Free Crochet Reindeer Pattern
This free crochet reindeer pattern makes a squishy plush pal! This works up quickly with blanket yarn, perfect for gifts and markets.
Plush Yarn Crochet Reindeer
I have fallen in love with plush yarn and the effect it has when using it for amigurumi! I can’t resist making free crochet plushie patterns, as you can see here! The bulkier yarn allows for a good sized project with less stitches, so I feel like I am flying through the creating process. Once you are familiar with this type of yarn, I think that this is a very beginner friendly project.
This reindeer is made from the bottom to the head, all in one piece. You will intentionally understuff the body for a more floppy, silly look. Over-stuffing will change the look dramatically. You will insert a neck strengthener which will help with the shape and stability of the head, while allowing you to understuff the bottom and stuff the head a little more.
The ears, snout, antlers, feet and arms are attached at the end. The feet are attached flat against the body.
Substitute yarns could be Bernat Blanket yarn or Big Twist from Joann’s. You may need to change the hook size if you change the yarn.
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Materials you’ll need
To get started making this free crochet reindeer pattern, you’ll want to gather all your materials first.
You will need:
60g Premier Basix Chenille in Caramel
Small amount of Premier Basix Chenille in winter white
Small amount of red for the nose
Small amount of black for the antlers
small amount of yarn in the color of your choice for the scarf
12mm safety eyes
Crochet Hook in Size 4.5mm
Tapestry Needle
Polyfil
stitch marker
Free Crochet Reindeer Pattern
Neck strengthener
*Click here for a video and picture tutorial on how this works*
In a magic circle, SC 7. SC in each around for a total of 12 rows. Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew the hole closed and sew through the neck. See attached PDF.
Body/Head
Round 1: In a magic circle, SC 8.
Round 2: SC INC in each around. (16)
Round 3: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
Round 4: SC in the first 2, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (32)
Round 5: SC in the first 3, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (40)
Round 6: SC in the first 3, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (32)
Round 7: SC in each around. (32)
Round 8: SC in the first 2, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
Round 9: SC in each around. (24)
Begin to stuff here. Remember to stuff lightly.
Round 10: SC in the first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (16)
Round 11: SC in each around. (16)
Round 12: INV DEC in each around. (8)
From here we are increasing the head. Have your neck strengthener ready to insert. Here is the video tutorial if you haven’t watched it already!
Round 13: In the front loop only, SC INC in each around. (16)
Round 14: SC in the first, SC INC in the next. Repeat around. (24)
Rounds 15-19: SC in each around. (24)
Insert safety eyes between rounds 17 and 18, about 4 stitches apart. Insert neck strengthener.
Round 20: SC in the first, INV DEC in the next. Repeat around. (16)
Stuff the head.
Round 21: SC in each around. (16)
Round 22: INV DEC in each around. (8)
Fasten off and sew the remaining hole closed.
Crochet Reindeer Parts
Arms
NOTE: I highly suggest you visit this post before attaching the arms and the legs. This is my favorite method by far to attach limbs, and is worth watching the video and seeing the tutorial pictures!
Round 1: SC 7 in a magic circle
Rounds 2-5: SC in each around.
Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew on. Sew on between rounds 10 and 11.
Feet
Round 1: 10 SC in a magic circle (10)
Rounds 2-3: SC in each around.(10)
Round 4: INV DEC in each around. (5)
Fasten off and leave a long tail to attach.
Sew the feet on flat to to the body, with the bottom of the foot touching Round 4.
Snout
With Winter White color:
Round 1: 6 SC in a magic circle. (6)
Round 2: SC INC in each around. (12)
Round 3: SC in each around. (12)
Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew on. Sew it on with the bottom of the snout on round 13 and the top on round 15.
Red Nose
With Red blanket yarn:
Round 1: 6 SC in a magic circle.
Round 2: SC in each around. (6)
Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew on. Attach to the snout at the very top.
Ears
Round 1: 8 HDC in a magic circle. (8)
Round 2: HDC INC in the first 4 (total of 8 stitches) Chain 2. HDC INC in the remaining four. (16 HDC)
The chain 2 creates the point of the ear. Fasten off and fold the bottom part of the ear. Secure with a few stitches in the top of the ear.
Sew them on around the third round from the center of the head.
Antlers
Chain 13. Slip stitch in the second chain from the hook and each stitch back to the beginning. (12)
Fasten off and weave the end to the about 1/3 of the line. Fold it up so it is at an angle and secure with a few stitches. Use that end to attach to the head on round 2, just inside the ears.
Scarf
I used Bernat Blanket yarn for this scarf.
Chain 55.
DC in each stitch back to the beginning. Weave in the ends.
Did you make this pattern?
Mention me @thefriendlyredfox so we can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below!