Crochet Slouppke the Donkey: Free Amigurumi Pattern for Beginners

Welcome to Your Next Crochet Adventure!

Hey there, crochet lovers! 🧶 Are you ready to create the cutest little donkey you’ve ever seen? Meet Slouppke the Donkey, a charming amigurumi friend that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike. This pattern is a fun modification of the Giddy-Up the Horse design, turning a classic horse into an adorable donkey with floppy ears and a fluffy mane.

Whether you’re making this for a child, a nursery decoration, or just for fun, Slouppke is sure to steal hearts. The pattern uses simple stitches (mostly single crochet!) and includes step-by-step guidance, so even if you’re new to amigurumi, you’ll have no trouble following along.

So grab your yarn and hook—let’s get started!

Materials You’ll Need

Yarn:

• Main Body (Color 1): Greybeard (110 yards) – I Love This Yarn! Solids
• Face & Inner Ears (Color 2): Graymist (40 yards)
• Mane, Tail & Nose (Color 3): Graphite (20 yards)

Substitution Tip: Any worsted-weight (4) yarn will work—just make sure you have enough yardage!

Other Supplies:

• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (US E/4)
• Safety Eyes or Felt: For the eyes
• Fiberfill Stuffing
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors

Crochet Abbreviations & Stitches Used

• SC: Single crochet
• SC2tog: Single crochet two together (decrease)
• CH: Chain
• Magic Ring: Adjustable loop to start rounds
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Don’t worry if you’re new to these—I’ll explain each step as we go!

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

1. The Head (Start with Color 2—Graymist)

• Rounds 1-11: Follow the original Giddy-Up the Horse pattern (or work in continuous rounds of SC, increasing as needed to form a sphere).
• Switch to Color 1 (Greybeard) for Rounds 12-26.
• Tip: If using safety eyes, attach them between Rounds 10-12 before stuffing.

2. The Ears (Make 2 in Color 1—Greybeard)

• Round 1: SC 6 in a magic ring (6 sts).
• Round 2: (SC 2 in next st, SC in next st) 3 times (9 sts).
• Round 3: SC in each stitch around.
• Round 4: (SC 2 in next st, SC in next 2 sts) 3 times (12 sts).
• Rounds 5-9: SC in each stitch (5 rounds).
• Round 10: (SC2tog, SC in next 2 sts) 3 times (9 sts).
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

3. Legs & Body

• Follow the original Giddy-Up the Horse pattern for legs and body.

4. The Tail (Start with Color 3—Graphite)

• Round 1: SC 6 in magic ring (6 sts).
• Round 2: (SC 2 in next st, SC in next st) 3 times (9 sts).
• Round 3: (SC 2 in next st, SC in next 2 sts) 3 times (12 sts).
• Rounds 4-5: SC in each stitch (2 rounds).
• Round 6: (SC2tog) 6 times (6 sts).
• Switch to Color 1 (Greybeard), lightly stuff, then:
• Rounds 7-14: SC in each stitch (8 rounds).
• Fasten off, leaving a tail for attaching.

5. The Mane (Color 3—Graphite)

• Chain 22.
• Round 1: SC 2 in the 2nd chain from hook, SC in next 17, SC 2 in next st.
• Flip and work on the underside: SC 2 in next st, SC in next 17, SC 2 in next st (42 sts total).
• Rounds 2-3: SC in each stitch.
• Round 4: (SC2tog, SC in next 5 sts) 6 times (36 sts).
• Round 5: SC in each stitch.
• Round 6: (SC2tog, SC in next 4 sts) 6 times (30 sts).
• Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly & Finishing Touches

1. Attach the Ears: Sew them to the top sides of the head (between Rounds 18-20).
2. Sew on the Mane: Flatten it and attach from between the ears down to the neck.
3. Embroider the Nose: With Color 3, stitch a little triangle at Round 8.
4. Attach the Tail: Sew it to Round 15 of the body.
5. Weave in all loose ends—no one likes a messy donkey!

Final Thoughts & Share Your Creation!

And there you have it—your very own Slouppke the Donkey! 🎉 Whether you’re keeping it for yourself or gifting it to a little one, this adorable amigurumi is sure to bring smiles.

Did you make this pattern? I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below. Happy crocheting!