How to Crochet Happy Little Reindeer Wearing Scarf Applique

It is hard not to smile when you see a happy little reindeer with a bright red nose! This cute crochet reindeer ornament is flat, friendly, and all dressed up in a bright red winter scarf. It adds so much fun hanging right in the middle of your tree with your other Christmas decorations.

Crochet Flat Reindeer Applique & Ornament

You can also hang it on a doorknob or pin it to a bulletin board for sweet room decorations, or add it to a hallway garland for cozy home decorations. Light and cheerful, these little reindeer make wonderful small gifts that kids, friends, and coworkers will love.

Project Details

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

• Why: This project has several separate parts to make (the granny-style body, round face, red nose, warm scarf, and two legs with red boots). Making the antlers directly on the head also takes some patience, since you have to work small slip stitches back into tiny chains to make each little branch.

Pattern Abbreviations

• ch: Chain

• sl st: Slip stitch

• sc: Single crochet

• sc inc: Single crochet increase (2 single crochets in the same stitch)

• hdc: Half double crochet

• dc: Double crochet

• sk: Skip

• spc: Space (chain space)

• st / sts: Stitch / Stitches

• rep: Repeat

• R: Row / Round

Materials Needed

• Yarn: 3-ply acrylic yarn in Beige/Tan and Red

• Thread: Black embroidery floss (for stitching the closed, happy eyes)

• Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm

• Craft Glue (or needle and thread to assemble pieces)

• Tapestry / Embroidery Needle

• Scissors

Stitch Guide: Making the Antler Branches

The reindeer’s antlers are worked right onto the head by making chains and slip stitching back down them. Here is how to keep them neat:

1. Start the Main Stem: Chain 5.

2. Work Down: Skip the first chain from your hook, then work 1 slip stitch into each of the next 2 chains.

3. Make a Side Branch: Without cutting your yarn, chain 4. Skip the first chain from the hook and slip stitch in the next 3 chains back to the main stem.

4. Make a Second Branch: Chain 3, skip the first chain, and slip stitch in the next 2 chains back to the stem.

5. Finish the Base: Slip stitch into the remaining chains of the main stem until you reach the head, then slip stitch directly into the edge of the head to lock the antler firmly in place.

Video Guide: