Crochet Tutorial: The Nanny Sheep – Free Crochet Pattern

Crochet Tutorial: The Nanny Sheep – Free Crochet Pattern

This elegant sheep doll is designed with a sweet vintage nanny look, complete with a navy dress, textured taupe coat, black hat, travel bag, tiny umbrella, spoon, and bright parrot. It is a charming handmade gift, collectible amigurumi project, and lovely choice for nursery decor, doll display, or artisan toy lovers shopping for a unique crochet doll.

The finished design has the feel of a boutique crochet pattern with carefully shaped features and polished accessories. If you enjoy amigurumi doll patterns, heirloom-style stuffed animals, handmade sheep dolls, and giftable crochet decor that looks ready for an online shop or craft fair listing, this project is especially fun to make.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Pattern Overview

This pattern is written in US English using standard US crochet terms. The goal is to recreate the sheep nanny shown in the image with a rounded woolly head, slim standing body, small tapered legs, short arms, a simple dark dress, a textured open-front coat, a brimmed black hat with flower trim, and several small accessories.

The shaping is intentionally balanced so the head appears large and expressive while the body stays compact and neat. The feet are small and slightly oval. The ears sit low and wide. The arms are short and end near the side seams of the coat. The coat length finishes above the dress hem so the navy skirt remains visible.

The sample size is approximately 11 to 13 inches tall from the soles of the shoes to the top of the hat when made with sport or DK weight cotton yarn and a tight hook for amigurumi. Exact size will vary with yarn and tension.

Materials

  • Main sheep face and limbs: light cream or warm ivory yarn
  • Wool cap curls: boucle, bobble, or textured cream yarn
  • Dress: deep navy yarn
  • Coat: taupe-gray tweed or heathered yarn
  • Hat and bow: black yarn
  • Bag: striped scraps in muted teal, dusty rose, tan, mustard, and brown
  • Umbrella: dusty blue, taupe, brown, and black scraps
  • Parrot: red, yellow, green, blue, white, and black scraps
  • Shoes: cream and black yarn
  • Small flower trim for hat: dusty rose and sage green yarn
  • 2 black safety eyes, 7 mm to 8 mm
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Fine craft wire for umbrella shaft and optional bag structure
  • Pipe cleaner or wire for neck support if desired
  • Tapestry needle
  • Stitch markers
  • Small piece of felt or cardboard for bag base, optional
  • Glue, optional, for securing tiny accessory details

Hook and Gauge

  • Body and clothing: 2.25 mm to 2.75 mm hook
  • Tiny accessories: 1.75 mm to 2.25 mm hook
  • Gauge: not critical, but stitches should be tight enough that stuffing does not show

Abbreviations

  • MR = magic ring
  • ch = chain
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • sc = single crochet
  • inc = 2 sc in same stitch
  • dec = invisible decrease
  • hdc = half double crochet
  • dc = double crochet
  • tr = treble crochet
  • BLO = back loop only
  • FLO = front loop only
  • st = stitch
  • rep = repeat
  • FO = fasten off

Notes Before You Begin

  • Work the head, muzzle, body, legs, and arms in continuous rounds unless noted.
  • Use a stitch marker at the beginning of each round.
  • Stuff firmly but shape as you go. The face should be smooth, the crown rounded, and the body slightly tapered.
  • The textured wool around the head is made separately and sewn on after the face is complete.
  • The coat is worked flat in rows and then seamed lightly at the shoulders and underarms.
  • The dress is made separately and slipped onto the body before final assembly.

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Head and Face

Muzzle

Use cream yarn. The muzzle should project gently from the face and remain oval, not sharply pointed.

  1. Ch 7.
  2. Round 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5, 3 sc in last ch. Work on opposite side of chain, sc 4, inc in last st. Total 14 sts.
  3. Round 2: Inc, sc 4, inc x3, sc 4, inc x2. Total 20 sts.
  4. Round 3: Sc 1, inc, sc 4, rep 3 times of inc, sc 1, sc 4, rep 2 times of inc, sc 1. Total 26 sts.
  5. Round 4: Sc around. Total 26 sts.
  6. Round 5: Sc around. Total 26 sts.
  7. Round 6: Sc 10, dec x3, sc 10. Total 23 sts.

FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff only when attaching to the head.

Main Head

Use cream yarn. The face area must stay smooth because the wool cap will frame it.

  1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. Total 6 sts.
  2. Round 2: Inc in each st around. Total 12 sts.
  3. Round 3: Rep 6 times of sc 1, inc. Total 18 sts.
  4. Round 4: Rep 6 times of sc 2, inc. Total 24 sts.
  5. Round 5: Rep 6 times of sc 3, inc. Total 30 sts.
  6. Round 6: Rep 6 times of sc 4, inc. Total 36 sts.
  7. Round 7: Rep 6 times of sc 5, inc. Total 42 sts.
  8. Round 8: Rep 6 times of sc 6, inc. Total 48 sts.
  9. Round 9: Rep 6 times of sc 7, inc. Total 54 sts.
  10. Rounds 10-17: Sc around. Total 54 sts for 8 rounds.

Insert safety eyes between Rounds 12 and 13, spacing them about 9 stitches apart. The eyes should sit just above the muzzle line and feel soft and gentle rather than widely spaced.

Sew the muzzle centered between the eyes, covering roughly Rounds 13 to 18 on the front of the head. Add a small amount of stuffing before closing the muzzle. Embroider the nose in black with a vertical line and a shallow Y shape as shown.

  1. Round 18: Rep 6 times of sc 7, dec. Total 48 sts.
  2. Round 19: Rep 6 times of sc 6, dec. Total 42 sts.
  3. Round 20: Rep 6 times of sc 5, dec. Total 36 sts.
  4. Round 21: Rep 6 times of sc 4, dec. Total 30 sts.

Stuff firmly and shape the cheeks so the face stays full.

  1. Round 22: Rep 6 times of sc 3, dec. Total 24 sts.
  2. Round 23: Rep 6 times of sc 2, dec. Total 18 sts.
  3. Round 24: Rep 6 times of sc 1, dec. Total 12 sts.
  4. Round 25: Dec x6. Total 6 sts.

FO and close.

Curly Wool Cap

Use textured cream yarn if possible. If you do not have a loop or bobble yarn, regular yarn can be used with puff stitch texture, but the look is best with a fluffy texture. This cap covers the top, sides, and back of the head, leaving the facial area clear.

  1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. Total 6 sts.
  2. Round 2: Inc around. Total 12 sts.
  3. Round 3: Rep 6 times of sc 1, inc. Total 18 sts.
  4. Round 4: Rep 6 times of sc 2, inc. Total 24 sts.
  5. Round 5: Rep 6 times of sc 3, inc. Total 30 sts.
  6. Round 6: Rep 6 times of sc 4, inc. Total 36 sts.
  7. Round 7: Rep 6 times of sc 5, inc. Total 42 sts.
  8. Round 8: Rep 6 times of sc 6, inc. Total 48 sts.
  9. Rounds 9-11: Sc around. Total 48 sts.
  10. Round 12: Sc 40, sl st 8. This slightly shortens the front edge so the cap frames the face higher at the forehead.

FO with a long tail. Sew the wool cap onto the head so it starts just above the eyes, extends down behind the ears, and covers the entire back of the head.

Ears

Make 2 in cream yarn. The ears should be flat, slightly rounded, and lightly folded where attached.

  1. Ch 6.
  2. Round 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4, 3 sc in last ch, sc 3 on opposite side, inc in last ch. Total 12 sts.
  3. Round 2: Inc, sc 3, inc x3, sc 3, inc x2. Total 18 sts.
  4. Round 3: Sc around. Total 18 sts.
  5. Round 4: Sc around. Total 18 sts.

FO leaving a tail. Flatten each ear and pinch the open end slightly before sewing. Attach the ears to the sides of the head around the level of the eyes, slightly lower than the hat brim line, angling them gently outward and a little downward.

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Legs

Make 2. Start with black for the shoe soles, then switch to cream. The legs are slim and relatively short because the dress reaches near the ankle.

  1. Round 1: With black yarn, 6 sc in MR. Total 6 sts.
  2. Round 2: Inc around. Total 12 sts.
  3. Round 3: Rep 6 times of sc 1, inc. Total 18 sts.
  4. Round 4: BLO, sc around. Total 18 sts.
  5. Round 5: Sc 5, dec x4, sc 5. Total 14 sts.
  6. Round 6: Switch to cream, sc around. Total 14 sts.
  7. Round 7: Sc 5, dec x2, sc 5. Total 12 sts.
  8. Rounds 8-17: Sc around. Total 12 sts for 10 rounds.

Stuff the foot firmly and the leg lightly. FO on first leg. Do not FO on second leg.

Body

The body is worked from the legs upward. The shape is narrow at the top and slightly fuller at the lower torso. It should remain upright and compact.

  1. Join legs: On second leg, ch 3 and join to first leg with sc.
  2. Round 1: Sc 12 around first leg, sc 3 across chain, sc 12 around second leg, sc 3 across other side of chain. Total 30 sts.
  3. Round 2: Sc around. Total 30 sts.
  4. Round 3: Sc 11, inc, sc 6, inc, sc 11. Total 32 sts.
  5. Round 4: Sc around. Total 32 sts.
  6. Round 5: Sc 12, inc, sc 6, inc, sc 12. Total 34 sts.
  7. Rounds 6-9: Sc around. Total 34 sts.
  8. Round 10: Sc 15, dec, sc 15, dec. Total 32 sts.
  9. Round 11: Sc around. Total 32 sts.
  10. Round 12: Sc 14, dec, sc 14, dec. Total 30 sts.
  11. Round 13: Sc around. Total 30 sts.
  12. Round 14: Sc 13, dec, sc 13, dec. Total 28 sts.
  13. Round 15: Sc around. Total 28 sts.
  14. Round 16: Sc 12, dec, sc 12, dec. Total 26 sts.
  15. Round 17: Sc around. Total 26 sts.
  16. Round 18: Rep 2 times of sc 11, dec. Total 24 sts.
  17. Round 19: Sc around. Total 24 sts.

Stuff firmly, especially at the hips and lower torso.

  1. Round 20: Rep 6 times of sc 2, dec. Total 18 sts.
  2. Round 21: Sc around. Total 18 sts.

FO, leaving a long tail for attaching the head. If desired, insert a short neck support before sewing.

Arms

Make 2 in cream yarn. The arms are slim, lightly stuffed, and stop just under the coat hem opening.

  1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. Total 6 sts.
  2. Round 2: Rep 3 times of sc 1, inc. Total 9 sts.
  3. Round 3: Sc around. Total 9 sts.
  4. Round 4: Sc around. Total 9 sts.
  5. Round 5: Dec, sc 7. Total 8 sts.
  6. Rounds 6-15: Sc around. Total 8 sts for 10 rounds.

Stuff only the hand and lower arm. Flatten the top opening and FO leaving a sewing tail.

Dress

The dress is dark navy with a fitted upper section and straight skirt. It should sit smooth under the coat and show clearly below the coat hem.

Skirt Section

Use navy yarn. This piece is worked from the lower hem upward as a tube.

  1. Ch 31 and join to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
  2. Round 1: Sc in each ch around. Total 30 sts.
  3. Rounds 2-11: Sc around. Total 30 sts for 10 rounds.
  4. Round 12: Rep 6 times of sc 3, dec. Total 24 sts.
  5. Rounds 13-15: Sc around. Total 24 sts.

FO.

Upper Dress and Straps

This part is worked in rows on the top of the skirt tube to shape a sleeveless bodice.

