Introduction

Meet the Sunny Postman Donkey: a friendly village mail carrier in sand–colored chinos, a light chambray shirt, caramel loafers, and a beige newsboy cap. His messenger bag opens to reveal crocheted envelopes and postcards, and his long ears, short mane, and tufted tail give him loads of character.

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) using DK cotton and a 2.5 mm hook.
• Head: Rounded rectangle (slightly longer than a bear’s) to suit a donkey; widest around Rnds 15–18. Eyes (8 mm) sit low and wide between Rnds 13–14, ~8 sts apart. The muzzle is a separate pale oval, a touch elongated.
• Ears: Long, oval wedges with a gentle curve; attached high on the head and angled slightly outward.
• Mane: Short strip along the back of the head down the neck seam—simple loop or fringe stitches.
• Body: Compact cylinder tapering to the neck; natural waist around Body Rnd 12.
• Arms/Legs: Slim tubes; loafers are rounded with a saddle strap. Legs are perpendicular and parallel for stable posing.
• Tail: Medium length ending in a tuft.
• Outfit:
  1. Chinos: Sand-color, straight leg with front crease (surface stitch).
  2. Chambray Shirt: Light blue, collar band and short sleeves; tiny front pocket.
  3. Loafers: Caramel with a darker saddle and slim sole line.
  4. Newsboy Cap: Beige with segmented crown and short curved brim.
  5. Messenger Bag: Camel body with flap, side gusset, long strap; removable envelopes and postcards fit inside.
• Stitch Density: Tight amigurumi ~8 sc per 1 in (2.5 cm). Clothing slightly looser but tidy.
• Attachment Angles: Ears out 10–15°, arms slightly forward, tail low back; cap sits behind ear roots so ears show.

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Materials

• DK-weight 100% cotton yarn in these colors:
  1. C1 Donkey gray (head, body, limbs, ears outer, tail, hoof line)
  2. C1b Pale gray/cream (muzzle, inner ears)
  3. C2 Sand (chinos)
  4. C3 Chambray/light denim blue (shirt)
  5. C4 Caramel (loafers)
  6. C4b Cocoa (loafer saddle + sole stripe)
  7. C5 Beige (newsboy cap)
  8. C6 Camel or tan (messenger bag + strap)
  9. C7 White (envelopes/postcards)
  10. C8 Red & C9 Navy (stamp + postcard line accents)
  11. C10 Black/brown (nose/mouth embroidery, eye highlights if crocheted)
• Hooks: 2.5 mm for amigurumi; 3.0 mm for cap brim, shirt collar, and trouser hem (optional).
• Safety eyes: 8 mm black (or crochet circles).
• Stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors.

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR magic ring; sc single crochet; inc increase (2 sc in one st); dec invisible decrease; sl st slip stitch; ch chain; hdc half double crochet; dc double crochet; tr treble; BLO/FLO back/front loop only; rep repeat; st(s) stitch(es); Rnd round; Row row; RS right side; BOB bobble (yo, pull up to hdc height 3 times in same st, yo, pull through all loops).

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General Notes & Gauge

• Work in continuous spirals unless told to join.
• Target gauge: ~8 sc = 1 in. If stuffing peeks, downsize hook.
• Stuff as you go. Keep cheeks/muzzle smooth; shape shoe toes with fingers.
• All accessories are yarn-only to keep the make 100% crochet.

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The Donkey

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 with long tail.

Muzzle (C1b) – elongated oval
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]
Rnd 6: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18]; sl st, stuff lightly.
Sew centered 1–2 rounds below eyes; with C10, embroider a small rounded nose and a short smile.

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Ears (make 2; C1 outer, C1b inner)
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×2 [6]
Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc)×2 [8]
Rnd 4: (3 sc, inc)×2 [10]
Rnd 5: (4 sc, inc)×2 [12]
Rnds 6–12: sc around [12]
Rnd 13: (4 sc, dec)×2 [10]
Rnds 14–15: sc around [10]; fasten.
Flatten, then surface-stitch a slim inner-ear oval in C1b. Sew high on head, angled outward.

Mane (C1)
Cut 3–4 in strands. With a hook, latch through a straight line along the head’s back seam for ~1.5 in; tie lark’s-head knots every stitch. Trim to a short brush.

