Knitting Tutorial: Spring Sheep in Floral Dress – Free Knitting Pattern

This sweet spring sheep is knitted with a soft cream body, long dangling legs, floppy ears, a rounded muzzle, and gentle embroidered facial details. She wears a pastel floral dress with daisy accents, lavender sandals, a flower crown, a tiny yellow crossbody bag with a bee, and a small knitted basket of flowers beside her for a cheerful garden-inspired finish.

 

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 to recreate the spring sheep doll shown in the image as closely as possible using knitting techniques. The finished sheep has a tall oval head, a slightly pear-shaped stuffed body, narrow tube arms, long crossed legs, floppy side ears, a soft flower crown, a flared floral dress, lavender sandals, a yellow bee purse, a flower basket, and a tiny ladybug companion.

The toy is worked mostly in the round on double-pointed needles or with the magic loop method. Small decorative pieces are knitted flat or in the round, then sewn on carefully. The floral dress is knitted separately and fitted over the body so the skirt keeps its soft bell shape.

Finished Size

• Finished doll height: about 13 inches from top flowers to sandal soles.
• Seated height: about 9 inches.
• Head width: about 3.5 inches across the widest cheek area.
• Body width: about 3.25 inches at the lower belly before dressing.
• Leg length: about 5.5 inches each.
• Arm length: about 4.25 inches each.
• Basket width: about 2 inches.
• Purse size: about 1.75 inches wide and 2 inches tall.

Skill Level

This is an adventurous beginner to intermediate knitting pattern. The shaping is simple, but there are many small pieces. Take your time with stuffing, sewing angles, embroidery, and surface details because these finishing steps create the image-accurate spring sheep look.

Materials

• Yarn A: cream or warm ivory DK weight yarn for sheep body, head, arms, legs, ears, muzzle, and foot base.
• Yarn B: pastel variegated DK yarn with pink, lavender, yellow, green, and soft gray tones for floral dress.
• Yarn C: lavender DK yarn for sandals and flower crown accent flower.
• Yarn D: pale yellow DK yarn for purse, strap, flower centers, bee stripes, and basket flowers.
• Yarn E: white DK yarn for daisies and small white flowers.
• Yarn F: soft pink DK yarn for small flower crown rose and basket flowers.
• Yarn G: medium brown DK yarn for flower basket.
• Yarn H: black embroidery yarn or DK yarn split into two plies for eyes, nose, mouth, bee stripes, and ladybug head.
• Yarn I: red DK yarn for ladybug body.
• Yarn J: pale green embroidery floss or yarn scraps for tiny leaves and flower stems.
• US size 3 double-pointed needles or long circular needle for magic loop.
• US size 2 needles for tighter small accessories.
• Tapestry needle.
• Polyester fiberfill.
• Stitch markers.
• Removable stitch markers or scrap yarn.
• Small scissors.
• Row counter.
• Optional: two 6 mm black safety eyes, though embroidered eyes are recommended for a soft handmade look.

Gauge

Gauge for the doll: 24 stitches and 34 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch using DK yarn and US size 3 needles. Gauge is important because a firm fabric keeps the stuffing smooth and prevents gaps.

Gauge for small accessories: 26 stitches and 36 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch using US size 2 needles. If your stitches look loose, go down one needle size for the accessories.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on.
• BO: bind off.
• K: knit.
• P: purl.
• St or sts: stitch or stitches.
• Rnd: round.
• RS: right side.
• WS: wrong side.
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together.
• SSK: slip, slip, knit those 2 slipped stitches together.
• M1L: make 1 left-leaning increase.
• M1R: make 1 right-leaning increase.
• Kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch.
• PM: place marker.
• SM: slip marker.
• St st: stockinette stitch.
• Garter stitch: knit every row when working flat.

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Important Construction Notes

• Work the sheep body firmly so the shape stays oval and smooth.
• Stuff the head more firmly than the body to support the flower crown.
• Keep the arms and legs lightly stuffed so they hang naturally like the image.
• The ears should be soft and slightly flattened, not round tubes.
• The dress should flare at the hem and sit just below the sheep’s neck.
• Decorative daisies are sewn after the dress is finished.
• The purse strap crosses from the sheep’s right shoulder to the left hip area.
• The basket and ladybug are separate display accessories.

