Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with this adorable crochet reindeer backpack! Perfect for gifting or carrying your essentials, this project combines functionality with whimsical charm. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or looking for a fun challenge, this detailed pattern will guide you in creating a unique, festive accessory that will turn heads wherever you go. Embrace the festive spirit!
Spread Holiday Cheer with Your Handmade Reindeer Backpack!
There’s nothing quite like the joy of a handmade item, especially one as delightful as this reindeer backpack. It’s not just a bag; it’s a conversation starter, a personalized gift, and a testament to your crafting skills. Imagine the smiles it will bring to a child’s face or the unique flair it adds to your own holiday ensemble. Create something truly special this season!
Gauge: Not critical for this project, but aim for a tight fabric to prevent stuffing from showing.
Notes: Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
Bag Body (Starting with Forest Green)
R1: Ch 2, 8 sc in second ch from hook (8 sts).
R2: Inc in each st around (16 sts).
R3: (Sc, inc) x 8 (24 sts).
R4: (2 sc, inc) x 8 (32 sts).
R5: (3 sc, inc) x 8 (40 sts).
R6: (4 sc, inc) x 8 (48 sts).
R7: (5 sc, inc) x 8 (56 sts).
R8: (6 sc, inc) x 8 (64 sts).
R9: (7 sc, inc) x 8 (72 sts).
R10-R18: Sc in each st around (72 sts).
Change to Deep Red yarn.
R19-R30: Sc in each st around (72 sts).
R31 (Drawstring Channel): (Ch 2, skip 2 sts, sc in next 4 sts) x 12. Sl st to first ch 2 space.
R32: Sc in each st and ch space around (72 sts). FO, weave in ends.
Reindeer Head (Deep Red)
R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6 sts).
R2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
R3: (Sc, inc) x 6 (18 sts).
R4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24 sts).
R5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30 sts).
R6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36 sts).
R7-R12: Sc in each st around (36 sts).
R13: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30 sts).
R14: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24 sts).
Start stuffing firmly.
R15: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18 sts).
R16: (Sc, dec) x 6 (12 sts).
R17: Dec x 6 (6 sts). FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close the opening and weave in end.
Snout (Deep Red)
R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6 sts).
R2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
R3: (Sc, inc) x 6 (18 sts).
R4-R5: Sc in each st around (18 sts).
R6: (Sc, dec) x 6 (12 sts).
Stuff lightly. FO, leaving a long tail for sewing. Close opening.
Ears (Make 2 – Deep Red and Light Beige)
Using Deep Red:
R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6 sts).
R2: (Sc, inc) x 3 (9 sts).
R3-R4: Sc in each st around (9 sts). FO, leaving a tail.
Using Light Beige:
R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6 sts).
R2: (Sc, inc) x 3 (9 sts).
R3: Sc in each st around (9 sts). FO, leaving a tail.
Place one red piece and one beige piece together, wrong sides facing. Sc around the edges to join them, or sew neatly. Fold the bottom flat and stitch to secure. Leave a tail for sewing to the head.
Antlers (Make 2 – Dark Brown)
Main Branch:
R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6 sts).
R2-R5: Sc in each st around (6 sts).
Split into 2 smaller branches here: Divide sts into 3 sts for each branch. Work 3 sc, then ch 1, turn. Work 3 sc back. Repeat for 2-3 rows. FO. Join yarn to remaining 3 sts, ch 1, turn. Work 3 sc back. Repeat for 2-3 rows. FO, leaving tails for sewing. Stuff lightly.
Backpack Straps (Make 2 – Deep Red)
Ch 65 (or desired length).
R1: Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (64 sc).
R2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (64 sc). FO, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Drawstring Cord (Deep Red)
Ch 120 (or desired length). Sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across. FO, weave in ends.
Assembly
Attach Head: Position the head centrally on the top red part of the bag body. Sew securely.
Attach Snout: Sew the snout to the lower front part of the head. Embroider a small mouth with black yarn.
Attach Eyes: Insert safety eyes on the head, above the snout, symmetrically placed.
Attach Ears: Sew the ears to the top sides of the head.
Attach Antlers: Sew the antlers to the top of the head, behind the ears.
Attach Straps: Sew one end of each strap to the top back of the bag (near the drawstring channel). Sew the other end of each strap to the bottom back of the green section of the bag.
Insert Drawstring: Thread the drawstring cord through the chain spaces created in R31 of the bag body. Knot the ends together.
Your Charming Crochet Reindeer Backpack is complete!
