Dolly the Donkey and Bramble the Horse in Deramores Studio DK Acrylic - Downloadable PDF

Dolly the Donkey and Bramble the Horse – Knitting Pattern Summary

Designed by Amanda Berry, this intermediate-level knitting pattern from Deramores guides you through creating two charming, lifelike soft toy animals: Dolly the Donkey and Bramble the Horse. Available as a downloadable PDF, the pattern produces two generously sized stuffed toys, each measuring approximately 26cm long and 27cm tall — making them a satisfying and substantial knitting project. Please note that the finished toys are not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts.

What You Will Make

The pattern covers two distinct soft toy designs worked in DK weight yarn. Both Dolly the Donkey and Bramble the Horse are three-dimensional stuffed animals constructed from multiple knitted pieces that are seamed together and filled with toy stuffing. The finished toys feature 9mm toy safety eyes for a realistic and endearing appearance. Despite being two separate characters with their own colour schemes and personalities, both toys share a similar construction method, making the pattern an excellent project for knitters who wish to make a matching pair.

Techniques and Construction

This is an intermediate knitting pattern, meaning it is best suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to develop their skills further. The construction involves knitting multiple flat pieces that are later seamed and assembled into three-dimensional forms — a classic approach to toy making that gives the knitter full control over shaping and detail.

• Flat knitting: The majority of pieces are worked flat, back and forth on a pair of straight needles, allowing for precise shaping through increases and decreases.
• Double pointed needles (DPNs): A small number of pieces — specifically the reins — are worked in the round using two 3.5mm double pointed needles, adding a neat, seamless finish to these finer details.
• Seaming and assembly: Once all pieces are knitted, they are joined using a darning or tapestry needle, a key skill in toy making that requires neat, secure finishing to ensure the toy holds its shape.
• Stuffing: The assembled toys are filled with toy filling (two 250g bags are recommended) to create a plump, huggable result.
• Safety eye insertion: Each toy requires two 9mm toy safety eyes, which are secured during assembly.

Stitches Used

The pattern is built primarily around fundamental knitting stitches, making it accessible to intermediate knitters who have moved beyond beginner projects:

• Stockinette stitch (stocking stitch): The main fabric stitch used throughout, creating a smooth, even surface ideal for toy construction. Tension is measured over stockinette stitch — approximately 22 stitches x 28 rows to a 10cm x 10cm square on 3.5mm needles.
• Shaping techniques: Increases and decreases are used to shape the body, head, legs, ears, and other three-dimensional components of both toys.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written for Deramores Studio DK yarn, a smooth, reliable acrylic DK yarn that is well-suited to toy making due to its consistent tension and wide colour range. Each toy uses a palette of five carefully chosen shades to capture the natural colouring of a donkey and a horse respectively. The recommended yarn quantities and colours are as follows:

Deramores Studio DK – Recommended Colours

• Yarn A: Mist – 1 x 100g ball
• Yarn B: Smoke – 1 x 100g ball
• Yarn C: Pearl – 1 x 100g ball
• Yarn D: Oatmeal – 1 x 100g ball
• Yarn E: Chocolate – 1 x 100g ball

Alternative Yarn – Paintbox Yarns Simply DK

The pattern also offers an alternative yarn option for those who prefer a different brand. Paintbox Yarns Simply DK