This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
In This Article Show
Santa’s team deserves a handmade tribute, and a crochet reindeer is one of the most giftable Christmas makes there is. Big ones become cuddle toys, small ones become ornaments, and every one of them starts with the same few amigurumi basics.
This list rounds up 12 crochet reindeer patterns in every size: standing reindeer with scarves and sweaters, a long legged cuddle reindeer, no sew minis, a reindeer head ornament and even a reindeer dressed as a Christmas tree.
The secret to a good reindeer is the antlers. Work them in a firm yarn, stuff them lightly or add a pipe cleaner core, and sew them on with extra stitches so they survive years of December hugs.
The first three reindeer are full builds with materials and original pattern notes. The rest are shorter ideas with a supply list, so you can pick the size that fits your time.
Quick Picks
- The Classic Standing Reindeer (idea 1): Best all rounder. Sweater, scarf and firewood optional, charm guaranteed.
- The Hanging Ornaments (idea 3): Fastest gift make. A pair of flat reindeer for the tree in one evening.
- The Big Cuddle Reindeer (idea 2): Best for kids. Long legs, soft chenille and made to be hugged.
1. Classic Standing Reindeer with Sweater
A storybook reindeer in a striped sweater, carrying a bundle of firewood under one arm. The body is simple amigurumi, and the sweater is worked as part of the torso with a simple color change, so there is no separate tiny garment to wrestle on.
Shelf sitter sizeSweater detail🛠 Intermediate
Materials Needed
- DK cotton yarn in tan, brown, cream and sweater colors
- Red yarn for the nose and scarf
- 2.5 mm or 3 mm crochet hook
- Safety eyes or black yarn for embroidered eyes
- Fiberfill stuffing and a yarn needle
- Twigs or brown yarn rolls for the firewood bundle
How to Make It
- Legs and body: work two legs, join them and continue into the body in tan. Change colors at the chest to form the sweater, adding a stripe round or two.
- Head: work a sphere with a short muzzle section in cream. Add the red nose at the muzzle tip and place the eyes above it.
- Antlers and ears: crochet two antlers with one or two branch points and two small ears. Stuff antlers very lightly and sew them on at firm angles.
- Arms: work two slim arms, one bent or positioned to hold the firewood bundle made from rolled brown felt or yarn covered sticks.
- Scarf: chain a long strip, work a few rows, add fringe, and wrap it once around the neck.
Tip: Insert a pipe cleaner inside each antler before sewing it on. You can pose the antlers and they will never flop.
2. Big Cuddle Reindeer with Long Legs
Made for hugging: a big soft reindeer with long dangling legs that sits perfectly on an armchair or a child’s bed. Worked in chunky chenille, it grows fast and the plush texture hides every seam.
Cuddle sizeChenille yarnLong dangling legs
Materials Needed
- Chunky chenille yarn in tan and cream
- Dark yarn for hooves and antlers
- 5 mm or 6 mm crochet hook
- Large safety eyes (or embroider for young children)
- Plenty of fiberfill stuffing
How to Make It
- Body: work a large oval body in tan, stuffing firmly at the base so the reindeer sits without support.
- Legs: make two long legs with dark hooves at the ends. Stuff the hoof end well and the top lightly so the legs dangle.
- Head: work a big head with a cream muzzle, red nose and sleepy or bright eyes. Add ears and soft antlers in a darker shade.
- Join: sew the head slightly tilted for personality, attach the legs at the front of the body, and add a flower or scarf as a finishing touch.
Tip: Chenille yarn hides stitches, so count with stitch markers in every round. Your future self will say thank you.
3. Hanging Reindeer Ornaments with Scarves
Flat reindeer worked as a single panel shape, one in a red scarf and one in a green, ready to hang from the tree or a garland. Flat ornaments store in a card between Christmases and mail beautifully inside a greeting card.
Flat ornaments⏱ One evening makeTree ready
Materials Needed
- DK yarn in tan, brown, red and green
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Black yarn for closed happy eyes
- Red pom pom or crocheted circle for the nose
- Ribbon or yarn loops for hanging
How to Make It
- Body panel: work the reindeer as a flat shape, increasing for the belly and decreasing for the head, or crochet front and back panels and join them with a slip stitch edge and a whisper of stuffing.
- Details: embroider closed eyes, sew on the red nose, and add two small antlers at the top of the head.
- Scarf: work a tiny strip in red or green, wrap it at the neck and tack it in place with two stitches.
- Loop: attach a ribbon loop at the top center so the reindeer hangs straight.
Tip: Make the pair in mirrored scarf colors. They look like a matched set on the tree and double the gift value.
4. Theo the Mini Reindeer with a Big Scarf
A palm sized reindeer whose oversized scarf is half the personality. Quick to work in DK yarn, with embroidered features that make it safe for little hands and sweet on a nursery shelf.