Head

The head is an elongated sheep head with a rounded top, full cheeks, and a longer cream muzzle area. Work in the round with Yarn A. Stuff gradually as you knit so the oval shape stays even.

1. CO 8 sts. Divide evenly over needles and join in the round. PM for beginning of round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Repeat K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: Repeat K3, Kfb around. 40 sts.
10. Rnd 9: K all sts.
11. Rnd 10: Repeat K4, Kfb around. 48 sts.
12. Rnds 11-18: K all sts for 8 rounds.
13. Rnd 19: K10, M1R, K14, M1L, K10, M1R, K14, M1L. 52 sts.
14. Rnds 20-25: K all sts for 6 rounds.
15. Rnd 26: K12, Kfb, K12, Kfb, K12, Kfb, K12, Kfb. 56 sts.
16. Rnds 27-33: K all sts for 7 rounds.
17. Rnd 34: Repeat K12, K2tog around. 52 sts.
18. Rnd 35: K all sts.
19. Rnd 36: Repeat K11, K2tog around. 48 sts.
20. Rnd 37: K all sts.
21. Rnd 38: Repeat K6, K2tog around. 42 sts.
22. Rnd 39: K all sts.
23. Rnd 40: Repeat K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
24. Rnd 41: K all sts.
25. Rnd 42: Repeat K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
26. Pause and stuff the head firmly. Shape the lower front into a gentle protruding muzzle by pushing stuffing forward.
27. Rnd 43: Repeat K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
28. Rnd 44: Repeat K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
29. Rnd 45: Repeat K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
30. Rnd 46: K2tog around. 6 sts.
31. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull closed, and weave in securely.

Muzzle Shaping Embroidery

The image shows a subtle long sheep face rather than a separate bulky muzzle. Use shaping stitches to define the nose area without adding an extra patch.

1. Thread a long strand of Yarn A onto a tapestry needle.
2. Insert needle at the lower back of the head and come out at the center lower front, about 10 rounds above the closed bottom.
3. Take a small horizontal stitch across 3 sts, then return to the back entry point.
4. Pull gently to create a shallow indentation.
5. Repeat twice, keeping tension soft so the face does not pucker too much.
6. Secure yarn at the back lower head where it will be hidden by the body.

Body

The body is a soft pear shape: narrow at the neck, fuller at the lower belly, and flat enough at the base to sit. Work in Yarn A. The dress will cover most of the body, but the upper chest and side arms remain visible.

1. CO 12 sts. Divide evenly and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 12 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 24 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K3, Kfb around. 30 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Repeat K4, Kfb around. 36 sts.
8. Rnd 7: K all sts.
9. Rnd 8: Repeat K5, Kfb around. 42 sts.
10. Rnds 9-15: K all sts for 7 rounds.
11. Rnd 16: K10, Kfb, K10, Kfb, K10, Kfb, K9. 45 sts.
12. Rnds 17-25: K all sts for 9 rounds.
13. Rnd 26: Repeat K13, K2tog around. 42 sts.
14. Rnd 27: K all sts.
15. Rnd 28: Repeat K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
16. Rnd 29: K all sts.
17. Rnd 30: Repeat K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
18. Rnd 31: K all sts.
19. Rnd 32: Repeat K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
20. Stuff the lower body firmly and the upper body moderately.
21. Rnd 33: Repeat K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
22. Rnd 34: K all sts.
23. Leave these 18 sts live on scrap yarn if you want to graft the head to the body. Otherwise BO loosely and sew the head on later.

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Joining Head to Body

• Position the head with the longer face pointing forward and slightly downward.
• The body neck should sit under the lower third of the head, not directly centered under the chin.
• Use Yarn A and mattress stitch around the neck twice for strength.
• After the first sewing pass, add a little stuffing into the neck gap.
• Make a second sewing pass one stitch outside the first to prevent wobbling.

Legs

The legs are long, narrow, and lightly stuffed. In the photo, they cross naturally at the ankles. Make two identical legs with Yarn A.

