Construction Plan
Materials
To keep this pin-cushion sturdy, I recommend using needles slightly smaller than what the yarn label suggests to create a dense fabric.
- Body Yarn: Something textured like bouclé, or a cream-colored chunky wool.
- Face/Legs Yarn: Smooth cotton or wool in black, grey, or tan.
- Stuffing: Fiberfill or wool scraps.
- Weighting (Optional): A few clean pebbles or heavy beads for the base.
The Pattern
1. The Body (Textured)
Using your cream/textured yarn, cast on 14 stitches. Knit every row (Garter Stitch) for 16 rows. On row 17, [K2tog] repeat to end (7 stitches). Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, pull tight, and sew the side seam to create a "sausage" or ball shape. Stuff firmly before closing.
2. The Head (Smooth)
Using your black/smooth yarn, cast on 9 stitches. Knit 1 row, Purl 1 row (Stockinette Stitch) for 10 rows. On row 11, [K2tog] across until 1 stitch remains. Cut yarn, thread through, pull tight. Sew the side, stuff lightly, and stitch onto one end of the body.
3. The Legs (Make 4)
Using black yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Knit every row for 6 rows. Cast off. Roll these squares into tight cylinders and sew them. Stitch them to the bottom of the body.
4. The Ears (Make 2)
Cast on 3 stitches. Knit 1 row. Cast off. Stitch these tiny "nubs" to the sides of the head.
Pro-Tips
If you use real 100% sheep’s wool for the stuffing, the natural oils (lanolin) will help lubricate your pins and keep them from rusting. If your sheep feels top-heavy, you can open the bottom seam slightly and tuck a few glass beads or a heavy coin inside to act as a "ballast."
