Time for some Christmas crafts! This Christmas season, we are kicking off with a free crochet reindeer pattern, Rudolf, the Amigurumi Reindeer with a red nose! He’s the newest member of our animal wildlife collection. Remember the sock reindeer sewing pattern we shared six years ago? This amigurumi pattern is for our crochet fanatics!
Crochet Reindeer Pattern
scroll ⬇️ to get the free amigurumi pattern & tutorial
This crochet reindeer pattern is the first of three Christmas dolls we’ll share with you this year. Apart from the free amigurumi pattern and the list of materials & tools to crochet Rudolf, we also included every detail to show you the steps to get it done.
Nothing beats a handmade Amigurumi toy for a crafty person like you who is searching for handmade Christmas gift ideas. Besides the crochet reindeer doll, there are also free crochet patterns for the Christmas trees (as shown in the picture). Go ahead and crochet them, perfect as a complement to the Reindeer Amigurumi, or as another piece of Christmas decor for your home.
Click the link for more Free Amigurumi patterns and DIY Christmas gift ideas.
Fun Facts
Ever wonder why Rudolf’s nose is red? The scientific explanation states that it’s due to the excess blood vessels in its nose, keeping his blood circulating and brain active throughout winter night. So, his nose doesn’t actually “glow,” but it gets so red that it looks like it’s shining!
🎵 You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen 🎵
Did you manage to figure out how many reindeers there are?
Do you know Rudolf wasn’t originally part of the eight reindeer sleigh team? However, thanks to Santa’s recognition, he got to join the team as the ninth and most famous member! Since then, Rudolf has been known to guide Santa’s sleigh through harsh snowy conditions on Christmas Eve.
Who Can Crochet A Reindeer Amigurumi?
Beginners, please don’t shy away from the skill level we indicated here, you can do it too. Due to the colorwork technique at the body, we categorized the skill level for this crochet reindeer pattern as intermediate to advanced level.
Beginners who are familiar with the basic amigurumi stitches like magic ring, chain stitch, single crochet, increase, and decrease would have no problem navigating through this crochet reindeer pattern. Just a note: our amigurumi patterns are written in US terms.
How? Just work with a single color instead of multiple colors, unless you’re feeling adventurous. We included several step-by-step photos with easy-to-read patterns in hopes that beginners can also create this Christmas doll with ease.
How Many Parts Does Amigurumi Reindeer Have?
From the image above, you can see that our crochet Reindeer amigurumi comprises eight components. Just like most of our amigurumi animals, the parts are head, body, ears, nose, arms, legs, and tails, not forgetting that reindeer have antlers too. We’ve drilled down the instructions for the individual body parts so you can create the crochet reindeer stuffed animal and make it as a gift.
How to Crochet Reindeer Amigurumi?
At 15″ tall, our crochet reindeer amigurumi is made from a 2.5 mm crochet hook and DK / light worsted weight yarn in brown, dark brown, beige, red, white. You may opt for different sizes of hook or any yarn of other weight, but the size and built of your finished reindeer will look different from ours.
Additional materials and tools you’ll need include: 2 pcs of 10mm black domed buttons & tapestry needle & strong thread for the eyes; craft pipe cleaner/craft floral wire for its antlers; polyester fiberfill as the stuffing; some standard amigurumi tools.
As mentioned earlier, the reindeer’s body is crochet by using colorwork to create a beige marking from its neck to the belly area. In the process, the pattern will inform you to change the yarn color from round 16 onwards for the “body” section. Once you’ve reached the end, fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
In the event to make the amigurumi pattern beginner-friendly, beginners can do it in a single yarn color. With that said, continue to crochet the reindeer stuffed animal without changing the yarn color, especially the one on the body. If you prefer, you may apply this single color yarn to the head, arms, legs, and tail. So, if you’re working with one color, ignore the “change yarn to…” instructions and crochet with one color of choice.
To replicate the strong reindeer antlers, we stuffed the crochet antlers with polyester fiberfill and craft pipe cleaners. It is possible to proceed with only polyester fiberfill; however, adding the craft pipe cleaners will help shape the antlers and make them sturdier. As for the ears and adorable two-colored tail, you may fold and sew the bottom together to achieve that scooped appearance.
Notice the little V-shaped markings on the little reindeer’s back? You can achieve the same results by sewing V-shaped stitches with beige-colored yarn and a tapestry needle. Upon crocheting all the individual parts, follow the steps to assemble the crochet reindeer.
How to Crochet Scarf And Beanie?
Aside from the crochet reindeer pattern, we included the crochet pattern for the scarf and beanie as Christmas craft ideas. Since these are winter clothing accessories, you may use them on your other dolls as well. To crochet the scarf, you’ll only need to work with chain stitches and double crochet stitches in green and red colors. Don’t forget to add some fringes to it!
The beanie comprises chain stitches, single crochet stitches, and single crochet in the horizontal bar (3rd loop) to create a ribbed texture. Add a Pom-pom to the crown to complete it. You can learn how to DIY pom-pom with a pom-pom maker.
Reindeer fans, don’t miss out on our reindeer-themed face mask, sew it for yourself or your loved ones this holiday to match this Amigurumi reindeer.
WHAT’S NEXT:
- Start crocheting and share your completed handmade on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us, @craftpassion, so that we are able to see them.
- Pin it to Pinterest for a future To-Crochet List
- Share with your crochet groups for a crochet-along event.
- If you are new to crochet amigurumi, we have a comprehensive amigurumi guide for beginners.
- Browse more free crochet patterns to make, particularly the Christmas Dolls of Crochet Santa Claus, Crochet Snowman, Crochet Angel, and more DIY Christmas crafts.
Amigurumi Reindeer Crochet Pattern
Time for some Christmas crafts! This Christmas season, we are kicking off with a free pattern for Rudolf, the Amigurumi Reindeer with a red nose! He’s the newest member of our animal wildlife collection.
Though we categorized the skill level for this crochet reindeer pattern as intermediate to advanced level, beginners, you can do it too.
How? Just work with a single color instead of multiple colors, unless you’re feeling adventurous. We included several step-by-step photos with easy-to-read patterns in hopes that beginners can also create this Christmas decor with ease.
Materials
Amigurumi Reindeer
- Acrylic yarn, DK/Light Worsted Weight. Color in Brown (100-gram ball), Dark Brown, Beige, Red, and White.
- Black Domed Button, 10mm, 2 pcs.
- Craft Pipe Cleaner or Craft Floral Wire, 12" x 2 pcs. (Optional, use it to shape antlers)
- Polyester fiberfill
Scarf & Beanie Hat
- Acrylic yarn, DK/Light Worsted Weight. Color in Red, Green, and White.
Tools
- 2.5mm crochet hook (For Reindeer)
- 3mm Crochet Hook (For Scarf)
- 3.5mm Crochet Hook (For Beanie Hat)
- Long Tapestry Needle (about 2") and strong thread (to sew button eyes)
- Fabric marker (water erasable)
- Scissors
- Pins
- Blunt Point Tweezers
- Pom-Pom Maker, 1.75" or 45mm (for Beanie)
Instructions
AMIGURUMI REINDEER CROCHET PATTERN
Abbreviations
(In US Crochet Terms)
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
inc: 2sc increase
inv dec: invisible decrease
Body
Begin with Brown Yarn then change to Beige yarn when the written pattern is in Bold text for the colorwork (from round 16 onwards).
