 Cream (shoes, overalls, donut box)
  4. C3 Blush pink (shirt gingham, shoe edge, lunch tote, 2 donuts’ glaze)
  5. C4 Caramel/wheat (baseball cap)
  6. C5 Light tan/yellow-beige (overall buttons)
  7. C6 White (shirt gingham + sprinkles)
  8. C7 Pale brown (plain donut + donut bases)
• Hooks: 2.5 mm for amigurumi; 3.0 mm for shirt/box lids/brim if desired.
• Safety eyes: 8 mm black (or crochet circles).
• Stuffing (polyfill); tapestry needle; stitch marker; scissors.
• Optional: thin cardboard for box base reinforcement (wrap in crochet so it remains 100% yarn-visible).

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR magic ring; sc single crochet; inc 2 sc in one st; dec invisible decrease; sl st slip stitch; ch chain; hdc half double crochet; dc double crochet; BLO/FLO back/front loop only; sk skip; rep repeat; st(s) stitch(es); Rnd round; Row row; RS right side.

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Gauge & Notes

• Gauge: ~8 sc = 1 in (2.5 cm). Tight fabric prevents gaps.
• Work in continuous spirals unless a join is stated.
• Stuff firmly and evenly; shape the muzzle proud and the cheeks full.
• Color-work for gingham is done by carrying the inactive color loosely on the WS.

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The Pattern

Head (C1)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc)×6 [42]
Rnds 8–18: sc around [42]
— Insert eyes between Rnds 13–14, 8 sts apart.
Rnd 19: (5 sc, dec)×6 [36]
Rnd 20: sc around [36]
Rnd 21: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 22: (3 sc, dec)×6 [24] — start stuffing.
Rnd 23: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18]
Rnd 24: (sc, dec)×6 [12]
Rnd 25: sc around [12]; fasten off leaving a long tail to sew to body later.

Muzzle Disc (C1, lightly lighter/cream hint optional)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: sc around [24]; sl st to finish; leave long tail. Lightly stuff and sew centered two rounds below the eyes, lower edge touching head Rnd 16–17.
With C1b or cocoa, embroider a small smile and two nostril dots.

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Ears (make 2, C1; inner ridge optional C2)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×3 [9]
Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc)×3 [12]
Rnd 4: (3 sc, inc)×3 [15]
Rnd 5: (4 sc, inc)×3 [18]
Rnds 6–12: sc around [18]
Rnd 13: (4 sc, dec)×3 [15]
Rnd 14: (3 sc, dec)×3 [12]
Rnd 15: sc around [12]; flatten (no stuffing) and seam the base closed.
Optional: surface sl st a pale inner ridge with C2. Sew high on head, tilted outward and slightly forward.

Body (C1)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnds 7–9: sc around [36]
Rnd 10: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 11: (3 sc, dec)×6 [24] — natural waist
Rnd 12: sc around [24]
Rnd 13: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18] — stuff firmly
Rnd 14: (sc, dec)×6 [12]
Rnd 15: dec around [6]; close.
Sew head to body with strong ladder stitches, keeping the muzzle centered.

Arms (make 2, C1; optional hoof tip C1b)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×3 [9]
Rnds 3–10: sc around [9]
Rnd 11: (2 sc, dec)×2, sc 1 [7]
Stuff lightly at hand end only. Flatten top; sew slightly forward on body to hold accessories.

Legs & Shoes (make 2)

Shoe Sole (C2):
Rnd 1: ch 6; sc in 2nd ch, sc 3, 3 sc in last; on other side sc 3, inc in last [12]
Rnd 2: inc, sc 3, inc×3, sc 3, inc×2 [18]
Rnd 3: BLO sc around [18] (sole edge)

Upper + Open Instep (C2 with C3 edging):
Rnd 4–5: sc around [18]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, dec)×3 [15]
Rnd 7: (3 sc, dec)×3 [12]
Row 8 (opening): ch 1, turn; sc 8, turn.
Row 9: sc 8; fasten off.
Edging (C3): join at opening edge, sc evenly around the shoe opening and the instep cutout; sl st to finish.

