Introduction

Knit an irresistibly cute Donkey Farmers’ Market Helper—a soft gray knit donkey in a butter-yellow henley, moss-green seed-stitch dungaree shorts (with carrot-button straps and a waffle-stitch pocket), an orange-and-white gingham wrap skirt tied over the shorts, tan knit loafers, a floppy sun hat with a duplicate-stitched wheat spike, and a roomy tote carrying a mini knit carrot and radish.

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

Materials Needed

• Yarn (DK / Light Worsted, non-fuzzy wool or wool blend)
  1. Donkey body: 60 g soft gray
  2. Muzzle/inner ear: small amount warm cream
  3. Shirt: 25 g butter yellow
  4. Dungaree shorts + straps: 35 g moss green
  5. Pocket contrast: small olive
  6. Skirt: 20 g orange, 20 g white
  7. Shoes: 25 g tan/caramel + tiny brown for sole edge
  8. Hat: 25 g straw yellow
  9. Tote: 20 g natural/cream, leaves green
  10. Accessories: orange, red, green for carrot/radish; gold for wheat; orange for bow tie on skirt
• Needles
  1. 3.25 mm (US 3) circular or DPNs for most pieces
  2. 2.75 mm (US 2) for shoes soles, tote firmness, and hat brim
• Notions
  1. 6 mm black safety eyes (2); small black thread for nostrils/mouth
  2. 3 small wooden buttons for henley front; 2 carrot buttons (or knit/embroider carrots)
  3. Stitch markers, tapestry needle, scrap yarn, fiberfill
  4. Optional: thin millinery wire or plastic ring for hat brim
• Blocking tools (steam garments only; never press the stuffed body)

Abbreviations (US Terms)

k = knit; p = purl; st(s) = stitch(es); rnd(s) = round(s); rep = repeat; pm/sm = place/slip marker; kfb = knit front back (inc 1); m1L/m1R = make 1 left/right; ssk = slip, slip, knit; k2tog = knit 2 together; yo = yarn over; CO = cast on; BO = bind off; tbl = through back loop; RS/WS = right/wrong side; rnd numbers are worked in the round unless noted. Brackets [ ] indicate repeats.

Gauge & Finished Size

• Gauge (in the round, washed & dried): 24 sts × 32 rnds = 10 cm / 4″ in stockinette on 3.25 mm.
• Finished size: ~27–28 cm (10.6–11″) standing; sitting ~21 cm.
• Proportions: head height ≈ 9.8 cm, body height ≈ 9.3 cm (head:body ≈ 1.05:1). Ear length 8.5–9 cm; foot length 4.5 cm.

Color & Placement Map (exact visual match)

• Eyes: between Head Rnds 10–11, 12 sts apart (~3.2 cm), centered.
• Muzzle patch: cream oval sewn to lower face; nostril duplicate stitches vertically aligned.
• Ear bases: attach at crown with 7–8 sts between bases; slight outward tilt 10–15°.
• Skirt bow: orange i-cord bow tied left hip (donkey’s left).
• Straps: cross straight over shoulders to bib; fix with carrot buttons at chest.
• Tote: carried in left hand; radish sits inside, carrot leaves visible.
• Hat wheat spike: duplicate stitch in gold on front-right of crown band.

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Donkey Body

Legs & Shoes (make 2)

Soles (2.75 mm, brown)
CO 10 sts. Work flat:
Row 1 (WS) p.
Row 2 (inc): kfb, k to last st, kfb (12).
Row 3 p.
Row 4 kfb, k to last st, kfb (14).
Row 5 p.
Row 6 kfb, k to last st, kfb (16).
Row 7 p.
Row 8 kfb, k to last st, kfb (18).
Pick up 10 sts along cast-on edge; join in the round (28 sts). Switch to tan and 3.25 mm.

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Uppers & Feet (tan)
Rnd 1 k.
Rnd 2 [k5, k2tog] ×4 → 24.
Rnd 3 k.
Rnd 4 [k4, k2tog] ×4 → 20.
Rnd 5: k. Insert a contrasting thread after 8 sts for saddle line if desired.
Rnd 6 [kfb, k4] ×4 → 24.
Rnd 7–9 k.
Rnd 10 [k2, k2tog] ×6 → 18.
Rnd 11: k. Stuff toe.
Switch to gray for legs.

