Easter Donkey Crochet Pattern: A Unique Farmyard Twist for Spring
When you think of Easter crochet, bunnies and chicks usually steal the spotlight—but this year, why not add something a little different (and extra adorable) to your handmade collection?
Meet the Easter Donkey—a sweet, whimsical project that brings charm, personality, and a touch of farmhouse flair to your spring décor 🧶💛
🌸 Why an Easter Donkey?
Donkeys have long been a gentle, humble symbol associated with the Easter season, making them a meaningful and unique addition to your crochet lineup. Plus, let’s be honest… they’re just too cute to pass up!
This pattern is perfect if you:
- Love farm animal crochet 🐄
- Want something different from the usual Easter makes
- Enjoy creating conversation-starting décor
- Need a fun, giftable project
Today’s free download is a bookmark depicting Palm Sunday, when Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem.
There is also a Mandala Donkey Coloring Page
Donkey Tissue Box Cover
Materials:
Worsted weight yarn –
130 yards MC
15 yards CC
5 yards white
10 yards black
Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
Small amount of Fiberfill
Gauge 8 sc = 2”, 8 rows sc = 2”
Finished donkey measures approximately 8” tall (including ears), fits standard 4”x4”x5” tissue box
Directions:
BOX:
Row 1: With MC yarn, ch 17, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch (16 sc).
Rows 2-7: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc (16 sc).
Row 8: Ch 1, turn, sc in first 3 sts. Leave remaining sts unworked.
Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. Fasten off yarn.
Go back to Row 7 to work other side of slit.
Row 8: Sk 10 sc, sc in last 3 sc.
Row 9: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st, ch 10, sl st on other side Row 8. Fasten off yarn.
Row 10: Turn, join MC yarn, ch 1, sc in 3 sc, sc in 10 ch, sc in 3 sc (16 sc).
Rows 11-16: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st. At the end of Row 16, the piece should be long enough to cover the top of the tissue box. Now begin working in rnds.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, turn, sc around all 4 sides with 2 sc in corners. Join with sl st.
Rnd 2: Working in BLO, sc in each st.
Rnd 3: Working in both lps, sc in each st.
Repeat Rnd 3 until box measures 5” tall or tall enough to cover tissue box (approximately 22 rnds).
MUZZLE:
Rnd 1: With CC, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join. Work in continuous rnds throughout.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each st (12 sc).
Rnd 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st (18 sc).
Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st (24 sc).
Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st (30 sc).
Rnd 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st (36 sc).
Rnds 7-8: Sc in each st. Join with sl st at end of Rnd 8. Fasten off CC with 12” length for sewing.
Stuff muzzle and sew centered on face with bottom 2 rnds above bottom row of box and top of muzzle at approximately Rnd 10 of box.
NOSTRILS: (Make 2)
With black yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 6” length for sewing.
Sew nostrils to upper half of muzzle at Rnds 3-4.
EARS: (Make 2)
Row 1: With CC yarn, ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 3 ch, sc in next 2 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working on opposite side of foundation ch, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in next 3 ch, sc in last 3 ch (19 sts). Fasten off CC.
Repeat Row 1 with MC yarn. Do not fasten off.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, place CC ear on top of MC ear and work through both layers. Sc in 3 sts, hdc in 3 sts, sc in 2 sts, 2 sc in next 3 sts, sc in 2 sts, hdc in 3 sts, sc in 3 sts (21 sts).
Fasten off yarn leaving 9” length for sewing.
Fold bottom of ears and sew to top corners of box.
EYES: (Make 2)
Rnd 1: With white yarn, ch 4, 2 hdc in 2nd ch, hdc in next ch, 4 hdc in last ch. Working on opposite side of ch, hdc next ch, 2 hdc in last ch (8 sc). Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in next st, sc in next st, 2 sc in next 3 sts, sc in next st, 2 sc in next 2 sts (14 sc).
Fasten off leaving 9” length for sewing.
PUPILS:
With black yarn, ch 2 (or magic ring), 6 sc in 2nd ch. Join with sl st. Fasten off leaving 6” length.
Sew pupils to bottom half of eyes. Sew eyes to face above muzzle approximately 1” apart.
MANE:
Cut at least ten 5” pieces of black yarn. In center 5 sts at front of face between the ears, pull through 2 pieces at a time. Fold 2 pieces in half, insert hook in st, grab yarn and pull through st. Then pull through loop just made and pull tightly. Trim mane. More strands can be added if a thicker mane is desired.
PDF available at Donkey Tissue Box Cover Crochet Pattern
Pattern is 50% off for one day only
More Farm Animals
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Affiliate Links
This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!
