Free Crochet Patterns for a Sheep
Yarn Bee Velvety Smooth Aran beckoned to me on the shelves of a recent Hobby Lobby run.
It practically jumped into my basket, begging to be turned into soft, cuddly sheep's wool. Who am I to stand in the way of a skein's dreams?
I took it home and buried my fingers in the squishy, velvety yarn while planning my sheep crochet pattern.
A standard single crochet design would suffice, but something that added extra fluffy, plushy dimension to the fleece would be even better.
credit To own Creators
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I began experimenting with the Bobble Stitch and achieved exactly the look I desired, though I had to learn a few lessons about designing with bobbles the hard way:
1. Each bobble stitch must be separated by a single crochet. This aids in the "popping" of the bobbles and prevents overcrowding (more on this below).
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2. Participate in your rounds. After finishing a round, slst into the first stitch of the round to join, then chain 1 before beginning the next round (you do not turn the work).
When you attempt a standard continuous spiral, as with most amigurumi, the bobbles end up staggered rather than stacked, resulting in gaps in the work.
3. Each round of bobbles must be followed by a round of single crochets. Otherwise, the bobbles will crowd together and the work will become too dense.
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It was a fun challenge to design with bobbles.
I wanted my sheep to have the same general dimensions as the rest of my farm animal crochet patterns for consistency.
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After some quick math, I determined that a bobble is approximately the same size as a 22 grid of standard single crochets. So I'd subtract two rounds of single crochets for every bobble round.
To keep things simple, I skipped the bobble rounds and simply doubled the increases and decreases in the single crochet rounds.
I was able to recreate my standard animal body shape with bobbles and was very pleased with the outcome!
credit To own Creators
I've included a video tutorial as well as a single crochet version of the pattern.
Because of the bobble stitches, making this sheep can be difficult. I created a Sage the Sheep video crochet along to help everyone succeed, even if you're not an experienced crocheter.
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I'll walk you through the entire process of making your sheep. If you get stuck while following the written pattern, be sure to watch the videos. It can be extremely beneficial!
Don't worry if you try the bobble rounds and end up throwing your work across the room in frustration; I've also included a single crochet version of this pattern. You can still make a cute sheep without using bobbles.
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Can't seem to find velvet yarn? Not to worry.
It's critical to me that the materials needed to create my patterns are available and affordable to everyone.
I've heard how difficult it can be to find specialty yarns in some parts of the world, so I make sure that all of my patterns can be made with inexpensive acrylic yarn from any craft store. The tried-and-true Red Heart will suffice.
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Don't worry if you try the bobble rounds and end up throwing your work across the room in frustration;
I've also included a single crochet version of this pattern. You can still make a cute sheep without using bobbles.
Can't seem to find velvet yarn? Not to worry.
It's critical to me that the materials needed to create my patterns are available and affordable to everyone.
I've heard how difficult it can be to find specialty yarns in some parts of the world, so I make sure that all of my patterns can be made with inexpensive acrylic yarn from any craft store.
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The tried-and-true Red Heart will suffice. Sage the Sheep - Bobble Version
Standing height: 13.5"
Intermediate level of ability
Sage on Ravelry the flock
Sage is soft and cuddly, with an endearing sheepish grin. She can be a little 'baaa'shful at times, but she will always be there for ewe!
• 3.5mm (E) hooks • 4.5mm (7) hooks (optional)
• Safety eyes (15mm)
• Stitching markers
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• Yarn needle • Fiber fill • Ink marker that disappears
Yarn (acrylic, weight 4) - 342 yards total
• Tan (113 yards) (I used Red Heart Super Saver – Buff)
• 200 yards - white (I used Yarn Bee Velvety Smooth Aran – White)
• Brown (29 yards) (I used Red Heart Super Saver – Cafe Latte)
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Notes
Abbreviations
• ch stands for chain.
• sc stands for single crochet.
• bobble - work four incomplete double crochets in the same stitch, then yarn over and pull through all five loops on your hook.
• inc - work two single crochets into the same stitch
• dec - an invisible decrease that combines two stitches into one.
• BLO - only crochet in the back loop
• *sc x* - repeat the instructions between the asterisks(*) the number of times indicated. If the pattern does not specify how many times to repeat the sequence, continue until you reach the end of the round.
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Instructions for Use
• Unless otherwise specified in the pattern, work all stitches in both loops.
• This pattern's single crochet sections are worked in a continuous spiral. Unless otherwise specified in the pattern, do not join rounds (in other words, do not slip stitch and chain to start a new round).
• This pattern's bobbles are worked in joined rounds. Slip stitch into the first stitch of the round at the end of the round. Before starting a new round, chain 1.
• The slip stitch/chain 1 is not included in the stitch count at the end of each bobble round.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the end of one round and the start of the next.
• I like to put my stitch marker in the last stitch of a single crochet round.
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• When doing bobble rounds, I like to put a stitch marker in both the first and last stitch of the round. That way, I don't accidentally crochet into the previous round's slst or ch 1.
Bobbles that "Pop"
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Make sure your single crochets are nice and tight between your bobbles. Pull on your working yarn after finishing the single crochet to assist with this. Making tight single crochets between the bobbles closes the gaps and makes the bobbles "pop."
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Sequence Recommendation
In order, here are the steps to making your sheep:
1.Ears should be crocheted.
2.Crochet the Crown
3.Body: Crochet
4. Arms should be crocheted.
5.Legs should be crocheted
6.Make the Tail by Crocheting
7.Connect the Head to the Body
8.Connect the Legs to the Body
9.Connect the Arms to the Body
10.Connect the Tail to the Body
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Because of the bobble stitches, making this sheep can be difficult.
I want to help everyone succeed, even if you're not an experienced crocheter, so I made a Sage the Sheep video crochet along on YouTube.
I'll walk you through the entire process of making your sheep.
If you get stuck while following the written pattern, be sure to watch the videos.
Head: Round 15 - Eye Marking Stitches
Now add two stitch markers to indicate where you will insert your safety eyes later.
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Place the markers 18 stitches apart between rounds 14 and 15 (the last two rounds you worked on). I chose to place mine on the opposite side of the board from the end of round 15.
As you crochet rounds 16-30, leave the eye markers in place. I recommend marking these stitches with strands of yarn to make them easier to crochet around.
Insert each strand with a yarn needle.
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Head: Round 22 - Ear Marking Stitches
At the end of round 22, mark 4 stitches in the previous round to indicate where you should attach the ears in round 23.
Begin by positioning two stitch markers centred above the eye markers, with 18 stitches between them.
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Then, as shown in the picture, add two more stitch markers, with two stitches between the outer and inner stitch markers.
Crochet Ears to Head: Round 23
Crochet round 23 as usual, stopping when you reach the first stitch marker.
Attach an ear to the head and continue crocheting until you reach the second marked stitch.
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Continue with the next 18 stitches as usual until you reach the next stitch marker.
Crochet the other ear to the head until you reach the last marked stitch. Finish the round normally.
Stuff the head and add safety eyes
Fill the head 3/4 full. Make a 2 foot long strand of yarn.
Make a large, secure knot in one end of the yarn and thread the other end through your yarn needle.
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Insert your needle through the back opening of the head and sew between the two spots where your safety eyes will be placed (marked with strands of yarn).
Pull your strand of yarn taut to make indents. Finish with a knot and tuck the yarn tail inside the head.
Insert the safety eyes and tighten the backings.
Cloven Hooves: How to Make Them
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Cut your working yarn and leave an 18-inch tail, but do not fasten off yet.
Fill the limb with stuffing. Add as many single crochets as necessary in the final round to bring the colour join front and centre on the limb. Pull on your working loop until the strand frees to fasten off.
Close the top opening by folding it in half and slip stitching it shut.
Cut an 18-inch strand of brown yarn and thread one end through a yarn needle.
Pass the needle through the centre of your hoof's magic ring, then through the top of the hoof (above the last round of brown). Repeat this process a few times, each time pulling the yarn taut.
When you're happy with the look, tie a secure knot between the starting and ending tails. Keep both tails hidden inside the work.
Instructions
Ears (make 2)
Using tan yarn:
01. [6] Begin with 6 sc into a magic ring
02. [9] *sc, inc* 3 times
03. sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* twice more, sc [12]
04. [15] *sc 3, inc* 3 times
05. sc 2, inc, *sc 4, inc* twice more, sc 2 [18]
06. [21] *sc 5, inc* 3 times
07 - 09. [21] Sc in each stitch around
10. [18] *sc 5, dec* 3 times
11. sc 2, dec, *sc 4, dec* twice more, sc 2 [15]
12. [12] *sc 3, dec* 3 times
13. [8] *sc, dec* 4 times
Fasten off and leave a 12" tail. Fold the top opening in half and slip stitch closed, then use a yarn needle to hide the tail inside the work.
Your ear is now ready to be crocheted into the head in the next step.
Head
Using tan yarn:
01. Begin with 6 sc into a magic ring [6]
02. increase in each stitch around [12][18]
03. *sc, inc* 6 times [24]
04. sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 5 times, sc [30]
05. *sc 3, inc* 6 times [36]
06. sc 2, inc, *sc 4, inc* 5 times, sc 2
sc in each stitch around [36][42]
09. *sc 5, inc* 6 times
sc in each stitch around [42]
12. [48] sc 3, inc, *sc 6, inc* 5 times, sc 3
13 - 14. [48] Sc in each st around
15. [54] *sc 7, inc* 6 times
Insert two markers 18 stitches apart between rounds 14 and 15 to mark the stitches for the eyes. These markers will indicate where you should place your safety eyes in a later step.
See "Head: Round 15 - Marking Stitches for the Eyes" in the pattern's Notes section for more information and a photo.
16 - 17. [54] Sc in each stitch around
Change to white yarn and a 4.5mm hook:
18. [54] slst in each stitch around
Return to the 3.5mm hook:
19. [54] BLO: sc in each stitch around, slst to join
20. [54] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 27 times, slst to join
21. ch 1, sc 4, inc, 5 times *sc 8, inc*, sc 4, slst to join [60]
22. [60] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 30 times, slst to join
Marking Stitches for the Ears: In round 22 (the round you just finished), mark 4 stitches to indicate where you should attach the ears in round 23. For instructions, see "Head: Round 22 - Marking Stitches for the Ears" in the pattern's Notes section.
Crochet Ears to Head: Attach the ears to the head as you crochet round 23. In the Notes section, I've included a video tutorial under "Head: Round 23 - Crochet Ears to Head."
23. ch 1, sc in each stitch around, attaching ears as directed, slst to join [60]
24. [60] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 30 times, slst to join
25. [60] Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, slst to join
26. [60] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 30 times, slst to join
27. [48] ch 1, *sc 3, dec* 12 times, slst to join
28. [48] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 24 times, slst to join
29. [36] ch 1, *sc 2, dec* 12 times, slst to join
30. [36] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 18 times, slst to join
Stuff Head and Add Safety Eyes: Stuff the head 34 times, then make indents for the eyes and add your safety eyes. For more information and a video tutorial, see "Stuff Head & Add Safety Eyes" in the Notes section.
31. [24] ch 1, *sc, dec* 12 times, slst to join
32. [24] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 12 times, slst to join
33. *dec* 12 times, ch 1, slst to join [12]
34. [12] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 6 times, slst to join
Complete the stuffing.
35. [6] *dec* 6 times
Finish with an Ultimate Finish after you've cut your working yarn.
Creating a Face Border
1.
We'll now add a single crochet border around the face, working into the exposed front loops from round 19 of the head. This border contributes to the illusion that the wool is "on top" of the sheep's skin.
Using white yarn:
01. Single crochet in each exposed loop all the way around [54].
Finish with an Invisible Finish and a knot. Keep the tail hidden within the work.
Body
1.
