Simple and Professional Guide to Making a Crochet Reindeer

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday project, this crochet reindeer is just what you need! Designed with love and creativity, it’s perfect for beginners eager to explore amigurumi. Follow this step-by-step guide to craft your own festive reindeer.

Materials and Tools You Will Need:

• Plush yarn (super chunky): Brown and white for the body, red for the nose and scarf.
• Medium-weight yarn: Brown for the antlers and white for behind the eyes.
• Crochet hooks: US G (4mm) and US B (2.25mm).
• 12mm safety eyes.
• Polyfill stuffing.
• Yarn needle and scissors.
• Stitch markers (optional but recommended).

Crochet Stitches and Techniques Used:

• Magic ring.
• Single crochet (SC).
• Slip stitch (SL ST).
• Chain stitch (CH).
• Increase (INC).
• Invisible decrease (DEC).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Legs:

1. Start with a magic ring:
   • Work 6 single crochet stitches (SC) into the magic ring.
   • Pull the ring tight and use a stitch marker to mark the end of the round.
2. Round Two:
   • Work 2 SC in each stitch (INC) to make 12 stitches in total.
3. Round Three:
   • Work 12 SC around without increasing.
4. First Leg:
   • After completing the third round, cut the yarn and secure it.
5. Second Leg:
   • Repeat the steps for the first leg, but do not cut the yarn. Instead, continue to join the legs together.
6. Joining the Legs:
   • Join the legs by working 1 SC into the first leg, then 11 SC around the first leg.
   • Continue with 12 SC around the second leg. This completes the first round of the belly with 24 stitches.
7. Close the Gap Between the Legs:
   • Use the yarn tail from the first leg to sew the gap closed.

2. Shaping the Body and Head:

1. Rounds 2-6:
   • Work 24 SC around for five rounds to shape the belly.
2. Round 7:
   • Work 2 SC, then an invisible decrease (2SC, DEC), repeating six times to end with 18 stitches.
3. Stuffing:
   • Begin stuffing the legs and body with polyfill as you work.
4. Round 8:
   • Work 1 SC, then an invisible decrease (1SC, DEC), repeating six times to end with 12 stitches.
5. Round 9:
   • Work 1 SC, then an increase (1SC, INC), repeating six times to reach 18 stitches.
6. Rounds 10-13:
   • Gradually increase the stitches as follows:
     • Round 10: 2SC, INC (24 stitches).
     • Round 11: 3SC, INC (30 stitches).
     • Rounds 12-13: Work 30 SC around.
7. Round 14:
   • Begin shaping the head with 3SC, DEC, repeating six times (24 stitches).
8. Rounds 15-16:
   • Work 24 SC around.
9. Round 17:
   • Work 2SC, DEC, repeating six times to reach 18 stitches.
10. Round 18:
    • Work 1SC, DEC, repeating six times to reach 12 stitches.
11. Round 19:
    • Work six decreases to close the opening (6 stitches).
    • Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the hole closed by weaving through the front loops of the final stitches.

3. Adding the Eyes:

1. Attach the safety eyes between Rounds 14 and 15, spaced 4-5 stitches apart.
2. Secure tightly to avoid accidental detachment.

4. Making the Arms:

1. Start with a magic ring:
   • Work 6 SC into the ring.
2. Rounds 2-5:
   • Work 6 SC around for four rounds.
3. Round 6:
   • Start with a decrease, then work 4 SC (5 stitches total).
4. Flatten the Arm:
   • Fold the arm flat and work a decrease across the two layers to close.
   • Leave a tail for sewing.
5. Repeat:
   • Make two arms.

Final Assembly:

1. Stuff the Body and Head:
   • Ensure the body and head are well-stuffed for a plump, stable shape.
2. Attach the Arms:
   • Sew the arms to the sides of the body.
3. Add Antlers, Nose, and Scarf (optional):
   • Follow similar techniques to crochet and attach additional details for a festive look.

Tips for Beginners:

• Use stitch markers to track your progress in rounds.
• Take your time with assembly; neat sewing makes a big difference.
• Experiment with colors to personalize your reindeer.

Share Your Work:

Once your crochet reindeer is complete, share your creation on social media to inspire others! Don’t forget to tag the original pattern creator, Toys4U68 on Instagram. 🐇❤️