Legs (gray)
Rnd 12 [k2, kfb] ×6 → 24.
Rnd 13–24 k (13 rnds).
Rnd 25 [k6, k2tog] ×3 → 21.
Rnd 26–30 k.
Break yarn; hold first leg. Work second leg to Rnd 30; do not break.

Join for Body (gray)

With Leg 2 yarn: CO 4 sts (front crotch), knit 21 sts of Leg 1, CO 4 sts (back crotch), knit 21 sts of Leg 2 → 50 sts total. Pm at center back.

Rnd 1–6 k.
Rnd 7 [k8, k2tog] ×5 → 45.
Rnd 8–11 k; begin stuffing firmly.
Rnd 12 [k7, k2tog] ×5 → 40.
Rnd 13–15 k.
Rnd 16 [k6, k2tog] ×5 → 35.
Rnd 17–18 k.
Rnd 19 [k5, k2tog] ×5 → 30 sts (shoulder line). Leave on hold while you start the head.

Head (worked upward from body)

Rnd 1 [k4, kfb] ×6 → 36.
Rnd 2 k.
Rnd 3 [k5, kfb] ×6 → 42.
Rnd 4 k.
Rnd 5 [k6, kfb] ×6 → 48.
Rnd 6–12 k 7 rnds.
Rnd 13 [k6, k2tog] ×6 → 42.
Rnd 14 k; insert eyes between Rnds 10–11, 12 sts apart.
Rnd 15 [k5, k2tog] ×6 → 36. Start stuffing head.
Rnd 16 k.
Rnd 17 [k4, k2tog] ×6 → 30.
Rnd 18 [k3, k2tog] ×6 → 24.
Rnd 19 [k2, k2tog] ×6 → 18.
Rnd 20 [k1, k2tog] ×6 → 12.
Rnd 21 [k2tog] ×6 → 6; break yarn and draw through. Shape chin gently by pulling a single anchoring stitch below the muzzle.

Arms (make 2)

CO 8 sts in gray, join.
Rnd 1 [k2, kfb] ×4 → 12.
Rnd 2–8 k.
Rnd 9 [k3, kfb] ×3 → 15.
Rnd 10–18 k; stuff lightly to 2/3 length.
Rnd 19 [k3, k2tog] ×3 → 12.
Rnd 20 k.
Rnd 21 [k2, k2tog] ×3 → 9; BO, flatten top; leave long tail to sew. Do not overstuff shoulders.

Ears (make 2)

CO 12 sts in gray; work in the round.
Rnd 1–3 k.
Rnd 4 [k3, kfb] ×3 → 15.
Rnd 5–7 k.
Rnd 8 [k4, kfb] ×3 → 18.
Rnd 9–13 k.
Rnd 14 [k4, k2tog] ×3 → 15.
Rnd 15–17 k.
Rnd 18 [k3, k2tog] ×3 → 12.
Rnd 19 k.
Rnd 20 [k2, k2tog] ×3 → 9.
Rnd 21 k.
Rnd 22 [k1, k2tog] ×3 → 6; BO. Flatten; do not stuff. For a cream inner edge, you can duplicate-stitch a soft oval after assembly.

Muzzle (cream, worked flat then seamed)

CO 12 sts.
Row 1 (RS) k.
Row 2 p.
Row 3 kfb, k to last st, kfb (14).
Row 4 p.
Row 5 kfb, k to last st, kfb (16).
Rows 6–12 stockinette even.
Row 13 k2tog, k to last 2, ssk (14).
Row 14 p.
Row 15 k2tog, k to last 2, ssk (12).
BO, leave tail. Lightly stuff when sewing to face.

Tail

CO 4 sts; knit i-cord 4 cm. BO; add a small tuft by attaching short strands of gray yarn and trimming.

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Clothing

Butter-Yellow Henley (in the round to armholes, then flat)

Body
CO 48 sts in yellow on 3.25 mm; join.
Rnd 1–6: k1, p1 rib.
Rnd 7–22: stockinette.
Divide for sleeves: Front 24, Back 24; place each on holder.

Back (flat)
Work 10 rows stockinette. BO 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows (20).
Work 4 rows even; BO all.

