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black sheep sweater

Can You Knit Princess Diana’s Black Sheep Sweater? Pattern and Options

You may be able to knit a version of Diana’s famous black sheep sweater, but confirm that the pattern is authorized and check its specifications before buying materials.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
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Yes, you can make a version of Princess Diana’s famous black sheep sweater if you can get a current, authorized knitting pattern. Search results associate a pattern with the original designers, Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, but its current availability and technical details have not been verified here. Don’t buy yarn or needles on the assumption that an old pattern reference or a finished commercial reissue supplies those specifications.

What made the sweater famous?

Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne designed the red sheep sweater for Warm & Wonderful. Its rows of white sheep included one black sheep. Diana wore it to a polo match in June 1981, a month before her wedding, drawing attention to the label. Sotheby’s recounts the sweater’s story.

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Diana’s original sweater was damaged, so the designers sent her a replacement, which she wore in 1983. The original was later rediscovered in the designers’ attic and sold at Sotheby’s in 2023. Sotheby’s estimated it at $50,000–$80,000; it sold for $1.14 million, according to the Associated Press’s 2023 report. That auction result reflects a historic garment and is not a guide to the cost of knitting a copy.

Can you get a knitting pattern?

Pattern references link a “Diana Black Sheep Sweater” to Muir and Osborne, but a current authorized listing and the pattern’s specifications have not been established. In particular, there is no verified gauge, size range, construction method, yarn weight, yardage, or needle recommendation to rely on here.

#1 Best Overall
Lady Princess Diana Sweater for Women - Princess Diana Black Sheep Sweater
  • ICONIC PRINCESS DIANA STYLE: Recreate the timeless and bold look of Lady Diana Spencer with this inspired red Black Sheep sweater, a faithful homage to the design she famously wore in the 1980s.
  • PREMIUM COMFORT & MATERIAL: Our Black Sheep Red Sweater is crafted from soft, cozy wool knitted material, this pullover ensures superior warmth and comfort, perfect for casual wear, themed events, or statement fashion.
  • CLASSIC DESIGN DETAILS: Lady Diana Red Sweater features a traditional pullover closure with a comfortable round neck collar and finished with durable, rib-knitted cuffs for a secure and stylish fit.
  • VIBRANT COLOR: The striking red color serves as the perfect backdrop for the repeating black sheep pattern, making this a standout piece in any wardrobe.
  • VERSATILE & NOSTALGIC: A must-have item for fans of the Royal Family, vintage 80s fashion enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique, conversation-starting garment that blends nostalgia with modern comfort.

Before starting, look for a current pattern listing from the designers or the rights holder. Confirm that it is authorized and check its version or publication date, sizes, gauge, yarn requirements, and needle recommendations. An archived file or forum post may point you toward a pattern, but does not by itself establish that it is currently authorized or provide dependable project specifications.

What should you buy before you start?

Wait until you have the authorized pattern before choosing yarn or needles. The pattern’s fiber, weight, gauge, and yardage determine whether a material is suitable; without those details, a specific yarn, quantity, or needle size would be guesswork. A photo of the sweater can help you understand its look, but it cannot tell you the measurements or materials needed to reproduce it.

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Rank #2
Black Sheep Sweater Diana
  • ☚ Please check our size chart in images
  • ★ Soft Fabric: premium knitted material
  • ★ 100% Screen Accurate
  • ★ Women's Black Sheep Sweater ensures a comfortable feel against your skin.
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Should you knit it or buy a finished reissue?

Warm & Wonderful and Rowing Blazers have released finished versions of the sweater. Rowing Blazers describes a cotton Diana Edition with a lighter gauge and adjusted fit than earlier versions; its sheep are cream rather than bright white, and the design adds embroidered eyes. These details describe that finished edition, not a knitting pattern or the verified construction of Diana’s original sweater. See Rowing Blazers’ product information for the reissue details.

If you want… What to do What to keep in mind
To knit your own Find and verify a current authorized pattern from the designers or rights holder. Do not assume the reissue’s fiber, fit, or construction matches the pattern or original.
A finished sweater Check the current Warm & Wonderful or Rowing Blazers product information. Confirm current availability, sizing, and product details before ordering.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why the black sheep still matters

The sweater became a lasting image of Diana’s style, but its designers have also described a personal connection to the design. The Associated Press attributed this statement to them: “while we are forever indebted to (Diana) for the impact this had on our business, our deepest appreciation lies in the knowledge that she shared a unique connection to the black sheep design.”

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Black Sheep Sweater Diana
Black Sheep Sweater Diana
☚ Please check our size chart in images; ★ Soft Fabric: premium knitted material; ★ 100% Screen Accurate
$84.00
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Black Sheep Sweater Diana
Black Sheep Sweater Diana
☚ Please check our size chart in images; ★ Soft Fabric: premium knitted material; ★ 100% Screen Accurate
$84.00
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Black Sheep Sweater Diana
Black Sheep Sweater Diana
☚ Please check our size chart in images; ★ Soft Fabric: premium knitted material; ★ 100% Screen Accurate
$84.00
Bestseller No. 5
Black Sheep Red Sweater
Black Sheep Red Sweater
☚ Please check our size chart in images - princess diana sweater black sheep red; ★ Soft Fabric: premium knitted material - black sheep red sweater
$84.00
Best Value
Black Sheep Red Sweater
  • ☚ Please check our size chart in images - princess diana sweater black sheep red
  • ★ Soft Fabric: premium knitted material - black sheep red sweater
  • ★ 100% Screen Accurate - princess diana black sheep red sweater - women's cardigan sweaters
  • ★ Women's Black Sheep Sweater ensures a comfortable feel against your skin.
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Rank #4
Black Sheep Sweater Diana
  • ☚ Please check our size chart in images
  • ★ Soft Fabric: premium knitted material
  • ★ 100% Screen Accurate
  • ★ Women's Black Sheep Sweater ensures a comfortable feel against your skin.
  • ★ We appriciate to write a review for our product
Rank #3
Black Sheep Sweater Diana
  • ☚ Please check our size chart in images
  • ★ Soft Fabric: premium knitted material
  • ★ 100% Screen Accurate
  • ★ Women's Black Sheep Sweater ensures a comfortable feel against your skin.
  • ★ We appriciate to write a review for our product

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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