As the holiday season approaches, I’m always on the lookout for creative and heartwarming crafts to add some festive cheer to my home. One of my absolute favorites is making amigurumi, particularly a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. There’s something magical about bringing this beloved Christmas character to life stitch by stitch. Amigurumi, for those who may not be familiar, is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. It’s a delightful blend of creativity and patience, allowing me to craft adorable and whimsical toys that bring smiles to everyone who sees them. ๐๐ฆ
Creating an amigurumi Rudolph pattern is a delightful journey that combines both imagination and skill. I start by choosing soft, cozy yarn in festive colors, making sure I have just the right shade of bright red for his iconic nose. The process begins with crocheting small individual pieces, like his cheerful face and little hooves, and then carefully stitching them together to form the complete reindeer. The joy comes from watching Rudolph take shape, piece by piece, transforming from a mere ball of yarn into a cuddly companion. Whether it’s for decorating the house or gifting to a special someone, crafting Rudolph with my own hands fills the season with warmth and joy. ๐๐งถ
๐ฆ Amigurumi Rudolph the Reindeer Crochet Pattern
Bring holiday magic to life with this lovable Amigurumi Rudolph! With his iconic red nose, festive green collar, and jolly stance, this handmade reindeer is the perfect companion for Christmas decorating, gift-giving, or snuggling by the fireplace.
โจ Skill Level
Intermediate โ Involves color changes, shaping, sewing parts, and crocheting antlers.
๐ Finished Size
Approx. 9โ10 inches (23โ25 cm) tall when using worsted weight yarn and a 2.5โ3.5 mm crochet hook.
๐งถ Materials
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Yarn (Worsted or DK Weight):
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Red (main body and head)
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Brown (antlers, hooves)
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White or cream (belly, snout)
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Pink or red (nose)
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Green (collar)
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Black (eyes or embroidery if not using safety eyes)
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Crochet hook: 2.5 mmโ3.5 mm
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**6 Black safety eyes (or felt/embroidery for eyes)
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Fiberfill stuffing
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Tapestry needle
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Stitch marker
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Scissors
๐งต Abbreviations (US Terms)
MR โ Magic Ring
sc โ Single Crochet
inc โ Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
dec โ Decrease (single crochet 2 stitches together)
sl st โ Slip Stitch
ch โ Chain
FO โ Fasten Off
BLO โ Back Loops Only
๐ฆ Head (Red)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
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(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
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(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
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(4 sc, inc) x6 (36)
7โ12. sc around (36) -
(4 sc, dec) x6 (30)
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(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
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(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
โ Stuff head firmly
โ FO and leave tail for sewing
๐ฝ Snout (White)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
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sc around (18)
โ Sew pink/red circle to center for nose
โ Stuff lightly and sew to center of head
๐๏ธ Eyes
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Attach 6 safety eyes (3 per side) evenly spaced around snout
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Optional: Use black yarn or felt to embroider sleepy or cartoon eyes
๐ Ears (Make 2 โ Red + Inner White)
Outer Ear (Red):
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MR, 6 sc
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(1 sc, inc) x3 (9)
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(2 sc, inc) x3 (12)
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sc around (12), FO
Inner Ear (White):
Same pattern as outer, sew to center of red ear
โ Fold slightly and sew to top sides of the head
๐ฆ Antlers (Make 2 โ Brown)
Main Branch:
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MR, 6 sc
2โ7. sc around (6)
โ FO one and start Side Branch: -
MR, 4 sc
2โ5. sc around (4), FO
โ Sew side branch to main
โ Make two identical antlers and sew to head
๐ง Body (Red โ Belly Insert White)
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MR, 6 sc
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
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(2 sc, inc) x6 (24)
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(3 sc, inc) x6 (30)
6โ11. sc around (30)
โ Optional: Work front belly section in white yarn (color change center 10 stitches for several rounds) -
(3 sc, dec) x6 (24)
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(2 sc, dec) x6 (18)
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(1 sc, dec) x6 (12)
โ Stuff firmly
โ FO and sew to head
๐พ Legs (Make 4 โ Red to Brown)
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MR, 6 sc (Brown)
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inc x6 (12)
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(1 sc, inc) x6 (18)
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BLO sc around (18)
5โ6. sc around -
Switch to red, sc around
8โ10. sc (18)
โ Stuff legs lightly
โ FO and sew evenly to bottom of body
๐ฟ Collar (Green)
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Ch 40, join with sl st
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Work 2 dc in each st around
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FO and sew around the neck under head for a ruffled look
โ๏ธ Assembly
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Attach head to body
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Sew all four legs to bottom
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Attach ears and antlers symmetrically
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Sew on collar around neck
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Stitch down snout and eyes
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Embroider optional smile or blush cheeks with pink thread
Your festive little Rudolph is ready to guide your sleighโor at least decorate your home with holiday cheer! ๐๐ฆ Add a small bell or scarf for an extra personal touch. Happy crocheting and happy holidays! ๐โจ