Christmas Sheep, Moose and Reindeer

Christmas Sheep, Moose and Reindeer Knitted Ornaments

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from designer Cheryl Andrews presents a festive set of three Christmas animal decorations featuring a sheep, moose, and reindeer. Each animal head is surrounded by a decorative wreath, creating charming ornaments suitable for hanging on a Christmas tree or displaying on a wall. These intermediate-level knitting projects combine traditional hand knitting techniques with embellishment and finishing methods to create dimensional, decorative pieces.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes instructions for creating three separate animal head ornaments, each with an accompanying wreath. The animals featured are a sheep, a moose, and a reindeer. These pieces are designed as decorations only and are not intended as toys. Each finished ornament measures approximately 5 inches when worked in worsted weight yarn, with the option to create smaller versions in lighter yarn weights.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The animal heads are constructed using double-pointed needles, which allow for working in the round to create three-dimensional shapes. This method is essential for forming the rounded heads of the animals without seaming. The wreath components are also worked circularly, creating a frame around each animal face.

The construction process involves increasing and decreasing stitches to shape the animal heads and create proper proportions. Stuffing is added during the knitting process to maintain structure and dimension. The pattern accommodates various yarn weights, making it adaptable for crafters with different yarn stashes—though worsted weight is pictured and recommended for the clearest results.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch names are not detailed in the provided content, the pattern utilizes basic knitting stitches suitable for intermediate knitters. The circular construction method using double-pointed needles suggests the use of knit and purl stitches worked in rounds, with strategic increases and decreases to shape the animal features. The wreath components likely employ similar fundamental stitches to create a decorative border around each animal head.

Materials and Supplies

Yarn: The pattern is designed to work with any yarn weight, with worsted weight yarn pictured in the examples. Approximately 75 yards of total yarn is required to complete all three animals and wreaths. Crafters will need green yarn for the wreaths and appropriately colored yarn for each animal—natural or cream tones for the sheep, brown or tan for the moose, and brown or reddish tones for the reindeer.

Needles and Tools: Size 6 double-pointed needles in a set of five are recommended for worsted weight yarn. Crafters using different yarn weights should select needle sizes appropriate to their chosen yarn. Additional tools include a clip-on stitch marker for tracking rounds and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Embellishments and Finishing Materials:

• Two buttons or beads for eyes on each animal (or contrast yarn can be used for embroidered eyes)
• One button or bead for the reindeer nose
• Sequins or beads for decorating the wreaths
• Two pipe cleaners for creating antlers on the reindeer and moose
• Eight inches of ¼-inch-wide ribbon for the wreath bow
• Plastic canvas backing—5-inch square for worsted weight versions or 4-inch square for dk weight versions
• Polyester fiberfill or carded wool for stuffing the animal heads
• Sewing needle and thread for attaching buttons, beads, sequins, and backing

Craft Difficulty and Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working with double-pointed needles in the round. The three-dimensional shaping and finishing techniques require attention to detail and familiarity with common knitting construction methods.

Design Characteristics

The three animals—sheep, moose, and reindeer—are recognizable through simple, charming design elements. The reindeer features pipe cleaner antlers, while the moose also includes antlers for distinctive character. Each animal is framed by a decorative wreath, with the option to embellish with sequins or beads for added holiday sparkle. The inclusion of a ribbon bow on each wreath adds a festive finishing touch suitable for Christmas decoration.