Introduction

Cambridge Don Sheep—a scholarly knit sheep in a tweedy oat cardigan with elbow patches, oxford-blue trousers, brown oxford shoes, mortarboard cap with tassel, round spectacles, crossbody satchel, and a tiny tea cup with biscuit plus a rolled thesis scroll. Everything below is brand-new and written to match the photo exactly.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

---

Materials & Gauge

• Yarn (Sport or light DK, smooth, non-fuzzy unless noted):
  1. A. Sheep fleece/skin (cream): ~55 g
  2. B. Tweed-oat cardigan & satchel strap (oat heather): ~40 g
  3. C. Elbow patches & satchel body (rusty brown): ~15 g
  4. D. Trousers (oxford blue): ~30 g
  5. E. Shoes (chocolate brown) + shoe soles & cup saucer (warm beige): ~25 g
  6. F. Mortarboard cap (charcoal/navy-black): ~15 g
  7. G. Shirt collar peeking under cardigan (pale blue): ~6 g
  8. H. Tassel & biscuit (gold): ~6 g
  9. I. Tea (tan) & nose/mouth line (dark brown/black): scraps
  10. J. Chalkboard sign frame & text (optional; wood + white): scraps
• Needles: 2.75 mm (US 2) circular for magic loop or DPNs; optional 3.0 mm (US 2.5) for garments if you knit tight.
• Notions: 6 mm black safety eyes (or embroider), tapestry needle, fiberfill, stitch markers, 1 small flat button (cardigan), thin card for mortarboard square and satchel base (optional).
• Gauge (in the round, stockinette): ~30 sts × 42 rnds = 10 cm / 4″. Knit firmly so stuffing does not show.
• Finished Height: ~21–22 cm (8¼–8¾″).

---

Abbreviations

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• rnd(s) – round(s)
• CO / BO – cast on / bind off
• pm / sm – place marker / slip marker
• kfb – knit front & back (inc)
• k2tog / ssk – right-leaning / left-leaning dec
• inc / dec – increase / decrease
• RS / WS – right side / wrong side
• yo – yarn over
• skp – slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped st over
• tbl – through back loop
• i-cord – knit all sts on a short needle, slide to other end, pull yarn across, repeat (forms a cord)

---

Build Order

Body & head (one piece, bottom-up) → arms, ears, tail (sew on) → clothing (trousers, cardigan with collar) → shoes → mortarboard & tassel → spectacles i-cord → satchel → accessories (tea cup & biscuit, thesis scroll, optional chalkboard).

---

The Sheep: Legs, Body & Head

Legs (make 2, Yarn A)

CO 10 sts, join in the round; pm.
Rnds 1–3: k.
Rnd 4: k1, kfb ×5 → 15 sts.
Rnds 5–12: k.
Rnd 13: k3, (kfb, k2) ×3, kfb, k1 → 20 sts.
Rnds 14–18: k.
Rnd 19: k2tog, k3, (k2tog, k1) ×3, k2tog, k1 → 15 sts.
Rnd 20: k; stuff lightly. Leave on holders.

Join for Hips & Lower Torso (Yarn A)

From Leg 1, CO 3 sts (front bridge), knit across Leg 2, CO 3 sts (back bridge), knit around Leg 1 → 36 sts. Place side markers at bridge centers.
Rnds 1–4: k.
Rnd 5: at front marker k2tog; at back marker ssk → 34 sts.
Rnd 6: k.
Rnd 7: repeat the paired decs → 32 sts.
Rnds 8–12: k; start firm stuffing in legs and hips.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Upper Body to Neck (Yarn A)

Rnd 1: (k7, kfb) ×4 → 36.
Rnd 2: k.
Rnd 3: (k5, kfb) ×6 → 42.
Rnds 4–8: k; shape a soft belly.
Rnd 9: (k5, k2tog) ×6 → 36.
Rnds 10–12: k.
Rnd 13: k4, (k2tog, k4) ×5 → 30.
Rnd 14: k.
Rnd 15: (k3, k2tog) ×6 → 24.
Rnd 16: k.
Rnd 17: (k2, k2tog) ×6 → 18.
Insert a rolled scrap or cotton bud as neck stay; stuff firmly up to neck line.

Head (continue in Yarn A)

Rnd 1: (k1, kfb) ×9 → 27.
Rnd 2: k.
Rnd 3: (k2, kfb) ×9 → 36.
Rnd 4: k.
Rnd 5: (k3, kfb) ×9 → 45.
Rnds 6–9: k even (smooth sides).
Cheek rise:
Rnd 10: k15, kfb ×6, k24 → 51.
Rnd 11: k.
Rnd 12: k15, (k1, kfb) ×6, k24 → 57.
Rnds 13–14: k; place safety eyes ~10–11 sts apart, roughly 7–8 rnds above neck join and just above cheek rise.
Begin stuffing head—firm and even.
Rnd 15: (k2, k2tog) ×14, k1 → 43.
Rnd 16: (k1, k2tog) ×14, k1 → 29.
Rnd 17: k2tog around to 15 sts.
Rnd 18: k2tog ×7, k1; break yarn, draw through remaining, and cinch.