  1. Join yarn at back. Row 1: Ch 1, sc 18, turn.
  2. Row 2: Dec, sc 14, dec. Total 16 sts. Turn.
  3. Row 3: Ch 1, sc across. Total 16 sts. Turn.
  4. Row 4: Dec, sc 12, dec. Total 14 sts. Turn.
  5. Row 5: Ch 1, sc across. Total 14 sts. Turn.

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Now form shoulder straps.

  1. Row 6: Ch 1, sc 3. Turn.
  2. Rows 7-10: Ch 1, sc 3. Turn.
  3. FO.
  4. Rejoin yarn to opposite side of Row 5. Row 6b: Ch 1, sc 3. Turn.
  5. Rows 7b-10b: Ch 1, sc 3. Turn.

FO and sew straps to the back of the dress. Slip the dress onto the body before attaching the head. Sew the dress lightly in place at the shoulders and back if needed.

Coat

The coat is textured, slightly oversized, and open in front. It has a gentle swing shape and a small rounded collar effect created by the neckline edge. Use taupe-gray tweed yarn or a nubby textured yarn for the closest look.

Work flat in rows. The coat should fit around the body without pulling. Test around the dressed body before seaming.

  1. Ch 29.
  2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 28. Turn.
  3. Row 2: Ch 1, sc 28 in BLO. Turn.
  4. Row 3: Ch 1, sc 28. Turn.
  5. Row 4: Ch 1, inc, sc 26, inc. Total 30 sts. Turn.
  6. Row 5: Ch 1, sc 30. Turn.
  7. Row 6: Ch 1, inc, sc 28, inc. Total 32 sts. Turn.
  8. Rows 7-10: Ch 1, sc 32. Turn.

Now divide for fronts and back.

  1. Row 11: Ch 1, sc 7, ch 1, skip 1, sc 16, ch 1, skip 1, sc 7. Turn. This creates the underarm openings.
  2. Row 12: Ch 1, sc 7. Turn. Left front.
  3. Rows 13-18: Ch 1, sc 7. Turn.
  4. Row 19: Ch 1, dec, sc 3, dec. Total 5 sts. Turn.
  5. Row 20: Ch 1, sc 5. FO.

Rejoin yarn at center back.

  1. Row 12b: Ch 1, sc 16. Turn.
  2. Rows 13b-18b: Ch 1, sc 16. Turn.
  3. Row 19b: Ch 1, dec, sc 12, dec. Total 14 sts. Turn.
  4. Row 20b: Ch 1, sc 14. FO.

Rejoin yarn for right front.

  1. Row 12c: Ch 1, sc 7. Turn.
  2. Rows 13c-18c: Ch 1, sc 7. Turn.
  3. Row 19c: Ch 1, dec, sc 3, dec. Total 5 sts. Turn.
  4. Row 20c: Ch 1, sc 5. FO.

Coat Sleeves

Make 2. These are short and slightly rounded. They should end just above the wrists.

  1. Ch 13.
  2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 12. Turn.
  3. Rows 2-10: Ch 1, sc 12. Turn.
  4. FO, leaving a tail.

Fold each sleeve lengthwise and seam. Sew into the arm openings.

Coat Edging and Collar

Join yarn at lower front edge. Work sc evenly up left front, around neck, and down right front. At each front corner work 3 sc in the corner. Around the neckline, work one extra row of reverse sc or standard sc to thicken the collar edge. FO.

Sew the coat lightly at the shoulder tops if needed. Dress the doll in the coat after the arms are attached to the body.

Black Bow

The bow sits at the neckline and is oversized compared with the body, which gives the doll its sweet old-fashioned look.

  1. With black yarn, ch 11.
  2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 10. Turn.
  3. Rows 2-5: Ch 1, sc 10. Turn.

FO, leaving a long tail. Wrap the center tightly with yarn several times to form the bow. For ribbon tails, ch 7, sl st back down the chain twice, or cut two short strands and knot beneath the center wrap. Sew the bow to the coat neckline.

