Amigurumi Eeyore Donkey Crochet Free Pattern for Beginners

Soft gray yarn and a floppy, melancholic expression make this donkey a favorite for anyone who enjoys handmade stuffed animals. Creating a plush companion like this requires patience, but the repetitive nature of basic single crochet stitches makes it a relaxing process for makers of any skill level. You will work in a continuous spiral to ensure a seamless look, which helps the limbs and body hold their shape when stuffed firmly with polyester fiberfill. This pattern focuses on precision in assembly, as the placement of the oversized ears and mane provides the specific look that makes this character recognizable. You will learn to manage small, circular pieces while keeping track of your stitch counts carefully.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet ribbed beanie pattern uses a simple back loop only technique to create a stretchy, comfortable fabric that mimics the look of a store-bought knit hat. Because it is worked as a flat rectangle and then seamed, it is an ideal project for beginners who are not yet comfortable working in the round. The vertical ribbed texture provides excellent natural elasticity, ensuring the hat fits a wide variety of adult head sizes without needing complex shaping. You can finish this project in a single evening, making it a reliable choice for last-minute handmade gifts.

I managed to finish this hat in about three hours while watching a movie. The instructions were very clear and the texture is much softer than I expected for a basic stitch pattern.

— Sarah, hobbyist crafter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Approximate Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Construction: Worked flat in rows, then seamed at the side and gathered at the top to create the crown.
• Finished Dimensions: 9 inches wide by 11 inches long before folding the brim.

Materials & Supplies Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) wool or acrylic blend, approximately 200 yards.
• Hook Size: 5.5 mm (US I-9).
• Notions: Yarn needle for seaming and weaving ends, locking stitch markers, scissors.
• Safe Yarn Substitutions: Cotton yarn will result in a heavier, less stretchy hat. If using cotton, go up one hook size to 6.0 mm to maintain flexibility. Acrylic or wool blends are preferred for the necessary elasticity in a ribbed beanie.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sc: single crochet
• BLO: back loop only. Insert hook only through the back loop of the stitch from the previous row instead of both loops.
• sl st: slip stitch

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Main Hat Body

You will work this piece as a flat rectangle. The height of your chain determines how long the hat will be. You can adjust the starting chain length if you prefer a different fit.

1. Row 1: Ch 46. Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (45 sts)
2. Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as st), sc in BLO of the first st and each st across. Turn. (45 sts)
3. Rows 3–60: Repeat Row 2 until the piece measures approximately 18 inches unstretched. Do not fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

After reaching your desired length, you will transform the flat rectangle into a hat shape.

1. Seaming: Fold the rectangle in half, matching the short ends together. Slip stitch through the BLO of the last row and the back bump of the starting chain across the seam to join the piece into a tube.
2. Closing the Crown: Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail of yarn. Thread this tail onto a yarn needle. Weave the needle in and out of the ends of every other row around the top edge of the tube. Pull the yarn tail tight to gather the top of the hat closed. Secure with a knot on the inside.
3. Weaving Ends: Turn the hat right side out and weave in any remaining yarn ends securely into the stitches to prevent fraying.

Care & Washing Instructions

• Hand wash your beanie in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent to preserve the fibers.
• Lay the hat flat on a dry towel and reshape it while damp to ensure the ribbing remains even.
• Avoid using a tumble dryer, as heat can shrink and felt natural fibers or melt synthetic acrylic blends.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Keep your tension consistent throughout the rows; if your tension is too tight, the hat will not have the signature stretch required for a comfortable fit.
• Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every row to ensure you do not accidentally drop stitches at the edges, which would make the seam uneven.
• When weaving in ends, follow the path of the stitches with your needle to make the tail invisible and prevent it from poking through to the outside of the hat.
• Adjust the size by adding or subtracting rows of the main body; each row of this pattern adds approximately 0.3 inches of width to the circumference of the beanie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

Using a different yarn weight will significantly change the final dimensions and drape. If you use a lighter yarn, you will need to add more rows to reach the target width; if you use a bulkier yarn, you will need fewer rows.

Is this pattern suitable for someone who has never crocheted before?

Yes, this is an excellent first project. It uses only the single crochet stitch and teaches basic techniques like turning, seaming, and finishing, which are the foundations of more complex garment construction.

How do I make the hat larger or smaller for different head sizes?

To adjust the fit, simply add or remove chains at the start for length, or add or remove rows of the main body to adjust the width. Measure the circumference of the intended wearer’s head and aim for a finished piece that is 1 to 2 inches smaller than that measurement to allow for comfortable stretch.

Am I allowed to sell hats made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items created from this pattern. I ask that you credit the design to me and use your own original photographs when listing your items for sale online.

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Your finished donkey will be a durable, huggable friend that stands up to plenty of love and play. If you want to change the aesthetic, try using a slightly fuzzy mohair blend to give him a softer, weathered texture or switch to a bright blue velvet yarn for a modern twist. Please share a photo of your work on Instagram or your favorite crafting forum to show how your stitches turned out. Explore our blog archives for more free patterns that build on these basic shaping techniques and help expand your handmade collection.