1. CO 12 sts. Divide evenly and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-4: K all sts.
3. Rnd 5: Kfb, K4, Kfb, K6. 14 sts.
4. Rnds 6-34: K all sts for 29 rounds.
5. Stuff very lightly from the foot end up to the knee area. Leave the top soft and flexible.
6. Rnd 35: K2tog, K5, K2tog, K5. 12 sts.
7. Rnds 36-44: K all sts for 9 rounds.
8. BO, leaving a 12-inch tail for sewing.

Foot Shaping

The image shows slightly wider rounded feet inside open-toe lavender sandals. Add a small knitted toe pad to each leg.

1. With Yarn A and US size 3 needles, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K6, Kfb. 10 sts.
5. Rows 4-6: Work in St st.
6. Row 7: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
7. Row 8: P all sts.
8. BO, leaving a sewing tail.
9. Sew one pad to the front bottom of each leg, curving it into a small oval toe shape.

Arms

The arms are slim, cream-colored, and hang straight down along the sides of the dress. Make two with Yarn A.

1. CO 10 sts. Divide evenly and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 10 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Repeat K4, Kfb around. 12 sts.
4. Rnds 3-28: K all sts for 26 rounds.
5. Stuff lightly, keeping the lower hand softly rounded.
6. Rnd 29: Repeat K2, K2tog around. 9 sts.
7. Rnd 30: K all sts.
8. BO, leaving a 12-inch sewing tail.

Hand Rounding

• Thread the cast-on tail through the bottom edge and pull slightly to round the hand.
• Do not overstuff the hand because the arms should remain soft and floppy.
• Sew the top of each arm at the shoulder line, just below the head.
• Angle the arms downward with the palms facing inward toward the dress.

Ears

The ears are floppy, flattened, and slightly pointed at the tips. They sit low on each side of the head, just below the flower crown and behind the eye line. Make two with Yarn A.

1. CO 8 sts and work flat.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K6, Kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: Kfb, K8, Kfb. 12 sts.
7. Rows 6-10: Work in St st.
8. Row 11: K all sts.
9. Row 12: P all sts.
10. Row 13: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
11. Row 14: P all sts.
12. Row 15: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
13. Row 16: P all sts.
14. Row 17: SSK, K4, K2tog. 6 sts.
15. Row 18: P all sts.
16. Row 19: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
17. Row 20: P all sts.
18. Row 21: SSK, K2tog. 2 sts.
19. Row 22: P2tog. 1 st.
20. Fasten off and weave in the tip tail.

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Ear Edging and Placement

• Pick up and knit 24 sts evenly around the edge of one ear with Yarn A.
• K one round if working on small needles, or knit one flat edging row if easier.
• BO loosely to create a smooth border.
• Repeat for second ear.
• Sew the wide top of each ear to the side of the head over 7 sts.
• Place ears between rounds 20 and 25 of the head, angled downward and slightly backward.

Floral Dress

The dress in the image is a soft pastel sleeveless sundress with a fitted top and flared skirt. Use variegated Yarn B to create the watercolor garden effect. The flower motifs are added later as small knitted daisies.

Dress Bodice

Work from the neckline down. The dress should slide over the body before the arms are sewn on, or it can be made with a back seam for dressing afterward.

1. With Yarn B, CO 36 sts. Work flat to allow a back opening.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: K4, BO 6 sts for first armhole, K16, BO 6 sts for second armhole, K4.
5. Row 4: P4, CO 8 sts over armhole gap, P16, CO 8 sts over second armhole gap, P4. 40 sts.
6. Row 5: K all sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: K5, M1R, K10, M1L, K10, M1R, K10, M1L, K5. 44 sts.
9. Row 8: P all sts.
10. Row 9: K all sts.
11. Row 10: P all sts.
12. Row 11: K6, M1R, K11, M1L, K10, M1R, K11, M1L, K6. 48 sts.
13. Row 12: P all sts.

Dress Waist Ridge

1. Row 13: K all sts.
2. Row 14: K all sts to form a garter ridge at the waist.
3. Row 15: Repeat K2, Kfb across. 64 sts.
4. Row 16: P all sts.

