Bernard the Donkey
Can you believe Christmas is in less than 2 weeks? Bernard the Donkey is a must-make for this holiday season. He is so festive and would be a wonderful decoration piece for the mantle or any table.
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Abbreviations:
Rnd(s) - Round(s)
MC - Magic Circle
Dec - Invisible Decrease
Inc - Increase (2 sc in same st)
SC - Single Crochet
Sl St - Slip Stitch
F/O - Fasten Off
St(s) - Stitch(es)
HDC - Half Double Crochet
Sp(s) - Space(s)
Sk - Skip
YO - Yarn Over
FLO - Front Loop Only
BLO - Back Loop Only
Ch(s) - Chain(s)
Chg - Change
Materials
• 4mm Crochet Hook
• 5.5mm Crochet Hook (Pom/Brim)
• Light Weight Plush Yarn (Parfait Chunky)
• Jumbo #7 Faux Fur Yarn (Hair)
• Light Weight Faux Fur White Yarn (Pom/Brim)
• Stitch Markers
• Tapestry Needle
• Polyfil Stuffing
• Scissors
• Black Thread or Worsted Weight Yarn for Eyes & Nostrils
• Pins for Placeholders
• 2.75 mm - 7" knitting needles, thin stuffing sticks or 1.5" blocking T pins to hold the head in place while attaching to the body (optional)
Yarn
Premier Parfait Chunky
100% Polyester Light Weight Super Bulky #6 Plush Yarn
• Mushroom (Color A - body)
• Chocolate (Color B - hands/feet)
• Peacock (Color C - clothes/stripes)
• White (Color D - snout)
• Ruby (Color E - hat)
Premier Bunny
100% Polyester Fluffy #7 jumbo • Chocolate (Color F - Hair/Tail)
Yarn Bee Fur the Moment
100% Polyester Light Weight #6 Faux Fur Yarn • Cream (Color G - Pom/Brim)
You may use any weight of yarn, just make sure to use a corresponding hook. Gauge is not important for this project. The final product will vary depending on the yarn, hook and tension.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Approximate Size: 14" tall x 7" wide (standing) 9.5" tall x 7" wide (sitting)
Yarn Substitutions:
• Hobbii Honey Bunny (4mm or 4.5mm hook)
Other yarns I love:
• Premier Basix Worsted (4mm hook)
• Lion Brand Heartland (3.5mm hook)
• Loops & Threads Sweet Snuggles Lite (7mm hook)
Techniques
JOGLESS BLO (OPTION)
To create a jogless join for the BLO rnd, pull up a loop in the last st of the rnd and remove the hook (picture A). Insert the hook from back to front in the first st of the next rnd (picture B). Draw up the unworked loop (picture C) and pull through the st (picture D), pull tight. Sc in the BLO of this st (this space will be tight) and each remaining st of the rnd (pictures E - F).
* If you are using plush yarn, this technique is not necessary as the “step up” isn’t as noticeable with bulky yarn.
Notes
This is an intermediate pattern, some amigurumi experience would be helpful. However, reach out with any questions or concerns. Please read through the entire pattern before beginning. This pattern is written in US terminology. It is made in continuous rounds. Do not ch1 or sl st at the end of each round unless instructed to do so. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round. Brackets [ ] indicate a part of the instructions that will be repeated x amount of times. For example: [2 sc, inc] x 3 (12 sts) means that you will sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st, sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st, sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st. This round would end with 12 sts. Stitch count is in ( ) at the end of each round. Make sure your count is correct before moving to the next round. The legs, tail, and arms are attached as you crochet the body. The head will need to be sewn on separately at the end as well as the hat. The frills will be created as a sl st and a ch 3 sequence in the FLO to form loops. *The sts can get a little tight using thin yarn and a smaller crochet hook. (If you decide to use a thicker yarn, click here for tips for crocheting amigurumi with plush yarn)
This pattern is for personal use only. Please do not copy, share, translate or reproduce this pattern. You are welcome to sell finished items from this pattern, but please give me credit (Krissy of Loopsy Daisy Crafts + Designs). I would love to see your finished pieces. Please tag me with @loopsydaisycrafts and use #loopsydaisycrafts on social media.