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Hat

The hat is a shallow round crown with a narrow brim that dips slightly downward. Use black yarn.

Top Crown

  1. Round 1: 6 sc in MR. Total 6 sts.
  2. Round 2: Inc around. Total 12 sts.
  3. Round 3: Rep 6 times of sc 1, inc. Total 18 sts.
  4. Round 4: Rep 6 times of sc 2, inc. Total 24 sts.
  5. Round 5: Rep 6 times of sc 3, inc. Total 30 sts.
  6. Round 6: BLO, sc around. Total 30 sts.
  7. Rounds 7-10: Sc around. Total 30 sts.

Brim

  1. Round 11: FLO of Round 6, join yarn if needed. Rep 10 times of sc 2, inc. Total 40 sts.
  2. Round 12: Sc around. Total 40 sts.
  3. Round 13: Rep 10 times of sc 3, inc. Total 50 sts.
  4. Round 14: Sl st loosely around or sc loosely around for a firm edge. Total 50 sts.

FO. Shape the hat by hand so the brim tilts down slightly. Sew to the wool cap, not directly into the face area.

Hat Flower Trim

Make one tiny flower in dusty rose and one small leaf in sage green.

  1. Flower: In MR, ch 1, rep 5 times of sc 1, ch 2, sl st into ring. Pull ring closed. FO.
  2. Leaf: Ch 4, in 2nd ch from hook sl st, sc, hdc, FO.

Sew both near one side of the hat brim.

Shoes and Laces

The shoes are suggested by the black sole and a few black embroidered lace lines over the cream foot.

  • Embroider one horizontal line across the front top of each foot.
  • Add two or three tiny vertical stitches and a small center tie.

Striped Travel Bag

This accessory is a soft rectangular travel bag with rounded sides, short handles, and visible stripe changes. Work the bag tightly so it holds shape.

Bag Base

Use stripes, changing color every round or every 2 rounds as desired.

  1. Ch 9.
  2. Round 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 7, 3 sc in last ch, sc 6 on opposite side, inc in last ch. Total 18 sts.
  3. Round 2: Inc, sc 6, inc x3, sc 6, inc x2. Total 24 sts.
  4. Round 3: BLO, sc around. Total 24 sts.
  5. Rounds 4-10: Sc around, changing stripe colors as desired. Total 24 sts.

FO.

Bag Top Flap

  1. Join yarn to one long top side. Row 1: Sc 8. Turn.
  2. Rows 2-5: Ch 1, sc 8. Turn.
  3. Row 6: Dec, sc 4, dec. Total 6 sts.
  4. Row 7: Ch 1, sc 6.

FO.

Handles

  1. Make 2. Ch 18.
  2. Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Total 17 sts.

FO and sew both handles to the top. Add a tiny silver or gray yarn stitch at the front for a clasp if desired. Lightly stuff the bag or insert a shaped piece of cardboard inside.

Umbrella

This is a slim closed umbrella with a pointed brown tip, dusty blue wrapped canopy, and curved dark handle.

Umbrella Shaft

  • Cut a piece of fine wire about 4 to 4.5 inches long.
  • Wrap in brown or dark yarn using glue sparingly if needed.
  • Bend a small hook at the lower end.

Canopy Wrap

  1. With dusty blue yarn, ch 5.
  2. Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc 4. Turn.
  3. Rows 2-8: Ch 1, sc 4. Turn.

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FO. Wrap this narrow rectangle around the upper shaft and stitch closed to create the look of a folded umbrella. Add a tiny strap by wrapping a short yarn piece around the middle. For the tip, wrap a few stitches of brown yarn tightly around the top point.

Spoon Accessory

The left hand in the image holds a small spoon. This detail is tiny but helps the nanny character feel complete.

  • Use a short piece of silver wire or gray yarn wrapped around wire.
  • Flatten one end into a small oval with pliers if using wire, or crochet a tiny oval: 4 sc in MR, sl st, FO.
  • Secure into the hand with a stitch or a tiny dot of glue.

