Sheep tape measure cover

Sheep Tape Measure Cover by Justyna Kacprzak

What Is Being Made

This is a charming crocheted sheep-shaped cover designed to fit a 5cm (2 inch) tape measure. The project combines functionality with whimsy, providing a protective and decorative housing for a standard tape measure while adding a delightful craft-themed accessory to your workspace. The finished cover features sheep characteristics including a woolly body and facial details, making it both practical and visually appealing for crafters who want to personalize their tools.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Sheep tape measure cover employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners. The construction uses basic stitch work combined with shaping methods to create a three-dimensional form. Increases are worked throughout the piece to expand stitches and build the sheep's rounded body shape, while decreases are used to taper and shape specific sections. The pattern also incorporates more advanced shaping techniques such as single crochet three together (sc3tog) for precise decreasing and a specialized stitch called 3 in 1, which places three single crochets into one stitch to create fuller, textured areas. Slip stitches are used to join rounds and create seamless transitions between sections.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch) – Foundation stitches used to begin the project
• Single crochet (sc) – The primary stitch forming the base fabric of the cover
• Double crochet (dc) – Used to add height and texture to specific sections
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Joins rounds and creates finished edges
• Increase (inc) – Two single crochets worked into one stitch to expand the fabric
• Decrease (dec) – Two single crochets worked together to reduce stitch count and shape the piece
• Single crochet three together (sc3tog) – Advanced decrease technique that combines three stitches into one for controlled shaping
• 3 in 1 – Three single crochets placed into a single stitch to create textured, fuller areas

Materials Required

Yarn: DK weight yarn in white and gray. Only small amounts of each color are needed, making this an excellent project for using yarn scraps or leftover yarn from other projects.

Hook: A 2.75mm crochet hook, which is appropriately sized for DK weight yarn and creates a tight, durable fabric suitable for a functional tape measure cover.

Additional Materials: Fiberfill stuffing to give the sheep its three-dimensional shape and structure, two small black beads for eyes (five beads total are listed in the materials, suggesting options for multiple sheep or design variations), and a sewing needle for attaching beads and seaming pieces together if needed.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as beginner-friendly, making it accessible to crocheters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore simple shaping techniques. While it uses fundamental stitches, the combination of increases, decreases, and the specialized 3 in 1 stitch provides gentle introduction to more advanced shaping methods without overwhelming a newer crafter.