Dress this friendly little vendor for a cozy market day—complete with ribbed short overalls, striped tee, mustard sun hat, Mary Jane sandals, a produce strap and hip pouch (with a pumpkin charm!), a side bag full of carrots, and a tiny chalkboard sign. Work firmly so shapes stay crisp, the donkey stands well, and small accessories keep their form.
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Proportion & Form Notes (from the reference image)
- Overall height: ~9.75 in (25 cm) standing; ~7.75–8 in (20 cm) seated.
- Head: soft oval (wider across the cheeks), approx Ø 3 in (7.5 cm). Muzzle is a separate blunt oval that projects ~0.6 in (1.5 cm). Face sits a touch forward on the body.
- Ears: tall, slightly flared donkey ears, each ~4.5 in (11.5 cm) long; inner ear lighter; bases ~1.1–1.3 in (2.8–3.2 cm) apart with a gentle inward tilt.
- Body: pear/egg silhouette, widest at lower belly; neck almost invisible; torso height (neck to base) ~4.7 in (12 cm).
- Arms: slim tubes ~3.3 in (8.4 cm) long, attached just below the neck seam; hands are rounded ovals (no thumbs).
- Legs/Feet: straight legs; feet wear Mary Jane–style sandals with rope-look soles and seed-stitch straps. Rolled sock cuffs visible above shoes.
- Tail: short and tidy (not pictured in front view—attach low back).
- Outfit & props (match exactly):
- Short overalls in olive with ribbed texture, cuffed hems, bib with two round knit “buttons,” and a diagonal produce strap (mustard) over the left shoulder.
- Striped tee in butter yellow and cream, short sleeves with cream cuff rings.
- Sun hat in mustard with round crown and generous rolled brim.
- Crossbody pocket pouch in olive at right hip with tiny flap and a hanging pumpkin charm (mustard).
- Side produce bag (olive) full of carrots (orange + green tops) riding on the left hip.
- Handheld chalkboard in right hand reading “CARROTS 5¢”.
- Wooden crate of carrots on the table (prop).
- Fabric impression: worsted yarn at a firm toy gauge; stitches plump and even; seams invisible; all details are knit (no plastic).
Materials
- Yarn (Worsted/Category 4):
- Donkey body, inner ear, socks: 90 g mid-gray
- Muzzle & inner ear contrast: 15 g oat/cream
- Overalls & bags: 70 g olive
- Tee (butter yellow) & mustard accents (hat, strap, charm, shoe trim): 60–70 g mustard/yellow
- Tee stripes & shoe sole trim: 25 g cream/oatmeal
- Carrots: 20 g orange + 10 g leafy green
- Chalkboard: 10 g charcoal + 5 g beige/tan for “frame” and white scrap for letters
- Face embroidery: small scrap black/dark brown
- Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) for donkey & small props; US 4 (3.5 mm) for clothing, shoes, hat, bags, sign. DPNs or long circular for Magic Loop.
- Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, waste yarn, fiberfill; optional craft wire for ears (omit for child safety); blocking pins.
Gauge
- On US 3 in stockinette: 26 sts × 36 rnds = 4 in (10 cm). Work firmly so stuffing won’t peek.
Abbreviations (quick)
- k knit; p purl; st(s) stitch(es); rnd(s) round(s)
- RS/WS right/wrong side; CO/BO cast on/bind off
- pm/sm place/slip marker; kfb inc 1; m1L/m1R make 1 left/right
- k2tog knit 2 together; ssk slip, slip, knit
- yo yarn over; tbl through back loop
- I-cord knit, slide, do not turn
Construction Overview
Work the donkey mostly in the round: Head → Body. Make muzzle, ears, arms, legs, tail separately and sew on. Clothes and accessories are removable unless you tack them for display. Shoes slip on; socks are separate cuffs.
Head (gray)
With US 3, CO 8 sts, join.
Rnd 1: kfb around (16).
Rnd 2: k.
Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) around (24).
Rnd 4: k.
Rnd 5: (k2, kfb) around (32).
Rnd 6: k.
Rnd 7: (k3, kfb) around (40).
Rnd 8: k.
Rnd 9: (k4, kfb) around (48).
Rnd 10: k.
Rnd 11: (k5, kfb) around (56).
Knit 8 rnds even.
Shape lower head:
Rnd 20: (k5, k2tog) around (48).
Rnd 21: k. Stuff as you go, aiming for a soft oval.
Rnd 22: (k4, k2tog) around (40).
Rnd 23: k.
Rnd 24: (k3, k2tog) around (32).
Rnd 25: (k2, k2tog) around (24).
Rnd 26: (k1, k2tog) around (16).
Rnd 27: k2tog around (8). Thread tail, cinch, secure.
📌Thank you for reading the article.
Muzzle (oat/cream)
US 3; worked in the round.
CO 12 sts, join.
Rnd 1: kfb around (24).
Rnd 2–4: k.
Rnd 5: (k3, kfb) around (30).
Rnd 6–10: k (build depth).
Rnd 11: (k3, k2tog) around (24).
Rnd 12: (k2, k2tog) around (18).
