Christmas Reindeer
Crochet Kit · Video Tutorial

Loop the yarn around your finger → insert the hook → pull yarn through, then work 6 single crochet into the ring.

• After pulling the yarn through, don't tighten it yet — keep it loose and chain 1 first.
• Single crochet mantra: insert, pull up a loop, pull through both loops.
• Clip a stitch marker onto your very first single crochet.

Pull the tail to close the ring → find the first stitch next to the marker → join with a slip stitch.

• A stitch is the little V on top of each single crochet — always insert your hook under the V.
• Slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through everything in one go.
• From now on, every round ends with a slip stitch and starts with a chain 1.

Work 2 single crochet into every stitch (an increase) — 6 sets in total.

• From Round 3 you can go without the marker — but keep using it if it helps you see.
• Every round has a fixed stitch count: work a round, count a round.

Stop after the slip stitch, pull the new color through for that slip stitch — that's the invisible color change.

• You can cut the old yarn first; chain 1 as usual after changing.
• Tie the two tails together at the back so nothing comes loose.
• Then work 3 plain rounds (1 sc in every stitch).

Fasten off, pull the tail out through the back, and weave it into the fabric.

• Leg 2 is identical — and needs no color change. Watch Step 6 before making it.

Chain 2 on Leg 2, join to Leg 1 with a slip stitch, then crochet around both legs.

• Skip the slip-stitch spot; find the 2 chains from the very start.
• Work through one loop only of those chains — don't pick the wrong spot.

Work a few increases on the front (belly side), keep the back plain, then 5 plain rounds.

• Front vs back: the side with the chain-1 joins is the back; the other side is the belly.
• Increases go only on the front — that's what gives the body its curve.

Decrease = pick up the front loops of two stitches, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through again.

• Rhythm: 3 sc + dec → 1 plain round → 2 sc + dec → 1 plain round → 1 sc + dec to close.
• You can fasten off without stuffing — all stuffing can be done at the end.

Magic ring 6 sc → (sc, inc) → (2 sc, inc) → (3 sc, inc) → (4 sc, inc) → plain rounds → decreases from Round 14.

• For "2 sc, inc" and "4 sc, inc" rounds, offset the first set: start with 2 single crochet before the first increase, then work the rest normally — the video shows you how.
• Add one plain round between increase rounds.
• Offset the decreases the same way.
• Finish with a slip stitch and a long tail (you'll need it for sewing in Step 13). Stuff firmly.

Magic ring 6 sc → (sc, inc) → change to light brown on the last stitch → 5 plain rounds → one decrease round.

• After changing color, turn the piece right side out before continuing.
• Fasten off and stuff lightly — over-stuffed arms look stiff.

Antler main beam: 8 rounds. Two small branches. Ears: magic ring 5, an increase round, then 3 plain rounds.

• Branches start at 6 and 5 stitches — if 5 is too fiddly, use 6; the difference is tiny.
• Ears get no stuffing — fold them flat for later.

Beige: magic ring 5 sc + 5 half double crochet. Red nose: magic ring 6, worked tightly.

• Half double crochet: yarn over → insert → pull up a loop (3 loops on hook) → yarn over, pull through all 3.
• Round 2 of the muzzle: hdc increases.
• Work the nose tightly, pull the tail to the back and knot it. The nose is hollow — stitch it down; glue alone won't hold.
• Mouth line: sew with brown yarn split into 2 strands, placing it as shown in the video.

Position everything first, then sew picking up the side loops of each stitch, alternating front and back — and leave a little neck.

• Check front and back before sewing; the feet should line up.
• Sew a few stitches, then snug them gently — don't pull everything tight at once.
• Leave a generous tail: re-joining a snapped thread mid-seam is a hassle.

Antlers onto the head → sew on arms → sew on legs → fold and sew ears → scarf: red yarn, chain 40, single crochet 3 rows.

• Don't sew antlers too close to the top of the head — leave room for the ears. Secure arms with two passes so they can't come loose.
• Legs line up under the arms; the two ears sit about one stitch apart.
• Scarf: chain 40, single crochet into the 2nd chain from the hook, work 3 rows, then sew it around the neck.