Round 1: ch5, Inc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2, 5sc in the last ch. Continue on the other side of the chain base, sc 2, 3sc in the last ch. {14}
Round 2: Inc, sc 4, [Inc] 3 times, sc 4, [Inc] 2 times. {20}
Round 3: Inc, sc 6, [Inc] 2 times, sc, Inc, sc 6, [Inc] 2 times, sc. {26}
Round 4: Inc, sc 8, [Inc, sc] 2 times, Inc, sc 8, [Inc, sc] 2 times. {32}
Round 5: Inc, sc 10, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc, Inc, sc 10, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc. {38}
Round 6: Inc. sc 12, [Inc, sc 2] 2 times, Inc, sc 12, [Inc, sc 2] 2 times. {44}
Round 7: Inc, sc 14, Inc, sc 3, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc 14, Inc, sc 3, Inc, sc 2. {50}
Round 8: Inc, sc 16, [Inc, sc 3] 2 times, Inc, sc 16, [Inc, sc 3] 2 times. {56}
Round 9: sc around. {56}
Round 10: sc 25, Inc, sc 27, Inc, sc 2. {58}
Round 11: sc 26, Inc, sc 28, Inc, sc 2. {60}
Round 12: sc 27, Inc, sc 29, Inc, sc 2. {62}
Round 13: sc 28, Inc, sc 30, Inc, sc 2. {64}
Round 14 – 15: sc around. {64}
Colorwork begin here for the front body marking:
Round 16: sc 39, sc 13, sc 12. {64}
Round 17 - 18: sc 38, sc 15, sc 11. {64}
Round 19 - 23: sc 38, sc 16, sc 10. {64}
Round 24: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 14] 2 times, Inv dec, sc 14, Inv dec, sc 8. {60}
Round 25: sc 36, sc 15, sc 9. {60}
Round 26: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 13] 2 times, Inv dec, sc 13, Inv dec, sc 7. {56}
Round 27:sc 34, sc 14, sc 8. {56}
Round 28: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 12] 2 times, Inv dec, sc 12, Inv dec, sc 6. {52}
Round 29: ssc 32, sc 13, sc 7. {52}
Round 30: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 11] 2 times, Inv dec, sc 11, Inv dec, sc 5. {48}
Round 31: sc 30, sc 12, sc 6. {48}
Round 32: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 10] 2 times, Inv dec, sc 10, Inv dec, sc 4. {44}
Round 33: sc 28, sc 11, sc 5. {44}
Round 34: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 9] 2 times, Inv dec, sc 9, Inv dec, sc 3. {40}
Round 35: sc 26, sc 10, sc 4. {40}
Round 36: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 8] 2 times, Inv dec, sc 8, Inv dec, sc 2. {36}
Round 37: sc 24, sc 9, sc 3. {36}
Round 38: [sc 4, Inv dec] 4 times, sc 4, Inv dec, sc 3, sc, inv dec. {30}
Stuff the body firmly with polyester fiberfill.
Round 39: sc 20, sc 8, sc 2. {30}
Round 40: sc 2, [Inv dec, sc 3] 3 times, Inv dec, sc, sc 2, Inv dec, sc 3, inv dec, sc. {24}
Round 41: [sc 2, Inv dec] 4 times, sc 2, Inv dec, sc, sc, Inv dec. {18}
Round 42: [Inv dec, sc] 4 times, inv dec, sc, Inv dec, sc. {12}
Round 43: [Inv dec] 4 times, inv dec, inv dec. {6}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
Head
Begin with Beige Yarn:
Round 1: sc 6 in magic ring. {6}
Round 2: [inc] around. {12}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc 2. inc] around. {24}
Round 5: [inc, sc 3] around. {30}
Round 6: sc 2, [inc, sc 4] 5 times, inc, sc 2. {36}
Round 7: [inc, sc 5] around. {42}
Round 8 -9: sc around. {42}
Round 10: sc 38, [inv dec] 2 times. {40}
Change yarn to Dark Brown color
Round 11: [inv dec] 2 times, sc 36. {38}
Round 12: sc 36, [inc] 2 times. {40}
Round 13: [inc] 2 times, sc 38. {42}
Note: Round 10 to 13 will create a sunken impression, this is the mouth of the reindeer.
Round 14: sc 3, [inc, sc 6] 5 times, inc, sc 3. {48}
Change yarn to Brown color
Round 15 - 16: sc around. {48}
Round 17: sc 3, [inc, sc 7] 5 times, inc, sc 4. {54}
Round 18 - 19: sc around. {54}
Round 20: [sc 8, inc] around. {60}
Round 21 - 23: sc around. {60}
Round 24: sc 5, [inc, sc 9] 5 times, inc, sc 4. {66}
Round 25 - 32: sc around. {66}
Round 33: [inv dec, sc 9] around. {60}
Round 34: sc around. {60}
Round 35: sc 4, [inv dec, sc 8] 5 times, inv dec, sc 4. {54}
Round 36: sc around. {54}
Round 37: [inv dec, sc 7] around. {48}
Round 38: sc around. {48}
Round 39: sc 3, [inv dec, sc 6] 5 times, inv dec, sc 3. {42}
Round 40: sc around. {42}
Round 41: [inv dec, sc 5] around. {36}
Round 42: sc 2, [inv dec, sc 4] 5 times, inv dec, sc 2. {30}
Round 43: [inv dec, sc 3] around. {24}
Stuff with polyester fillings
Round 44: sc, [inv dec, sc 2] 5 times, inv dec, sc. {18}
Round 45: [inv dec, sc 1] around. {12}
Round 46: [inv dec] around. {6}
Fasten and hide yarn end.
