The Crochet Reindeer Ornament is part of an ongoing series of delightful Christmas ornaments great for decorating your tree, adorning your home, decorating packages, and sharing as a heartfelt, handmade gift.
His round head, whimsical antlers, and cute nose (made in your choice of red or black) add a classic look to your decor. This, complimented with your personalized, handcrafted touch will make all who see him delight in the joy of Christmas.
The pattern has been labeled as an advanced beginner design due to the seamless joining of the antlers which may take a bit of practice if you’re not familiar with the process, but with the photos and pattern description, rest assured, you’ll be successful. The rest of the design is basic single crochet along with increases and decreases for shaping.
Read on to learn more about the inspiration and yarn choice for the Crochet Reindeer Ornament or scroll down to the bottom to find the free pattern.
Already Have Something on Your Hook?
Prefer a Printable, Ad-Free PDF?
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please see the disclosure page if you would like further details.
The Inspiration
Creating an ongoing Crochet Christmas Ornament Collection is something that I’ve had on my mind and in the works for some time now. Several of the designs I’ve had designed for years but needed to finalize them with written posts, pictures, and publications. This year I plan to share five of them.
The Crochet Reindeer Ornament along with Santa, Mrs. Claus, an Elf, and a Snowman will be part of the classic portion of the collection, but I also plan to include options that are just plain fun and whimsical.
I plan to keep adding to this as ideas come to my mind so if you have an ornament design that you’d like to see let me know in the comments, I’d love to add it to my list!
Make, Collect, and Share Them All!
These Patterns May Also Be of Interest!
The Yarn
The Crochet Reindeer Ornament was made using Brava Worsted Yarn that can be found online from either WeCrochet or Knit Picks. It is a worsted, acrylic yarn that comes in a wide range of colors with variations including striped, tweeds, speckles, and recycled, and is available in sizes bulky, worsted, and sport.
Learn even more of the specifics about this yarn in my Brava Yarn Review found HERE.
The colors used for the Crochet Reindeer Ornament are Almond (as the color of the head and ears), white (for the muzzle), Red or Black (for the nose), and Sienna (for the antlers).
Substitutions
Any brand of worsted weight acrylic (or cotton) yarn should work well for making the Crochet Reindeer Ornament but note that due to variations among brands, the finished size may vary slightly. Also note, if mixing yarn brands, that it’s important to ensure that the thickness of the yarns are the same to ensure consistency in stitching.
Brava Sport (or another brand of sport yarn) would also work well to create a slightly smaller ornament. You could even go for a mini ornament by using crochet thread. Curio thread, also from WeCrochet or Knit Picks, is a great option. I also use Aunt Lydia’s size 10 crochet thread often found at JoAnns and Artiste #10 crochet thread found at Hobby Lobby
You can see the miniature version of the Crochet Reindeer Ornament in some of the images. It was made using the same pattern, a 1.50 mm hook, and size 10 cotton crochet thread.
As always, I’d love to see/hear about your experiences with making the design and the products you chose to use. Tag me on social media @jenhayescreations and use the hashtag #jenhayescreations to share!
The Pattern
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
Materials
- Crochet Hook, Size E/4 (3.5 mm) (I use Clover Amour hooks)
- Stitch Marker(s)
- Scissors
- Stuffing
- Pins
- Tapestry Needle
- Embroidery Floss, Black (DMC 310), Dark Brown (optional) (DMC 838)
- Embroidery Needle
- Safety eyes, 8 mm
- Dritz Disc Needle Pullers (optional)
- Something to color cheeks (blush, crayon, pastels, etc.) (optional)
- Ornament Hanger (ribbon, baker’s twine, yarn, metal, etc.) (optional)
- Chopstick, dowel, or something similar to help with stuffing small parts
- Brava (worsted 4-Medium, 100% Premium Acrylic, 218 yds/199 m, 3.5 oz/100 g), Color (A) Almond (Light Brown), used approx. 35 yds/32 m, Color (B) White, used approx. 16 yds/14.6 m, Color (C) Black OR Red, used approx. 8 yds/7 m, Color (D) Sienna (Dark Brown), used approx. 16 yds/14.6 m
Gauge
- Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) the first 6 Rnds of the head measure approx. 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter.
- Using hook size 1.50 mm and size 10 crochet thread the first 6 Rnds of the head measure approx. 13/16 inch (2.06 cm) in diameter.
Finished Measurements
- Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) and worsted yarn the Crochet Reindeer Ornament measures approx. 3 inches (7.6 cm) tall including the antlers.
- Using hook size 1.50 mm and size 10 crochet thread the Crochet Reindeer Ornament measures approx. 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) tall including the antlers. The same pattern is used with a minor change: use 4mm safety eyes.
Design Notes
- The pattern is written in English using US crochet terminology.
- The pattern is written in continuous rounds, it will be helpful to place a stitch marker at the beginning stitch of the round and move it up at the start of each additional round.
