Sheep and Pig Cushions in Deramores Studio DK Acrylic - Downloadable PDF

Sheep and Pig Cushions Knitting Pattern by Amanda Berry – Deramores Studio DK Acrylic

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern by designer Amanda Berry provides full instructions for creating two charming stuffed cushions shaped like a sheep and a pig. Each cushion is a three-dimensional, softly stuffed knitted toy-cushion hybrid, making them ideal as decorative nursery accessories, children's room accents, or novelty gifts. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, meaning knitters should have a solid grasp of basic shaping techniques before attempting these projects.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers two separate designs worked and assembled individually:

• Sheep Cushion: A knitted cushion in the form of a fluffy sheep, constructed from multiple knitted panels and pieces that are seamed together and stuffed to create a three-dimensional plush form.
• Pig Cushion: A knitted cushion shaped like a pig, similarly constructed from separate knitted sections, seamed, and stuffed to achieve a rounded, toy-like appearance.

Each finished cushion requires approximately 100g of toy stuffing, giving both designs their characteristic soft, plump shape. Four 12mm toy safety eyes are used across the two projects to add realistic, secure facial details.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Deramores Studio DK Acrylic yarn, a DK (double knitting) weight yarn available from Deramores. Three colourways are called for across the two cushion designs:

• Yarn A – Pearl: 1 x 100g ball, used for the sheep's body to create a classic off-white, woolly appearance.
• Yarn B – Light Pink: 1 x 100g ball, used for the pig cushion's characteristic soft pink colouring.
• Yarn C – Smoke: 1 x 100g ball, used for contrast details and additional elements across the designs.

Because Deramores Studio DK Acrylic is a synthetic yarn, it is easy to care for, making these cushions practical as well as decorative. Acrylic DK is also a reliable choice for toy and cushion making as it holds its shape well after stuffing and repeated handling.

Needles and Notions

• A pair of 3.5mm straight knitting needles (US size 4) are required throughout the pattern.
• A darning or tapestry needle is needed for seaming the knitted pieces together.
• A stitch holder is used to hold live stitches while working other sections.
• 200g of toy stuffing in total (100g per cushion) fills the finished pieces.
• Four 12mm toy safety eyes are required to complete the facial features on both cushions.

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches x 28 rows over a 10cm x 10cm square worked in stockinette stitch on 3.5mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is particularly important for toy and cushion projects, as it directly affects the finished size and the density of the fabric — a tighter fabric prevents stuffing from showing through the knitted surface.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Primary Stitch

• Stockinette stitch (stocking stitch): The main fabric of both cushions is worked in stockinette stitch, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. This produces a smooth, flat fabric ideal for the body panels of both the sheep and pig.

Shaping Techniques

Because these cushions are three-dimensional, the pattern relies heavily on knitted shaping to create curves, limbs, ears, snouts, and body contours without the need for excessive cutting or sewing. The following shaping methods are used:

• kfb (knit into the front and back of a st