Parrot

The parrot is small, bright, and perched on the right hand. Work with a fine hook and scrap yarn.

Body

  1. With red yarn, 4 sc in MR. Total 4 sts.
  2. Round 2: Inc in each st around. Total 8 sts.
  3. Round 3: Sc around. Total 8 sts.
  4. Round 4: Sc 3, inc, sc 4. Total 9 sts.
  5. Round 5: Switch to yellow for 3 sts, green for 2 sts, blue for 2 sts, red for 2 sts. Total 9 sts.
  6. Round 6: Sc around in color pattern. Total 9 sts.
  7. Round 7: Dec x3, sc 3. Total 6 sts.

Stuff very lightly. FO.

Head and Beak

  • Use white yarn to embroider a tiny cheek patch.
  • Use black yarn for one bead eye or one French knot eye on each side.
  • Use black or dark gray yarn for the beak with 2 small stitches.

Wing

  1. With blue or green yarn, ch 4.
  2. In 2nd ch from hook, sl st, sc, hdc.

FO and sew to the body side.

Tail

  • Attach 2 short strands of green or blue yarn at the back.
  • Trim neatly.

Sew or tie the parrot securely to the right hand.

Assembly Order

  1. Sew the muzzle to the head and embroider the nose and mouth line.
  2. Sew the wool cap onto the head.
  3. Attach the ears to the sides of the head.
  4. Make the legs and body, then stuff firmly.
  5. Dress the body in the navy dress.
  6. Sew the head to the neck.
  7. Attach the arms to the body at shoulder level.
  8. Dress the doll in the coat and lightly tack the coat in place.
  9. Sew the bow at the neckline.
  10. Sew the hat onto the wool cap and add the flower trim.
  11. Add shoe lace embroidery.
  12. Make and position the bag, umbrella, spoon, and parrot.

Positioning Tips for an Accurate Look

  • Head: keep the head centered and upright, not tilted too far forward.
  • Ears: place them low and slightly outward so they peek under the hat brim.
  • Arms: sew them a little forward rather than directly at the sides so they can hold accessories naturally.
  • Coat: front edges should hang straight and open, showing the dark dress.
  • Hat: sit it low over the wool cap, but keep the eyes fully visible.
  • Bag: place at the left side, touching the table or hanging from the hand.
  • Umbrella: point the tip downward and let it rest beside the right foot.
  • Parrot: keep it perched at hand level, not too large, with the red body most visible from the front.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

After all parts are attached, check the face from the front and side views. If needed, add a tiny bit of blush or light shading under the eyes and at the cheeks. Tighten the muzzle stitches only enough to define the shape without making the face look pinched.

Use a few discreet stitches to secure the coat front so it stays neatly open. Adjust the hat brim with your fingers for a gentle downward curve. Reposition the accessories until the doll stands or sits with a calm, balanced posture.

Care Notes

This doll is best treated as a decorative crochet piece rather than a rough-play toy because of the tiny accessories and stitched details. Keep it away from very young children unless all small parts are changed to embroidered alternatives and accessories are removed.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

  • Eyes placed evenly and muzzle centered
  • Wool cap sewn smoothly around the head
  • Ears matched in height and angle
  • Dress straight and coat opening centered
  • Bow, hat, and flower secured tightly
  • Bag handles reinforced
  • Umbrella shaft wrapped and attached neatly
  • Parrot firmly sewn to the hand
  • Shoe laces embroidered evenly

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Spot clean gently with a barely damp cloth and mild soap. Do not soak if your doll includes wire, cardboard support, glue, or mixed fibers. Reshape while drying and keep away from direct heat or harsh sunlight to preserve color, texture, and structure.

For long-term display, store in a clean dry place and avoid crushing the hat brim, ears, or bag. If dust collects, use a soft brush or cool hair dryer on low power. Keep accessories wrapped separately if storing the doll in a box.

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