Flared Skirt

1. Row 17: K all sts.
2. Row 18: P all sts.
3. Row 19: Repeat K3, Kfb across. 80 sts.
4. Rows 20-25: Work in St st for 6 rows.
5. Row 26: P all sts.
6. Row 27: K4, Kfb, repeat to end as evenly as possible. 96 sts.
7. Rows 28-35: Work in St st for 8 rows.
8. Row 36: P all sts.
9. Row 37: Repeat K5, Kfb across. 112 sts.
10. Rows 38-43: Work in St st for 6 rows.
11. Row 44: K all sts.
12. Row 45: K all sts to create a soft garter hem ridge.
13. Row 46: K all sts.
14. BO loosely knitwise.

Dress Back Seam

• Wrap the dress around the sheep body with the opening at the back.
• Sew the back seam from the waist to the hem only.
• Leave the upper back open so the dress can fit neatly around the neck.
• Secure the top back with two small yarn loops or a tiny stitched closure.
• The skirt should flare outward and cover the upper legs while seated.

Dress Neck Trim

The dress has a delicate neckline in the image. Add a small knitted or embroidered trim around the collar with lavender yarn.

1. With Yarn C, pick up 36 sts around the dress neckline.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. BO loosely.
5. Use the tail to tack the trim flat around the neck.

Knitted Daisy Motifs for Dress

The dress has visible white daisies with yellow centers scattered across the bodice and skirt. Make 7 medium daisies and 5 tiny daisies for the dress.

Medium Daisy

1. With Yarn D, CO 4 sts.
2. K one row.
3. Cut yarn and thread through sts to make a small yellow center.
4. With Yarn E, pick up 1 st into the yellow center.
5. For one petal: K1, turn, P1, turn, Kfb, turn, P2, turn, K2tog, fasten back into center.
6. Repeat the petal step 8 times around the center.
7. Secure all tails at the back.

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Tiny Daisy

1. With Yarn D, make a small knot or CO 3 sts and pull tight.
2. With Yarn E, embroider 6 straight stitches around the center as petals.
3. Keep each petal about 0.25 inch long.

Daisy Placement on Dress

• Sew one medium daisy at the center chest.
• Sew two medium daisies across the upper skirt, one left and one right.
• Sew two medium daisies near the lower skirt front.
• Sew two medium daisies near the side skirt edges.
• Add tiny daisies between larger flowers to create the full garden print effect.
• Use Yarn J to add 5 or 6 small green straight-stitch leaves around the flowers.

Flower Crown Base

The sheep wears a soft crown of flowers across the top of the head. The flowers sit above the eyes and slightly overlap the ears. Begin with a narrow knitted base strip.

1. With Yarn A or Yarn J, CO 40 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: K all sts.
4. BO, leaving a long tail.
5. Curve the strip across the top front of the head from one ear base to the other.
6. Sew it lightly in place, keeping the front edge just above the eyes.

Large Lavender Rose

The large purple-lavender flower sits on the sheep’s left side of the crown. It is the boldest flower in the headpiece.

1. With Yarn C, CO 36 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Repeat Kfb across. 72 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. BO loosely.
7. Roll the strip into a spiral rose, keeping one side flat as the base.
8. Sew through the base several times so it holds its spiral shape.
9. Attach to the left side of the flower crown above the left ear.

Small Pink Rose

1. With Yarn F, CO 22 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Repeat Kfb across. 44 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. BO loosely.
7. Roll into a small rose and sew the base closed.
8. Attach to the right side of the crown, slightly lower than the lavender rose.

White Crown Daisies

• Make 3 tiny daisies using Yarn E for petals and Yarn D for centers.
• Sew one daisy at the very center top of the head.
• Sew one daisy between the center and the lavender rose.
• Sew one daisy between the center and the pink rose.
• Add small green embroidered leaves between flowers if desired.

Eyes

The eyes in the image are small black oval eyes set high on the face under the flower crown. Embroidered eyes are safest and match the soft knitted look.

1. Thread Yarn H onto a tapestry needle.
2. Mark eye positions about 5 sts apart, between rounds 24 and 26 of the head.
3. For the first eye, make 5 horizontal satin stitches over 2 sts.
4. Wrap once around the center of the satin stitches to make a rounded oval.
5. Repeat for the second eye, matching size and height.
6. Secure yarn inside the head by weaving through stuffing and exiting at the back.