You’ll need: DK yarn in beige, brown and scarf color, 3 mm hook, fiberfill, embroidery thread
Best for: Nursery shelves and small gifts
5. Reindeer Dressed as a Christmas Tree
The most joyful mashup on this list: a little reindeer wearing a Christmas tree costume complete with baubles and a star. Work the reindeer in tan, then crochet a green tree shaped tunic with colorful French knot baubles.
You’ll need: Tan and green DK yarn, tiny amounts of bright colors, 3 mm hook, fiberfill, small star for the head
Best for: A fun centerpiece toy
6. No Sew Mini Deer Pair
Worked in one piece with zero sewing at the end, these mini deer in soft blue and gray wear tiny jingle bells on ribbon collars. One evening makes both, and the no sew construction is a gift for anyone who dreads assembly.
You’ll need: Plush chenille yarn in two colors, 4 mm hook, small bells and ribbon, fiberfill
Best for: Market stalls and stocking fillers
7. Tiny Round Reindeer Buddy
A round, squishy reindeer that fits in a child’s palm: one ball shaped body, tiny antlers and a sweet face. Plush yarn makes it extra soft, and the small size means you can crochet a whole herd for classroom gifts.
You’ll need: Plush yarn in brown shades, 4 mm hook, small safety eyes, fiberfill
Best for: Classroom and party gifts
8. Rudolph with a Bright Red Nose
A tall, slim Rudolph with long legs, black antlers and the famous red nose front and center. The elegant proportions suit a mantel display, and white muzzle and hoof details keep the classic storybook look.
You’ll need: Worsted yarn in tan, cream, black and red, 3.5 mm hook, fiberfill, wire or pipe cleaners for the legs (optional)
Best for: Mantel displays
9. Plush Chenille Reindeer with Red Scarf
Big expressive eyes, textured antlers and a red scarf with white pom poms, all in soft chenille. This is the reindeer kids reach for first, so work the seams extra firmly and embroider the eyes if it is headed for a toddler.
You’ll need: Chenille yarn in beige and brown, red yarn for the scarf, 5 mm hook, fiberfill, large safety eyes or embroidery
Best for: A cuddly gift for kids
10. Deer Stuffie Pair, Gray and Rudolph
One pattern, two personalities: a soft gray deer and a classic brown Rudolph with a red nose. The stuffie shape is simple and rounded, perfect for beginners, and the pair looks adorable tucked into a gift basket together.
You’ll need: Plush chenille yarn, grayish 3 pack plus a brown skein, 5 mm hook, fiberfill
Best for: Beginner friendly gifts
11. Reindeer Head Christmas Ball Ornament
A bauble shaped reindeer head with antlers and a braided hanging loop. It keeps the round ornament silhouette your tree already loves, with a face that makes everyone smile. Work several in an evening for a full reindeer tree theme.
You’ll need: DK yarn in tan and brown, 3 mm hook, fiberfill, red yarn for the nose, ribbon for the loop
Best for: Tree ornaments in bulk
12. Flat Reindeer Applique with Scarf
A flat applique reindeer with sleepy closed eyes and a red scarf, ready to sew onto stockings, blankets, gift bags or a plain sweater that needs Christmas spirit. Flat pieces like this are also perfect for handmade cards.
You’ll need: Small scraps of light brown, red and black yarn, 3 mm hook, fabric glue or needle and thread for attaching
Best for: Stockings, cards and gift bags
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn is best for crochet reindeer?
DK cotton gives crisp stitches and neat antlers for small reindeer. Chenille or plush yarn makes big cuddle reindeer soft and fast to work, but hides stitches, so use markers. Both work; match the yarn to the job.
How do I make antlers stand up and not flop?
Work antlers in a firm yarn with a small hook, stuff them very lightly, and slip a pipe cleaner inside before sewing. Sew them on with several passes of yarn at a slight backward angle, and they will hold their pose.
Are safety eyes safe for reindeer made for children?
For children under three, embroider the eyes instead. Safety eyes can work loose under determined chewing. For older children and display pieces, safety eyes are fine when locked with their washers on tight crochet fabric.
How long does a crochet reindeer take?
A mini ornament takes one to two hours, a palm sized reindeer an evening, and a big chenille cuddle reindeer a weekend of relaxed crochet. Assembly and antlers always take longer than you expect, so leave time for them.
Can I sell reindeer I crochet from patterns?
That depends on each designer’s terms, which are usually stated in the pattern listing. Many designers allow selling finished toys with credit. The ideas and original notes here are for your own making; check terms before selling from a specific paid pattern.
How do I get a neat round red nose?
Crochet a tiny circle in red, cup it slightly with a few decreasing stitches, stuff it with a pinch of fiberfill and sew it on firmly. A shiny red button works too, but only for display pieces, never for toys for babies.
Final Thoughts on Crochet Reindeer Patterns
From a one evening ornament to a weekend cuddle project, crochet reindeer patterns cover every kind of Christmas making. Master the antlers once, and the whole herd is within reach.
Pick your size, wind your brown yarn, and start with the head. By the time the nose goes on, your reindeer will already have a personality.
