Crochet Reindeer Ornament: Easy Christmas Pattern

Why This Crochet Reindeer Ornament Hangs Straight

The long body is made from two matching ovals. Its top edge sits behind the 36-stitch head, distributing the weight across several stitches. Antlers and ears are sewn through both head panels before the final join, so the attachment tails stay hidden.

Materials You'll Need

• About 95 yd (87 m) DK cotton (body and ears), 100% cotton, in Rust brown.
• About 22 yd (20 m) DK cotton (antlers), 100% cotton, in Dark cocoa.
• About 20 yd (18 m) DK cotton (muzzle and ear inserts), 100% cotton, in Warm ivory.
• About 28 yd (26 m) DK cotton (nose and scarf), 100% cotton, in Cranberry and Deep teal.
• About 1 yd (1 m) DK cotton (eyes), 100% cotton, in Black.
• 3.5 mm (US E-4) crochet hook.
• Polyester stuffing, about 0.5 oz (14 g).
• 6 in (15 cm) leather cord or crocheted yarn loop.
• Yarn needle.
• Scissors.
• Stitch markers.

Firm cotton shows the antler branches better than a fuzzy yarn. Use leather cord only on a decorative ornament; choose a crocheted loop for a child-safe version.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

• Skill level: Intermediate.
• Gauge: 22 sc and 24 rnds = 4 in (10 cm).
• Finished size: About 10.5 in (27 cm) tall excluding the loop and 4.5 in (11.5 cm) wide across the ears.
• Working time: About 4 hours.

Match the two body panels by round count rather than pulling one to fit. A small gauge difference becomes obvious along the long side seam.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

Instructions use US crochet terms. Count at the end of every numbered row or round before moving on.

• mr: magic ring.
• ch: chain.
• sl st: slip stitch.
• sc: single crochet.
• hdc: half double crochet.
• dc: double crochet.
• inc: 2 stitches in the same stitch.
• dec: invisible single crochet decrease.
• BLO: back loop only.
• FLO: front loop only.
• sk: skip.
• sp: space.
• st(s): stitch(es).
• rnd(s): round(s).

Branched antler cord: Work slip stitches back along each short branch chain before continuing along the main chain.

Pattern Notes

• Work oval panels on both sides of the foundation chain.
• Make 2 body panels, 2 head panels, 2 ears and 2 antlers.
• Use only a thin layer of stuffing.

Lay all paired parts side by side before assembly. The ears should mirror each other, but both antlers are made from the same branch instructions.

How to Crochet a Reindeer Ornament

Each oval starts on both sides of a foundation chain. Three stitches in the end chains turn the corners without leaving holes. The head is a simple six-round circle. Light stuffing between the paired panels adds depth while keeping the ornament slim.

The question how to crochet a reindeer often comes down to placement. Set the muzzle across Head Rounds 3 to 5, keep six clear stitches between the eyes and angle the antlers outward before sewing.

Assembly Order for the Face and Body

1. Sew the body panels together and add a thin layer of stuffing before closing.
2. Overlap the head over the upper 1.5 in (4 cm) of the body and sew through both layers.
3. Attach both ears and both antlers symmetrically behind the head.
4. Sew on the muzzle and nose, then embroider two vertical eyes.
5. Wrap the teal scarf around the neck, tack the knot in place and secure the hanging loop.

Check the ornament by holding the loop before weaving in the final tails. Move the loop one stitch if the body tilts.

Matching the Antlers and Ears

• Count every branch chain before slip stitching back.
• Block antlers flat under a towel rather than stretching them.
• Pin ears at the same angle from the eye line.
• Keep stuffing away from the narrow neck overlap.

Crochet Reindeer Color Changes

Rust and teal give the reindeer a woodland look. A pale fawn body with burgundy scarf is quieter, while charcoal antlers remain easy to see on either version. This construction also works as a crochet reindeer gift tag when left unstuffed.

Care and Storage

Spot clean and dry flat. Store between two pieces of tissue so the antlers are not bent under heavier ornaments.