When it comes to listing the cutest animals on this planet, sheep’s name will definitely appear in the top of the list. There is no doubt that offspring of any species in the animal kingdom are cute, even cubs of the fierce predators would melt our hearts. But these herd-following cute creatures are always cuteness and innocence overload irrespective of their age.
What can be the ideal gift for the baby shower than a baby blanket with pictures of sheep? Moreover, when you do not know if the family falls into the dog-lover or cat-lover category, blankets or bassinets with pictures of sheep, monkeys, giraffes, elephants are considered to be the safest bet.
After completing panda-monkey baby blanket, elephant baby blanket, it was obvious that I will be moving towards sheep. With the next order lined up, I quickly jumped over to create this impish expressive sheep herd for another baby blanket and named this design as “Sheep Herd Baby Blanket”.
Process:
Collect the colours that you plan to use for the blanket. Start C2C¹ crocheting and then C2C decreasing² crocheting to complete the graph. Once c2c square consumes 0.75″ – 1″ depending on the crochet hook and yarn used.
For this blanket, I have created 60 grids pixel graph. It should give 40″X40″ blanket or more.
This pattern requires proper counting and marking after completion of each square to avoid any mistakes.
Caution Section:-
- Print the coloured graph ( or black and white graph and mark the colours) and number all the rows and columns. Here, it is 60×60. The C2C stitch grows diagonally.
- For a B/W printer, print the graph and colour the blocks using colour pencils; or mark G for green, Y for Yellow, Br for Brown, Sk for light brown or skin etc. to avoid missing out the shape.
- Mark each row and column after finishing the diagonal section to keep a track of the finished or the working row.
- It is important to count the number of blocks that use 1 colour in that working row. Remember we work diagonally in C2C.
- Starting with ¹C2C Crochet Stitch Increasing ( focusing on the colour change) increase diagonally for 60 rows.
- Start ²decreasing C2C Crochet Stitch (focusing on the colour change as per the graph) decrease till the count reaches 1.
Edging:-
Follow the series of SC or DC row, if you want to increase the size. For proper edging, use the below pattern.
R1: Ch 1, Single Crochet (SC) around each post. 3 SC at the corners.
R2: Ch 2, Double Crochet on each SC. 3 DC at the corners or at the corner 3SC – 3DC on the middle 3 SC group.
R3: Ch 2, Half-Herringbone Double Crochet (HHDC) around each DC. 3 HHDC at the corner DC or 3 HHDC in the middle of the 3 DC group.
¹C2C crochet stitch / Increasing C2C Crochet Stitch:
- [Chain 6.
- R1: Double Crochet (DC) in 4th chain from the hook. 2 DC in next 2 chains. [ 1st corner block is made]
- R2: turn the work, chain 6. DC in 4th chain from the hook. 2 DC in next 2 chains. Slip stitch on the chain 3. (Chain 3, 3 DC) in the same chain 3 space of the previous row. [2nd row contains 2 blocks]
- R3: Repeat R2 [3rd row will contain 3 blocks. Likewise, the Row-Number will have same number blocks.]
- Continue R2 to increase horizontally and vertically up to the required number on the graph.]
²Decreasing C2C crochet stitch:
- [turn the last row. slip stitch on 1st DC, 2nd DC, 3 DC.
- Slip Stitch(SL ST) chain 3 space. (Chain 3, 3 DC) in same chain 3 space.
- Continue (SL ST, chain 3, 3 DC) in next chain 3 space.
- Repeat till the last 2nd block. SL ST in the last chain 3 space. ]
SHEEP HERD PIXEL ART
SHEEP HERD PIXEL SECTION GRID-GRAPH
You can purchase this graph at Sheep Herd Pixel Graph. There are more C2C graphs available for purchase too at KMD Store
Product Specifications:
Defining Dimensions:-
- Grid Graph: 60×60
- Length: 40″
- Width: 40″
Optional Alterations:-
Different ideas that can be implemented into this blanket to make it your own.
- The edging can be made of Single Crochet (SC), Crab Stitch, Slip Stitch, Herringbone Half Double Crochet (HHDC).
- The fur yarn will bring out a pop to the border in place of regular yarns.
- For the border, substitute the 3rd colour with the base colours working in alternate rows.
- The border shouldn’t be too broad to stand out. It should be to give a clean finish.
- You can add pom-pom or tassels (matching the colour with the edging or the base colour) at the 4 corners. Link to make pom-pom and tassels.
- Avoid the border and just add tassels/pompoms made of a mixture of the base colours.
- You can also attach flowers, beads, appliques or a bow made of crochet, plastic, suede leather, fabric etc to make it more interesting.
- You can increase the total size of the blanket by adding a few rows of borders.
Remember: do not over accessorise it. This hides the beauty of the pattern itself. Believe in elegant simplicity!!
In case, you have stuck anywhere or have any queries, kindly contact me.
Sheep Herd Baby Blanket
Style Aisle:
- Choose the yarn colour matching to your kids’ room or their choice of animals.
- Go crazy with experimental contrast colours with your furniture to pop out a section. Make sure the interiors contain natural, neutral or earthy colours around.
- Focus on a bright, non-flashy selection of colour palette.
- Choose lighter shades of yarn for background the main art to pop out.
- The graphic-animals can be used for blankets or bags for kids.
- For the border, substitute the 3rd colour with the base colours working in alternate rows.
- The border shouldn’t be too broad to stand out. It should be to give a clean finish.
Materials:
- Yarn:
- Caron Simply Soft – White – 2 balls
- Red Heart With Love – Lettuce – 3 balls
- JoAnn Big Twist Collection – Medium Gray – 1 ball
- Red Heart Soft – Black – 1 ball
- Red Heart Soft – Dark Grey – 1 ball.
- Crochet Hook: 6mm
- Needles
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Stitch Marker: My stitch markers are the mini safety pins we get from clothing tags.
- Note: you can play around with different branded yarns as far as they give the synchronous flow of the pattern using a constant crochet hook.
- You can either go for the yarns with the same recommended crochet hook OR decide the yarn and change the crochet hooks along with the tightness on the crochet stitches as you proceed with the pattern.
- You can change the pattern to get a continuous flow.
Happy Crocheting!!!
APPENDIX
Care Instructions:
Quality Promise: If washed with care, then the elegant stitch guarantees perfection up to multiple washes. The wool quality might stretch upon multiple uses.
Purchase Here:
For Crochet & Knit patterns or pixel graphs, check out Ravelry and Etsy to purchase the ad-free, comment free, printable PDFs of my designs. Unlike the blog posts, these documents are properly indexed for easy navigation with the detailed photo gallery.
For Crochet or Knit accessories orders (India only), use the below options. I can alter the colour combinations, the designs, the dimensions based on your preference and usage.
- Connect with me through Contact Page.
- Book your order from Custom Creations.
Each and every item (printed or sold) is handmade by me with complete love and care in a pet-free, smoke-free clean crafts room. A lot of consideration goes behind giving you the perfect order. The materials invested are of high-grade quality.
Disclaimer:
All the contents including photos, designs, and patterns are copyright of Knot My Designs unless otherwise stated. Kindly do not republish them as claiming your own.
The patterns are free to learn and adapt, for personal consumption. Please provide due credit to #KnotMyDesigns / #knotmydesigns every time you use, sell or share them.
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Thank you and Happy Shopping!!!
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