Front (flat) with Henley placket
Row 1 (RS) k 9, BO 6 (placket opening), k9.
Row 2 (WS) p9, CO 6, p9.
Work 8 rows stockinette straight.
Neck shaping: BO 4 center sts; work sides separately for 2 rows; BO shoulders to match back.

Sleeves (pick up & knit)
Pick up 28 sts around each armhole; work 6 rows k1,p1 rib; BO.
Placket & Buttons: pick up 36 sts around the opening; knit 3 rows garter; on RS row, make 3 buttonholes (yo, k2tog) evenly spaced; knit 1 row; BO. Sew three tiny wood buttons.

Dungaree Shorts in Moss/Seed Stitch with Waffle Pocket

Short Legs (make 2)
CO 30 sts in moss green; join.
Rnd 1–10: seed stitch ([k1, p1] around; shift by one each rnd).
Rnd 11–14 stockinette for cuff turn.
Rnd 15 (dec): [k3, k2tog] ×6 → 24.
Rnd 16–20 seed stitch. BO; work second leg.

Join for Shorts
With right side facing, hold both legs; CO 4 sts between them for crotch; join all: 24 + 4 + 24 = 52 sts.
Rnd 1–8 seed stitch.
Rnd 9 (waist dec): [k5, k2tog] ×7 plus k1 → 45 sts.
Rnd 10 seed stitch.
Rnd 11 (waistband): k around.
Rnd 12 p around (fold line).
Rnd 13 k around; BO loosely. Fold to inside; insert a thin elastic if desired.

Bib & Straps
Front center: From waistline, pick up 22 sts over 9 cm width. Work seed stitch 10 rows.
Row 11 (buttonhole row): k2, yo, k2tog, work to last 4, k2tog, yo, k2.
Row 12 work seed. BO.
Straps (make 2): CO 5 sts; seed stitch for 15 cm; BO. Sew to back waist and pass through buttonholes to the bib; attach carrot buttons on bib to secure.

Waffle-Stitch Pocket (olive)
CO 12 sts; work 10 rows of:
Row A: [k2, p2] to last 4, k2, p2.
Row B: [p2, k2] to last 4, p2, k2.
Row C: knit all.
Row D: purl all.
Repeat A–D twice; BO. Sew to right leg front (donkey’s right), centered vertically.

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Gingham Wrap Skirt (orange/white, stranded colorwork; worked flat)

Chart: 6-st × 6-row checks. Carry floats loosely; twist colors at edges.
CO 72 sts with white on 3.25 mm.
Row 1 (RS): [k6 orange, k6 white] across.
Row 2 (WS): [p6 orange, p6 white] across.
Rows 3–6: repeat Rows 1–2.
Rows 7–12: swap colors so white squares sit above orange squares.
Work 24 rows total (4 repeats).
Side tie band: With orange, knit 6 garter rows along the left edge only (pick up and knit 1 st per row for 24 rows; work 6 rows).
Right edge hem: pick up along right edge with white; work 4 garter rows.
BO all.
Waist tie: knit an i-cord (orange) 3 sts × 35 cm. Thread through the top hem or tack to wrap point. Wrap skirt so the bow rests at left hip; tack back corner to shorts’ waistband to keep the precise pose.

Tan Loafers (as toppers over feet; knit-only construction)

Pick up 28 sts evenly around each shoe opening (tan).
Row 1 (RS): k around.
Row 2 (saddle shaping): work k2tog at center front, ssk at adjacent sts to create a V; continue for 3 rows to sculpt the saddle.
Row 5: k. BO.
Optional sole edge: With brown, surface-embroider a chain/duplicate stitch around the sole seam.

Floppy Sun Hat (stockinette crown; firm brim; duplicate-stitched wheat)

Crown (3.25 mm, straw yellow)
CO 8 sts; join.
Rnd 1 [kfb] ×8 → 16.
Rnd 2 k.
Rnd 3 [k1, kfb] ×8 → 24.
Rnd 4 k.
Rnd 5 [k2, kfb] ×8 → 32.
Rnd 6 k.
Rnd 7 [k3, kfb] ×8 → 40.
Rnd 8 k.
Rnd 9 [k4, kfb] ×8 → 48.
Rnd 10–14 k straight (crown side).