Nose and Mouth

The sheep has a simple black Y-shaped nose and mouth. Place it low on the front face so the expression looks calm and sweet.

1. Mark the nose point about 9 rounds below the eyes.
2. With Yarn H, embroider a short vertical stitch, about 0.5 inch long.
3. From the top of that stitch, embroider one diagonal stitch down to the left.
4. Return to the top and embroider one diagonal stitch down to the right.
5. Make a second pass over each line for a clear black shape.
6. Secure the thread inside the head and trim carefully.

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Lavender Sandals

The sandals are open-toe, lavender, and fitted around the cream feet. Each sandal has a sole, front strap, ankle strap, and small white daisy decoration.

Sandal Sole

Make two soles with Yarn C.

1. CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K6, Kfb. 10 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Rows 5-10: Work in St st.
7. Row 11: SSK, K6, K2tog. 8 sts.
8. Row 12: P all sts.
9. BO, leaving a long sewing tail.
10. Sew one sole under each foot, matching the toe curve.

Front Sandal Strap

1. With Yarn C, CO 4 sts.
2. Work 12 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a tail.
4. Wrap the strap over the front of the foot, leaving the cream toe visible.
5. Sew both ends to the side edges of the sole.
6. Repeat for second sandal.

Ankle Strap

1. With Yarn C, CO 3 sts.
2. Work 18 rows in garter stitch.
3. BO, leaving a tail.
4. Wrap around the ankle above the foot.
5. Sew the ends together at the back of the leg.
6. Repeat for second sandal.

Sandal Daisy

• Make 2 tiny daisies with Yarn E petals and Yarn D centers.
• Sew one daisy on the outer side of each sandal front strap.
• Keep the flower flat so the feet can rest naturally.

Yellow Crossbody Purse

The purse is a small pale yellow bag hanging at the sheep’s left hip. It has a long diagonal strap crossing the chest and a tiny bee decoration on the front.

Purse Body

1. With Yarn D and US size 2 needles, CO 14 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Rows 3-16: Work in St st.
5. Row 17: K2tog, K10, K2tog. 12 sts.
6. Row 18: P all sts.
7. Row 19: K2tog, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
8. Row 20: P all sts.
9. BO loosely.
10. Make a second matching piece.
11. Place pieces WS together and sew around sides and bottom.
12. Lightly stuff with a tiny amount of fiberfill so the purse has soft dimension.

Purse Flap

1. With Yarn D, CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1-4: Work in garter stitch.
3. Row 5: SSK, K8, K2tog. 10 sts.
4. Row 6: K all sts.
5. BO.
6. Sew the straight edge of the flap to the purse back top.
7. Fold it over the front and tack at the corners.

Purse Strap

1. With Yarn D, CO 4 sts.
2. Work in garter stitch for 72 rows, or until the strap crosses from right shoulder to left hip.
3. BO.
4. Sew one end to each side of the purse.
5. Place the strap over the sheep’s right shoulder and across the front of the dress.
6. Tack the strap invisibly at the shoulder and waist so it stays in place.

Tiny Bee for Purse

The bee on the purse is small but important. It gives the bag the same garden theme shown in the image.

1. With Yarn H, CO 6 sts.
2. Rows 1-2: Work in St st.
3. Change to Yarn D.
4. Rows 3-4: Work in St st.
5. Change to Yarn H.
6. Rows 5-6: Work in St st.
7. BO and sew the tiny rectangle into an oval bee body.
8. With Yarn E, embroider one small wing on each side using 3 looped stitches.
9. With Yarn H, embroider two short antennae at the top.
10. Sew the bee to the center front of the purse.

Flower Basket

The small basket sits beside the sheep and is filled with pastel flowers. It is knitted in brown with a rounded bowl shape and a curved handle.

Basket Bowl

1. With Yarn G, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnd 5: K all sts.
7. Rnd 6: Repeat K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
8. Rnds 7-14: K all sts for 8 rounds.
9. Rnd 15: P all sts to make a rim ridge.
10. Rnd 16: K all sts.
11. BO loosely.
12. Stuff lightly and flatten the base so the basket stands upright.

