Introduction
Bring to life the Bookshop Window Sheep—a cozy indie–bookstore mascot in a sage pleated midi skirt, a cropped cream cardigan layered over a white tee, honey-brown oxford shoes, a tiny forest-green beret, and a crossbody open-book handbag that really “opens.”
Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.
Form & Proportion Analysis
- Finished height: ~10 in (25 cm) with DK cotton + 2.5 mm hook.
- Head: Round–oval (slightly wider at cheek band); eyes sit low and wide between head Rnds 13–14, ~8 stitches apart. Small oval muzzle in soft cream; tiny smile.
- Ears: Short, rounded ovals attached high and slightly outward; inner ear in lighter shade.
- Body: Compact cylinder with a natural waist near Body Rnd 12 (so cardigan hem sits just above skirt waistband).
- Arms: Slim tubes; lightly stuffed at hands only so sleeves drape.
- Legs/Feet: Straight legs into oxford shoes; flat soles for stable standing when supported.
- Tail: Short poof (ring of puff/bobble sts).
- Outfit specifics:
- Tee: White, fitted, simple crew neck.
- Cardigan: Cropped, cream; 3 amber “buttons” (crochet bumps); ribbed hem and cuffs.
- Skirt: Sage pleated midi—waistband ring, then controlled increases + pleat ridges using BLO + surface lines.
- Shoes: Honey-brown oxfords with a subtle saddle and sole line.
- Beret: Forest green, low crown with gentle brim roll.
- Bag: Crossbody open book; cover with spine, cream “pages,” elastic-style loop closure.
Stitch density is tight (~8 sc per 1 in / 2.5 cm). Arms angle slightly forward so the strap falls naturally; beret sits behind ear bases so ears show.
Materials
- DK-weight 100% cotton yarn in:
- C1 Sheep white (head, body, limbs)
- C1b Cream (muzzle, inner ears, tee, cardigan, page edges)
- C2 Warm gray or oatmeal (face outline/optional wool muzzle blend)
- C3 Sage (skirt)
- C4 Honey-brown (oxfords + sole line)
- C5 Forest green (beret)
- C6 Dark camel / tan (book cover + strap)
- C7 Amber / butterscotch (cardigan buttons)
- C8 Cocoa/dark brown (nose/mouth embroidery)
- Hooks: 2.5 mm for amigurumi; optional 3.0 mm for skirt hem and cardigan ribbing.
- 8 mm safety eyes (or crochet circles in black).
- Stuffing, tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR – magic ring
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- dec – invisible decrease
- sl st – slip stitch
- ch – chain
- hdc / dc / tr – half double / double / treble crochet
- BLO / FLO – back loop only / front loop only
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- Rnd / Row – round / row
- rep – repeat
- RS – right side
- PIC – picot (ch 2, sl st in same st)
- MOSS (linen stitch) – (sc, ch 1, sk next st) around; on next rnd work sc into each ch-1 space with ch-1 after each sc.
Gauge & Notes
- Aim for ~8 sc × 9 rnds ≈ 1 in (2.5 cm) with 2.5 mm hook; adjust hook if fabric is too loose.
- Work in continuous spirals unless told to join.
- Stuff firmly but smoothly; shape cheeks and shoe toes with light steam and a pinch.
The Sheep (Body Pieces)
Head (C1)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc)×6 [42]
Rnds 8–18: sc around [42]
— Place eyes between Rnds 13–14, 8 sts apart.
Rnd 19: (5 sc, dec)×6 [36]
Rnd 20: sc around [36]
Rnd 21: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 22: (3 sc, dec)×6 [24] — begin stuffing
Rnd 23: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18]
Rnd 24: (sc, dec)×6 [12]
Rnd 25: sc around [12]; fasten, long tail for closing.
📌Thank you for reading the article.
Muzzle (C1b)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: sc around [18]; sl st to finish. Stuff lightly; sew centered 2 rnds below eyes. With C8, embroider a tiny triangle nose, short vertical line, and gentle smile.
Ears (make 2; C1 outer, C1b inner line)
Rnd 1: MR, 4 sc [4]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×2 [6]
Rnd 3: (2 sc, inc)×2 [8]
Rnd 4: (3 sc, inc)×2 [10]
Rnds 5–6: sc around [10]; fasten. Flatten to rounded ovals. Surface-stitch a small inner oval with C1b. Sew high on head, angled slightly out.
Optional woolly cheek texture
Randomly surface-sl st tiny spirals in C1 around the cheek band for a fleece hint (keep subtle).
