Crochet Reindeer Pattern for Beginners + Video Tutorial
I’m so excited to share my Crochet Reindeer pattern with you. This adorable applique is perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday projects. You can use it to decorate hats, scarves, stockings, or even gift tags.
It’s super easy to make, even if you’re just starting out with crochet. Let’s get into the holiday spirit and make some cute reindeer appliqués together! The free crochet pattern is below.
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Crochet Reindeer Pattern
Materials Needed
- Crochet Hook Size: E 3.5 mm
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in light brown, dark brown, black, white, red, and blue.
- Yarn needle: Use this to weave in your ends.
- Scissors: Use scissors to fasten off your yarn.
- Stitch marker(s): Optional. Use these to help keep track of your stitches.
Crochet Reindeer Pattern
Skill Level
Beginner. This pattern uses basic crochet stitches in basic form and in simple repeats.
Finished Size
My reindeer measures 8″ long and 4″ wide.
Gauge
I used the body to measure my gauge.
4 rounds and 6 stitches = 1 inch
Crochet Terms
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- ch/chs = chain/chains
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- rnd/rnds = round/rounds
- sl st = slip stitch
- rem = remaining
Pattern Notes
- The pattern starts with a magic circle.
- Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch made in that round.
- Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
- The pattern is written in US terms.
Crochet Reindeer Pattern Instructions
Reindeer Head Pattern
Rnd 1: magic circle, ch 2, 10 dc, join (10 stitches)
Rnd 2: ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 3: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (30 stitches)
Rnd 4: sl st in the next st (after the st you joined to), sc in 3 sts, hdc in 2 sts, dc in 3 sts, hdc in 2 sts, sc in 3 sts, sl st in next st, fasten off
Scarf Pattern
Your 3 dc from round 4 of the head should be positioned at the top of the head.
1. Join blue yarn on right side of head, ch 2 and dc 9.
Now you will make the part of the scarf that hangs down.
2. Ch 6, dc in the 3rd ch from the hook, dc in each of the 3 rem chs and join with a sl st to the main part of the scarf.
Fasten off leaving a long tail that you will need for later.
Reindeer Body Pattern
Rnd 1: magic circle, ch 2, 10 dc, join with sl st in top of first dc (10 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st, join (20 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next st*, join (30 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 2 sts*, join (40 stitches)
Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc 4, hdc 3, sc 6, hdc 3, dc 8, hdc 3, sc 6, hdc 3, dc 4, join and fasten off
Use a tapestry needle and the yarn tail from the scarf to attach the head to the body.
Antlers Pattern
Step 1: Ch 12, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and sc in 4 more chs (your first “branch” is made), do not fasten off. Begin step 2 from here.
Step 2: Ch 6 and sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each of the 4 rem chs (second “branch” is made)
Step 3: sc in the 6 rem chs from your original ch 12. Fasten off.
Use a tapestry needle to sew the antlers onto the top of the head.
Nose Pattern
Rnd 1: magic circle, ch 1, 6 hdc, join with sl st in top of first hdc (6 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in each st, join and fasten off leaving a long enough tail to sew onto head (12 stitches)
Use a tapestry needle to sew the nose onto the head. The bottom of the nose should be positioned at the top of the scarf.
Use a tapestry needle and a scrap of white yarn to add some “sparkle” to the nose.
Legs Pattern
Start with light brown yarn.
Tip: Leave a long yarn tail when you start your chain. You will need this when you sew the arms and legs onto the body.
Row 1: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each rem ch, turn (3 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (3 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 1, 2 sc, sc, 2 sc, turn (5 stitches)
Rows 4-6: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (5 stitches)
Switch to dark brown yarn.
Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st, turn (5 stitches)
Row 8: Ch 1, sc in each st, fasten off
Use a tapestry needle to sew the legs onto the body. See pictures for positioning.
Eyes Pattern
Use a tapestry needle and a scrap of black yarn to make two lines above the nose for eyes.
Finishing your Crochet Reindeer Pattern
Weave in your ends.
Looking for more Free Crochet Patterns?
You may also like my Christmas lights, Christmas ornaments, snowman, and Christmas tree appliqué patterns.
Let’s Connect!
I’d love to hear from you. You can find me on social media- Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and my YouTube channel. Until then, happy crocheting!