Leg Tube (C1):
Rnd 1: Join C1 at heel into the round: sc 12 around above upper.
Rnds 2–5: sc around [12]
Rnd 6: (sc, dec)×4 [8]
Rnds 7–9: sc around [8]; fasten off with long tail.
Stuff and sew legs parallel and flat under body.

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Clothing & Accessories

Gingham Shirt (C3 + C2)

Worked in the round top-down, using 1-round stripes and simple color blocks to mimic small checks. Carry the resting color loosely.

Rnd 1 (C3): ch 56, join without twisting [56]
Rnd 2 (C3): sc around [56]
Rnd 3 (C2): sc around [56]
Rnd 4 (C3): (sc 6, inc)×8 [64]
Rnd 5 (C2): sc around [64]
Rnd 6 (C3 – divide): sc 9, ch 4, sk 12 (sleeve), sc 22, ch 4, sk 12, sc 9 [48 incl. chains]
Rnds 7–10: alternate colors each rnd (C2 then C3, etc.), sc around, working 2 sc in each ch-4 underarm on the first of these rounds → [56].
Rnd 11 (hem, C2): sc around without increases; sl st to finish.
Sleeves (each): pick up 22 sc around armhole (start with C3 and continue alternating C2 every round).
Rnd 1: sc around [22]
Rnd 2: (sc 5, dec)×3 + sc 1 [19]
Rnd 3: sc around [19]; sl st and fasten. Roll sleeve edge once to mimic a cuff.

Collar (C3):
Row 1: ch 22; sc in 2nd ch and across [21].
Rows 2–3: sc across.
Shape into a soft collar around the neckline front, leaving a small V. Sew down invisibly.

Short Overalls (C2)

Waistband & Shorts:
Rnd 1: ch 48, join [48]
Rnd 2: sc around [48]
Rnd 3: BLO sc around (casing ridge) [48]
Rnd 4: (sc 7, inc)×6 [54]
Rnd 5–6: sc around [54]

Divide for Legs:
Mark join, count 27 sts opposite.
— Right leg: work sc over first 27 sts; join to first of this segment [27]. Rnds 1–4: sc around [27]. Rnd 5 (hem): FLO sc around; sl st and fasten.
— Left leg: attach to remaining 27 sts; repeat to match.

Bib (front):
Center front between legs. Join yarn; Row 1: pick up 14 sts across waistband.
Rows 2–9: sc back and forth [14].
Row 10 (top edge): sl st around for a tidy lip; fasten off.

Straps (make 2):
At top corners of bib, ch 20; sc back in back bumps [19]. Fasten off leaving tails. Cross straps over the back and sew ends to waistband about 10 sts apart.

Buttons (C5, make 2):
MR, (sc, hdc, sc) into ring; close firmly. Sew to bib corners over strap ends.

Rolled Cuffs:
At each leg opening’s FLO round, add one extra round of hdc, then roll the cuff outward once.

Baseball Cap (C4)

Crown:
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnds 7–8: sc around [36]

Side Band:
Rnd 9: BLO sc around [36]
Rnd 10–11: sc around [36]

Brim:
Row 1: Attach at front center; ch 1, sc 12 across front edge.
Row 2: ch 1, turn; sc2tog, sc 8, sc2tog [10]
Row 3: ch 1, turn; sc2tog, sc 6, sc2tog [8]
Row 4: ch 1, turn; sc2tog, sc 4, sc2tog [6]
Row 5: sl st evenly along brim edge.
Optionally, surface sl st one curve line along brim for structure. Seat cap low; tack at two points.

Cream Donut Box (C2; 100% crochet, working hinges)

Base (cube 8.5 × 8.5 × 3 cm approx):
Panel A – Bottom: ch 26; Row 1: sc in 2nd ch and across [25]. Rows 2–12: sc across [25]. Fasten off.
Panels B–E – Sides (make 4): ch 26; Row 1–5: sc across [25 × 5 rows].
Sew sides around Panel A using whipstitch through FLO to make crisp edges.

