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Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern

Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern
4.7★ Rating
6-8 Hours Time Needed
2.2K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

🎄

Holiday Cheer

Festive fun for the season, bringing handmade magic to celebrations and creating new family traditions.

About This Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern

Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Using super bulky velvet yarn like Himalaya Dolphin Baby or YarnArt Dolce, this pattern creates an incredibly soft and luxurious texture. The construction involves working in spirals with strategic color changes to form the reindeer's distinctive facial features.

Why You'll Love This Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple crochet techniques into something truly magical and festive. The soft velvet yarn makes every stitch feel like a cozy hug, and watching the reindeer's personality emerge as you add the antlers, nose, and little limbs is incredibly rewarding. It's one of those projects that looks impressive but doesn't require complex stitches, making it perfect for gift-giving or adding a handmade touch to your holiday decorations. Plus, there's something wonderfully satisfying about creating a functional piece of home décor that brings smiles to everyone who sees it.

Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love experimenting with this reindeer pillow pattern to create different seasonal variations throughout the year! For a spring version, I've tried using pastel pink and mint green velvet yarn to create a whimsical unicorn-inspired pillow by changing the antler color to a sparkly yarn and adding a flower crown. During autumn, I swap the white antlers for orange or burgundy to create a woodland deer aesthetic that perfectly complements cozy fall décor.

One of my favorite modifications is adjusting the size by using different yarn weights—I've made mini versions with sport weight yarn and a 2.5mm hook that work up to about 15cm tall, perfect as ornaments or gift toppers. For a more modern look, I sometimes use solid charcoal gray for the entire body with metallic gold antlers, creating a sophisticated accent piece that works year-round.

I also enjoy playing with the facial embroidery—instead of the traditional nose, I've created sleepy eyes with long lashes for a dreamy bedroom pillow, or added rosy cheeks with pink yarn for an extra sweet expression. The arms and legs can be positioned differently too; I've sewn them in sitting positions or even created a lying-down version by adjusting where they attach to the body.

For gifting, I personalize these pillows by adding small accessories like tiny crocheted scarves, bells on the antlers, or even embroidered names on the back. The pattern is wonderfully versatile, and each small change creates a completely unique character that tells its own story!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not maintaining consistent tension when working in spirals can cause the pillow body to twist or become uneven in shape ✗ Failing to count stitches carefully during color changes may result in the facial features appearing misaligned or distorted on the finished pillow ✗ Understuffing the corners and antlers makes them lose their shape and appear floppy instead of standing upright with definition ✗ Skipping the step of securing safety eyes before stuffing makes it nearly impossible to attach them properly later without distorting the pillow shape

Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern

Create an adorable reindeer pillow that brings festive charm to any space! This delightful pattern combines soft velvet yarn with charming details like antlers, embroidered features, and cute little arms and legs. Perfect for decorating nurseries, bedrooms, living rooms, or even your car, this pillow makes a wonderful handmade gift that captures the magic of the holiday season. The finished pillow measures approximately 30x35 cm including antlers, creating a cozy companion that's both decorative and functional for cuddling.

Intermediate 6-8 Hours

Materials Needed for Pillow Reindeer Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Super Bulky/Super Chunky/14ply velvet yarn - Himalaya Dolphin baby in beige color (2 skeins)
  • 02
    Super Bulky/Super Chunky/14ply velvet yarn - Himalaya Dolphin baby in brown color (1 skein)
  • 03
    Super Bulky/Super Chunky/14ply velvet yarn - Himalaya Dolphin baby in white color (less than 1 skein)
  • 04
    Small amount of black yarn for embroidering eyelids and nose details
  • 05
    Alternative yarn option: YarnArt Dolce in corresponding colors

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm (or 4 mm optional)
  • 02
    Fiberfill (toys stuffing material)
  • 03
    Loop back buttons in black color for eyes (diameter 22-24 mm)
  • 04
    Needle with a wide eye for sewing pieces together
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Stitch markers (recommended for tracking rounds)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Pillow :

Info :

Crochet with beige yarn. Work in a spiral (except the indicated moments)

Rnd 1 :

ch90

Rnd 2 :

connect in a circle with the first stitch: 1 sc (it is the first stitch of a new round) and crochet further 89 sc {90}

Rnd 3-19 (17 rounds) :

90 sc

Info :

Next, alternate colors

Rnd 20 :

in beige: 18 sc, in brown: 8 sc, in beige: 64 sc {90}

Rnd 21 :

in beige: 18 sc, in brown: 8 sc, in beige: 64 sc {90}

Rnd 22 :

in beige: 17 sc, in brown: 10 sc, in beige: 63 sc {90}

Rnd 23 :

in beige: 16 sc, in brown: 12 sc, in beige: 60 sc, in brown: 1 sc, in beige: 1 sc {90}