For any questions or concerns regarding the pattern, please email hello@loopsydaisycrafts.com
Now, for the pattern!
Ears
With 4mm hook and Color A | make 2
Rnd 1: sc 4 in mc (4 sts)
Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x 2 (6 sts)
Rnd 3: [2 sc, inc] x 2 (8 sts)
Rnd 4: [3 sc, inc] x 2 (10 sts)
Rnd 5: [4 sc, inc] x 2 (12 sts)
Rnd 6-13: sc in each st (12 sts) ••8 rnds••
Do not stuff. Pinch the opening closed and sc 6 across the top. Fold the ear and add 3 sc across to shape the ear. F/O leaving a long tail for sewing (picture 1).
Arms
With 4mm hook and Color B | make 2
*Please note, some photos are in worsted weight yarn to show the stitch definition more clearly.
Rnd 1: sc 8 in mc (8 sts)
Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x 4 (12 sts)
Rnd 3-5: sc in each st (12 sts) •• 3 rnds••
**Rnd 6 will be worked in the FLO sts to create loops. Each loop is a sl st and a ch 3 (pictures 2-3). Then, a new color will be attached and worked in the BLO. Place an additional st marker in the BLO of the first st to help identify the sts.
Rnd 6: FLO Rnd - Sl st and ch 3 in the first st, *(sl st and ch 3 in the next st) repeat 11 more times for a total of 12 small loops. Place the last sl st in the FLO 3 of the first st of this rnd.
F/O Color B (picture 4). With a sl knot on the hook, attach Color A in the exposed BLO st of rnd 6 where the additional st marker was placed.
Rnd 6 (continued): BLO Rnd - With Color A sc in the BLO of each st. (12 sts)
Rnds 7-15: sc in each st (12 sts) •• 9 rnds••
**chg to Color C
Rnds 16-18: sc in each st (12 sts) •• 3 rnds••
Lightly stuff the bottom only and F/O. I like to leave the arms open, but you can pinch the opening & add 6 sc across to close if you prefer. Arms will be joined as you crochet the body. Leave a few inches for the tail. (picture 5)
Legs
With 4mm hook and Color B | make 2
Rnd 1: sc 8 in mc (8 sts)
Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x 4 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24 sts)
**Rnd 5 will be worked in the BLO. Please refer to page 4 for the jogless join BLO method. The jogless join can be used for the first st of rnd 5. The foot will be created in rnds 6-7. The dec sts should be centered in the front. Please adjust the st marker if needed. Leave the feet unstuffed through rnd 8 so the toe can bend (picture 10).
Rnd 5: sc in the BLO of each st (24 sts) (picture 6)
Rnd 6: 6 sc, [dec] x 6, 6 sc (18 sts)
Rnd 7: 5 sc, [dec] x 4, 5 sc (14 sts)
Rnds 8-10: sc in each st (14 sts) ••3 rnds••
**Rnd 11 will be worked in the FLO sts first to create loops. Each loop is a sl st and a ch 3 (pictures 7-8). Then, 7 a new color will be attached and worked in the BLO. Place an additional st marker in the BLO of the first st to help identify the sts.
Rnd 11: FLO Rnd - Sl st and ch 3 in the first st, *(sl st and ch 3 in the next st) repeat 13 more times for a total of 14 small loops. Place the last sl st in the FLO of the first st of this rnd.
F/O Color B (picture 9). To shape the foot, bend the front area and push up where the dec sts were added in rnds 6-7 (picture 10). Make sure to leave rnds 1-8 unstuffed so the feet will bend. With a sl knot on the hook, attach Color A in the BLO st of rnd 11 where the additional st marker was placed (picture 11).