Basket Handle

1. With Yarn G, CO 5 sts.
2. Work in garter stitch for 34 rows.
3. BO, leaving a long tail.
4. Curve the strip into a handle.
5. Sew one end to each side of the basket rim.
6. Make several firm stitches through the rim so the handle stands up.

Basket Flowers

• Make 2 yellow flowers using Yarn D.
• Make 2 pink flowers using Yarn F.
• Make 2 lavender flowers using Yarn C.
• Make 2 white flowers using Yarn E.
• For each flower, CO 20 sts, BO loosely, spiral the strip, and sew the base flat.
• Place flowers tightly inside the basket so they look full and rounded.
• Add small green stitches between flowers for leaves.

Ladybug Companion

The red and black ladybug on the table is a small separate accessory. It is optional, but it helps match the garden scene in the image.

Ladybug Body

1. With Yarn I, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts. 8 sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnd 3: K all sts.
5. Rnd 4: Repeat K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
6. Rnds 5-9: K all sts.
7. Rnd 10: Repeat K1, K2tog around. 16 sts.
8. Stuff lightly.
9. Rnd 11: K2tog around. 8 sts.
10. Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, and close.

Ladybug Head

1. With Yarn H, CO 8 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnd 1: K all sts.
3. Rnd 2: Kfb in each st around. 16 sts.
4. Rnds 3-5: K all sts.
5. Rnd 6: K2tog around. 8 sts.
6. Stuff lightly and close.
7. Sew the head to one end of the red body.

Ladybug Details

• With Yarn H, embroider a straight center line down the red body.
• Add 3 black spots on each side using small satin stitches.
• With Yarn E, make two tiny eye dots on the black head.
• Use very small stitches so the face remains cute and neat.

Assembly Order

1. Knit and stuff the head.
2. Knit and stuff the body.
3. Join the head to the body firmly.
4. Knit ears and sew them to the sides of the head.
5. Knit legs, add foot pads, and sew legs to the lower body.
6. Knit arms and set them aside until the dress is placed.
7. Knit the dress and fit it around the body.
8. Sew the arms at the sides over the dress armhole area.
9. Add sandals to the feet.
10. Embroider eyes, nose, and mouth.
11. Add the flower crown across the top of the head.
12. Add purse, strap, bee detail, basket, and ladybug.

Leg Placement for Seated Pose

The sheep in the image sits with long legs hanging forward and crossed at the lower section. To copy this pose, sew the legs to the lower front of the body rather than directly underneath.

• Place the first leg at the lower body front, 5 sts left of center.
• Place the second leg 5 sts right of center.
• Sew each leg across 6 sts at the hip line.
• Angle both legs downward.
• Cross the right leg slightly over the left at the ankle.
• Use one hidden stitch between the legs near the ankles if you want the crossed pose to stay fixed.

Arm Placement

The arms hang on the outside of the dress without dramatic bending. They should frame the dress softly and end near the lower skirt.

• Sew each arm just below the ear line and slightly forward of the side seam.
• The top of each arm should sit under the head, not on the neck.
• Use a flat seam across 5 sts for each shoulder.
• Let the arms hang naturally beside the dress.
• Add one tiny hidden tack at each wrist to keep the arms close to the skirt if desired.

Adding Extra Floral Embroidery to the Dress

The variegated yarn creates a soft multicolor base, but the photo also shows the dress covered with bright stitched flowers. Use small embroidered flowers to make the print look fuller.

• Use pink yarn to sew 8 small lazy-daisy flowers across the skirt.
• Use yellow yarn to sew 6 tiny French-knot-style centers.
• Use lavender yarn to sew 5 small flower dots between white daisies.
• Use green yarn to add tiny leaf stitches near the waist and lower hem.
• Keep the embroidery random, but balanced from left to right.
• Avoid placing too many decorations at the back because the front view is the focus.

Optional Knitted Leaves

For a more dimensional flower crown and basket, knit tiny leaves and sew them between flowers.