Rnd 24 :

in beige: 15 sc, in brown: 14 sc, in beige: 16 sc, in brown: 1 sc, in beige: 42 sc, in brown: 2 sc {90}

Rnd 25 :

in beige: 14 sc, in brown: 16 sc, in beige: 14 sc, in brown: 2 sc, in beige: 42 sc, in brown: 2 sc {90}

Rnd 26 :

in brown: 1 sc, in beige: 12 sc, in brown: 19 sc, in beige: 11 sc, in brown: 3 sc, in beige: 42 sc, in brown: 2 sc {90}

Rnd 27 :

in brown: 2 sc, in beige: 10 sc, in brown: 21 sc, in beige: 9 sc, in brown: 4 sc, in beige: 42 sc, in brown: 2 sc {90}

Rnd 28-37 (10 Rounds) :

in brown: 46 sc, in beige: 42 sc, in brown: 2 sc {90}

Info :

Leave a long yarn tail for sewing and sew up the top of the pillow. Fasten off, hide the yarn end inside. (If you secure eyes before stuffing the pillow, then insert them between rounds 17 and 18, counting from the bottom with distance between the eyes of 12-13sc)

Info :

Stuff the pillow, especially the corners. Sew up the bottom of the pillow, fasten off, hide it inside

— Ears (make 2) :

Info :

Crochet with beige yarn

Row 1 :

ch13

Row 2 :

from the second chain on the hook: 11 sc, 3 sc in the last chain, on the other side of the chain: 12 sc, ch1, turn

Row 3 :

from the second stitch on the hook: 13 sc, 3 sc in 1 stitch, 12 sc, ch1, turn

Row 4 :

from the second stitch on the hook: 14 sc, 3 sc in 1 stitch, 13 sc

Info :

Fasten off, cut the yarn

Info :

Crochet with brown yarn

Row 1 :

ch13

Row 2 :

from the second stitch on the hook: 11 sc, 3 sc in the last chain, on the other side of the chain: 12 sc, ch1, turn

Row 3 :

from the second stitch on the hook: 13 sc, 3 sc in 1 stitch, 12 sc, ch1, turn

Row 4 :

from the second stitch on the hook: 14 sc, 3 sc in 1 stitch, 13 sc, ch1

Info :

Do not cut the yarn. Fold both pieces together and crochet through both pieces with brown yarn. Hide the ends inside

Row 4 :

15 sc, 3 sc in 1 stitch, 14 sc

Info :

Leave a long yarn end for sewing. Fold the bottom of the ear in half and sew up the edges. Sew the ears to the upper corners of the pillow. Fix the thread and hide inside

— Nose :

Info :

Crochet with brown and beige yarn, alternating colors

Rnd 1 :

in brown: 6 sc in an amigurumi ring {6}

Rnd 2 :

in beige: 3 inc, in brown: 3 inc {12}

Rnd 3 :

in beige: (1 sc, inc) – repeat 3 times, in brown: 6 sc {15}

Rnd 4 :

in beige: (2 sc, inc) – repeat 3 times, in brown: (1 sc, inc) – repeat 3 times {21}

Rnd 5 :

in beige: (3 sc, inc) – repeat 3 times, in brown: (2 sc, inc) – repeat 3 times {27}

Rnd 6 :

in beige: (4 sc, inc) – repeat 3 times, in brown: (3 sc, inc) – repeat 3 times {33}

Rnd 7 :

in beige: (5 sc, inc) – repeat 3 times, in brown: (4 sc, inc) – repeat 3 times {39}

Infos :

Stuff the nose, sew it between rounds 10 and 18, leave a small hole (it will be more convenient to start embroidering the nose through it and fix the thread there). Sew on the eyes between rounds 17 and 18 (distance between eyes 12-13 sc). Take black yarn, embroider a nose and eyelids (so that the eyelids do not slip, you can carefully glue them to the pillow with transparent glue). Fix the thread, hide it inside the nose. With beige yarn embroider checkmarks on the forehead, fix the thread. Sew up the hole and also hide the thread inside

— Legs (make 2) :

Info :

Crochet with brown yarn

Rnd 1 :

6 sc in an amigurumi ring {6}

Rnd 2 :

(inc) – repeat 6 times {12}

Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, inc) – repeat 6 times {18}

Rnd 4 :

18 sc

Info :

Leave a long yarn end for sewing

— Arms (make 2) :

Info :

Crochet with brown yarn

Rnd 1 :

6 sc in an amigurumi ring {6}

Rnd 2 :

(inc) – repeat 6 times {12}

Rnd 3 :

12 sc

Info :

Leave a long yarn end for sewing

— Antlers (make 2) :

