Ive been making realistic animal portraits for a while and the donkey is one that doesnt get enough love. This one is a proper close-up head study, the donkey is looking slightly sideways so you get the full ear shape and the soft muzzle detail at the same time. There are 3 colour threads in total and nine thread changes as the digitising layers the shading through the face.
The density runs at 1,021 which puts this firmly in the high-detail zone. Each section uses directional stitching that follows the natural lay of the fur so the grey coat doesnt look like a flat satin fill, it actually reads like hair. The ears get their own underlay treatment to build up that lighter inner pink colour without bleed through from the main grey.
Five sizes from 2.79 inches up to 6 inches wide. Stitch count runs from 16,909 to 45,932 on the large, so this is a proper sit-down project for the biggest version. My mum asked for this one on a beige pillow cover last christmas and it came out looking like a framed print honestly.
Use cutaway stabiliser on this, dont try tearaway because the density will lift it. Stitch on denim, canvas, cotton twill, linen or thick fleece. Avoid any fabric with a pile because the directional detail will get lost in the texture. Pre-wash and iron everything flat before hooping for best results.
Ping me if the colours look off after stitching or the file wont load in your machine software. I sort these out same day usually.
What people are using this design for
A starting point. The design works for plenty more than just this list, this is what folks have stitched it onto most.
- Farm themed cushion coversOn a cream linen cushion the portrait reads like a soft farmhouse print, especially in a natural thread palette.
- Country kitchen tea towelsA medium 4 inch version on a cotton tea towel is a practical gift for anyone who keeps or loves donkeys.
- Barn owner gift tote bagsStitched on a canvas tote this becomes a thoughtful personalised gift for anyone who owns or works around animals.
- Equestrian event tack bagsOn a canvas tack bag or grooming kit pouch this portrait suits the barn aesthetic better than any printed design.
- Rural home decor wall hoopsA large version hooped and framed in an embroidery ring makes a genuinely nice piece of rural wall decor.
- Denim work shirt patchesOn the chest pocket of a denim work shirt this sits as a subtle personal detail for horse or farm workers.
- Pet memorial framed piecesAs a memorial piece stitched on linen and framed for someone who has lost a beloved donkey this works really well.
- Kids farm learning pillowsFor kids raised on or near farms this on a small pillow makes a familiar friendly bedroom accent.
Dimensions
5 sizes included. Stitch counts shown for the largest colorway.
| Size (in) | Stitches |
|---|---|
| 2.79 × 3.49 in | 16,909 |
| 3.59 × 4.50 in | 23,218 |
| 4.39 × 5.49 in | 29,991 |
| 5.19 × 6.50 in | 37,731 |
| 6.00 × 7.50 in | 45,932 |
Files & Formats
Eight machine formats included in one zip. Whichever your machine reads, its in the pack.
Plus a color chart for thread matching. See full format guide.
Reviews
No reviews yet for this design. Be the first to share your make once you have stitched it. Tag us on Instagram and we will feature your work.
You may also like
Other designs from this collection you might love
Blue Flower Fairy Embroidery Design, Instant Do...
Cherry Blossom Branch Embroidery Design, Spring...
Frog Love Embroidery Design, Cute Valentine Fro...
Your Opinion Is Not Part of the Recipe Embroide...
Fustergluck Kitchen Rooster Embroidery Design, ...
Spring Floral Gnome Embroidery Design, Machine ...
Bee Farm Raw Honey Embroidery Design, Machine E...
Coastal Lighthouse Embroidery Design, Machine E...
Red Tulip Embroidery Design, Machine Embroidery...
Raven on Tree Embroidery Design, Machine Embroi...
Celestial Alpaca Embroidery Design, Machine Emb...
Dog High Five Embroidery Design, Machine Embroi...
Browse by category
Pick a theme, find the perfect design for your next project
About the artist
Reyazul Masud Riham, hand-drawing every design on this site
Every design on Re Embroidery is hand-digitized by one person. Each file gets sketched, color-matched, and stitch-tested on real fabric before it earns a place in the shop. No team. No auto-conversion from images. Just slow, deliberate work, sometimes three or four days per design.
That's the joy I work for.
The hard part is finding my designs re-uploaded and resold elsewhere. So when you buy from Re Embroidery, you're paying one real person for the file you're about to download. That matters.
