What you'll need
| One size only: | 3 x 2.5-inches |
|---|---|
Brown Sheep Nature Spun, Sport Weight - Red Fox N46
|
1 |
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Brown Sheep Nature Spun, Sport Weight - Evergreen N24
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1 |
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Brown Sheep Nature Spun, Sport Weight - Pepper N61
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1 |
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Product Description
Wishing EWE a Merry Christmas" this little sheep comes all decked out in its holiday sweater of red and green cables. Add a ribbon and you've got the perfect holiday ornament!
Finished, this little sheep measures 3x 2 1/2 inches. To knit it, you will need sport weight wool in the following approximate amounts: 20 yards red, 20 yards green and 15 yards black. (I used Brown Sheep Nature Spun, sport weight to knit it. )You will also need a set of #5 DPNs, cable needle, batting, tapestry needle and a small amount of ribbon for hanging.
This design is for the intermediate-level knitter.
Happy knitting! Susan
Wishing EWE a Merry Christmas! Knitted Sheep Ornament
What is Being Made
This is a charming knitted sheep decoration designed by Susan D McClaskey, perfect for holiday embellishment. The finished ornament measures approximately 3 x 2 1/2 inches, making it an ideal size for tree hanging or festive display. The design features a whimsical sheep with contrasting color work that captures the spirit of Christmas crafting.
Craft and Construction Method
This project is created entirely through knitting, worked from side to side rather than in traditional top-down or bottom-up construction. This lateral approach to shaping allows for interesting color transitions and structural development as stitches are cast on progressively throughout the piece. The ornament is stuffed with batting to create a three-dimensional, sculptural form that stands out as a decorative accent.
Stitches and Techniques Used
The pattern employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques:
- Cable stitches form a key design element, specifically Cable 4 Front (C4F) and Cable 4 Back (C4B), which create textured dimension and visual interest
- Stockinette stitch forms the foundation, worked as knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side as they lay
- Color work using stranded knitting with red and green yarns creates the distinctive two-tone appearance
- Cast-on techniques are used progressively throughout the pattern to increase stitch count and shape the ornament
- Slip stitch technique is employed selectively, with only red stitches slipped to the double point needle during cable operations
Materials Required
This intermediate knitting project requires sport weight wool yarn in three colors:
- 20 yards of red wool
- 20 yards of Christmas green wool
- 15 yards of black wool
- Size #5 double point needles for working the knitted fabric
- Tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends
- Batting for stuffing the completed ornament
- Small amount of ribbon for hanging loop attachment
Yarn Weight and Gauge Considerations
The pattern calls for sport weight yarn, which is a 3-ply construction offering excellent stitch definition and durability for small decorative projects. This lighter yarn weight allows for precise cable work and clean color transitions while keeping the finished ornament appropriately sized and lightweight for hanging.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | 3 Ply, Sport |
| Pages: | 3 |
| Designer: | Susan D McClaskey |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | You will need approximately 5-10 inches of 1/8 inch wide ribbon to hang the ornament. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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