Knitting pattern for a "Sheep" cushion

First, I crocheted myself a large, soft cuddly pillow—a real hugging sheep. The textured yarn that was still lying around in my stash reminded me so much of real sheep's wool that I just had to use it. And because I enjoyed the finished pillow so much, I wanted to make the idea available to all knitting enthusiasts. After all, there are so many people who prefer knitting to crocheting. Maybe you feel the same way and would like a woolly friend that is knitted.

In anticipation of spring, I also added a touch of Easter spirit to the design. The result is a companion to cuddle, give as a gift, or simply enjoy.

You will need the following materials to knitting:

– 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

– spokes 3

– needle, scissors, buttons for eyes, holofiber filling

Abbreviations:

CO – cast on

K – knit

P – purl  

inc – increase

dec – decrease 

When knitting, I only used two knitting needles and sewed the pieces together at the end. Therefore, my odd rows consist of knit stitches and my even rows consist of purl stitches. However, if you want to knit with three or four needles, then knit all pieces continuously with knit stitches.

Body

For the main part of the body, I chose a textured yarn that imitates sheep's wool.

Cast on 8 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 8 K

2. 8 P

3. 8 inc = 16 K

4. 16 P

5. (1 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 24 K

6. 24 P

7. (2 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 32 K

8. 32 P

9. (3 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 40 K

10. 40 P

11. (4 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 48 K

12. 48 P

13. (5 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 56 K

14. 56 P

15. (6 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 64 K

16. 64 P

17. (7 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 72 K

18. 72 P

19. (8 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 80 K

20. 80 P

21. (9 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 88 K

22. 88 P

23. (10 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 96 K

24. 96 P

25. (11 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 104 K

26. 104 P

27. (12 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 112 K

28. 112 P

29. (13 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 120 K

30. 120 P

31. (14 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 128 K

32. 128 P

33. (15 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 136 K

34. 136 P

35. (16 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 144 K

36. 144 P

37. (17 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 152 K

38. 152 P

39. (18 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 160 K

40. 160 P

41. (19 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 168 K

42. 168 P

43. (20 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 176 K

44. 176 P

45. 176 K

46. 176 P

47. 176 K

48. 176 P

49. 176 K

50. 176 P

51. 176 K

52. 176 P

53. 176 K

54. 176 P

55. 176 K

56. 176 P

57. (20 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 168 K

58. 168 P

59. (19 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 160 K

60. 160 P

61. (18 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 152 K

62. 152 P

63. (17 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 144 K

64. 144 P

65. (16 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 136 K

66. 136 P

67. (15 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 128 K

68. 128 P

69. (14 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 120 K

70. 120 P

71. (13 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 112 K

72. 112 P

73. (12 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 104 K

74. 104 P

75. (11 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 96 K

76. 96 P

77. (10 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 88 K

78. 88 P

79. (9 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 80 K

80. 80 P

81. (8 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 72 K

82. 72 P

83. (7 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 64 K

84. 64 P

85. (6 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 56 K

86. 56 P

87. (5 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 48 K

88. 48 P

89. (4 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 40 K

90. 40 P

91. (3 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 32 K

92. 32 P

93. (2 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 24 K

94. 24 P

95. (1 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 16 K

96. 16 P

97. 8 dec= 8 P

Carefully fasten off the remaining stitches, fasten the thread securely and then cut. Sew the piece together.

 

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.

 

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.

Cast on 28 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 28 K

2. 28 P

3. (1 inc, 12 K, 1 inc) х 2 = 32 K

4. 32 P

5. (1 inc, 14 K, 1 inc) х 2 = 36 K

6. 36 P

7. 36 K

8. 36 P

9. 36 K

10. 36 P

11. 36 K

12. 36 P

13. 36 K

14. 36 P

15. 36 K

16. 36 P

17. 36 K

18. 36 P

19. 36 K

20. 36 P

21. 36 K

22. 36 P

23. 36 K

24. 36 P

25. 36 K

26. 36 P

27. 36 K

28. 36 P

29. 36 K

30. 36 P

31. 36 K

32. 36 P

Carefully cast off the remaining stitches, secure the thread, and then cut it off. Sew the legs together.

Then stuff the legs evenly with filling material until they are nicely shaped and stable.

In the previous version of the pillow I crocheted, I showed an interesting variation for filling the paws. You might find that interesting too.

 

If this sheep is intended for a small child, you can hide a few playful surprises in the legs—for example, small elements that feel pleasant to the touch or make a soft rustling sound when pressed.

Please note: All small parts should be securely packed and firmly fixed inside. Use a well-sealed, sturdy bag so that nothing can slip out – even if the leg is subjected to heavy use later on or the stitches are a little loose.

Make sure everything is carefully secured. Small parts can be swallowed, so it is important that they are securely fastened inside the leg.

  

 

Head (First, work with smooth yarn)

Cast on 40 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 40 K

2. 40 P

3. 9 K, 2 inc, 18 K, 2 inc, 9 K = 44 K

4. 44 P

5. 10 K, 2 inc, 20 K, 2 inc, 10 K = 48 K

6. 48 P

7. 11 K, 2 inc, 22 K, 2 inc, 11 K = 52 K

8. 52 P

9. 12 K, 2 inc, 24 K, 2 inc, 12 K = 56 K

10. 56 P

11. 13 K, 2 inc, 26 K, 2 inc, 13 K = 60 K

12. 60 P

13. 60 K

14. 60 P

15. 60 K

16. 60 P

17. 60 K

18. 60 P

19. 60 K

20. 60 P

21. 60 K

22. 60 P

23. 60 K

24. 60 P

25. 60 K

26. 60 P

27. 60 K

28. 60 P

29. 60 K

30. 60 P

31. 60 K

32. 60 P

33. 60 K

34. 60 P

35. 60 K

36. 60 P

37. 60 K

38. 60 P

39. 60 K

40. 60 P

41. 60 K

42. 60 P

43. 60 K

44. 60 P

Switch to textured yarn.

45. 60 K

46. 60 P

47. 60 K

48. 60 P

49. 60 K

50. 60 P

51. 60 K

51. 60 P

53. 60 K

54. 60 P

55. 60 K

56. 60 P

57. 13 K, 2 dec, 26 K, 2 dec, 13 K = 56 K

58. 56 P

59. 12 K, 2 dec, 24 K, 2 dec, 12 K = 52 K

60. 52 P

61. 11 K, 2 dec, 22 K, 2 dec, 11 K = 48 K

62. 48 P

63. 10 K, 2 dec, 20 K, 2 dec, 10 K = 44 K

64. 44 P

65. 9 K, 2 dec, 18 K, 2 dec, 9 K = 40 K

66. 40 P

Carefully cast off the remaining stitches, secure the yarn end, and then cut it. Sew the head together.

Stuff the head occasionally while sewing.

  

 

Eyes (2 pieces, white)

Cast on 8 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 8 inc = 16 K

2. 16 P

3. (1 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 24 K

4. 24 P

5. (2 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 32 K

6. 32 P

7. 32 K

8. 32 P

9. 32 K

10. 32 P

11. 32 K

12. 32 P

13. (2 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 24 K

14. 24 P

15. (1 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 16 K

16. 16 P

17. 8 dec = 8 K

Carefully fasten off the remaining stitches, fasten the thread securely and then cut. Sew the piece together.

Stuff the piece occasionally while sewing.

 

Ears (2 pieces made from smooth yarn)

Cast on 36 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 36 K

2. 36 P

3. 36 K

4. 36 P

5. 36 K

6. 36 P

7. 36 K

8. 36 P

9. 36 K

10. 36 P

11. 36 K

12. 36 P

13. 36 K

14. 36 P

15. 36 K

16. 36 P

17. 36 K

18. 36 P

19. 36 K

20. 36 P

21. 36 K

22. 36 P

23. 36 K

24. 36 P

25. 36 K

26. 36 P

27. (4 K, 1 dec) х 6 = 30 K

28. 30 P

29. (3 K, 1 dec) х 6 = 24 K

30. 24 P

31. (2 K, 1 dec) х 6 = 18 K

32. 18 P

33. (1 K, 1 dec) х 6 = 12 K

34. 12 P

35. 6 dec = 6 K

Carefully fasten off the remaining stitches, fasten the thread securely and then cut. Sew the piece together. Do not stuff.

ASSEMBLY

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.

 

Sew the ears to the head at the point where you switched to textured yarn. When sewing on the ears, fold them slightly at the top—as shown in the photo—to give them their characteristic shape.

 

Next, attach the legs and head to the body. As you can see in the photo, I positioned the legs on the sides and the head in the middle. You can tilt the head slightly to give your sheep a slightly different expression.

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

Embroider black stitches in the center of each leg to represent the hooves.

Spring and Easter are approaching, and I wanted to give the little sheep some bright splashes of color. A cheerful hat and a colorful Easter egg convey this playful mood and, in my opinion, decorate the little sheep in a very special way.

You will need the following materials to knitting:

– YarnArt Jewel 100 gr /380 m (in two threads simultaneously)

– Madam Tricote shiny 100 gr /190 m (in two threads simultaneously)

– spokes 3

 

Cap

Cast on 80 stitches onto one knitting needle. We will begin knitting with white yarn.

1. 80 K

2. 80 P

I recommend trying on the hat first to make sure that the diameter fits the sheep's head well.

3. (18 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 76 K

4. 76 P

Смена цвета incяжи на желтый.

5. (17 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 72 K

6. 72 P

7. (16 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 68 K

8. 68 P

9. (15 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 64 K

10. 64 P

11. (14 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 60 K

12. 60 P

13. (13 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 56 K

14. 56 P

15. (12 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 52 K

16. 52 P

17. (11 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 48 K

18. 48 P

19. (10 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 44 K

20. 44 P

21. (9 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 40 K

22. 40 P

23. (8 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 36 K

24. 36 P

25. (7 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 32 K

26. 32 P

27. (6 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 28 K

28. 28 P

29. (5 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 24 K

30. 24 P

31. (4 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 20 K

32. 20 P

33. (3 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 16 K

34. 16 P

35. (2 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 12 K

36. 12 P

37. (1 K, 1 dec) х 4 = 8 K

38. 8 P

39. 4 dec = 4 K

Carefully fasten off the remaining stitches, fasten the thread securely and then cut. Sew the piece together.

 

Pom-pom for hat (white)

Cast on 8 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 8 inc = 16 K

2. 16 P

3. (1 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 24 K

4. 24 P

5. (2 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 32 K

6. 32 P

7. 32 K

8. 32 P

9. 32 K

10. 32 P

11. 32 K

12. 32 P

13. (2 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 24 K

14. 24 P

15. (1 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 16 K

16. 16 P

17. 8 dec = 8 K

Carefully fasten off the remaining stitches, fasten the thread securely and then cut. Sew the piece together.

Stuff the piece occasionally while sewing.

 

Easter egg

I started knitting with yellow wool. Which colors you choose next is entirely up to you. Below, I describe the color change as it appears in the photo.

Cast on 8 stitches onto one knitting needle.

1. 8 inc = 16 K

2. 16 P

3. (1 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 24 K

4. 24 P

5. (2 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 32 K

6. 32 P

7. (3 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 40 K

8. 40 P

9. (4 K, 1 inc) х 8 = 48 K

10. 48 P

11. 48 K

12. 48 P

13. 48 K

14. 48 P

15. 48 K

16. 48 P

17. 48 K

18. 48 P

19. 48 K

20. 48 P

21. 48 K

22. 48 P

23. 48 K

24. 48 P

25. 48 K

26. 48 P

27. 48 K

28. 48 P

Change of yarn color to white.

29. 48 K

30. 48 P

Change of yarn color to blue.

31. 48 K

32. 48 P

Change of yarn color to white.

33. 48 K

34. 48 P

Change of yarn color to yellow.

35. 48 K

36. 48 P

37. 48 K

38. 48 P

Change of yarn color to white.

39. 48 K

40. 48 P

Change of yarn color to green.

41. (4 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 40 K

42. 40 P

43. 40 K

44. 40 P

Change of yarn color to white.

45. (3 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 32 K

46. 32 P

Change of yarn color to yellow.

47. 32 K

48. 32 P

49. (2 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 24 K

50. 24 P

51. 24 K

52. 24 P

53. (1 K, 1 dec) х 8 = 16 K

54. 16 P

55. 8 dec = 8 K

56. 8 P

Carefully fasten off the remaining stitches, fasten the thread securely and then cut. Sew the piece together.

Stuff the piece occasionally while sewing.

 

When the Easter decorations were finished, I liked the cheerful combination so much that I wanted to keep it. Maybe this little, fun idea will inspire someone else to decorate more than just cushions with it.

Finally, we give the sheep its festive touch. An Easter egg can be attached beautifully to one of its legs—or, as I find particularly charming, to one of its ears. The colorful egg adds a really cheerful accent there.

 

Now the new friend is ready for hugs with an Easter cheer!