https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/bobble-sheep • Posted by Just Add Crochet
These cute little sheep are made with a bobble stitch. They look great in any colour, and double as a fun stacking game! You can work the head and legs in the back loop (e.g. grey) or both loops (e.g. black). I recommend working the bobble body in both loops. When worked in a worsted/aran yarn a sheep is approximately 11cm/4.5" long, 10cm/4" tall, and 8cm/3" wide. The instructions are in US crochet terms. ch = chain ss = slip stitch sc = single crochet inc = 2 single crochet in one stitch (increase) dec = single crochet two stitches together (decrease) bobble = 4 double crochet bobble st(s) = stitch(es)
These cute little sheep are made with a bobble stitch. They look great in any colour, and double as a fun stacking game! You can work the head and legs in the back loop (e.g. grey) or both loops (e.g. black). I recommend working the bobble body in both loops. When worked in a worsted/aran yarn a sheep is approximately 11cm/4.5" long, 10cm/4" tall, and 8cm/3" wide. The instructions are in US crochet terms. ch = chain ss = slip stitch sc = single crochet inc = 2 single crochet in one stitch (increase) dec = single crochet two stitches together (decrease) bobble = 4 double crochet bobble st(s) = stitch(es)
Head Worked in a continuous spiral in Yarn B. Round 1: magic circle with 6 sc {6 sts} Round 2: inc in each st {12 sts} Round 3: sc in each st {12 sts} Round 4: [sc, inc] 6 times {18 sts} Round 5: sc in each st {18 sts} Round 6: sc in each st {18 sts} Round 7: 5 sc, *ch 4, sc into 2nd ch from hook, hdc into next ch, sc into next ch*, ss into same stitch as 5th sc (5th stitch of round 6), 8 sc, repeat *...*, ss into same stitch as 8th (13th stitch of round 6) sc, 5 sc {18 sts + 2 ears} Round 8: [sc, dec] 6 times {12 sts} Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching Take care during round 8 not to pick up an extra stitch. When you reach an ear, you should be crocheting into the stitches that are outlined in green in the picture. When you are finished the back of the head will have a neat decrease round behind the ears. A/N: The round ends on the bottom of the head.
Leg Worked in a continuous spiral in Yarn B. Make 4. Round 1: magic circle with 9 sc {9 sts} Rounds 2, 3 & 4: sc in each st {9 sts} Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching
Forgotten how to bobble? Start off a double crochet, but stop when you are halfway through the stitch. Instead of finishing that stitch, start a new double crochet!.Do this so you have 4 half finished double crochet on the hook. Then yarn over and draw through all the loops. Pull tight and, if you need to, push the bobble so it is on the outside of the sheep. In technical terms: [yarn over, insert hook, yarn over & pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops] 4 times in the same stitch, yarn over, draw through all loops (5) on hook.
Body Worked in a continuous spiral in Yarn A. Round 1: magic circle with 6 sc {6 sts} Round 2: inc in each st {12 sts} Round 3: [inc, bobble] 6 times {18 sts} Round 4: [2 sc, inc] 6 times {24 sts} Round 5: [bobble, sc, bobble, inc] 6 times {30 sts} Round 6: sc in each st {30 sts} Round 7: [bobble, sc] 15 times {30 sts} Round 8: sc in each st {30 sts} Round 9-12: repeat rounds 7 & 8 two more times Round 13: [bobble, sc, bobble, dec] 6 times {24 sts} Round 14: [sc, dec, sc] 6 times {18 sts} Pause to stuff and attach the legs as shown in the picture. Round 15: [bobble, dec] 6 times {12 sts} Fasten off and secure end.
Sew the button eyes onto the head, however you think looks cutest! Mine are sewn on just above the ears over rounds 5 & 6. A/N: The last round of the head ends on the bottom. Stuff the head and body.
Attach the last round of the head to the last round of the body (using the long tail on the head). Don't forget to line the bottom of the head up with the bottom of the body! When you get about 2/3 of the way round, put some more stuffing in there. Just to make extra sure the sheep doesn't end up with a floppy neck! Fasten securely and pull the tail (and any visible knot) into the body.
Enjoy your handiwork!