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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]
Rnds 6–8: sc around [30]
Rnd 9: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnd 10: sc around [36]
Rnd 11: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec)×6 [24] — natural waist
Rnd 13: sc around [24]
Rnd 14: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18] — stuff firmly
Rnd 15: (sc, dec)×6 [12]
Rnd 16: dec around [6]; close.
Sew head to body securely.

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Arms (make 2, C1)

Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×3 [9]
Rnds 3–11: sc around [9]
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec)×2, sc 1 [7]
Lightly stuff the hand; flatten the top and sew slightly forward.

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Legs & Loafers (make 2)

Soles (C4)
Rnd 1: ch 6; sc in 2nd ch, sc 3, 3 sc in last; rotate, sc 3, inc in last [12]
Rnd 2: inc, sc 3, inc×3, sc 3, inc×2 [18]
Rnd 3: BLO sc around [18]

Uppers (C4)
Rnd 4–5: sc around [18]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, dec)×3 [15]
Rnd 7: (3 sc, dec)×3 [12] — toe formed.
Saddle strap (C4b): ch 7; sl st back; sew across instep.
Sole stripe (C4b): surface sl st one ring on the Rnd-3 ridge.

Leg Tubes (C1)
Rnd 8: attach C1 at heel; sc around [12]
Rnds 9–12: sc around [12]
Rnd 13: (sc, dec)×4 [8]
Rnds 14–16: sc around [8]; fasten off long tails.
Stuff and sew legs parallel; ensure both soles sit level.

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Tail (C1 + tuft C1b)

Ch 14; sl st back to base. Add 4–5 short strands of C1b at tip; trim to tuft. Sew low back center.

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Clothing

Chambray Short-Sleeve Shirt (C3)

Worked in the round; simple collar band; tiny chest pocket.

Rnd 1: ch 56, join to ring [56]
Rnd 2: sc around [56]
Rnd 3: (sc 6, inc)×8 [64]
Rnd 4: sc around [64]
Rnd 5 (divide sleeves): sc 9, ch 4, sk 12, sc 22, ch 4, sk 12, sc 9 [48 incl. chains]
Rnd 6: sc around, placing 2 sc in each ch-4 underarms [56]
Rnds 7–8: sc around [56]
Rnd 9 (hem): FLO sc around for a neat ridge; sl st and fasten.

Sleeves (each)
Pick up 22 sc evenly around the armhole.
Rnd 1: sc around [22]
Rnd 2: (sc 5, dec)×3 + sc 1 [19]
Rnd 3: sc around; sl st and fasten.

Collar Band
Join at center back neckline. Row 1: sc evenly around front and back neck (≈ 40–44 sts). Row 2: sc around again; sl st to finish. Fold slightly outward.

Chest Pocket
Ch 7; Row 1: sc 6; Rows 2–4: sc across. Sl st around the pocket for a tidy edge and sew to left chest.

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Sand Chinos (C2)

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

Divide for Legs
Mark the join; count 27 sts opposite.
— Right leg: sc 27; join back to start of this segment [27]. Rnds 1–6: sc around [27]. Rnd 7 (hem): switch to 3.0 mm, sc around; sl st and fasten.
— Left leg: attach to remaining 27 sts; repeat.

Front Crease
With C10, surface backstitch a straight line down the center front of each leg.

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Newsboy Cap (C5; 3.0 mm for brim)

Segmented Crown
Rnd 1: MR, 8 sc [8]
Rnd 2: inc around [16]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×8 [24]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×8 [32]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×8 [40]
Rnd 6: sc around [40]
Rnd 7: BLO sc around [40] (creates subtle seam line)

Side Band
Rnd 8–9: sc around [40]

Brim
Row 1: rejoin at front center; ch 1, sc 14 across.
Row 2: ch 1, turn; sc2tog, sc 10, sc2tog [12]
Row 3: ch 1, turn; sc2tog, sc 8, sc2tog [10]
Row 4: ch 1, turn; sc2tog, sc 6, sc2tog [8]; sl st around the brim edge for firmness.
Cap should sit just behind ear roots; tack at two points if needed.

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Caramel Loafers — Finishing Detail

After legs are attached, if you want a snug opening, sc one extra round around the shoe opening in C4. Keep the saddle visible.

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Messenger Bag & Mail Props

Bag Body (C6)

Base Panel
Row 1: ch 18; sc in 2nd ch and across [17]
Rows 2–9: sc across [17] (rectangle)

Gusset/Side Strip
Row 1: ch 40; Rows 2–3: sc across [39]
Whipstitch gusset around base’s perimeter to form a shallow tray.

Flap
Row 1: ch 18; sc across [17]
Rows 2–7: sc across [17]
Round the lower corners with a few sc2tog at each side on the final row; sl st across edge for crispness. Sew flap to one long side of the tray as a hinge.

Strap
Ch 90; sl st back for a firm cord; sew to side walls so the bag hangs from right shoulder to left hip (or opposite to your preference).

Closure
Loop: ch 8; sl st back; sew to flap tip. Stud: MR with C6, 5 sc; sew to body front to catch the loop.

Front Pocket (optional)
Ch 9; Row 1: sc 8; Rows 2–3: sc; sew on; add a tiny stamp patch later.

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Envelopes & Postcards (C7 with C8/C9 details)

Envelope (make 2)
Row 1: ch 10; sc in 2nd ch and across [9]
Rows 2–6: sc across [9] → fold like a real envelope (Row 1 as flap).
Edge sl st around to close sides; embroider a little red stamp and navy address lines.

Postcard (make 2)
Row 1: ch 9; sc 8 [8]
Rows 2–5: sc across [8]; sl st around for a rigid border.
Add a tiny stamp in C8 and divide back with C9 lines.

Place mail pieces inside the bag; tack one partially visible under the flap for display.

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Assembly & Dressing

Order of Operations

1. Dress the chambray shirt.
2. Pull on the chinos and align front crease.
3. Attach arms (if not attached earlier) slightly forward.
4. Put on loafers; confirm soles are parallel.
5. Seat the newsboy cap just behind the ear bases.
6. Hang the messenger bag crossbody and slip an envelope halfway out.

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Embroidery & Markings

• Eye highlights: a single tiny stitch of white/cream at the upper outer quadrant of each eye.
• Nostril hint: two micro stitches in C10 on the muzzle.
• Hoof line (optional): surface stitch a short dark line at the shoe–ankle transition to suggest hooves.

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Blocking, Styling & Care

• Hover-steam the cap brim and trouser hems to relax; do not press flat to keep texture.
• Shape the muzzle while warm; let cool to set.
• Spot clean; air dry.
• For photos, pose by a window with the bag strap at ~45°, one envelope peeking out.

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Troubleshooting

• Head wobble: Add a neck peg (6 sc around × 4–5 rnds) between body and head before sewing.
• Shirt tight at underarm: Use ch-5 instead of ch-4 on the divide round and add 1–2 extra sts under each arm next round.
• Cap slides over ears: Remove one crown increase round (stop at 32–36 sts) or tighten with a final sl-st edging.
• Chinos ride up: Lengthen straps (if added) or loosen waistband by +2 ch at the start; maintain legs 27/27.
• Bag flap floppy: Add one extra row to the flap or surface-stitch a ridge along its edge.

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Quick Reference (Counts at a Glance)

• Head: max 42 sts; eyes at R13–14, 8 sts apart; close at 12.
• Muzzle: 24 → 18 with slight taper.
• Ears: to 12 sts; flatten; C1b inner oval surface-stitched.
• Body: max 36 → waist 24 → close at 6.
• Arms: 9-st tubes taper to 7.
• Legs/Shoes: sole 18; leg tube 12 → 8.
• Tail: ch-14 cord + tuft.
• Shirt: ring 56 → divide sleeves 12-st gaps; sleeves 22 → 19; collar 2 rows.
• Chinos: waist 48 → legs 27/27; hem straight with crease line.
• Cap: crown to 40; brim 14 → 8.
• Bag: base 17×9 rows; gusset 39×2 rows; flap 17×7 rows; strap ch 90.
• Mail: envelopes 9×6 sts folded; postcards 8×5 sts with border.