- At the end of each round/row, the number of stitches for completion is noted in parentheses.
- Further design notes, tips, and options will be provided throughout the pattern to help aid in construction.
- For reference when placing eyes and other facial features the starting stitch is at the back of the work.
- The yarn under method was used when designing this piece, the yarn over method can also be used and will potentially create a slightly larger character.
- Caution! If using safety eyes, take into consideration who will be using the item. The use of safety eyes is not recommended for children under the age of three or for those prone to putting things in their mouths as they may cause a choking hazard. Crocheted or hand-embroidered eyes are a great alternative!
Abbreviations/Stitches Used
- approx. – approximately
- MR – magic ring (AKA magic circle, adjustable ring)
- Rnd(s) – round(s)
- sc – single crochet
- sc2tog – single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease)
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- yo – yarn over (or yarn under based on the technique being used)
- [ ] / ( ) – work instructions between brackets/parenthesis as many times as directed
- Some hand embroidery
Prefer a Printable, Ad-Free PDF?
Visit My Shops!
Save This Pattern for Later!
Let’s Make Our Crochet Reindeer Ornament!
Nose
Using Color (C) – Black OR Red
- Rnd 1: 6sc in MR. (6sts)
- Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch 2 and then 6sc in 2nd chain from hook. (6sts)
- Rnd 2: [Sc in the next st, 2sc in the next st] 3 times. (9sts)
- Rnd 3: [Sc in the next st, sc2tog] 3 times. (6sts)
- Sl st to the first st and fasten off leaving a long tail for stitching the nose to the muzzle.
- Firmly stuff and shape the nose.
- Set aside for later.
Muzzle
Using Color (B) – White
- Rnd 1: 6sc in MR. (6sts)
- Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch 2 and then 6sc in 2nd chain from hook. (6sts)
- Rnd 2: 2sc in each st around. (12sts)
- Rnd 3: Sc in the next st, 2sc in the next 3sts, sc in the next 3sts, 2sc in the next 3sts, sc in the next 2sts. (18sts)
- Rnds 4-5: Sc in each st around. (18sts for 2 Rnds)
- Sl st to the first st and fasten off leaving a long tail for stitching the muzzle to the head.
- The muzzle will be stuffed later during assembly.
- Set aside for later.
Assemble the Muzzle
- Stitch the nose to the muzzle. The suggested placement is centered at the top of the muzzle over approximately Rnds 1-4. >Design Note: The muzzle should be wider horizontally than vertically, so the increases will be on the sides.
- Using black embroidery floss and an embroidery needle stitch a line from the bottom center of the nose to between Rnd 2 and 3 of the muzzle.
Head
>Design Note: The head is made from the top down.
Using Color (A) – Light Brown
- Rnd 1: 6sc in MR. (6sts)
- Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch 2 and then 6sc in 2nd chain from hook. (6sts)
- Rnd 2: 2sc in each st around. (12sts)
- Rnd 3: [Sc in the next st, 2sc in next st] 6 times. (18sts)
- Rnd 4: Sc in the next st, 2sc in the next st, [sc in the next 2sts, 2sc in the next st] 5 times, sc in the next st. (24sts)
- Rnd 5: [Sc in the next 3sts, 2sc in the next st] 6 times. (30sts)
- Rnd 6: Sc in the next 2sts, 2sc in the next st, [sc in the next 4sts, 2sc in the next st] 5 times, sc in the next 2sts. (36sts)
- Rnd 7: [Sc in the next 5sts, 2sc in the next st] 6 times. (42sts)
- Rnds 8-14: Sc in each st around. (42sts for 7 Rnds)
- Rnd 15: [Sc in the next 5sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (36sts)
- Rnd 16: Sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog, [sc in the next 4sts, sc2tog] 5 times, sc in the next 2sts. (30sts)
- Rnd 17: [Sc in the next 3sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (24sts)
Insert the safety eyes. The suggested placement is between Rnds 9 and 10 approximately 6sts apart. >Design Tip: It may be helpful to hold the muzzle up to the eyes when placing to ensure the desired placement.
Firmly stuff and shape the head and continue to do so as the pattern progresses.
- Rnd 18: Sc in the next st, sc2tog, [sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog] 5 times, sc in the next st. (18sts)
- Rnd 19: [Sc in the next st, sc2tog] 6 times. (12sts)
- Rnd 20: [Sc in the next st, sc2tog] 4 times. (8sts)
- Fasten off leaving a long tail to close up the hole. Close the hole with a tapestry needle stitching only through the front loops until the hole pulls nicely closed, secure, and weave in the end.