Using white yarn:
01. Begin with 6 sc into a magic ring, then slst to join [6].
02. [12] ch 1, (sc + bobble) in each stitch around, slst to join
03. [24] Ch 1, inc in each stitch around, slst to join
04. [24] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 12 times, slst to join
05. [36] ch 1, *sc, inc* 12 times, slst to join
06. [36] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 18 times, slst to join
07. to join, ch 1, sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 11 times, sc, slst
08. [48] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 24 times, slst to join
09. [54] ch 1, *sc 7, inc* 6 times, slst to join
10. [54] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 27 times, slst to join
11. [54] Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, slst to join
12. [54] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 27 times, slst to join
13. [48] ch 1, *sc 7, dec* 6 times, slst to join
14. [48] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 24 times, slst to join
15. [48] Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, slst to join
16. [48] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 24 times, slst to join
17. ch 1, sc 3, dec, 5 times *sc 6, dec*, sc 3, slst to join [42]
18. [42] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 21 times, slst to join
19. [36] ch 1, *sc 5, dec* 6 times, slst to join
20. [36] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 18 times, slst to join
21. ch 1, sc 2, dec, 5 times *sc 4, dec*, sc 2, slst to join [30]
22. [30] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 15 times, slst to join
23. [24] ch 1, *sc 3, dec* 6 times, slst to join
24. [24] ch 1, *sc, bobble* 12 times, slst to join
25. [24] Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, slst to join
Fasten off with a tail the length of your arm span (approximately 5+ feet) for sewing. Fill with fibre fill.
Arms (make 2)
1.
Using brown yarn:
01. [6] Begin with 6 sc into a magic ring
02. increase in each stitch around [12]
03. [18] *sc, inc* 6 times
04. [24] sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 5 times, sc
05. Sc in each stitch around [24]
06 – 07. [24] Sc in each st around
Change to tan yarn:
08. [24] Sc in each st around
09. [23] sc 11, dec, sc 11
10. [23] Sc in each stitch around
11. sc 21, dec [22]
12. [22] Sc in each st around
13. [21] sc 10, dec, sc 10
14. [21] Sc in each stitch around
15. sc 19, dec [20]
16. [20] Sc in each st around
17. [19] sc 9, dec, sc 9
18. [19] sc in each st around
19. sc 17, dec [18]
20. [18] Sc in each st around
21. [17] sc 8, dec, sc 8
22. [17] Sc in each stitch around
23. sc 15, dec [16]
24 - 25. [16] Sc in each st around
26. [12] *sc 2, dec* 4 times
To prepare the arm for later attachment, see "How to Make Cloven Hooves" in the pattern's Notes section.
Legs (make 2)
1.
Using brown yarn:
01. [6] Begin with 6 sc into a magic ring
02. increase in each stitch around [12]
03. [18] *sc, inc* 6 times
04. [24] sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 5 times, sc
05. [30] *sc 3, inc* 6 times
06. Sc in each stitch around [30]
07 - 08. [30] Sc in each st around
Change to tan yarn:
09. [30] Sc in each st around
10. [29] sc 14, dec, sc 14
11. sc 27, dec [28]
12. [27] sc 13, dec, sc 13
13. sc 25, dec [26]
14. [25] sc 12, dec, sc 12
15. sc 23, dec [24]
16. [23] sc 11, dec, sc 11
17. sc 21, dec [22]
18. [21] sc 10, dec, sc 10
19. sc 19, dec [20]
20. [19] sc 9, dec, sc 9
21. sc 17, dec [18]
22. *sc 7, dec* twice [16]
23. [12] *sc 2, dec* 4 times
To prepare the leg for later attachment, see "How to Make Cloven Hooves" in the pattern's Notes section.
Tail
Using white yarn:
01. Start with a chain 5: ch5, inc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2, 5sc in last ch. Sc 2, 3sc in the last ch [14], continue on the other side of the chain base.
02. [20] Inc, sc 4, *inc* 3 times, sc 4, *inc* 2 times
03 – 05. [20] Sc in each st around
06. sc [15], dec, *sc 2, dec* 4 times, sc
07. [10] *sc, dec* 5 times
08. [10] Sc in each st around
Fasten off, leaving an 18" tail for sewing, then stuff lightly, folding the top opening in half and slip stitching closed.
HAPPY CROCHET!