“Sheep” cushion – my new cuddly friend!

I urgently needed a new friend for really warm hugs, and that's exactly how this little sheep came about.

What makes it special is that I discovered a beautiful textured yarn that gives the sheep its fluffy surface.

At first glance, it's not that easy to crochet because the stitches are barely visible. BUT I discovered a little trick – and of course I'm happy to share it. It makes crocheting with this yarn a breeze.

Maybe you need a cuddly companion like this too. And because it fits so wonderfully with the season, I've given the sheep a touch of Christmas spirit – a small detail that makes it even more charming and festive.

A friend to cuddle, give as a gift, or simply enjoy.

You will need the following materials to crochet:

– textured yarn 50 gr /100 m for the main piece

– any other yarn 100 gr /500 m for the paws and head. I crocheted these parts using three strands of yarn.

Since the thread was too thin and I really wanted to use up my leftovers, I crocheted these parts with three threads at the same time.

– 100 gr /450 m white cotton yarn for the eyes

– Crochet hook 2 and 5 mm (important, the size should match the yarn so that the stitches are even).

– needle, scissors, buttons for eyes, holofiber filling

Abbreviations:

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

inc – increase

dec – decrease, two single crochets together

Body

For the main part of the body, I chose a textured yarn that imitates sheep's wool. If you've avoided this type of yarn in the past because the stitches are difficult to see, I have a little trick for you.

Simply add an extra strand of smooth yarn (in my case, I used the same yarn I used to crochet the legs) and crochet both strands together. In my example, I chose a yarn in the same color—this is not noticeable in the finished toy, but it serves as a helpful guide so you can see where to insert your crochet hook. Take a look at the photos.

You can also use a more contrasting color for the extra thread so that the stitches are even more visible. With time, you will learn to recognize the stitches in this yarn without any extra help.

1. Crochet 8 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 8 inc = 16 sc

3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 24 sc

4. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 32 sc

5. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 40 sc

6. (4 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 48 sc

7. (5 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 56 sc

8. (6 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 64 sc

9. (7 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 72 sc

10. (8 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 80 sc

11. (9 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 88 sc

12. (10 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 96 sc

13. (11 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 104 sc

14. (12 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 112 sc

15. (13 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 120 sc

16. (14 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 128 sc

17. (15 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 136 sc

18. (16 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 144 sc

19. (17 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 152 sc

20. (18 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 160 sc

21. (19 sc, 1 inc) х 8 = 168 sc

22 – 28 = 168 sc (Crochet 7 rounds)

29. (19 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 160 sc

30. (18 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 152 sc

31. (17 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 144 sc

32. (16 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 136 sc

33. (15 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 128 sc

34. (14 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 120 sc

35. (13 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 112 sc

36. (12 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 104 sc

37. (11 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 96 sc

38. (10 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 88 sc

39. (9 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 80 sc

40. (8 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 72 sc

Add as much filling as you like – for a pillow that either springs back comfortably or is soft and plush, inviting you to snuggle up.

41. (7 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 64 sc

42. (6 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 56 sc

43. (5 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 48 sc

44. (4 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 40 sc

45. (3 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 32 sc

46. (2 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 24 sc

47. (1 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 16 sc

48. 8 dec = 8 sc

Close, cut the thread.

I crocheted the other side in a different color of yarn that matches my favorite blanket.

Legs (crochet 4 pieces from smooth yarn)

I already mentioned this in the “Materials” section, but I would like to reiterate it here: In my case, I crocheted with this yarn—I chose it because I really liked the color and I also wanted to use up my leftovers. Since the yarn is too thin, I worked with three strands at the same time.

10 ch

1. starting 2 ch from the needle 8 sc, 3 in 1, 8 sc, 3 in 1 = 22 sc

2. 8 sc, 3 inc, 8 sc, 3 inc = 28 sc

3. 8 sc, (1 sc, 1 inc) х 3, 8 sc, (1 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 34 sc

4 – 20 = 34 sc

Stuff the legs.

