Stitch the Cutest Holiday Companion: Easy Plush Reindeer Crochet Pattern

ByLina Morgen

How to Crochet a Cute Plush Reindeer: Step-by-Step Pattern

Create your own adorable, cuddly reindeer with this easy-to-follow crochet pattern. This plushie stands approximately 7 inches (18 cm) tall, making it the perfect size for a holiday decoration or a handmade gift. Using soft chenille yarn, you’ll create a cozy companion that is as soft as it is cute.

Materials and Tools

  • Yarn: Plush/Chenille yarn (such as YarnArt Dolce or similar) in Beige, Red, and Brown.
  • Crochet Hooks: 4.5mm (main body) and 4.0mm (for the horns).
  • Eyes: Small beads or safety eyes.
  • Other Essentials: Fiberfill stuffing, a yarn needle, and strong sewing thread.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • ch: chain
  • sc: single crochet
  • inc: increase (two single crochet in one stitch)
  • dec: decrease (single crochet two stitches together)
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • dc: double crochet
  • (…) * n: repeat the instructions inside the parentheses n times

Step-by-Step Crochet Pattern

Upper Legs (Make 2)

Use beige yarn and a 4.5mm hook.

  1. ch 2, 6 sc in the second chain from the hook. (6)
  2. (2 sc, inc) * 2 = 8
  3. – 4. sc in each stitch for 2 rounds. (8)
  4. 5 – 8. sc in each stitch for 4 rounds. (8)
  5. 9. (2 sc, dec) * 2 = 6. Fold the piece and join the two sides with 3 sc. Fasten off and hide the yarn tail.

Lower Legs, Body, and Head

The lower legs, body, and head are worked as one continuous piece. Start with the red boots using a 4.5mm hook.

Left Lower Leg:

  1. ch 2, 6 sc in the second chain from the hook. (6)
  2. inc * 6 = 12
  3. – 4. sc in each stitch for 2 rounds. (12)
  4. 5. 3 sc, dec * 3, 3 sc = 9
  5. 6. sc in each stitch for 1 round. (9)

Switch to beige yarn:

  1. 7 – 9. sc in each stitch for 3 rounds. (9) sl st, fasten off, and secure the end.

Right Lower Leg: Repeat the steps for the Left Lower Leg.

Joining and Body:

  1. Join the legs: ch 1; work 9 sc around the left leg; 1 sc in the base of the first sc of the left leg; sc in the chain; work 9 sc around the right leg; 1 sc in the base of the first sc of the right leg. Total = 22. (Mark the start of this round).
  2. 10 sc, inc, sc, inc, 9 sc = 24
  3. 12 – 13. sc in each stitch for 2 rounds. (24)

Switch to red yarn (for the sweater):

  1. 14 – 19. sc in each stitch for 6 rounds. (24)
  2. 20. (2 sc, dec) * 6 = 18
  3. 21. Attach the upper legs: 5 sc, (3 sc while crocheting around the first upper leg), 6 sc, (3 sc while crocheting around the second upper leg), 1 sc. Note: You may need to shift by 1 stitch depending on your tension. Stuff the legs and lower body now.
  4. 22. (sc, dec) * 6 = 12
  5. 23. inc * 12 = 24
  6. 24. (3 sc, inc) * 6 = 30
  7. 25 – 29. sc in each stitch for 5 rounds. (30)
  8. 30. (3 sc, dec) * 6 = 24
  9. 31. (2 sc, dec) * 6 = 18
  10. 32. (sc, dec) * 6 = 12. Stuff the body and head firmly.
  11. 33. dec * 6 = 6. sl st to close the hole, fasten off and hide the tail.

The Muzzle

Use beige yarn and a 4.5mm hook.

  1. ch 2, 6 sc in the second chain from the hook. (6)
  2. inc * 6 = 12
  3. (sc, inc) * 6 = 18
  4. 4 – 5. sc in each stitch for 2 rounds. (18) sl st, fasten off and secure.

The Ears (Make 2)

Use beige yarn and a 4.5mm hook.

  1. ch 2, 6 sc in the second chain from the hook. (6)
  2. (sc, inc) * 3 = 9
  3. (2 sc, inc) * 3 = 12
  4. 4 – 5. sc in each stitch for 2 rounds. (12) sl st. Join the two sides with 6 sc, fold in half, and join with 3 sc. Fasten off and hide the tail.

The Horns (Make 2)

Use brown yarn and a 4.0mm hook.

  1. ch 2, 5 sc in the second chain from the hook. (5)
  2. 2 – 3. sc in each stitch for 2 rounds. (5)
  3. 4. sc, 3 dc in one stitch, 3 sc
  4. 5. sc, 3-dc cluster (all in one stitch), 3 sc
  5. 6 – 7. sc in each stitch for 2 rounds. (5) sl st, fasten off. Stuff the horns firmly.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

  1. Muzzle: Sew the muzzle to the head between rows 23 and 28. Add extra stuffing inside the muzzle before closing.
  2. Face: Embroider the nose using red plush yarn and a small smile using a standard sewing thread. Sew on the bead eyes.
  3. Ears and Horns: Sew the ears to the top of the head. Sew the horns between the ears, slightly toward the back.
  4. Final Detail: To complete the look, you can crochet a small colorful scarf to wrap around your reindeer’s neck.

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