Stuff lightly, flatten a little oval, BO leaving a long tail. Embroider two small nostril dashes and a subtle mouth line before sewing. Pin to lower face and ladder-stitch.
Ears (make 2 – gray with cream inner)
Outer ear (gray, worked flat): CO 16 sts.
Rows 1–4: garter (knit).
Row 5 (RS): kfb, k to last 2, kfb, k1 (18).
WS rows purl. Repeat Row 5 4 more times → 26 sts.
Work 12 rows even.
Taper (RS): k1, ssk, k to last 3, k2tog, k1. Repeat taper every RS 7× → 12 sts.
K 2 rows; BO.
Inner ear (cream, flat): CO 12 sts, st st 8 rows, then dec as above 4× → 8 sts; BO.
Whipstitch inner to outer; seam long edges to form a leaf. Lightly wire the edge if desired. Sew to crown ~1.2 in (3 cm) apart with a slight inward tilt.
Body (gray)
US 3, CO 12 sts, join.
Rnd 1: kfb around (24).
Rnd 2: k.
Rnd 3: (k1, kfb) around (36).
Rnd 4: k.
Rnd 5: (k2, kfb) around (48).
Rnd 6–10: k.
Rnd 11: (k3, kfb) around (60).
Rnd 12–18: knit even for belly.
Waist shaping:
Rnd 19: (k8, k2tog) around (54).
Rnd 21: (k7, k2tog) around (48).
Rnd 23: (k6, k2tog) around (42).
Rnd 25: (k5, k2tog) around (36).
Rnd 26–27: k. Stuff to a firm egg.
Sew head to body opening with a faint forward tilt.
Arms (make 2 – gray)
US 3. CO 8, join.
Rnd 1: kfb around (16).
Rnd 2–10: k.
Rnd 11: (k2, k2tog) around (12).
Rnd 12–18: k.
Stuff lightly; flatten and mattress-stitch closed to a soft oval. Sew to shoulders just below the neck seam.
Legs (make 2 – gray)
US 3. CO 10, join.
Rnd 1: kfb around (20).
Rnd 2–12: k.
Rnd 13: (k3, k2tog) around (16).
Rnd 14–18: k.
Stuff firmly; sew to body base with slight outward splay.
Tail (gray)
US 3. CO 6, join.
Rnd 1: kfb (12).
Rnd 2–3: k.
Rnd 4: (k1, k2tog) (8).
Rnd 5: k2tog (4). Draw tight. Sew low back.
Socks (rolled cuffs)
US 4, cream. CO 18, join. Knit 8 rnds stockinette and let the top roll. BO stretchy. Put on before shoes.
Mary Jane Sandals (make 2)
Soles (cream, US 4; flat): CO 6.
Row 1 (RS): kfb, k2, kfb, k2 (8).
Row 2: p.
Row 3: k1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1 (10).
Row 4: p.
Row 5: k1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1 (12).
Row 6: p. BO leaving tail.
Uppers (mustard, in the round): Pick up 30–32 sts around sole; join.
Rnd 1–3: k.
Rnd 4 (toe shaping): center 8 sts; work to 2 before center, k2tog, k4, ssk, k to end.
Repeat Rnd 4 every other rnd 3× (−8 sts → 22–24).
Rnd 10–11: k even.
Strap: At instep center, BO 5 sts, next rnd CO 9 across gap; knit 3 rnds; BO.
Rope-look rim: Surface slip-stitch around the sole in cream or work 2 rnds k1 tbl, p1 picked up along the edge.
Sun Hat (mustard, US 4)
Crown: CO 8 sts, join.
Rnd 1: kfb around (16).
Rnd 2: (k1, kfb) around (24).
Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) around (32).
Rnd 4–7: knit even.
Rnd 8: (k3, kfb) around (40). Knit 4 rnds even.
Rnd 9: (k4, kfb) around (48).
Brim: purl 1 rnd (fold line).
Work 4 rnds knit. Then increase every 6th st around once more → ~56 sts. Knit 3 rnds; BO loosely. Steam so the brim rolls softly downward.
Striped Tee (butter + cream, US 4)
CO 48 sts in butter, join.
Rnd 1–2: knit.
Rnd 3–4: cream knit.
Continue 2 rnds butter / 2 rnds cream striping.
Raglan markers after 8 / 4 / 12 / 4 / 12 / 4 / 8.
Work raglan increases every other rnd (m1R, k1, m1L at each marker) 6× → 96 sts.
Separate sleeves: Place 24 sts each sleeve on waste yarn; CO 4 sts under each arm; knit body 6 rnds straight. Hem ridge: p 1 rnd; then k 2 rnds; BO.
Sleeves: Return 24 sts, pick up 4 underarm (28). Work 4 rnds in pattern; then 2 rnds cream; BO to make a narrow cream cuff ring.
Ribbed Short Overalls with Bib (olive, US 4)
Worked mainly in k2, p2 rib for the chunky look.
Waistband: CO 64 sts, join; work k1 p1 rib 5 rnds.
Body: Switch to k2, p2 rib; knit 10 rnds.
