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# Little Lamb Knitting Pattern

A sweet and simple knitted lamb, perfect for beginners learning to work in the round. This cuddly companion features basic shaping and straightforward assembly.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 7" (18 cm) tall and 6" (15 cm) long

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: 
- **Main Color (MC)**: Worsted weight yarn in cream or white, approximately 120 yards (110 m)
- **Contrast Color (CC)**: Small amount of black or dark brown for face details (optional if using safety eyes)

Shown in Lion Brand Vanna's Choice (worsted weight; 100% acrylic; 170 yards/156 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein):
- MC: Cream (#099) – 1 skein
- CC: Black (#153) – small amount

**Needles**: 
- Set of US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) OR
- US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle (24" or longer) for magic loop method
- Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge

**Notions**:
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
- Fiberfill stuffing (approximately 3 oz/85 g)
- Pair of 9mm safety eyes (optional)
- Embroidery needle (if embroidering face)

## GAUGE

18 stitches and 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round

Gauge is not critical for this project, but will affect finished size.

## ABBREVIATIONS

- k: knit
- p: purl
- kfb: knit into front and back of stitch (1 stitch increased)
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- MC: main color
- CC: contrast color

## NOTES

- All pieces are worked in the round using DPNs or magic loop method.
- Use stitch marker to mark beginning of round; move marker up as you work.
- Pieces are stuffed firmly before seaming together.
- When only one number appears, it applies to all pieces of that type.

## PATTERN

### HEAD

With MC, cast on 6 sts. Divide evenly onto 3 DPNs (2 sts per needle) or prepare for magic loop. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rnd 1**: [Kfb] 6 times. (12 sts)
**Rnd 2**: K all sts.
**Rnd 3**: [Kfb, k1] 6 times. (18 sts)
**Rnd 4**: K all sts.
**Rnd 5**: [Kfb, k2] 6 times. (24 sts)
**Rnds 6-14**: K all sts. (9 rounds even)
**Rnd 15**: [K2tog, k2] 6 times. (18 sts)
**Rnd 16**: K all sts.
**Rnd 17**: [K2tog, k1] 6 times. (12 sts)

If using safety eyes, position them between rnds 9 and 10, approximately 8 sts apart. Insert eyes now.

Stuff head firmly with fiberfill.

**Rnd 18**: [K2tog] 6 times. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving 8" tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close, and weave in end on inside.

### BODY

With MC, cast on 6 sts. Divide evenly onto 3 DPNs or prepare for magic loop. Join to work in the round. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rnd 1**: [Kfb] 6 times. (12 sts)
**Rnd 2**: K all sts.
**Rnd 3**: [Kfb, k1] 6 times. (18 sts)
**Rnd 4**: K all sts.
**Rnd 5**: [Kfb, k2] 6 times. (24 sts)
**Rnd 6**: K all sts.
**Rnd 7**: [Kfb, k3] 6 times. (30 sts)
**Rnds 8-16**: K all sts. (9 rounds even)
**Rnd 17**: [K2tog, k3] 6 times. (24 sts)
**Rnd 18**: K all sts.
**Rnd 19**: [K2tog, k2] 6 times. (18 sts)

Stuff body firmly with fiberfill.

**Rnd 20**: [K2tog, k1] 6 times. (12 sts)
**Rnd 21**: [K2tog] 6 times. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving 10" tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 sts, pull tight to close. Leave tail for seaming body to head.

### LEGS (Make 4)

With MC, cast on 8 sts. Divide evenly onto 3 DPNs (3-2-3 or 3-3-2 distribution) or prepare for magic loop. Join to work in the round. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rnds 1-18**: K all sts. (18 rounds)

Stuff leg lightly with fiberfill, leaving top 1/2" unstuffed for easier seaming.

**Rnd 19**: [K2tog] 4 times. (4 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving 8" tail. Thread tail through remaining 4 sts, pull tight to close. Leave tail for seaming.

**Stitch count check**: Each leg = 8 sts × 18 rnds

### EARS (Make 2)

With MC, cast on 6 sts. Divide evenly onto 3 DPNs or prepare for magic loop. Join to work in the round. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rnds 1-4**: K all sts. (4 rounds)
**Rnd 5**: [K2tog, k1] 2 times. (4 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving 6" tail. Thread tail through remaining 4 sts, pull tight to close. Leave tail for seaming. Do not stuff ears.

### TAIL

With MC, cast on 4 sts. Work I-cord as follows:

**Rows 1-6**: *Slide sts to opposite end of needle, k4; repeat from * for 6 rows.

Cut yarn, leaving 6" tail. Thread tail through 4 sts, pull tight to close. Leave tail for seaming.

## ASSEMBLY

Use tapestry needle and yarn tails for all seaming. Weave in ends as you go.

1. **Attach head to body**: Position head on top of body with closed end of body facing down. Using tail from body, seam head to body using whip stitch or mattress stitch, adding more stuffing if needed before closing completely.

2. **Attach legs**: Position legs on underside of body, placing front legs toward head end and back legs toward tail end. Space front legs approximately 1" apart, and back legs approximately 1" apart. Seam each leg to body using whip stitch, ensuring lamb can stand.

3. **Attach ears**: Position ears on sides of head at rnds 4-5, angled slightly outward. Flatten bottom edge of each ear and seam to head.

4. **Attach tail**: Position tail at back of body, centered. Seam securely in place.

5. **Face details**: 
   - If using safety eyes: Already installed between rnds 9-10 of head.
   - If embroidering: With CC and embroidery needle, make two French knots or small circles for eyes between rnds 9-10, approximately 8 sts apart.
   - With CC, embroider a small Y-shape or inverted triangle for nose/mouth at center front of head, rnds 11-13.

6. **Final touches**: Check all seams are secure. Adjust stuffing if needed. Weave in any remaining ends.

## VARIATIONS

- **Textured coat**: Work body in seed stitch (k1, p1) for a fluffy texture.
- **Different colors**: Use gray or black for a different breed of sheep.
- **Spotted lamb**: Add small duplicate stitch spots in CC on body.
- **Larger lamb**: Use bulky weight yarn and US 9 (5.5 mm) needles.

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Reshape and lay flat to dry. If using acrylic yarn, machine washing on gentle cycle is acceptable.

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**Design**: Traditional amigurumi-style knitted toy
**Skill Level**: Beginner
**Techniques Used**: Knitting in the round, increases (kfb), decreases (k2tog), seaming, simple assembly

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