Easy Crochet Reindeer Pattern

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Hello, fellow crochet enthusiasts! I’m thrilled to share something special with you today – a free and easy crochet reindeer pattern that will add a dash of holiday magic to your creations.

This crochet reindeer pattern is not only perfect for spreading Christmas cheer but also ideal for those starting their crochet journey, as it’s designed with crochet for beginners in mind.

What sets this pattern apart is that, in addition to the written instructions, I’ve included a detailed video tutorial.

This means you can follow along with ease, whether you’re an experienced crocheter or just getting started with easy crochet patterns.

As the holiday season approaches, you can use this adorable reindeer as an appliqué, an ornament, or even part of a larger holiday project.

Let your creativity run wild as you bring the charm of Christmas crochet patterns to life with this delightful reindeer pattern.

So, grab your crochet hooks, your favorite yarn, and let’s embark on a festive journey together.

Get ready to crochet your own adorable reindeer, and spread joy and warmth this holiday season!

Crochet Reindeer Pattern Information

crochet reindeer being made

Skill Level

Beginner. This pattern uses basic crochet stitches in basic form and in simple repeats. 

Project Materials

Finished Size

My reindeer measures 8″ long and 4″ wide.

Crochet Gauge

I used the body to measure my gauge.

4 rounds and 6 stitches= 1 inch

Important Notes

  • The chain 2 at the beginning of a round never counts as your first stitch.
  • The body and head are worked in the round.
  • Instructions between two asterisks (*) should be repeated for the remainder of the round.

Related Patterns

If you like this crochet reindeer pattern, be sure to check out my Snowman Appliqué and Christmas Tree patterns.

Terms & Abbreviations

  • sc = single crochet stitches
  • st = stitch
  • sts = stitches
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • ch = chain
  • chs = chains
  • rnd = round
  • rnds = rounds
  • rem = remaining

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crochet reindeer pattern

Crochet Reindeer Pattern Instructions

Reindeer Head

Yarn: light brown

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: slip 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, slip st in next st and finish off

Scarf

Yarn: blue

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 (see picture), ch 2 and dc 9. 

Now you will make the part of the scarf that hangs down.

2. Chain 6, dc in the 3rd chain from the hook, dc in each of the 3 rem chains and join with a slip stitch to the main part of the scarf.

Fasten off leaving a long tail that you will need for later.

crochet reindeer being made

Reindeer Body

Yarn: light brown

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

crochet reindeer being made

Use a tapestry needle and the yarn tail from the scarf to attach the head to the body.

crochet reindeer being made

Antlers

Make 2
Yarn: dark brown

Step 1: Chain 12, sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and sc in 4 more chains (your first “branch” is made), do not fasten off. Begin step 2 from here.

Step 2: chain 6 and sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each of the 4 rem chains (second “branch” is made)

Step 3: sc in the 6 rem chains from your original chain 12. Fasten off.

crochet reindeer being made

Use a tapestry needle to sew the antlers onto the top of the head. See pictures for positioning.

crochet reindeer being made
crochet reindeer being made

Nose

Yarn: red and white

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)

crochet reindeer being made

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.

crochet reindeer being made

Use a tapestry needle and a scrap of white yarn to add some “sparkle” to the nose.

crochet reindeer being made

Arms & Legs

Make 4

Yarn: light brown and dark brown

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: chain 4, sc in 2nd chain 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

crochet reindeer being made

Use a tapestry needle to sew the arms and legs onto the body. See pictures for positioning.

crochet reindeer being made
crochet reindeer being made

Eyes

Yarn: black

Use a tapestry needle and a scrap of black yarn to make two lines above the nose for eyes.

crochet reindeer pattern
crochet reindeer being made
christmas appliqués