Free Santa Crochet Pattern (Christmas Amigurumi)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this blog post, you will see the Free Crochet Santa Pattern (Christmas Amigurumi).
This amigurumi Santa Claus is an excellent project for anyone who wants to make their own crochet Christmas decorations!
Designed and made by guest crocheter Zoe Kotsia, the maker and owner of The Dotty Duck.
The sweet little Santa is a great project you can make for yourself and the kids or a gift for Christmas time.
Santa Crochet Pattern
Make a cute little Santa that the kids will love with this free crochet pattern for the holiday season.
Materials
- Yarn:
- Alize Cotton Gold in red, black, white, skin tone
- (This yarn is Cotton 55% / Acrylic 45% blend.)
- Yarn weight - Superfine 01.
- Full skeins are not needed for the Santa, as scraps of yarn will do - but you will need approx 50g of red.
- Gold embroidery thread
- Toy stuffing/polyfil
Tools
- Crochet hook size - 2.5mm (US C/2)
- (or size suitable for your own yarn choice)
- Scissors
- Darning needle
- Pins
Instructions
Beard
(In white yarn)
- ch 28, 1 hdc in the second chain from hook, 2hdc, ch 1, turn,
- 27 hdc, ch 1, turn,
- 27 hdc, ch 2, turn,
- 4 dc, 2 hdc, 15 sc, 2 hdc, 4 dc
- Cut yarn leaving a long tail for sewing f/o.
Head
(In skin tone coloured yarn)
- 6 sc in mc (6)
- inc in every st (12)
- *1 sc, inc* rep (18)
- *2 sc, inc* rep (24)
- *3 sc, inc* rep (30)
- *4 sc, inc* rep (36)
- *5 sc, inc* rep (42)
- Rounds 8 -15 - sc all sts (42)
- Round 16 - *5 sc, dec* rep (36)
- Round 17 - *4 sc, dec* rep (30)
- Round 18 - *3 sc, dec* rep (24)
- Round 19 - *2 sc, dec* rep (18)
- Stuff the head cut a length of yarn and f/o.
Hat
(Red + white yarn)
- Start working in red yarn, 6 sc in mc (6)
- sc in every st (6)
- inc in every st (12)
- sc in every st (12)
- sc in every st (12)
- *1 sc, inc* rep (18)
- sc in every st (18)
- sc in every st (18)
- sc in every st (18)
- *2 sc, inc* rep (24)
- sc in every st (24)
- sc in every st (24)
- *2 sc, into next st, 3 times, 9 sc* rep twice (30)
- *2 sc into next st, 3 times, 12 sc* rep twice (36)
- sc into every st (36)
- *2 sc into next st, 3 times, 15 sc* rep twice (42)
- sc into every st (42)
- *2 sc into next st, 3 times, 18 sc* rep twice (48)
- Change to white yarn
- Rounds 19-22 - sc every st (48)
- f/o leaving a long tail for sewing.
Crochet Pom Pom For Hat
(In white yarn)
- 6 sc in mc (6)
- *inc in every st (12)
- sc in every st (12)
- sc in every st (12)
- sc in every st (12)
- *1 sc, dec* rep to end of the round.
- dec to end of the round.
- f/o leaving a long tail for sewing.
Legs And Body
(In black and red yarn)
- Make 2
- Start working in black yarn, 6 sc in mc (6)
- * 1 sc, inc* rep (9)
- sc every st (9)
- sc every st (9)
- change to red yarn - sc into every st (9)
- sc into every st (9)
- sc into every st (9)
- sc into every st (9)
- sc into every st (9)
- sc into every st (9)
- sc into every st (9) f/o - don't fasten off on the second leg, stuff legs and continue stuffing as you work.
- ch 6, join first leg, 12 sc on the second leg, 1 sc in each of the sts between the legs (36)
- Rounds 13-24 - sc in every st (36)
- Round 25 - *3 sc, dec* rep (24)
- Rounds 26-27 - sc in every st (24)
- Round 28 - * 2 sc, dec* rep (18)
- Rounds 29-32 - sc in every st (18)
- f/o leaving a long tail for sewing.
Arms
(In skin tone and red yarn)
Make 2
- Start working in skin tone colored yarn, 6 sc in mc (6)
- *2 sc, inc* rep (8)
- sc in every st (8)
- sc in every st (8)
- Change to red yarn.
- Rounds 5-14 - sc in every st (8)
- Round 15 - Flatten the arm and crochet through both thicknesses, 4 sc (4)
- f/o leaving a long tail for sewing.
Making Up
- Sew the head onto the body making sure to stuff the neck tightly.
- Pin the beard to the head to keep it in place while sewing. With row 4 of the beard towards the top sew the sides between rows 8-12 and row 1 of the beard onto row 19 of the head, (where the head joins the body).
- Stuff tightly.
- Sew crochet pom pom to the top of the hat.