Info :

Crochet with white yarn

Piece 1 :

Start here

Rnd 1 :

6 sc in an amigurumi ring {6}

Rnd 2 :

(inc) – repeat 6 times {12}

Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, inc) – repeat 6 times {18}

Rnd 4-7 (4 rounds) :

18 sc

Info :

Do not fasten off on the piece 1, leave the loop open and leave a long tail for sewing

Piece 2 :

Make separately

Rnd 1 :

6 sc in an amigurumi ring {6}

Rnd 2 :

(inc) – repeat 6 times {12}

Rnd 3 :

(1 sc, inc) – repeat 6 times {18}

Rnd 4-5 (2 rounds) :

18 sc

Info :

Do not cut the yarn, continue crocheting, connecting both pieces

Rnd 1 :

Along piece 1: 4 sc (crochet the first stitch with 2 loops of both pieces, as per photo below), dec, 2 sc, dec, 2 sc, dec, 2 sc, dec. Along piece 2: 4 sc, dec, 2 sc, dec, 3 sc, dec, 1 sc, dec {28}

Info :

Sew up the hole with 2 sc or with a needle and yarn end from piece 1

Rnd 2 :

(2 sc, dec) – repeat 7 times {21}

Rnd 3 :

11 sc, dec, 6 sc, dec {19}

Rnd 4-5 :

19 sc

Info :

Leave a long yarn end for sewing. Stuff the antlers and sew them to the top

— Assembly :

Final Steps :

Sew on the arms between rounds 7 and 10, stuff them tightly and sew on the legs. Fix the threads and hide them inside the pillow. Your Pillow is ready!

Assembly Instructions

  • Stuff the pillow body firmly, paying special attention to the corners to maintain the proper rectangular shape.
  • Attach safety eyes between rounds 17 and 18 with 12-13 sc distance between them before final stuffing if possible.
  • Sew the nose piece between rounds 10 and 18, leaving a small opening for embroidery work and thread finishing.
  • Embroider the nose details and eyelids with black yarn, optionally securing eyelids with transparent glue to prevent slipping.
  • Fold each ear in half at the bottom and sew edges together, then attach ears to the upper corners of the pillow.
  • Stuff and attach the white antlers to the top of the pillow head, ensuring they're securely fastened.
  • Sew arms between rounds 7 and 10, stuff firmly, then attach legs to the bottom portion of the pillow body.

Important Notes

  • 💡Work in a spiral throughout the pattern except where specifically indicated to work in rows or joined rounds
  • 💡Maintain consistent tension when using super bulky velvet yarn as it can be slippery and challenging to control
  • 💡Count stitches carefully during color changes to ensure the facial features align properly on the finished pillow
  • 💡Stuff the pillow corners thoroughly to prevent a flat appearance and maintain the dimensional shape
  • 💡Use stitch markers to track round beginnings when working with multiple color changes
  • 💡Leave long yarn tails on all separate pieces for secure assembly and easier sewing

This charming Pillow Reindeer pattern brings festive magic to life with its adorable design and luxurious velvet yarn texture. Perfect for holiday decorating or as a year-round companion, this project combines straightforward techniques with delightful details like dimensional antlers and embroidered features. Whether you're crafting for your own home or creating heartfelt gifts, this reindeer pillow is sure to bring smiles and cozy comfort to everyone who encounters it. The pattern's clear instructions and spiral construction make it an enjoyable weekend project! 🦌✨🧶

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I use regular worsted weight yarn instead of super bulky velvet yarn?

Yes, you can substitute with worsted weight yarn, but you'll need to adjust your hook size accordingly (likely 3-4mm) and the finished pillow will be significantly smaller than the stated 30x35cm dimensions. You may also need to adjust stitch counts to achieve the desired size.

How do I prevent the color changes from looking messy on the pillow body?

To create clean color changes, always carry the unused yarn inside your work and catch it with single crochet stitches. Change colors on the last pull-through of the stitch before the new color begins, and maintain consistent tension throughout your work.

What's the best way to stuff the antlers so they stand upright?

Stuff the antlers firmly but not too tightly, starting from the tips and working toward the base. You can also insert a pipe cleaner or light wire through the center before stuffing to help them maintain their shape and position on the pillow.

Can I make this pillow without the safety eyes and use embroidered eyes instead?

Absolutely! If you prefer a child-safe version or simply like the embroidered look, you can use black yarn to embroider circular eyes or even create more stylized eyes with French knots or satin stitch techniques.

How do I wash the finished reindeer pillow?

Since the pillow contains fiberfill stuffing and safety eyes, it's best to spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If you want a fully washable version, consider making a removable cover with a zipper or button closure and a separate pillow insert.