Body (C1)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnds 6–8: sc around [30]
Rnd 9: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnd 10: sc around [36]
Rnd 11: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 12: (3 sc, dec)×6 [24] — natural waist
Rnd 13: sc around [24]
Rnd 14: (2 sc, dec)×6 [18] — stuff firmly
Rnd 15: (sc, dec)×6 [12]
Rnd 16: dec around [6]; close. Sew head to body securely.
Arms (make 2, C1)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, inc)×3 [9]
Rnds 3–11: sc around [9]
Rnd 12: (2 sc, dec)×2, sc 1 [7]
Lightly stuff the hand only. Flatten and sew slightly forward under the shoulder line.
Legs & Oxford Shoes (make 2)
Soles (C4)
Rnd 1: ch 6; sc in 2nd ch, sc 3, 3 sc in last; rotate, sc 3, inc in last [12]
Rnd 2: inc, sc 3, inc×3, sc 3, inc×2 [18]
Rnd 3: BLO sc around [18]
Uppers (C4)
Rnd 4–5: sc around [18]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, dec)×3 [15]
Rnd 7: (3 sc, dec)×3 [12] — rounded toe.
Saddle & laces: with C4 or a darker strand, surface-stitch a small saddle across instep; embroider two short bar “laces.”
Sole line: surface sl st one neat ring along the Rnd-3 ridge.
Leg Tube (C1)
Rnd 8: switch to C1; sc around [12]
Rnds 9–12: sc around [12]
Rnd 13: (sc, dec)×4 [8]
Rnds 14–16: sc around [8]; fasten long tails.
Stuff and sew legs parallel so both soles are level.
Tail (C1, C1b)
Rnd 1: MR with C1, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: (sc, BOBBLE in next st)×3 using C1b for the bobbles; sl st and fasten. Sew low back center.
Clothing & Accessories
White Fitted Tee (C1b)
Rnd 1: ch 56, join to ring [56]
Rnd 2: sc around [56]
Rnd 3: (sc 6, inc)×8 [64]
Rnd 4: sc around [64]
Rnd 5 (divide sleeves): sc 9, ch 4, sk 12, sc 22, ch 4, sk 12, sc 9 [48 incl. chains]
Rnd 6: sc around, working 2 sc into each ch-4 to close underarm [56]
Rnds 7–8: sc around [56]
Rnd 9 (hem): FLO sc around for a subtle ridge; sl st and fasten.
Sleeves (each)
Pick up 22 sc evenly around the armhole.
Rnd 1: sc around [22]
Rnd 2: (sc 5, dec)×3 + sc 1 [19]
Rnd 3: sc around; sl st and fasten.
Cropped Cream Cardigan (C1b; optional 3.0 mm for ribbing)
Body in rows (open front)
Row 1: ch 57; sc in 2nd ch and across [56]
Row 2: ch 1, turn; sc across [56]
Row 3: (sc 6, inc)×8 [64]
Row 4: sc across [64]
Row 5 (divide sleeves): sc 9, ch 4, sk 12, sc 22, ch 4, sk 12, sc 9 [48 + chains]
Row 6: sc across, working 2 sc into each ch-4 (adds 8) [56]
Row 7: sc across [56]
Row 8 (crop hem): FLO hdc across for a soft rib edge; fasten.
Front bands
Join at lower right front; Row 1: sc up the edge, around neck, and down the other front. Row 2: sc again; fasten.
Sleeves (worked in the round from armholes)
Pick up 22 sc evenly.
Rnd 1–2: sc around [22]
Rnd 3 (cuff): FLO hdc around; sl st and fasten.
Buttons (3, C7)
For each: MR, 5 sc; pull tight. Sew evenly spaced on right front; add tiny loops on opposite band (ch 6, sl st back) as closures.
Sage Pleated Midi Skirt (C3)
Waistband
Rnd 1: ch 72, join to ring [72]
Rnd 2: sc around [72]
Rnd 3: BLO sc around (inner fold ridge) [72]
Skirt Expansion
Rnd 4: (sc 5, inc)×12 [84]
Rnd 5: sc around [84]
Rnd 6: (sc 6, inc)×12 [96]
Rnd 7: sc around [96]
Rnd 8: (sc 7, inc)×12 [108]
Rnd 9: sc around [108]
Rnd 10: BLO sc around (first pleat fold) [108]
Rnd 11–12: sc around [108]
Rnd 13: BLO sc around (second pleat fold) [108]
Rnd 14–16: sc around [108]
Rnd 17 (hem): with 3.0 mm hook, sl st around loosely for a soft drape; fasten.