- Fold the white part of the hat in half.
- Pin it to the head to keep it in place while you sew.
- Sew through both thicknesses of the hat onto the head.
- Sew the front of the hat on row 6, the back of the hat on row 15, and the sides overlapping the first row of the beard.
- Sew the arms onto the body on round 32.
- Embroider the eyes between rows 9-10 leaving 5 sts between them.
- Embroider nose between rows 11-12 over 2 sts.
Belt and White Arm Cuffs
- sc over every column of the body between rows 21-22
- With gold embroidery thread, sc a square over the belt.
- With white, sc over every column of the arm between rows 4-5.
Notes
The pattern is written using US crochet terms and abbreviations.
You can find a free PDF of both US and UK terms and abbreviations here. - Crochet Abbreviations And Terms (US + UK)
Abbreviations
mc - Magic circle
ch - Chain
sc - Single crochet
dc - Double crochet
hdc - Half double crochet
inc - Increase (sc twice into the same st)
dec - decrease (sc2tog)
f/o - fasten off
st - stitch
sts - stitches
Measurements
Height including hat w/pom pom - 11 inches / 29 cm
Width not including arms - 3.5 inches / 9cm
Gauge - 3x3 cm / 1 x 1 inch = 6 rows / 7 sts. (On body)
Santa Amigurumi
This amigurumi Santa is made in a series of pieces that are stuffed.
The crochet Santa doll’s body is made in one piece, while the arms and head are attached separately.
The beard and hat are then stitched into place, and a belt is added on with a sparkling gold-embroidered belt buckle.
Make A Crochet Santa On The Shelf
You may have heard of Elf on the shelf, but how about Santa on the shelf?!
Standing at 11 inches/29 cm tall, this Santa is the perfect alternative to that naughty elf sitting on the shelf.
This cute alternative will look great in your home, as a decoration, or for the kids to play with.
The Santa can be made in around 7-8 hours, so there is still plenty of time to make one (or two!) before Christmas.
A Free Pattern For The Advanced Beginners
The crochet Santa Claus pattern below will be easy for any advanced beginners or intermediate-level crocheters.
If you are new to amigurumi, this pattern will be perfect for you to try out!
Using a series of basic crochet stitches like single crochet, there are also some HDC stitches, plus increases and decreases.
The hook size
- You need a 2.5mm (US C/2) hook for this pattern.
- You can use any hook size that matches the type of yarn you want to use.
- Depending on the size hook/yarn weight you choose – the Santa could end up being bigger than the size given in the pattern.
The yarn you need…
- Alize Cotton Gold in red, black, and white skin tones made the Santa.
- This yarn is Cotton 55% / Acrylic 45% blend.
- This yarn’s recommended crochet hook size is 2 mm(US B/1)/4 mm (US G/6).
- You can substitute this yarn with any yarn that is weight 01 – Superfine.
- Superfine weight yarn is also known as fingering/sock/baby yarn and is 3ply/4ply.
- A good substitute yarn is Rico Essentials Cotton 4ply.
- A full skein of each color is not needed.
- This pattern is great for stash busting as you need small amounts in each color with around 50g of red yarn.
Christmas Crochet Free Patterns
This Christmas crochet pattern is great for advanced beginners learning how to crochet amigurumi toys.
For more festive free crochet patterns, please take a look at these blog posts:
- 20 Free Christmas Crochet Blanket Patterns (Easy + Festive)
- 50 Best Free Crochet Christmas Stocking Patterns
- Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Pattern – Goodie Bag
- 6 Free Crochet Gift Bag Patterns For Christmas
- 40 Free Christmas Crochet Patterns (Best For The Holiday!)
- 35 Best Christmas Amigurumi Crochet Patterns Free!
- Crochet Flat Christmas Tree Pattern (Free Appliqúe How To)
- 40 Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns
- 29+ Gift Ideas For Crocheters
- 10 Advent Calendar Ideas
Christmas Crafts
Crochet Lessons
If you are a new maker and need help with the crochet basics, check out the crochet lessons here – Crochet Lessons {With Video Tutorials}.
There, you will find tutorial posts for all the crochet techniques a newbie needs to know.
Including how to create a foundation chain (ch), single crochet, double crochet, and all the crochet abbreviations (in UK and US terms) a maker needs to know.
And if you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
Join The Handy Little Me Facebook Group to connect with more makers.
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern
- You should be comfortable making a slipknot (how to make a slip knot (step by step)) and creating a chain (ch) (how to start a crochet chain).
- You should also know how to single crochet (sc) and how to double crochet (dc) (how to double crochet (dc) for beginners) as they are commonly used stitches.
- You should be comfortable making increases (inc) by working two single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
- Plus knowing how to decrease by single crocheting two stitches together (sc2tog).
- You should also know how to HDC – half double crochet.
- You should also be comfortable reading crochet patterns (how to read crochet patterns for beginners).
- And understanding crochet abbreviations and terms (US + UK).
What Is A Beginner-Friendly Amigurumi Crochet?
Amigurumi is the art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed toys and other creatures.
For beginners, it’s best to start with a simple amigurumi pattern that doesn’t involve complex stitches or intricate details.
Here are some characteristics of a beginner-friendly amigurumi crochet pattern:
- Basic Shapes:
- Choose a pattern primarily using basic crochet stitches like single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), and slip stitch. Amigurumi often involves working in the round, so you should be comfortable creating circles.
- Limited Color Changes:
- Opt for a pattern with minimal color changes. Starting with a single-color amigurumi project helps you focus on the basic techniques without the added complexity of changing yarn colors frequently.
- Clear Instructions:
- Look for a pattern with clear and detailed instructions. Patterns that include step-by-step explanations and, if possible, accompanying images or videos can be especially helpful for beginners.
- Small Size:
- Begin with a small amigurumi project. Smaller projects are quicker to complete and allow you to practice the fundamental techniques before moving on to larger, more intricate designs.
- Few Pieces to Assemble:
- Choose a pattern that requires minimal sewing or assembling. The fewer pieces involved, the easier it is for a beginner to manage.
- Sturdy Materials:
- Consider using a slightly thicker yarn and an appropriately sized crochet hook. This can make it easier to work with and result in a sturdier finished product.
- Safety Eyes or Embroidered Features:
- If your chosen pattern includes facial features, consider starting with a design that uses safety eyes or simple embroidered features. This eliminates the need for complex facial details.
- Recommended Yarn and Hook Size:
- Follow the pattern’s recommendations for yarn weight and hook size. Using the specified materials ensures that your amigurumi will turn out as intended.
- Popular Beginner Designs:
- Common beginner-friendly amigurumi designs include animals like turtles, owls, or simple dolls. These often have straightforward shapes and minimal detailing.
- Online Tutorials:
- Look for patterns that have accompanying video tutorials or additional online resources. Visual aids can be extremely beneficial for beginners.
Remember, practice is key regarding amigurumi and crochet in general.
Don’t be discouraged by any initial challenges, and enjoy the process of creating your adorable crocheted creatures!
What Can You Crochet For Christmas?
You can crochet countless festive and decorative items for Christmas to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.
Here are some ideas:
- Christmas Ornaments:
- Crochet ornaments in the shape of snowflakes, stars, Christmas trees, or mini stockings.
- You can also make a crochet Santa hat, an elf hat, and Santa gnome ornaments.
- Stockings:
- Create personalized stockings for family members. You can make them in classic colors or customize each stocking with individual names. Make one for the whole family.
- Tree Skirt:
- Crochet a cozy tree skirt to complement your Christmas tree. Choose colors that match your holiday decor and add festive motifs.
- Garlands:
- Make crocheted garlands with festive shapes like candy canes, holly leaves, or mini Santas. String them across your fireplace, tree, or along walls.
- Gift Tags:
- Craft reusable crochet gift tags that can double as ornaments. Attach them to your gifts with a ribbon for a unique and sustainable touch.
- Table Decorations:
- Crochet placemats, coasters, or napkin rings in Christmas colors to dress up your holiday table.
- Wreaths:
- Create a crochet wreath adorned with holiday-themed elements like holly leaves, bows, or small ornaments. Hang it on your front door or use it as a festive wall decoration.
- Candles and Candle Holders:
- Crochet cozy covers for candles or small votive holders. Choose yarn in Christmas colors to add a warm and festive glow to your home.
- Hot Chocolate or Coffee Cozies:
- Make festive cozies for hot beverage cups. Add Christmas-themed motifs like snowmen, reindeer, or gingerbread men for extra holiday charm.
- Advent Calendar:
- Craft a crochet Advent calendar with small pockets for each day leading up to Christmas. Fill them with treats or small surprises.
- Christmas Blankets or Throws:
- Crochet a cozy blanket or throw with holiday-inspired colors or motifs. It can be a great addition to your living room during the festive season.
- Elf Hats and Santa Hats:
- Create cute elf hats or classic crochet Christmas hats for family members or as part of your Christmas party attire.
- Mistletoe:
- Craft a crocheted mistletoe decoration to hang in doorways. It’s a playful and traditional symbol of holiday romance.
- Christmas Potholders:
- Make functional yet festive potholders in the shape of Christmas trees, snowflakes, or gingerbread men.
- Pet Accessories:
- Don’t forget your furry friends! Crochet pet stockings or festive bandanas for your pets to join in the holiday spirit.
These Christmas crochet ideas offer a creative way to bring warmth and handmade charm to your holiday decorations and gift-giving.
Experiment with colors and patterns to suit your personal style and preferences.
Share your work with us…
If you enjoyed making the pattern, I’d love to see yours on social media!
On Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo!
I’d love to see your work.
Merry Christmas and Happy Crocheting!