Rnd 11 (continued): BLO Rnd - With Color A sc in the BLO of each st. (14 sts)
Rnd 12: sc in each st (14 sts)
**Change to Color C. When changing colors, drop the previous color and pick up the new color yarn. I did not cut the yarn for the stripes. Try to line up the color changes in a straight line on the back of the leg. Stuff the legs as you go.
Rnds 13: sc in each st (14 sts)
Rnds 14-17: sc in each st alternating between Color A and Color C with each rnd (14 sts)
**F/O Color A.
Rnds 18-19: with Color C sc in each st (14 sts) ••2 rnds••
Leaving rnds 1-8 unstuffed, lightly stuff through rnd 13 and F/O. I like to leave the legs open, but you can pinch the opening & add 7 sc across to close if you prefer. Legs will be joined as you crochet the body. Leave a few inches for the tail. (picture 12)
Body
With 4mm hook and Color C
Starting with at the bottom and working up to the neck. The legs, tail, and arms will be attached as you crochet the body. Take care to insert the hook into the front and back sts of the limbs when attaching them to the body. It is very important to line up all the pieces. Due to tension, stuffing and the type of yarn used, the exact placement may vary slightly. Adjust the st marker as needed.
Rnd 1: sc 6 in mc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x 6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24 sts)
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30 sts)
**The legs will be attached in the next rnd. The legs should hang down in front of the body with the working round at the top. Tie the yarn ends from the legs together loosely.
Rnd 6: 7 sc, attach the first leg with 7 sc through the leg and body, 2 sc, attach the second leg with 7 sc through the leg and body, 7 sc (30 sts) (pictures 13- 14)
Rnd 7: [4 sc, inc] x 6 (36 sts)
**Find the center of the back of the body for the tail. The tail will be created in the FLO first st of the rnd. Move your stitch marker if needed. I place mine in the BLO of this stitch. The remaining sts will be worked through both loops as normal. (picture 15)
Rnd 8: attach Color F to the FLO with a sl st, ch 8, sl st back into the FLO of the first st to create a loop and chg to Color C; 35 sc through both loops (36 sts)
Rnd 9: work 1 sc in the exposed BLO from rnd 8 for the 1st st only, 35 sc (36 sts) (picture 16)
Rnd 10-12: sc in each st (36 sts) •• 3 rnds ••
Rnd 13: [4 sc, dec] x 6 (30 sts)
Rnd 14-17: sc in each st (30 sts) •• 4 rnds ••
**Start stuffing
Rnd 18: [3 sc, dec] x 6 (24 sts)
Rnd 19: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18 sts)
**The arms will be attached in the next rnd. Make sure the arms are even on each side of the body. Pin the arms with safety pins or stitch markers to hold the arms in place. You may have to move your main stitch marker (for the rnd) over a few spaces. Tie the yarn ends from the arms together loosely. (picture 17-18) Hide ends on the inside.
Rnd 20: 3 sc, attach the first arm with 6 sc through the arm and body, 3 sc, attach the second arm with 6 sc through the arm and body (18 sts)
**Rnd 21 will be worked in the FLO sts first to create loops around the neck. Each loop consists of a sl st, ch 5, sk the next st (pictures 19-20)
Rnd 21: *(sl st, ch 5, sk the next st) repeat 8 more times for a total of 9 loops. Place the last sl st in the FLO of the first st of this rnd.
Stuff the body and F/O leaving a long tail to attach the head.
Head
With 4mm hook and Color D. Starting at the snout and working to the back of the head.
Rnd 1: sc 6 in mc (6 sts)
Rnd 2: inc x 6 (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x 6 (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24 sts)
Rnd 5-6: sc in each st (24 sts) •• 2 rnds ••
**chg to Color A
Rnd 7-8: sc in each st (24 sts) •• 2 rnds ••
Rnd 9: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30 sts)
Rnd 10-12: sc in each st (30 sts) •• 3 rnds ••
Rnd 13: [4 sc, inc] x 6 (36 sts)
**The hair will be created on the next few rounds. Hold Color F against the head and crochet over the fabric backing of the fur yarn (picture 21-24). Take care the fur doesn’t get tangled in the sts. Slow and steady. The hair should grow outward by one on each side. Make sure the color change from the snout is on the back (bottom) of the head. Placement may vary slightly depending on tension and the type of yarn used. Adjust stitch marker as needed to be sure the hair is even. Start stuffing.