Ears
Make 2 with Brown yarn:
Round 1: Sc 4 in magic ring. {4}
Round 2: [inc] around. {8}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {12}
Round 4: [sc 2, inc] around. {16}
Round 5: [inc, sc 3] around. {20}
Round 6: sc 2, [inc, sc 4] 3 times, inc, sc 2. {24}
Round 7 - 10: sc around {24}
Round 11: [Inv dec, sc 10] around. {22}
Round 12 - 13: sc around {22}
Round 14: [Inv dec, sc 9] around. {20}
Round 15: sc around {20}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
Fold the ear and sew the bottom to give it a scooped appearance.
Antlers
Make 2 with Dark Brown yarn. This pattern is made by joining 2 legs together to make 1 antler.
Leg 1:
Round 1: sc 3 in magic ring. {3}
Round 2: [inc] around. {6}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {9}
Round 4 - 8: sc around. {9}
Leg 2:
Round 1: sc 3 in magic ring. {3}
Round 2: [inc] around. {6}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {9}
Round 4 - 12: sc around. {9}
Round 13: join the 2 branches together by sc around branch 1 {9} then sc around branch 2 {9}. (18}
Round 14: [inv dec, sc 4] around. {15}
Round 15: sc around. {15}
Use the yarn tail of branch 1 to sew and close any gaps created at the joint.
Round 16: [sc 2, inv dec, sc] around {12}
Round 17: sc around. {12}
Round 18: [inv dec, sc 2] around. {9}
Round 19 - 26: sc around.
Start stuffing the antler and insert a pipe cleaner (optional) at Round 20.
Nose
Round 1: sc 6 in magic ring. {6}
Round 2: [inc] around. {12}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc 2. inc] around. {24}
Round 5: sc around. {24}
Arms
Make 2. Begin with Dark Brown Yarn.
Round 1: sc 6 in magic ring. {6}
Round 2: [inc] around. {12}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {18}
Round 4: [sc 2, inc] around. {24}
Round 5: [inc, sc 3] around. {30}
Round 6 - 10: sc around. {30}
Change yarn to Beige
Round 11: [sc 4, Inv dec, sc 4] around. {27}
Round 12: sc around. {27}
Change yarn to Brown
Round 13: sc around. {27}
Round 14: [Inv dec, sc 7] around. {24}
Round 15 – 16: sc around. {24}
Round 17: [sc 3, Inv dec, sc 3] around. {21}
Round 18 – 19: sc around. {21}
Round 20: Inv dec, sc 5] around. {18}
Round 21 – 22: sc around {18}
Round 23: [sc 2, Inv dec, sc 2] around. {15}
Round 24 – 35: sc around. {15}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
Fill the bottom 2/3 of the arms firmly with polyester fiberfill.
Legs
Make 2. Begin with Dark Brown Yarn
Round 1: ch5, Inc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 2, 5sc in the last ch. Continue on the other side of the chain base, sc 2, 3sc in the last ch. {14}
Round 2: Inc, sc 4, [Inc] 3 times, sc 4, [Inc] 2 times. {20}
Round 3: Inc, sc 6, [Inc] 2 times, sc, Inc, sc 6, [Inc] 2 times, sc. {26}
Round 4: Inc, sc 8, [Inc, sc] 2 times, Inc, sc 8, [Inc, sc] 2 times. {32}
Round 5: Inc, sc 10, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc, Inc, sc 10, Inc, sc 2, Inc, sc. {38}
Round 6: Inc. sc 12, [Inc, sc 2] 2 times, Inc, sc 12, [Inc, sc 2] 2 times. {44}
Round 7 - 10: sc around. {44}
Round 11: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 12, Inv dec, sc 14. {42}
Round 12: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 10, Inv dec, sc 14. {40}
Round 13: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 8, Inv dec, sc 14. {38}
Round 14: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 6, Inv dec, sc 14. {36}
Round 15: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 4, Inv dec, sc 14. {34}
CHange yarn to Beige
Round 16: sc 14, Inv dec, sc 2, Inv dec, sc 14. {32}
Round 17: sc 14, Inv dec, Inv dec, sc 14. {30}
Change yarn to Brown
Round 18: sc around. {30}
Round 19: [sc 6, Inv dec] 3 times, sc 6. {27}
Round 20 – 21: sc around. {27}
Round 22: sc 6, [Inv dec, sc 5] 3 times. {24}
Round 23 – 24: sc around. {24}
Round 25: sc 5, Inv dec, sc 10, Inv dec, sc 5. {22}
Round 26 – 27: sc around. {22}
Round 28: sc 5, Inv dec, sc 9, Inv dec, sc 4. {20}
Round 29 – 30: sc around. {20}
Round 31: sc 4, Inv dec, sc 8, Inv dec, sc 4. {18}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
Fill the bottom 2/3 of the legs firmly with polyester fiberfill.