Ears (make 2, Yarn A; worked flat)

CO 10 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k.
Row 2: kfb, k8, kfb → 12.
Rows 3–6: k.
Rows 7–14: (RS) k2tog, k to last 2, ssk; repeat to 4 sts.
Row 15: k2tog, ssk; BO, leave long tails.
Block mildly; sew to sides of head at cap line, slightly angled outward.

Arms (make 2, Yarn A; in the round)

CO 8 sts.
Rnds 1–3: k.
Rnd 4: k1, kfb ×4 → 12.
Rnds 5–12: k.
Rnd 13: (k2, k2tog) ×3 → 9.
Stuff lightly, leaving top 1 cm unstuffed; BO and sew where torso narrows to shoulders.

Tail (Yarn A)

CO 6 sts; k i-cord for 2.5–3 cm; BO, stitch to center-back low position with slight upward tilt.

Facial Embroidery

With dark brown/black (I), satin-stitch a tiny triangle nose; add a soft “U” for mouth. Keep expression mild and friendly.

---

Trousers (Oxford Blue, Yarn D)

Work in the round to create tidy cuffs and a tailored seat.

Legs (make 2): CO 32 sts; join.
Rnds 1–3: k for a soft rolled cuff.
Rnds 4–12: k. Hold Leg 1; repeat for Leg 2.

Join: CO 4 sts between legs front and 4 sts between legs back; knit around both legs → 68 sts.
Rnds 1–8: k.
Rnd 9: (k6, k2tog) ×8, k4 → 60 sts.
Rnds 10–16: k.
Waistband: k1, p1 rib 6 rnds; BO.
Turn cuffs up one ridge to match photo. Optional: with pale blue, duplicate-stitch a tiny faux fly line.

---

Oxford Shoes (Chocolate Brown, Yarn E; make 2)

Soles (warm beige edge):
CO 6 sts.
Row 1: k.
Row 2: kfb, k4, kfb → 8.
Row 3: k.
Row 4: kfb, k6, kfb → 10.
Row 5: k.
Row 6: kfb, k8, kfb → 12.
Rows 7–10: k.
Row 11: k2tog, k8, ssk → 10.
Row 12: k.
Row 13: k2tog, k6, ssk → 8.
Row 14: BO.
Pick up around the sole in warm beige and work 2 garter rnds (k one rnd, p one rnd) for the welt.

Upper: Switch to chocolate brown. Pick up ~30 sts evenly around.
Rnds 1–3: k.
Rnd 4 (toe darts): k6, ssk, k4, k2tog, k6, ssk, k4, k2tog (balance to 26–28 sts).
Rnds 5–6: k.
BO across heel section; keep ~14 front sts live to make a short tongue (k 3 rows, BO).
Laces: Two i-cords (3 sts × 9–10 cm). Eyelets are implied gaps; sew laces crossing neatly and tie small bows.

---

Cardigan with Elbow Patches (Oat Heather, Yarn B)

Body (worked flat, bottom-up):
CO 66 sts.
Rows 1–6: k1, p1 rib.
Rows 7–28: stockinette with k1 selvedge each edge.
Divide for fronts/back:

• Left Front 16 sts, Back 34 sts, Right Front 16 sts.

Back:
Work straight to 10.5 cm from hem. BO shoulders 4 sts each side; leave center 26 sts on hold for neck.

Right Front (button side):
Row 1 (RS): work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (neck shaping).
WS rows: p to end keeping selvedge knit.
Repeat RS neck dec 6× total and work to same height as back. BO shoulder 4 sts; leave 9–10 sts along neckline on hold.

Left Front: mirror shaping with ssk at neckline. BO shoulder 4 sts; leave 9–10 sts on hold.

Join shoulders with 3-needle BO.

Front bands & V-neck:
With B, pick up evenly along right front edge, around back neck (join held sts), and down left edge (~90–96 sts total).
Row 1 (WS): p.
Rows 2–5: k1, p1 rib; at the V point on RS rows, work centered double dec (ssk, k1, k2tog) once to create a sharp V.
Add one buttonhole on Right Front band (yo, k2tog in rib) about 1.5 cm below V. BO in rib.

Elbow patches (C, pair):
CO 10 sts; work stockinette 8 rows; dec each end every RS row to 6 sts; BO.
Sew ovals centered on sleeves’ outer sides (measure from cuff line to elbow, approx mid-arm).

Shirt collar peek (G):
Pick up 20–22 sts inside the cardigan neckline at the back and around fronts; work 3 rows stockinette then 1 row garter and BO to create a soft rolled shirt collar peeking out.

Sleeves (picked up in armholes):
Pick up 36 sts around each armhole; k 8 rnds straight; finish with k1, p1 rib 3 rnds; BO. The sleeve should end at wrist level with a tidy cuff.

Button: Knit a tiny coin (CO 8, k 2 rows, BO; coil) or sew a flat wooden button; place opposite the buttonhole.

