Counting Sheep Blanket

Counting Sheep Blanket by Lisa Hannan Fox

What Is Being Made

The Counting Sheep Blanket is a reversible knitted blanket featuring an entire herd of sheep motifs on each side. Designed by Lisa Hannan Fox, this project comes in two size options: a baby blanket measuring approximately 36" x 40" (91 cm x 102 cm), and a larger throw blanket. The blanket's reversible design means each side displays a complete sheep pattern, making it a functional and decorative piece suitable for both nurseries and living spaces.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level blanket is constructed using double knit, a sophisticated technique that creates a fully reversible fabric with opposite color schemes on each side. Double knitting allows knitters to work with two colors simultaneously, producing a fabric that is identical when viewed from either direction. The pattern includes full instructions for mastering the double knitting technique, making it accessible to knitters ready to expand their skill set beyond basic colorwork methods.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the available pattern excerpt, the double knit construction relies on fundamental knitting stitches executed in a specialized manner to create the reversible effect. The technique involves managing two colors throughout the knitting process to build the sheep motifs that appear on both sides of the blanket.

Yarn and Materials

The Counting Sheep Blanket is suitable for DK and worsted weight yarns, offering flexibility in yarn selection based on desired finished fabric weight and drape. The pattern's versatility extends to color choice — knitters can create traditional white and black sheep, explore unexpected combinations like blue and yellow or purple and green sheep, or select any color pairing their imagination suggests. Appropriate knitting needles for the chosen yarn weight will be required to complete this project.

Design Features

The blanket celebrates the source of knitting's most beloved material by showcasing sheep as both functional and whimsical design elements. The reversible construction means the blanket serves double duty as a decorative piece from either side, while the sheep motifs add a playful touch. The pattern humorously notes that counting the sheep depicted on the blanket may help with insomnia, combining practical comfort with charming design.