Lid (same width, shallower):
Panel L – Top: ch 26; work 10 rows sc [25 × 10].
Front Lip: ch 26; 3 rows sc; sew to one long edge of Lid.
Hinge: Set Lid along one side of the base; join with row of sl sts through both edges to create a flexible yarn hinge.
Closure Tab (optional): ch 8; sl st back; sew center front of Lid; add a tiny loop on the box body to catch it.

Tray Insert (optional):
ch 24; 6 rows sc; drop into base so donuts sit neatly.

Pale Pink Lunch Tote (C3)

Body (make 2 panels):
ch 22; Row 1: sc across [21]. Rows 2–12: sc across [21].
Gusset/Bottom: ch 54; Row 1–2: sc across [53].
Sew gusset around one panel, then around second, leaving top open.
Strap: ch 18; sl st back; sew to both sides.
Tab: ch 7; 2 rows sc; sew to front; add a small loop on back panel as a catch.

Donuts (make 3)

Base (C7 tan):
Rnd 1: MR, 8 sc [8]
Rnd 2: inc around [16]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×8 [24]
Rnd 4: sc around [24]
Rnd 5: (sc, dec)×8 [16]
Rnd 6: dec around [8]; do not close—leave a small center hole. Stuff lightly into a torus; join first to last with sl st.

Glaze (2× in C3 pink, 1× plain tan only):
Rnd 1: MR, 8 sc [8]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×8 [24]
Rnd 3 (drip): (sl st, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) repeat 6–7 times to create wavy edge; fasten off.
Sew glaze on top of two donuts. Sprinkles: with C6 white, embroider tiny straight stitches scattered.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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Assembly & Dressing

Order of Operations

1. Dress the donkey in the gingham shirt.
2. Pull on the overalls; cross straps in back; sew buttons to secure.
3. Put on shoes; ensure blush edging faces up cleanly.
4. Set the baseball cap low; tack to head at two points; position ears forward/outside the cap.
5. Place donuts into the box, close lid; optionally stitch box handle loops to donkey’s right hand so it “carries.”
6. Put the pink lunch tote into the left hand and secure with a small stitch if needed.

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Blocking, Styling & Care

• Hover steam to relax the brim, cuff rolls, and shirt collar—never press directly onto cotton.
• Shape the muzzle by pinching its edges while warm; let cool to set.
• Spot clean; air dry.
• For café photos, stand donkey on a wood surface and angle the donut box slightly open to show treats.

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Troubleshooting

• Head wobble: Crochet a short neck plug (6 sc around × 4–5 rnds) and stitch between body and head before closing.
• Shirt tight at underarm: Use ch-5 (instead of ch-4) on divide rnd; pick up 2 more sts on first body rnd after divide.
• Cap too loose/tight: Add/remove one increase round before side band; or change hook by ±0.25 mm.
• Box lid floppy: Add one extra sc row to lid front lip or slip a small blocked swatch inside the lid.
• Shoes slipping: Add a round of sc inside the upper to reduce the opening or tack to the leg.

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Quick Reference (Counts at a Glance)

• Head: max 42 sts; eyes at Rnds 13–14, 8 sts apart; close at 12.
• Muzzle: 24-st disc.
• Ears: to 18 sts, tapered; sew high/outward.
• Body: max 36 → waist 24 → close at 6.
• Arms: 9-st tubes → taper to 7.
• Legs: shoe sole 18; leg tube 12 → 8.
• Shirt: ring 56; divide sleeves with 12-st gaps; body ~56 at hem.
• Overalls: waist 48 → legs 27/27; bib 14-st width; straps ch 20.
• Cap: crown to 36; brim sc 12 → tapered to 6.
• Donut box: base 25×12 rows bottom, 25×5 rows sides; lid 25×10 rows with hinge.
• Donuts: 24-st ring with wavy glaze.