Here's a little tip: if this sheep is intended for a small child, you can hide a few playful surprises in the legs. For example, small plastic beads that feel pleasant to the touch, or something that makes a soft rustling sound when the child squeezes the legs.

Please remember: All small parts—such as beads or rustling foil—must be packed in a well-sealed bag. This will keep everything securely in place, even if you crochet a little loosely or the leg gets damaged at some point.

Be sure to secure everything carefully. Small parts can be swallowed, so you bear full responsibility here. Always attach beads and other elements very securely inside the leg.

21. Fold the leg together and align both sides. Then crochet 16 single crochet stitches along the edge to securely join both sides together.

Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work.

Head

(The head is crocheted from bottom to top. First, work with smooth yarn, and from round 25 onwards, switch to textured yarn.)

15 ch

1. starting 2 ch from the needle 13 sc, 3 in 1, 13 sc, 3 in 1 = 32 sc

2. 13 sc, 3 inc, 13 sc, 3 inc = 38 sc

3. 13 sc, (1 sc, 1 inc) х 3, 13 sc, (1 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 44 sc

4. 13 sc, (2 sc, 1 inc) х 3, 13 sc, (2 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 50 sc

5. 13 sc, (3 sc, 1 inc) х 3, 13 sc, (3 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 56 sc

6 – 25. 56 sc

Changing to textured yarn.

26, 27. 56 sc

28. (5 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 48 sc

29. 48 sc

30. (4 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 40 sc

31. 40 sc

32. (3 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 32 sc

33. 32 sc

Fill the part with filler.

34. (2 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 24 sc

35. (1 sc, 1 dec) х 8 = 16 sc

36. 8 dec = 8 sc

Close, cut the thread.

Eyes (2 pieces, white)

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

4. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

5. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 30 sc

6 – 8. 30 sc

9. (3 sc, 1 dec) х6 = 24 sc

10. (2 sc, 1 dec) х6 = 18 sc

Fill the part with filler.

11. (1 sc, 1 dec) х6 = 12 sc

12. 6 dec = 6 sc

Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work.

Ears (2 pieces made from smooth yarn)

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

4. 18 sc

5. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

6. 24 sc

7. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 30 sc

8 – 11. 30 sc

12. (4 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 36 sc

13 – 16. 36 sc

17. (4 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 30 sc

18 – 19. 30 sc

20. (3 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 24 sc

21. 24 sc

22. Fold the ear together and align both sides. Then crochet 12 single crochet stitches along the edge to securely join both sides together. Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work.

ASSEMBLY

Sew the ears along rounds 24–25, just before you switched to textured yarn. Fold the ears together at the top as you sew them on, as shown in the photo.

When it comes to the eyes, you can easily influence the facial expression of your little sheep by choosing different sizes of black buttons. Even a small difference in button size can change the character—from curious and playful to gentle and dreamy.

In the photo, I have shown three different variations so that you can compare the effect directly. Take your time to consider what mood you want your sheep to have and choose the button size that best suits your own little friend.

Each option gives the sheep its own unique charm – just decide according to your taste.

Next, attach the black buttons to the white part of the eyes, positioning them slightly closer to the edge. Pull the stitches tight so that the buttons sink slightly into the eye piece. Sew the eyes to the head as shown in the photo and connect the white parts with a few stitches.

Please do not forget: If the pillow is intended for a small child, be sure to sew the eyes on very tightly. They must be absolutely secure so that there is no risk of swallowing.

Please do not use glue. Depending on the type of glue, the eyes may not hold reliably and there is a risk that they will come loose over time. The responsibility lies entirely with you. Therefore, make sure that the eyes are attached in a really stable and secure manner.

For the nose: Embroider a few black stitches at the bottom of the muzzle, as shown in the photo.

On each leg, embroider central black stitches to simulate the hooves.

Next, attach the legs and the head to the main body. As shown in the photo, I positioned the legs on the sides and the head near the center. You can tilt the head a little for a slightly different expression on your sheep.

