Introduction
This project is a wonderful introduction to knitted toys, also known as “softies” or “amigurumi in knitting.” Our design today is a sweet little lamb wearing pink overalls and a decorative bow. The end result is about 6–8 inches tall, making it perfect as a gift for children, a nursery decoration, or simply a fun keepsake for yourself.
What makes this lamb pattern great for beginners is its simplicity: most pieces are worked flat and sewn together, with easy stitches like knit and purl forming the basis of the design. You’ll also get to practice simple shaping techniques such as increases and decreases, which will expand your knitting skills without overwhelming you.
With a little patience, you’ll have a charming handmade lamb to treasure for years.
Materials You’ll Need
To knit this lamb, gather the following supplies:
Yarn
- Main body color: Light cream, ivory, or pale mint (DK or worsted weight yarn, soft acrylic or cotton blend recommended).
- Face and hooves: Light brown or chocolate brown yarn (DK or worsted weight).
- Overalls: Soft pastel pink yarn (DK or worsted weight).
- Bow accessory: White or pink yarn scraps.
- Details (nose/mouth/eyes): Small amount of dark brown or black embroidery floss/yarn.
Needles & Tools
- Knitting needles: Size 3.5 mm (US size 4) straight needles (or use circulars if you prefer knitting flat).
- Tapestry/darning needle for sewing seams and embroidery.
- Scissors.
- Toy stuffing (polyester fiberfill).
- 2 small buttons for the straps of the overalls (optional but adds cuteness).
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful).
Abbreviations & Techniques
Here’s a quick guide to the abbreviations used in this pattern:
- K = Knit
- P = Purl
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- M1 = Make 1 stitch (increase)
- Inc = Increase (knit into front and back of stitch)
- Dec = Decrease (K2tog or P2tog as directed)
- Rep = Repeat
- RS/WS = Right Side / Wrong Side
Techniques used:
- Casting on (long-tail or your preferred method).
- Basic knit and purl stitches.
- Simple increases (M1, Inc).
- Simple decreases (K2tog).
- Sewing seams with mattress stitch.
- Embroidery for face details.
Pattern Instructions
We’ll knit the lamb in sections: head, body, legs, arms, ears, and overalls. Finally, we’ll add details like the bow and buttons.
Head (in body color)
- Cast on 18 sts in body color.
- Row 1–4: Work in stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS).
- Row 5 (Inc row): K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1 → 20 sts.
- Continue in stockinette for 6 rows.
- Row 12 (Inc row): K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1 → 22 sts.
- Work even in stockinette for 8 rows.
- Row 21 (Dec row): K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1 → 20 sts.
- Row 22–24: Continue stockinette.
- Row 25 (Dec row): K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1 → 18 sts.
- Work 2 rows more, then cast off leaving a long tail.
👉 This forms a rounded head piece. Make 2 pieces, then sew later.
Body (in body color)
- Cast on 16 sts.
- Work in stockinette for 10 rows.
- Row 11 (Inc row): K1, M1, K to last st, M1, K1 → 18 sts.
- Continue in stockinette for 12 rows.
- Row 23 (Dec row): K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1 → 16 sts.
- Work 2 rows and cast off.
Make 2 pieces.
Legs (make 2, in hoof color first, then body color)
- With brown yarn, cast on 10 sts.
- Work 6 rows in stockinette.
- Switch to body color yarn and continue for 12 rows.
- Cast off.
Arms (make 2)
- With body color, cast on 8 sts.
- Work 10 rows in stockinette.
- Cast off.
Ears (make 2)
- Cast on 6 sts in body color.
- Knit 4 rows.
- Next row: K2tog, K2, K2tog → 4 sts.
- Next row: Knit.
- Final row: K2tog twice → 2 sts. Cast off.
Overalls (worked flat)
Front piece:
- With pink yarn, cast on 16 sts.
- Work in stockinette for 12 rows.
- Shape bib: Cast off 5 sts at start of next 2 rows → 6 sts remain.
- Work 6 more rows on these 6 sts. Cast off.
Back piece:
Same as front, but knit 14 rows before bib.
Straps (make 2):
- Cast on 4 sts in pink.
- Knit 12 rows. Cast off.
Bow (optional accessory)
- With white/pink yarn, cast on 10 sts.
- Knit 4 rows in garter stitch.
- Cast off.
- Pinch middle and wrap with yarn to form bow shape.
Assembly & Finishing
- Head: Sew head pieces together, leaving an opening. Stuff firmly with toy stuffing, then close.
- Body: Sew body pieces, stuff, and attach to head.
- Legs: Sew each leg, stuff lightly, and attach to body bottom.
- Arms: Sew and stuff arms, attach at sides.
- Ears: Sew to top sides of head.
- Overalls: Sew side seams of overalls, fit onto body, sew straps in place. Attach buttons.
- Face embroidery: With dark brown yarn, embroider two small eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
- Bow: Attach bow to head or overalls strap.
📌Thank you for reading the article.
Tips, Variations, and Styling Ideas
- Color changes: Try pastel blue or yellow for the overalls, or even denim-colored yarn for a classic look.
- Embellishments: Add tiny felt flowers, miniature pockets, or small crochet appliqués to the outfit.
- Size changes: Use chunkier yarn and larger needles for a bigger lamb, or finer yarn for a mini version.
- Safety tip: If making for a baby, skip the buttons and embroider straps instead to avoid choking hazards.
- Gift idea: Pair this lamb with a small knitted blanket for a beautiful baby shower present.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A sweet little knitted lamb in overalls, perfect for gifting or keeping. This project introduces essential skills—knit, purl, shaping, seaming—while giving you a finished toy full of personality.
Knitting toys may feel intimidating at first, but once you see your lamb come together piece by piece, you’ll fall in love with the process.
Happy knitting, and may your lamb bring joy to anyone who receives it!