---

Mortarboard Cap with Tassel (F + H)

Beanie base (F):
CO 54 sts; join.
Rnds 1–6: k1, p1 rib.
Rnds 7–14: k.
Rnds 15–20: dec crown (k7, k2tog) ×6 → 48; next rnd (k6, k2tog) ×6 → 42; then (k5, k2tog) ×6 → 36; (k4, k2tog) ×6 → 30; (k3, k2tog) ×6 → 24.
Next: (k2, k2tog) ×6 → 18; (k1, k2tog) ×6 → 12; k2tog ×6 → 6. Draw closed.

Square board (F; worked flat):
CO 24 sts.
Work stockinette for 24 rows with a 1-st garter selvedge each side to minimize curl. BO.
Cut a thin card square slightly smaller; whipstitch square onto the beanie crown, card inside, so edges are crisp.

Tassel (H):
Wrap H around two fingers ~20 times; tie at top; cut bottom to form tassel; make a 3-st i-cord 3–4 cm as cord; attach to center-top with a small knit button “cap”.

---

Spectacles (Round Frames)

Using dark brown or charcoal i-cord (3 sts), knit 6–7 cm; join ends into a circle (first lens). Knit another 6–7 cm; join (second lens). Bridge: CO 3 sts, k 4 rows; sew between lenses. Temples: 3-st i-cords 2.5–3 cm each; tack behind ears or into cap band.

---

Satchel (C body, B strap)

Body (boxy flap bag):
CO 18 sts in C; knit 4 rows garter (flap).
Switch to stockinette 14 rows (bag body front).
Pick up along sides and bottom to form a slip-stitch-edged gusset, or knit a separate gusset strip (CO 6, k 32 rows) and sew around three sides to create a pouch.
Insert a thin card rectangle in the base for structure if desired.

Strap: 3-st i-cord in B, 22–24 cm; attach to side seams so bag hangs crossbody from right shoulder to left hip.
Closure: Knit a tiny loop (i-cord 2 cm) inside flap; add a knit button dot to pouch front.

---

Tea Cup & Biscuit (E/H/I)

Saucer (E, flat):
CO 6 sts, join.
Rnd 1: kfb ×6 → 12.
Rnd 2: k1, kfb ×6 → 18.
Rnd 3: k2, kfb ×6 → 24.
Rnd 4: k3, kfb ×6 → 30.
Rnd 5: k.
Rnd 6 (rim): garter 2 rnds; BO.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

Cup (E):
CO 18 sts; join.
Rnds 1–5: k;
Rnd 6: (k2, kfb) ×6 → 24.
Rnds 7–9: k.
Rnd 10: (k2, k2tog) ×6 → 18.
Rnd 11: k; BO leaving long tail. Stuff lightly; sew to saucer.
Tea surface: With I (tan), duplicate-stitch a neat oval inside rim.

Handle: 3-st i-cord 2.2 cm; form a C-shape and sew to side.

Biscuit (H):
CO 8 sts; k 6 rows; BO. Roll into a small oval and stitch to saucer edge.

---

Thesis Scroll

With warm beige or cream, CO 16 sts; work stockinette 10 rows; BO. Roll tightly; tie with a short red i-cord (2–3 cm).

---

Optional “Office Hours” Chalkboard

Knit a tiny rectangle in dark charcoal garter stitch; frame it with wood-colored i-cord. Duplicate-stitch text in white: “OFFICE HOURS”. Prop on a miniature easel (knit three i-cord legs).

---

Assembly & Dressing

Block & Prep

• Steam cardigan bands, sleeve cuffs, and trouser cuffs to shape.
• Flatten mortarboard square and allow to dry with light books on top if needed.
• Weave all ends neatly to inside.

Attach Parts

1. Ears high on head, slightly outward.
2. Arms at shoulder taper.
3. Tail centered low back.
4. Face embroidery and safety eyes—check symmetry from front and side.

Dress the Scholar

• Pull on trousers; turn cuffs once.
• Put on cardigan over the body; ensure shirt collar shows. Fasten the single button near the tummy line.
• Add shoes and tie laces.
• Place mortarboard square level; tassel falls to right side.
• Fit spectacles so lenses center over eyes; secure tiny tacks behind ears if needed.
• Sling satchel crossbody (right shoulder → left hip).
• Pose with tea cup + biscuit to the right and scroll in the left hand.

---

Troubleshooting (Photo-Accurate Match)

• Head too tall/skinny: Add 2 plain rounds before cheek rise; stuff lower head more firmly.
• Cardigan too tight to close: Work body rows on 3.0 mm or add 4 stitches to cast-on; keep band rib snug.
• Trousers slipping: Thread a 3-st i-cord inside waistband as a drawstring.
• Shoes loose: Reduce upper pick-up by 2 sts or add one extra toe decrease.
• Mortarboard floppy: Use the thin card insert; if needed, add a second knit square and sandwich.
• Glasses wander: Tack the bridge to the muzzle with one invisible stitch or seat under cap band.