Brim (switch to 2.75 mm for firmness)
Rnd 15 p (turn ridge).
Rnd 16 [k5, kfb] ×8 → 56.
Rnd 17 k.
Rnd 18 [k6, kfb] ×8 → 64.
Rnd 19 k.
Rnd 20 [k7, kfb] ×8 → 72.
Rnd 21 k.
Rnd 22 [k8, kfb] ×8 → 80.
Rnd 23 k; BO loosely. (Insert a thin wire/plastic ring along turn ridge if you need extra structure.)
Wheat spike: with gold, duplicate-stitch a small stalk on front-right of crown band; add tiny side grains with short diagonal stitches.

Market Tote (stockinette body + linen-stitch panel; i-cord handles)

Body (cream, 2.75 mm for structure; in the round)
CO 64 sts; join.
Rnd 1–4: linen stitch (Rnd 1: k1, sl1 wyif, rep; Rnd 2: sl1 wyib, k1, rep; Rnds 3–4 repeat 1–2).
Rnd 5–16: stockinette k around.
Rnd 17: p (turning ridge).
Rnd 18–24: k; BO. Fold at ridge to make a neat lip and whipstitch inside.

Patch & Embellishments
Pick up 16 sts × 12 rows rectangle in moss green on tote front; work seed stitch 10 rows; BO.
Handles: work two i-cords (cream) 3 sts × 14 cm; sew symmetrically to inside lip so they stand upright.

Mini Vegetables (knit)

Carrot
CO 6 sts in orange; knit i-cord 3 cm, then [k1, kfb] ×3 → 9; knit 4 rnds; [k2tog, k1] ×3 → 6; stuff lightly; [k2tog] ×3 → 3; break yarn, draw closed.
Leaves: with green, CO 10 sts; BO immediately to create curly leaves; sew to top.

Radish
CO 6 sts in red; knit i-cord 1.5 cm; [k1, kfb] ×3 → 9; knit 3 rnds; [k2tog, k1] ×3 → 6; stuff; [k2tog] ×3 → 3; close.
Leaves: pick up 3 sts on top with green; work i-cord 2 cm; split ends into two tiny leaves by knitting 2 rows flat and BO.

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Face Features & Exact Placements

• Muzzle: center and stitch so its top edge sits 1 rnd below the eyes; light stuffing to create a gentle protrusion. Duplicate-stitch two vertical nostrils (3 sts tall) and a small smile curve one rnd below.
• Ears: pinch base slightly; sew to crown with 7–8 sts between inner bases; tilt outward 10–15°.
• Arms: ladder-stitch to sides at Body Rnd where neck begins to narrow (Rnd 19 line).
• Tail: sew at back, 3 rnds above leg join; brush the tuft lightly for fluff.

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Assembly

1. Close any remaining openings; reinforce shoe seams.
2. Attach muzzle, embroider nostrils & mouth; add a faint blush with a tiny bit of pink yarn if desired (duplicate stitch).
3. Sew ears and set head shape by a single anchoring stitch under chin.
4. Dress: pull on henley, then shorts; cross straps to the bib and secure with carrot buttons; stitch the waffle pocket to the right leg.
5. Wrap the gingham skirt, tie at left hip with orange i-cord; tack the inner corner to waistband so the hang matches the photo.
6. Put on loafers; add sole edge duplicate stitch.
7. Place hat; tack discreetly to one ear base so brim sits flat.
8. Load tote with the radish inside and carrot peeking out; secure with 1–2 hidden stitches so the composition stays pin-worthy.
9. Set beside a small wooden crate (optional prop) with extra vegetables.

Blocking & Care

• Steam-block garments only (henley, shorts, skirt, hat brim, tote) to crisp edges: hold iron above the fabric and pat with hand.
• Do not steam the stuffed body.
• Hand-wash cold; reshape; dry flat. Ensure small parts are secure if gifting to children.

Quick QC Checklist (must match photo)

• Stockinette V-stitches visible on face and limbs; no spiral “crochet” look.
• Seed-stitch shorts texture and centered waffle pocket.
• Gingham wrap skirt with 6-st × 6-row checks, tied left with orange bow.
• Tan loafers with defined saddle; sole edge brown line optional.
• Floppy hat brim even; crown smooth; wheat spike duplicate-stitched on front-right.
• Tote stockinette/linen with i-cord handles; radish inside, carrot peeking; handles upright.
• Eyes level and 12 sts apart; ears angled slightly outward; tail tuft just below skirt hem.