I wanted to give my little sheep a bit of Christmas spirit and give it a very special, festive charm. So I crocheted a tiny, lovingly designed Christmas tree and put a cozy little hat on it. These two details not only make the sheep seasonally appropriate, but also give it a cheerful, wintery personality that immediately brings a smile to your face.

You will need the following materials to crochet:

– YarnArt Barba 100 gr /370 m (from two strands of yarn together)

– Madam Tricote shiny 100 gr /190 m (from two strands of yarn together)

– Crochet hook 2 mm (important, the size should match the yarn so that the stitches are even).

– bells

Hat

Cast on 50 stitches and join to form a ring.

1. 50 sc

I suggest trying it on first to ensure that the hat’s diameter will fit the sheep’s head comfortably.

2. (23 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 48 sc

3. (22 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 46 sc

4. (21 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 44 sc

5. (20 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 42 sc

6. (19 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 40 sc

7. (18 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 38 sc

8. (17 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 36 sc

9. (16 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 34 sc

10. (15 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 32 sc

11. (14 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 30 sc

12. (13 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 28 sc

13. (12 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 26 sc

14. (11 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 24 sc

15. (10 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 22 sc

16. (9 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 20 sc

17. (8 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 18 sc

18. (7 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 16 sc

19. (6 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 14 sc

20. (5 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 12 sc

21. (4 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 10 sc

22. (3 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 8 sc

23. (2 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 6 sc

24. (1 sc, 1 dec) х 2 = 4 sc

Close, cut the thread.

1. Now join the white yarn to the first starting round and crochet 50 sc.

2. 50 sc

3. (8 sc, 1 dec) х 5 = 45 sc

Close, cut the thread.

Pom-pom for a hat (white)

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

4. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

5. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 30 sc

6 – 8. 30 sc

9. (3 sc, 1 dec) х6 = 24 sc

10. (2 sc, 1 dec) х6 = 18 sc

Fill the part with filler.

11. (1 sc, 1 dec) х6 = 12 sc

12. 6 dec = 6 sc

Close, cut the thread. Leave a long end thread.

Carefully sew the pompom to the top of the hat so that it stays secure.

Christmas tree

The Christmas tree is crocheted from three parts: a large one, a smaller one, and a very small one.

1 part

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 9 sc

3. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 12 sc

4. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 15 sc

5. (4 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 18 sc

6. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

7. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 30 sc

8. (4 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 36 sc

Change color to white yarn.

9. (1 sc, 1 dс, 1 sc) х 12

Abbreviation: double сroсhet (dс)

Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work.

2 part

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 9 sc

3. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 12 sc

4. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 15 sc

5. (4 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 18 sc

6. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

7. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 30 sc

Change color to white yarn.

8. (1 sc, 1 dс, 1 sc) х 10

Abbreviation: double сroсhet (dс)

Close, cut the thread.

3 part

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

Start crocheting with white yarn.

2. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 9 sc

Change color to green yarn.

3. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 3 = 12 sc

4. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

5. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

Change color to white yarn.

6. (1 sc, 1 dс, 1 sc) х 8

Abbreviation: double сroсhet (dс)

Close, cut the thread.

To assemble the tree, you can thread each piece onto a single strand and stack them on top of each other. Alternatively, you can place small bells between the layers, which will make the tree more flexible and cause it to ring softly with every movement. Not suitable for small children.

To complete your little sheep's festive look, you can sew the Christmas tree onto one of its legs in the traditional way. This gives the sheep a charming, decorative accent that immediately catches the eye.

Personally, however, I opted for a slightly more playful variation: I attached the tree to one of the ears. This creates a particularly cute and humorous effect—almost as if the sheep is proudly carrying its little Christmas tree around with it. This placement gives the entire design a cheerful, slightly mischievous touch and makes the sheep a real eye-catcher.

Just try out which position you like best. Each variation has its own charm and gives your sheep a festive look in its own unique way.

Now your new little friend is ready for lots of hugs—filled with Christmas spirit, festive joy, and lots of fun.