Tail
Begin with Beige yarn:
Round 1: Sc 4 in magic ring. {4}
Round 2: [inc] around. {8}
Round 3: [inc, sc] around. {12}
Change yarn to Brown.
Round 4: [sc 2, inc] around. {16}
Round 5: [inc, sc 3] around. {20}
Round 6: sc 2, [inc, sc 4] 3 times, inc, sc 2. {24}
Round 7 - 10: sc around {24}
Round 11: [Inv dec, sc 10] around. {22}
Round 12 - 13: sc around {22}
Round 14: [Inv dec, sc 9] around. {20}
Round 15: sc around {20}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
Fold the ear and sew the bottom to give it a scooped appearance.
STRIPED SCARF CROCHET PATTERN
Abbreviations
(In US Crochet Terms)
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
Begin with Green Yarn and 3mm hook
Base Chain: ch 9 (or until your desired width)
Row 1: ch3 (count as a st), dc in 4th stitch from the hook, dc 8, turn. {10}
Change yarn to Red
Row 2: ch3, dc 9, turn. {10}
Change yarn to Green
Row 3: ch3, dc 9, turn. {10}
Repeat Row 2 (Red) and Row 3 (Green) until you reach 44 rows or until you reach your desired length.
Cut 10 strips of 3" from Red and Green yarns respectively. Attach the fringe to the end of the scarf.
BEANIE CROCHET PATTERN
Abbreviations
(In US Crochet Terms)
ch: chain
sc: single crochet
sc in 3rd loop: single crochet in the third loop (horizontal bar below the top loop)
With Red Yarn and a 3.5 mm hook
Base chain: ch 18
Row 1: ch, sc 18, turn. {18}
Row 2 - 52: ch, sk 1st st, sc in 3rd loop 18, turn. {18}
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing
Fasten and leave a long tail for sewing.
This will create a ribbed texture crochet workpiece of about 3.75" H x 9.75" W.
Sew the short sides together. Then, gather and sew one of the long sides to make the crown of the hat. Fold the other edge of the beanie to become the cuffed beanie.
Use a 1.75" or 45mm diameter pom-pom maker to make a pom-pom with white yarn.
Attach the pom-pom to the top of the beanie hat.
More Details on how to crochet & assemble the Reindeer Amigurumi
- Crochet parts of the Amigurumi Reindeer and stuff them according to the crochet pattern: Body, Head, Antlers, Ears, Nose, Arms, Legs, and Tail.
- Add markings at the back of the body by sewing some v-shaped stitches with beige yarn.
- Sew eyes to the head at Round 22, 28 stitches apart. Sew a short strip of white yarn at the edge of the black button eye to make them look a little lively.
- Sew ears, antlers, and nose to the head.
The ears are positioned at Round 19, 26 stitches apart.
The antlers are just next to the ears.
The Nose is seated at the top edge of the muzzle. Sew a line of philtrum with brown yarn from the bottom of the nose to the center of the mouth.
- Sew Head to the Body:
Position the head on the top of the body. Mark the position and pin to secure it if necessary.
Sew to join the head to the body.
- Sew Arms and Legs:
Sew arms at the side, next to the seam of the head and body.
Followed by sewing legs at round 16 (from the bottom) of the body.
- Lastly, sew the tail to the lower back of the body.
- Complete the Amigurumi Reindeer with a scarf and beanie hat.
The Amigurumi Reindeer is ready for its duty for this holiday season.
Notes
Depending on the speed and hours you are spending on the project, the total time needed is only an approximation.
Stuff the parts firmly and densely to give your amigurumi doll a good shape.
You are allowed to crochet and sell Reindeer on small-scale production. However, you are not allowed to publish the patterns and pictures in any form without the prior written permission of Craft Passion.
For the full article, visit: https://www.craftpassion.com/amigurumi-reindeer-crochet-pattern-free/
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