Deramores Dolly the Donkey and Bramble the Horse Knitting

Deramores Dolly the Donkey and Bramble the Horse Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern creates two stuffed toy animals: Dolly the Donkey and Bramble the Horse. Each finished toy measures approximately 26cm long and 27cm tall, making them substantial handmade companions. These are intermediate-level knitted toys designed to be made as personal projects or gifts, featuring realistic proportions and charming character details.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern uses knitting as the primary craft technique. The toys are constructed using flat knitting, meaning all pieces are knitted back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round. The only exception is the reins, which are created as i-cord tubes worked on double pointed needles to form decorative cord elements. Seams are joined using mattress stitch, a professional technique that creates nearly invisible seams ideal for stuffed toys. The pattern employs the long tail cast on method for starting stitches unless otherwise specified in individual sections.

Stitches and Shaping

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate crafters. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric, creating a smooth, finished appearance. Shaping is achieved through standard decrease techniques including knit two together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases, as well as kfb (knit into front and back) increases to add stitches where needed for three-dimensional toy construction.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for 5 x 100g balls of DK weight yarn to complete both toys. Two yarn options are provided. Deramores Studio DK Yarn is available in colors Mist (Yarn A), Smoke (Yarn B), Pearl (Yarn C), Oatmeal (Yarn D), and Chocolate (Yarn E). Alternatively, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK offers Misty Grey (Yarn A), Slate Grey (Yarn B), Champagne White (Yarn C), Taupe (Yarn D), and Coffee Bean (Yarn E). Both options are DK weight, suitable for the specified gauge.

Needles: The pattern requires a pair of 3.5mm straight knitting needles (US size 4) for flat knitting the main toy pieces, plus two 3.5mm double pointed needles (DPNs) for working the i-cord reins.

Gauge: Approximately 22 stitches and 28 rows per 10cm x 10cm square in stockinette stitch on 3.5mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is important for proper toy sizing.

Additional Materials and Notions

• Two 250g bags of toy filling for stuffing both completed animals
• Four 9mm toy safety eyes (two per toy) for secure eye attachment
• A darning or tapestry needle for sewing seams and finishing details

Safety Note: The finished toys are not suitable for children under 3 years of age due to small parts, including safety eyes and potential choking hazards from toy filling.

Pattern Information

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern by Amanda Berry, available as a downloadable PDF from Deramores. The pattern is intended for personal use and gift-giving only; commercial reproduction or resale of finished items is not permitted under the pattern license.