1. With Yarn J, CO 3 sts.
2. Row 1: K all sts.
3. Row 2: P all sts.
4. Row 3: Kfb, K1, Kfb. 5 sts.
5. Row 4: P all sts.
6. Row 5: SSK, K1, K2tog. 3 sts.
7. Row 6: P all sts.
8. Row 7: Slip 1, K2tog, pass slipped st over. 1 st.
9. Fasten off.
10. Make 8 to 12 leaves for the crown, dress, basket, and purse strap area.

Shaping the Sheep Face

The face should look soft, kind, and slightly long. Do not place the eyes too low, or the sheep will lose the gentle expression seen in the image. The flower crown should almost touch the top of the eyes.

• Eyes should be small, black, and oval.
• The nose should be centered and lower than the midpoint of the face.
• The mouth line should be a simple Y shape.
• The ears should droop outward and downward from the sides.
• Do not over-tighten the facial embroidery because the knitted fabric can distort.

Creating the Rounded Woolly Top Effect

The image shows the top of the sheep’s head looking slightly fluffy under the flowers. To create this look in knitting, add small cream bobbles or duplicate stitches around the crown.

1. With Yarn A, attach yarn near the top front of the head.
2. Make a small bobble by knitting into one stitch 3 times, turning, purling 3, turning, knitting 3 together, then fastening off.
3. Repeat 5 times across the crown area.
4. Place bobbles between flower positions, not directly under large flowers.
5. Trim and hide all tails inside the head.

Mini Bobble Alternative

If bobbles feel too bulky, use duplicate stitch instead. Work 12 cream duplicate stitches around the upper forehead in a loose cluster. This adds woolly texture while keeping the flower crown flat.

Detailed Finishing for Image Accuracy

• The large lavender rose should be on the viewer’s left side of the sheep’s head.
• The small pink rose should be on the viewer’s right side.
• The central white daisy should sit between the eyes and top head curve.
• The yellow purse should hang on the viewer’s right side of the doll’s body.
• The purse strap should cross diagonally over the front of the dress.
• The sandals should be lavender with open cream toes.
• The basket should sit as a separate accessory and be filled with colorful flowers.
• The ladybug should be red with a black head and small black spots.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Before closing the final seams, check the doll from the front, side, and seated angle. The head should be upright with a gentle forward tilt. The ears should frame the face softly, and the flower crown should look balanced rather than heavy.

• Sew the head and body together twice around the neck for durability.
• Use small invisible stitches when attaching the dress at the back neckline.
• Attach the purse strap after the arms are sewn so the strap lies naturally over the shoulder.
• Place the embroidered eyes evenly before adding the nose.
• Add the mouth last so you can adjust the final expression.
• Brush away loose fibers gently with your fingers, not a stiff brush.

Care Notes

• Spot clean only with cool water and mild soap.
• Do not machine wash if the doll has many sewn flowers and accessories.
• Press gently with a towel to remove moisture.
• Air dry flat away from direct sunlight.
• Do not wring or twist the doll.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Head is firmly stuffed and oval.
• Body is pear-shaped and seated securely.
• Legs are long, slim, and crossed naturally.
• Arms hang evenly at both sides.
• Ears are flattened, floppy, and angled downward.
• Dress flares softly with visible daisy decorations.
• Flower crown includes lavender, white, and pink flowers.
• Yellow purse has a bee and diagonal strap.
• Basket is filled with pastel flowers.
• Ladybug has black spots and a small face.

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

Store the finished sheep in a dry place away from strong sunlight, moisture, and dust. If displaying it on a shelf, place the basket and ladybug nearby instead of sewing them permanently to the doll. This keeps the display flexible and helps the small accessories keep their shape.

• Use a lint roller very gently on the dress if dust appears.
• Reshape the flower crown with your fingers after storage.
• Keep the doll away from pets that may pull small flowers loose.
• If gifting to a child, sew every accessory very securely and avoid hard safety eyes.
• Wrap in tissue paper before long-term storage to protect the flowers and sandals.

Your spring sheep in a floral dress is now complete. The finished piece should look soft, cheerful, and garden-ready, with a cream knitted sheep body, pastel flower dress, lavender sandals, flower crown, tiny bee purse, basket of blooms, and a bright little ladybug companion.