Ears
Make 2
Using Color (A) – Light Brown
- Rnd 1: 6sc in MR. (6sts)
- Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch 2 and then 6sc in 2nd chain from hook. (6sts)
- Rnd 2: Sc in each st around. (6sts)
- Rnd 3: [Sc in the next st, 2sc in next st] 3 times. (9sts)
- Rnd 4: Sc in the next st, 2sc in the next st, [sc in the next 2sts, 2sc in the next st] 2 times, sc in the next st. (12sts)
- Rnd 5-6: Sc in each st around. (12sts for 2 Rnds)
- Rnd 7: Sc in the next st, sc2tog, [sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog] 2 times, sc in the next st. (9sts)
- Sl st to the first st and fasten off leaving a long tail for stitching the ears to the head.
- The ears are not stuffed.
- Set aside for later.
Antlers
Make 2
The antlers are made in two parts that are then seamlessly joined together.
Using Color (D) – Dark Brown
Part 1
Using Color (D) – Dark Brown
- Rnd 1: 6sc in MR. (6sts)
- Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch 2 and then 6sc in 2nd chain from hook. (6sts)
- Rnds 2-4: Sc in each st around. (6sts for 3 Rnds)
- Fasten off leaving a long tail for stitching. Leave the stitch marker for later reference when joining.
- Lightly stuff.
Part 2
Using Color (D) – Dark Brown
- Repeat Part 1 but do not fasten off. Leave the stitch marker for later reference when joining.
- Continue with the joining process.
Joining Antler Part 1 and Part 2 Together
>Design Note: In the next Rnd, Part 1 and 2 will be joined together. Make sure to keep the tail of Part 1 on the outside of the work so it is accessible for later stitching.
- Rnd 5 – Joining Part 1: With the working loop still on the hook insert the hook into the first st of Part 1 (has a st marker in it) from the right side to the wrong side of the piece, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through both loops (mark this st as the new starting st), sc in the next 5sts around Part 1, joining back onto Part 2: with the working loop still on the hook insert the hook into the first st of Part 2 (has a st marker in it) from the right side to the wrong side of the piece, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through both loops (remove this st marker), sc in the next 5sts around Part 2. (12sts)
- Use the tail from Part 1 and a tapestry needle to stitch up the gap where Part 1 and Part 2 join. (If it’s easier, another Rnd or two can be done before stitching.)
Lightly stuff and shape the antler as the pattern progresses.
- Rnd 6: [Sc in the next st, sc2tog] 4 times. (8sts)
- Rnd 7: Sc in the next st, sc2tog, sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog, sc in the next st. (6sts)
- Rnds 8-9: Sc in each st around. (6sts for 2 Rnds)
- Fasten off leaving a long tail for stitching the antlers to the head.
- Set aside for later.
Assembly
Pin all the pieces together to determine the desired placement for the entire Crochet Reindeer Ornament and stitch securely in place.
General placement and stitching suggestions:
- Muzzle: Center the muzzle according to the placement of the eyes, the muzzle resting over about Rnd 9-16 of the head. Stitch in place and right before closing, add stuffing and shape the muzzle.
- Antlers: Stitch the antlers at the top right and left center of the head over about Rnds 2-4 with the V facing forward.
- Ears: >Design Option: If desired, use dark brown embroidery floss and an embroidery needle to add details to the front center of the ears. Stitch the ears next to the antlers over about Rnds 5-8.
- Rosy Cheeks: (Optional) – If desired, use a bit of blush, crayon, paint, chalk pastel, etc. to add rosy cheeks. Pictured, a medium pink crayon was used with the color added in a circular shape over approx. Rnds 10-12, back from each eye about one st, for the length of about 2-3sts. >Design Tip: It’s easier to add more color than to take it away, so start light and build it up.
Add a Hanger
A variety of materials can be used to hang the Crochet Reindeer Ornament. Some suggestions include a length of yarn, ribbon, yarn, baker’s twine, metal, etc.
Pictured, 1/8 inch (3 mm) ribbon was used. It was cut at 10 inches (25 cm) and using a tapestry needle was threaded through the top of the Crochet Reindeer Ornament at over Rnd 1 of the head. The ends were then held together and knotted, and the knot was turned until it hid inside the head. >Design Tip: If the knot does not want to hide all the way, use the wider end of the tapestry needle to push it in, being careful not to poke yourself.
Reach Out, Share, and Follow Along!
As always, I’d love to see your creation if you’re willing to share! Comment below or tag me on social media. You can find me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram (tag @jenhayescreations and use the hashtag #jenhayescreations to show off your work and have a chance to be featured), and stay tuned to find me in the future on YouTube!
Also, remember that the best way to always be in the loop about new patterns, techniques, tutorials, giveaways, and crafty fun is to subscribe to the newsletter! Thanks for your support!
Copyright and Use Policy
This pattern and its photos are copyright of Jennifer Hayes (Jen Hayes Creations) and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not copy, sell, republish, distribute, or translate my patterns, photos, or tutorials in part or whole. Share this pattern on social media by using the social sharing buttons or a link to the pattern. You are welcome to sell any finished items produced from this pattern. Please credit Jen Hayes Creations as the designer and include a link to the pattern listing if selling the finished piece online. Thank you!
Leave a Reply