Deer crochet square pattern (free woodland animal square)

Add a gentle woodland friend to your next project with this deer crochet square pattern. Made with simple single crochet stitches and easy color changes, this cute crochet deer square is perfect for woodland-themed blankets, pillows, tote bags, and more.

Quick answer
This deer crochet square pattern is worked in rows of single crochet stitches and measures approximately 7 x 7 inches (18 x 18 cm). Designed for advanced beginners, the pattern includes both a graph and written instructions.

Looking for more designs? Browse my collection of free crochet square patterns for even more crochet squares, blocks, and motifs.

Why you’ll love this pattern

Uses basic single crochet stitches
Finished square measures approximately 7 x 7 inches
Includes both a graph and written instructions
Great for blankets, pillows, and tote bags
Perfect for woodland and forest-themed crochet projects
Cute deer design for nursery, baby, and animal-themed projects
Small project that works well for using up yarn scraps
Part of a woodland animal crochet square collection

Deer crochet square pattern details

Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.

Skill level

Advanced beginner — this pattern uses basic single crochet stitches and simple color changes. Familiarity with reading a graph and counting stitches will be helpful.

Materials needed

H-8 (5 mm) size crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn (#4) in black, white, tan, brown, and dark brown.
Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch markers, optional

Finished size

The finished square measures approximately 7 x 7 inches (18 x 18 cm).

Gauge

9 stitches and 9 rows = 2 inches (5 cm)

Learn how to check crochet gauge before you begin so you can adjust your hook size if needed.

Crochet abbreviations

sc = single crochet
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sl st = slip stitch

Pattern notes

The square is worked in rows of single crochet.
Turn at the end of each row.
Change colors as indicated (graph or written instructions).
Carry unused yarn across the row or fasten off and rejoin as needed.
The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

New to reading crochet patterns or working from written instructions? My guides on how to read a crochet pattern and how to count crochet stitches will help you follow each row and keep your deer design lined up.

How to make color changes

Carry unused colors across the row and pick them up as needed.

To change colors, finish the last yarn over of the stitch with the new color. This prepares the new color for the next stitch.

This square is made with basic single crochet stitches. If you need a refresher, see my how to single crochet tutorial.

Free deer crochet square pattern instructions

Make the square following the graph or the written instructions. When the pattern lists stitch counts for each color, all stitches are worked in single crochet (sc).

Graph

Follow the graph below or download a copy to save for later.

Download the deer crochet square pattern graph.

Written instructions

← Row 1: With white, ch 26, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each remaining ch across, turn. (25)
→ Row 2: Ch 1, white x 25, turn. (25)
← Row 3: Ch 1, white x 9, tan x 7, white x 9, turn. (25)
→ Row 4: Ch 1, white x 7, tan x 3, white x 5, tan x 3, white x 7, turn. (25)
← Row 5: Ch 1, white x 6, tan x 3, white x 7, tan x 3, white x 6, turn. (25)
→ Row 6: Ch 1, white x 5, tan x 4, white x 2, black x 3, white x 2, tan x 4, white x 5, turn. (25)
← Row 7: Ch 1, white x 4, tan x 5, white x 2, black x 3, white x 2, tan x 5, white x 4, turn. (25)
→ Row 8: Ch 1, white x 4, tan x 6, white x 5, tan x 6, white x 4, turn. (25)
← Row 9: Ch 1, white x 4, tan x 3, black x 2, tan x 2, brown x 3, tan x 2, black x 2, tan x 3, white x 4, turn. (25)
→ Row 10: Ch 1, white x 4, tan x 3, black x 2, tan x 2, brown x 3, tan x 2, black x 2, tan x 3, white x 4, turn. (25)
← Row 11: Ch 1, white x 4, tan x 6, brown x 5, tan x 6, white x 4, turn. (25)
→ Row 12: Ch 1, white x 4, tan x 4, brown x 9, tan x 4, white x 4, turn. (25)
← Row 13: Ch 1, white x 2, tan x 4, brown x 13, tan x 4, white x 2, turn. (25)
→ Row 14: Ch 1, white x 1, tan x 4, brown x 15, tan x 4, white x 1, turn. (25)
← Row 15: Ch 1, white x 1, tan x 3, white x 1, brown x 1, dark brown x 2, brown x 9, dark brown x 2, brown x 1, white x 1, tan x 3, white x 1, turn. (25)
→ Row 16: Ch 1, white x 1, tan x 2, white x 2, dark brown x 3, brown x 9, dark brown x 3, white x 2, tan x 2, white x 1, turn. (25)
← Row 17: Ch 1, white x 5, dark brown x 2, brown x 11, dark brown x 2, white x 5, turn. (25)
→ Row 18: Ch 1, white x 4, dark brown x 3, white x 3, brown x 5, white x 3, dark brown x 3, white x 4, turn. (25)
← Row 19: Ch 1, white x 4, dark brown x 4, white x 9, dark brown x 4, white x 4, turn. (25)
→ Row 20: Ch 1, white x 3, dark brown x 2, white x 1, dark brown x 2, white x 9, dark brown x 2, white x 1, dark brown x 2, white x 3, turn. (25)
← Row 21: Ch 1, white x 2, dark brown x 4, white x 13, dark brown x 4, white x 2, turn. (25)
→ Row 22: Ch 1, white x 2, dark brown x 6, white x 9, dark brown x 6, white x 2, turn. (25)
← Row 23: Ch 1, white x 6, dark brown x 2, white x 9, dark brown x 2, white x 6, turn. (25)
→ Row 24: Ch 1, white x 25, turn. (25)
← Row 25: Ch 1, white x 25, turn. (25)

Border

With white, work 1 round of single crochet evenly around the square. Place 4 single crochet stitches in each corner. Join with a slip stitch to the first stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Ways to use your deer crochet square

This crochet deer square is a sweet addition to woodland, forest, nursery, baby, and animal-themed projects.

Crochet blanket — combine it with other animal squares to create a woodland animal blanket or cozy forest-themed afghan.

Crochet pillow — make two matching squares and seam them together for a cute handmade pillow.

Tote bag — add the deer square to the front of a crochet tote bag for a fun woodland-inspired accessory.

Wall hanging — display your finished square in a nursery, playroom, classroom, or craft room.

Baby blanket — use the deer square as part of a woodland baby blanket for a thoughtful handmade gift.

Don’t forget to save this deer crochet square pattern to Pinterest so you can find it later.

More woodland animal crochet square patterns

Frequently asked questions

Is this deer crochet square pattern beginner friendly?
This pattern is best suited for advanced beginners who are comfortable with single crochet stitches and basic color changes.

Can I use different yarn colors?
Yes. You can customize the deer colors to create a unique look while following the same pattern.

Can I use a different yarn weight?
Yes, but your finished square size will change. Thicker yarn will create a larger square, while thinner yarn will create a smaller one.

Do I have to follow the graph?
No. The pattern includes both a graph and written instructions, so you can use whichever method you prefer.

Can I turn this square into a blanket?
Absolutely. This crochet deer square is designed to work well as part of a larger blanket made from multiple animal squares.

How do I make the square larger?
You can use a larger hook and heavier yarn, or add a border around the finished square.

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this deer crochet square pattern. It’s a sweet way to practice color changes while creating a cute woodland design. Whether you use it in a blanket, pillow, tote bag, or wall hanging, this deer square is sure to add a cozy handmade touch to your project.

Let’s connect!

I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.

📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa