Welcome to the cheerful and lovable world of amigurumi! 🐴✨ Today, I’m excited to share my free crochet pattern for an Amigurumi Happy Donkey—a playful and heartwarming creation perfect for farm animal lovers, whimsical décor enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys crafting expressive and cuddly plush designs! 🧶 Whether you love stitching up adorable creatures, experimenting with textured details, or simply want to add a joyful donkey to your handmade lineup, this pattern will guide you through crafting a beautifully sculpted plush with floppy ears, a sweet smile, and a touch of countryside charm! 🌾
This design embraces soft grays, warm browns, and intricate shaping to bring a delightful and friendly presence to your crochet projects! 🧶✨ I’ve carefully outlined each step to ensure your Amigurumi Happy Donkey turns out just right—ready to brighten up your collection or become a treasured handmade gift! 🎁 So grab your hooks, pick out cozy hues, and let’s stitch up a fantastic happy donkey! 🐴
🐴 Amigurumi Happy Donkey Crochet Pattern
This cheerful Happy Donkey is a lovable plush with floppy ears, a colorful saddle, and a big personality! With a happy smile and sturdy shape, this donkey is perfect as a handmade toy, festive decoration, or gift for anyone who needs a dose of cuteness.
✨ Skill Level
Intermediate – Involves shaping, color changes, 3D parts, and sewing multiple elements together.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) tall using DK or worsted weight yarn and a 2.5–3.5 mm hook.
🧶 Materials
- Yarn (DK or Worsted weight):
- Light Beige (main body)
- Brown (hooves, mane, nostrils, tail)
- White (inner ears, muzzle)
- Red, Pink, Yellow, Blue, Green, etc. (for saddle and “HAPPY” letters)
- Crochet hook: 2.5–3.5 mm
- 10–12 mm safety eyes
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
- Polyfill stuffing
- Black embroidery thread or thin black yarn (for eyebrows, smile, nostrils)
🧵 Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR – Magic Ring
sc – Single Crochet
inc – Increase
dec – Decrease
sl st – Slip Stitch
ch – Chain
FO – Fasten Off
🐴 Head
Use Light Beige:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
- (5 sc, inc) x6 (42)
8–18. sc around (42)
Insert safety eyes between Rounds 11–12, approx. 8 stitches apart. - (5 sc, dec) x6 (36)
- (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
- (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
Stuff firmly. - (2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
- (1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
- dec x6 (6)
FO and close.
🐽 Muzzle Patch
Use White:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- sc around (18)
FO and leave a long tail for sewing.
- Embroider two nostrils with brown yarn.
- Embroider a big curved smile with black thread.
Sew centered to the lower front of the head.
👀 Eyebrows
Embroider two short lines above the eyes with black or dark brown thread.
👂 Ears (Make 2)
Inner Ear (White):
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- (1 sc, inc) x3 (9)
- sc around (9)
FO and set aside.
Outer Ear (Beige):
Repeat steps above.
Layer inner ear on outer ear and sc around edge to join. Pinch base and sew to the top sides of the head.
🧠 Mane
Cut several strands of Brown yarn. Fold each in half and attach using a latch-hook method down the center of the head. Trim evenly.
🦒 Neck
Use Light Beige:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
3–8. sc around (12)
Stuff firmly.
Sew one end to the base of the head and the other to the top of the body.
🦴 Middle Body
Use Light Beige:
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
- (2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
- (3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
- (4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
7–22. sc around (36) - (4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
- (3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
25–28. sc around (24)
FO and stuff firmly.
Attach neck to top center, and sew head on top.
🐾 Legs (Make 4)
Start with Brown (Hooves):
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- inc x6 (12)
- (1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
4–5. sc around (18)
Switch to Beige:
6–15. sc around (18)
Stuff and FO.
Sew two legs to the front bottom and two to the rear of the body.
🧵 Tail
Cut several strands of Brown yarn. Knot them together and braid if desired.
Attach securely to the back of the body and trim.
🧺 Saddle
Use Red (Base):
- ch 16, sc in 2nd ch and across (15)
2–6. sc in rows (15)
Switch to other colors as you go to create stripes.
Border: sc around using Red, sl st to finish.
FO and sew to the middle of the back.
🔤 “HAPPY” Necklace
Crochet or use felt to make letter squares spelling H-A-P-P-Y:
- Each letter block: ch 5, sc in rows to form square
- Embroider or attach a letter on each
- String them along a white yarn chain
- Tie or sew around the neck like a garland
✂️ Finishing Touches
- Pin all parts in place before sewing permanently.
- Use a tapestry needle to attach legs, ears, mane, tail, and accessories.
- Shape the donkey gently with your hands.
- Weave in all ends.
💡 Customization Ideas
- Add bells or pom-poms to the necklace for extra flair
- Change colors to make a pastel or rainbow donkey
- Embroider a name or initials onto the saddle
This Happy Donkey is full of festive charm and sure to be a favorite for birthdays, baby showers, or just everyday smiles! 🌈🎉
