Have you ever actually tried counting sheep in order to fall asleep? How many do you have to count before you’re bored to tears and still wide awake in the middle of the night? While this method doesn’t seem to produce great results, there is one sheep that might be able to help you drift off to dreamland. This soft, squishy giant sheep pillow from Purl Soho just might do the trick.
You’ll need ten skeins of the main yarn (suggested: Gentle Giant 100% merino wool), and one skein of the contrast yarn (suggested: Flax Down, which is comprised of 43% baby alpaca, 42% merino wool, and 15% linen); you’ll also need US size 17 circular knitting needles (32″), US size 17 double-pointed needles, and US size 10 double-pointed needles, and a crochet hook to help cast on the beginning stitches; polyester stuffing (suggested: Fairfield’s Polyfil Stuffing); and scrap yarn, as well as stitch markers, the usual pair of scissors, and a tapestry needle for sewing or weaving in the ends.
Knitting a gauge swatch first is highly recommended. You’ll want to make sure that eight stitches equal four inches in garter stitch with the larger needles, and that fifteen stitches equal four inches in stockinette stitch with the smaller needles (this is for the contrast yarn).
There are a few stitches to learn (for instance, MB, or “make bobble”, which is explained in the pattern), but most of them are simple, beginner stitches such as knit and purl, knit two together (k2tog) and skip.
The completed sheep will measure twenty-eight inches long by fifteen inches high, perfect for adorning a couch, chair, or your bed in hopes of sweet dreams and plenty of sleep.
There is a smaller pattern if you prefer to try it out first (this sheep measures nineteen inches wide and fourteen inches tall), with adjustments made to the pattern for the larger size. You can find the original pattern here, or the larger size pattern adjustments here, both from Purl Soho.
If you enjoy this pattern, you might want to look at Purl Soho’s other offerings, which include free patterns for both knitting and crochet, as well as craft ideas for sewing, embroidery and weaving projects. Pearl Soho also offers fabric, yarn, books, tools, and patterns for sale.