Increase to thighs: (k7, m1L) around → 72 sts.
Work to 3.5 in (9 cm) from waistband.
Split for legs: Place 36 sts per leg. Work each leg in rib 10 rnds.
Cuffs: Switch to stockinette 8 rnds and roll up once to match the photo; BO.
Bib (flat): From center front waistband, pick up 26 sts across.
Rows 1–14: work k2, p2 rib.
Top edge row: k1 p1 rib 2 rows; BO.
Buttons: Make two mustard knit knots and sew at bib corners.
Straps & produce strap:
- Shoulder straps (olive, 2 pcs): CO 5 sts, I-cord 7–7.5 in (18–19 cm); sew back ends to waistband, fronts to bib behind buttons.
- Diagonal produce strap (mustard): CO 4 sts, I-cord 8–9 in (20–23 cm); sew from back left waist to right bib area (or shoulder), crossing the chest like in the image.
Belt loops (optional): Pick up 3 sts at each side seam; knit 4 rows; BO and tack ends.
Crossbody Pocket Pouch with Pumpkin Charm (olive + mustard)
Pouch (olive, flat): CO 18 sts; st st 22 rows; fold to 2/3 height; seam sides.
Flap: Pick up 14 sts along back top edge; st st 6 rows; BO.
Strap: CO 4 sts mustard; I-cord 12–13 in (30–33 cm); sew to pouch sides so it sits at right hip.
Pumpkin charm: In mustard, CO 6 sts, join; Rnd 1 kfb (12); Rnd 2–4 k; Rnd 5 (k1, k2tog) (8); Rnd 6 k2tog (4). Draw tight; embroider vertical ribs; add a tiny green I-cord stem; stitch to flap corner.
Add a pea-size knit knot on pouch as a “button.”
📌Thank you for reading the article.
Side Produce Bag with Carrots (olive + orange/green)
Bag (olive, in the round): CO 32 sts, k 8 rnds stockinette.
Rnds 9–10: (k1, p1) rib. BO.
Handle: I-cord 4 sts × 6 in (15 cm); sew to sit on left hip.
Carrots (make 4–5):
- Orange: CO 12, join; k 2 rnds; (k2, k2tog) (9); k 2; (k1, k2tog) (6); k 1; k2tog ×3 (3); draw tight.
- Tops: pick up 3 sts at carrot top with green; work 3 short I-cords of different lengths; finish with a split picot tip.
Stuff lightly and tack inside bag so the tops peek out.
Chalkboard Sign “CARROTS 5¢”
Board (charcoal, US 4): CO 22 sts; st st 16 rows; BO.
Frame (beige/tan): Pick up around edges; knit 3 rows garter; BO.
Duplicate-stitch the text CARROTS on top line and 5¢ below in white (all caps). Sew to inside of right hand so it’s angled slightly outward.
Wooden Crate of Carrots (soft prop)
Crate sides (tan): CO 12 sts, garter 6 rows, BO (make 4).
Base: CO 10 sts, garter 8 rows, BO. Sew into an open box. Fill with 3–4 carrots as above. Place beside the donkey.
Assembly & Dressing
- Attach ears on the crown with slight inward cant; stitch muzzle centered low on face; embroider eyes (small black ovals) and two nostril dashes.
- Sew arms just below the neck seam; angle right hand slightly outward to hold the sign; left relaxed.
- Attach legs with a gentle outward splay; sew tail low back.
- Dress order: socks → sandals → striped tee → overalls (roll leg cuffs evenly) → attach olive straps & mustard produce strap → hat.
- Add pocket pouch on crossbody; pin/ tack at shoulder so it lays flat.
- Hang produce bag at left hip; arrange carrot tops.
- Secure chalkboard in right hand. Set crate near the feet.
Color Map (match the photo)
- Body/socks/sole trim: mid-gray + cream
- Overalls/bags: olive
- Tee: butter yellow with cream stripes and cuffs
- Hat/produce strap/pumpkin charm/shoe straps: mustard
- Shoes (upper): mustard; sole rim: cream rope-look
- Carrots: orange bodies, leafy green tops
- Sign: charcoal with tan frame, white letters
Blocking & Styling Tips
- Steam the overalls rib lightly so it stays plush but not stretched; shape the bib square and set the button knots level.
- Curve the hat brim with steam over a bowl to achieve the soft roll.
- Pinch shoe straps while warm to arch neatly over the instep; coax the rolled sock cuffs to matching height.
- Fluff carrot tops and angle the chalkboard so letters read clearly in photos.
Fit Tweaks
- For a slightly shorter bunny, stop head increases at 48 sts and omit the first belly increase (stay at 48 before shaping).
- If your overalls feel snug, add one more increase round before splitting for legs (k8, m1L) → +8 sts.
- Shoes too tight? Work uppers on US 5 or remove one toe-decrease repeat.
- Prefer a deeper hat brim? Add 2–3 knit rounds after the purl fold line.
Enjoy knitting your Farmers’ Market Donkey—a sunny little helper ready to sell fresh carrots at five cents a bunch!
