A crochet reindeer is one of the best holiday makes there is. It is small enough to finish in an evening or two, it makes a sweet gift, and kids love anything with a red nose. If you have made a few amigurumi before, you are more than ready for these.
Below you will find 11 free patterns, from chubby stuffed reindeer to a tiny keychain, a tree ornament, a Rudolph hat and even a bottle topper. Every pattern is free to read online or as a free download.
Crochet Reindeer Free Patterns
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What You’ll Need
- Brown and tan worsted or DK yarn
- Small crochet hook set (2 mm to 4 mm)
- Safety eyes, 6 mm to 12 mm
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Locking stitch markers
- Tapestry needles
- Small jingle bells or red pom-poms for noses
1. Rudolph Reindeer Christmas Ornament
Photo: Ana Figueiredo / Little Crochet Farm
This chubby little Rudolph has a round light brown body, dark antlers, a red nose and tiny colorful baubles. It is worked in single crochet with invisible decreases and a back post round for shaping. At about 4.3 inches tall, it is the perfect size to hang on the tree or tie onto a gift. The free version is on the blog, and an ad-free PDF is sold separately.
- Designer: Ana Figueiredo / Little Crochet Farm
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Sport weight cotton
- Hook: 1.75 mm or 2 mm
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Small Reindeer Keychain (No-Sew)
Photo: Ami Saigon
This is the mini version on the list. The body is worked with popcorn stitches for a bit of texture, and the little face sits on a lighter section, with brown antlers on top. Add a key ring and it becomes a stocking stuffer or a bag charm. It uses only basic stitches plus the popcorn, so it is a good first reindeer.
- Designer: Ami Saigon
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: see pattern (milk cotton suggested on Ravelry)
- Hook: 2.5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Amigurumi Reindeer with Scarf
Photo: @pinetkids (translated on Amigurum)
A beige reindeer worked with the head and body in one piece, finished with a white muzzle, red nose and a red scarf with white pom-poms. Pink cheeks and an embroidered snowflake make it extra sweet. It stands about 6.3 inches tall and uses single crochet with a few back loop rows. The design is credited to @pinetkids and translated by Amiguroom Toys.
- Designer: @pinetkids (translated on Amigurum)
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (cotton blend such as YarnArt Jeans)
- Hook: 1.9 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Ronald the Fat Little Reindeer
Photo: Anna Beckett / A Bunch of Buttons
Ronald is a round, happy little softie, and the name says it all. He is a crowd favorite with lots of finished projects on Ravelry and a high rating. Make him in DK yarn for a cozy shelf buddy or a gift for a toddler (just swap safety eyes for embroidery for little ones).
- Designer: Anna Beckett / A Bunch of Buttons
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Rudy the Reindeer
Photo: Tales of Twisted Fibers
Rudy is a small, quick reindeer made with only the basics: magic ring, single crochet, increases and decreases. At about 4.5 inches tall, he is great for a last-minute gift or a set of reindeer for the mantel. The pattern is a free PDF download from the blog.
- Designer: Tales of Twisted Fibers
- Skill level: see pattern (basic stitches only)
- Yarn: Fine yarn, close to sock weight
- Hook: 2.5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Reindeer Doll (Renna Amigurumi)
Photo: MaryJ Handmade / Le Arti di Minerva
This little reindeer doll wears a hat and has both big and little antlers, arms and legs. It stands around 4.3 inches tall. The pattern is written in Italian and English on the same page. The English part has a few small typos, so it suits someone who already knows amigurumi basics.
- Designer: MaryJ Handmade / Le Arti di Minerva
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: 2 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Christmas Reindeer with Bell Collar
Photo: Liz Ward / Amigurumi Barmy
A small reindeer with separate legs, brown antlers, felt eyes and a red felt collar with a gold bell. It was part of an advent calendar series, so it is quick to make. It is a lovely table decoration or a sweet ornament.
- Designer: Liz Ward / Amigurumi Barmy
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK
- Hook: 3.5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Lion Brand Amigurumi Reindeer
Photo: Lion Brand Yarn
A classic stuffed reindeer in worsted weight yarn that stands about 7 inches tall. Lion Brand rates it Easy, so it is a good pick if you want a slightly bigger toy without tiny parts. The pattern is a free download from the product page.
- Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Rudolph the Reindeer Hat
Photo: Sarah Zimmerman / Repeat Crafter Me
Not a stuffed toy, but too cute to skip. This half double crochet beanie has a beige snout that flips up and buttons with a red “nose,” plus crocheted ears and felt antlers. It comes in sizes from newborn to adult, so the whole family can match for holiday photos.
- Designer: Sarah Zimmerman / Repeat Crafter Me
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: see pattern (F and H listed)
- Price: Free written pattern (printable template on Scribd)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Fa-la-la-la Reindeer Bottle Top
A funny reindeer topper that slips over a bottle, made for hostess gifts and holiday parties. It is rated Easy and uses Red Heart Super Saver, so you can likely make it from your stash. The free PDF has the finished size and hook details.
- Designer: Red Heart / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (Red Heart Super Saver)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First amigurumi ever? Start with #2, the keychain. It is small and labeled beginner.
- Want tree ornaments? Make a few of #1 or #5. Both are around 4 inches tall.
- Want a big holiday centerpiece? Go with #8. It is over 10 inches tall when seated.
- Making for a baby or toddler? Try #4 or #8 and embroider the eyes instead of using safety eyes.
- Need a fast gift for a party host? #10 is quick and uses basic yarn.
FAQ
What yarn is best for a crochet reindeer?
For ornaments and keychains, cotton or a cotton blend in sport or DK weight gives crisp stitches and holds its shape. For bigger cuddly reindeer, worsted acrylic is soft, cheap and easy to wash. Use a hook a little smaller than the yarn label says so the stuffing does not show through.
How do I make reindeer antlers stand up?
Stuff antlers firmly with small pieces of fiberfill, pushing it in with the back of your hook. Sew them on through several rounds of the head, not just one, so they do not flop. For very thin antlers, some makers slide a pipe cleaner inside, but skip that for toys meant for small children.
Can I turn any of these into a keychain or ornament?
Yes. Small patterns like #1, #2, #5 and #7 work well. Sew a loop of yarn or a jump ring firmly into the top of the head. For an even smaller version, use thinner yarn and a smaller hook. The pattern stays the same, only the size changes.
Pick your favorite, grab some brown yarn, and you will have a whole herd ready before Christmas Eve.
Pingback: 15 Crochet Bat Free Patterns - I Love Crochet
Comments are closed.