Alternative methods for attaching the hair: This step can be made as a color change to a different texture yarn/different color yarn OR fringe could be attached once the head is complete.
Rnd 14: 15 sc, hold Color F in front of the head and sc over the fabric backing with Color A for the next 5 sts, drop Color F. 16 sc (36 sts)
Rnd 15: 14 sc, pick up Color F and hold it in front of the head and sc over the fabric backing with Color A for the next 7 sts, drop Color F. 15 sc (36 sts)
Rnd 16: 13 sc, pick up Color F and hold it in front of the head and sc over the fabric backing with Color A for the next 9 sts, drop Color F. 14 sc (36 sts)
Rnd 17-18: sc in each st (36 sts) •• 2 rnds ••
Rnd 19: [4 sc, dec] x 6 (30 sts)
Rnd 20: [3 sc, dec] x 6 (24 sts)
Rnd 21: [2 sc, dec] x 6 (18 sts)
**continue stuffing
Rnd 22: [sc, dec] x 6 (12 sts)
Rnd 23: dec x 6 (6 sts)
Stuff, F/O and close (pictures 25-26)
Hat
With 4mm hook and Color E. Starting at the top of the hat and working down to the brim. Leave a long tail from the mc as it will be used to sew the bend in the hat.
Rnd 1: sc 4 in mc (4 sts)
Rnd 2-3: sc in each st (4 sts) ••2 rnds••
Rnd 4: [sc, inc] x 2 (6 sts)
Rnd 5-6: sc in each st (6 sts) ••2 rnds••
Rnd 7: [2 sc, inc] x 2 (8 sts)
Rnd 8: [3 sc, inc] x 2 (10 sts)
Rnd 9: [4 sc, inc] x 2 (12 sts)
Rnd 10: [sc, inc] x 6 (18 sts)
Rnd 11: [2 sc, inc] x 6 (24 sts)
Rnd 12: sc in each st (24 sts)
Rnd 13: [3 sc, inc] x 6 (30 sts)
Rnd 14: sc in each st (30 sts)
**F/O Color E leaving a long tail to sew to the head. Bend the hat at the top and sew rnd 1 to rnd 5 using the tail from the mc. Attach Color G and switch to 5.5mm hook.
Rnd 15: HDC in each st (30 sts) F/O & lightly stuff the hat.
POM - with Color G and a 5.5mm hook
HDC 4 in mc and F/O leaving a tail to attach to the top of the hat. Attach pom to top of the hat with tails (picture 27).
Assembly
• Use pins as a placeholder for the ears. Place the ears on each side of the hair and about 8 sts up from the neck, and sew them to rnds 13-16. Make sure to sew each side of the ears to ensure they stand up straight. Bend the top of the ears outward to shape if desired (pictures 28-29).
• Sew the head onto the body. *OPTIONAL: Use 2.75 mm - 7" knitting needles, thin stuffing sticks or 1.5" blocking T pins to hold the head in place while attaching to the body. I hold the body upside down with the head on the table. I attached the front of the body to rnd 12 of the head and the back of the body on rnd 17 of the head. The arms should be lined up with the ears (pictures 30-31).
• Use pins as a placeholder for the eyes. Embroider the eyes with black thread or black yarn over rnd 10 with about 6 sts between. Add the eyelashes from the top of the eye over one st (pictures 32).
• Sew the nostrils over rnds 3 & 4 angled toward the eye and center of the ear with about 5 sts between (pictures 32-33).
• Using Color E tail, sew the hat on the head between rnds 14 and 15 of the hat (pictures 34-35).
He is finished! Thank you for your support! I hope you enjoyed making Bernard the Donkey. I would love to see your makes. Tag me on social media @loopsydaisycrafts and use #loopsydaisycrafts.
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