Pleat Definition
With C3, surface sl st straight lines from waistband to hem every 9 sts (12 pleats). Finger-press folds toward one direction.
Forest Beret (C5)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc [6]
Rnd 2: inc around [12]
Rnd 3: (sc, inc)×6 [18]
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc)×6 [24]
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc)×6 [30]
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc)×6 [36]
Rnd 7: sc around [36]
Rnd 8: (4 sc, dec)×6 [30]
Rnd 9 (headband): BLO sc around [30]
Rnd 10: sc around; sl st and fasten.
Sit the beret slightly back; tack at two points if needed.
📌Thank you for reading the article.
Honey-Brown Oxfords (Finishing)
If the opening is loose, add one extra sc round at shoe collar in C4. Keep the saddle and lace bars visible; pinch toe while warm.
Open-Book Crossbody Bag (C6 cover, C1b pages)
Book Cover (worked as one long piece)
Row 1: ch 24; sc in 2nd ch and across [23]
Rows 2–18: sc across [23] (rectangle; height ≈ width×0.8)
Row 19 (spine ridge): BLO sc across.
Rows 20–36: sc across [23]; fasten. Fold at Row 19 to create a front and back cover with a distinct spine.
Pages Block
Row 1: with C1b, ch 22; sc in 2nd ch and across [21]
Rows 2–16: sc across [21]; fasten leaving a long tail.
Whipstitch the page block to the inside of the cover along the spine and bottom; leave the top slightly open at the front edge for a pocket effect.
Closure Loop
Ch 12 in C6; sl st back; sew to front cover edge.
Add a small “stud” (MR, 5 sc) to the back cover to catch the loop.
Strap
Ch 90 with C6; sl st back for a firm cord; sew to the top of the spine and front cover so the bag hangs right shoulder → left hip.
Label on Spine (optional)
Using a split strand in a contrast color, embroider a tiny title line—e.g., “Read.”
Assembly & Dressing
Order of Operations
- Dress sheep with the tee first.
- Pull on the pleated skirt; align pleats and waistband at natural waist.
- Put on the cardigan; button the three amber bumps.
- Attach arms (if you waited) angled slightly forward.
- Put on oxfords; ensure soles are parallel.
- Seat the beret behind ear bases; tack lightly.
- Hang the open-book bag crossbody; let the loop catch the back stud.
Embroidery & Finishing Touches
- Eye highlights: add a micro stitch of white at the upper outer corner of each eye.
- Blush (optional): duplicate stitch two pale pink dots per cheek with a split strand.
- Cardigan texture: lightly steam the rib hem and cuffs to set.
- Skirt pleats: hover steam and pinch along each surface line; don’t flatten.
Troubleshooting
- Head wobble: Crochet a short neck peg (6 sc around × 4–5 rnds) between head and body before sewing.
- Underarm tightness (tee/cardigan): use ch-5 instead of ch-4 on divide round; on next round, add 2 extra sts under each arm.
- Skirt too roomy/snug: adjust waistband foundation by ±4 ch (keep multiples of 12); maintain pleat spacing every 9 sts.
- Beret covers ears: remove last increase round (stop at 30–33 sts) or finish with a snug sl-st band.
- Shoes slipping: add an extra round at the opening or tack the shoe to the leg invisibly.
- Bag sags: line inside cover with a second layer of single crochet or block lightly.
Quick Reference (Counts at a Glance)
- Head: max 42; eyes at R13–14, 8 sts apart; close at 12.
- Muzzle: to 18 sts; shallow; sewn 2 rnds below eyes.
- Ears: to 10 sts; flattened ovals.
- Body: max 36 → waist 24 → close at 6.
- Arms: 9-st tubes → taper to 7.
- Legs/Shoes: sole 18; leg tube 12 → 8.
- Tail: small bobble ring.
- Tee: ring 56 → divide sleeves with ch-4 gaps; sleeves 22 → 19.
- Cardigan: base 56 → divide; cuffs/hem FLO rib; 3 button bumps.
- Skirt: waist 72 → flare 108; pleat ridges at R10 & R13; surface lines every 9 sts.
- Beret: crown to 36 → band 30.
- Book bag: cover 23 × 36 rows with BLO spine; pages 21 × 16 rows; strap ch-90.
