Wednesday, 11 November 2015

Christmas Elf - Free Crochet / Amigurumi Pattern

Wednesday, November 11, 2015 | By

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock! Gosh that's all I've been singing ever since I started designing this little elf, complete with jingly shoes and hat! He is the most elaborate pattern I have ever designed, but I'm extremely pleased with how he turned out. The dungarees were a particular headache - I was tearing my hair for 3 nights straight until I managed to get them right!

I thought this little guy would be perfect for the "Elf On The Shelf" tradition. Personally I find the original Elf that comes with the book a little scary! I wanted to design an elf that looked both friendly and cute to go along with the tradition. I don't have children of my own, but this little guy is going to sit by my tree every Christmas until I do. He unintentionally ended up looking a bit like Will Ferrell in the film, so I've decided to name him "Buddy"! 

Buddy is made entirely from Three Bears Yarn 100% cotton DK.  If you do use your own yarn please use DK weight yarn - if you use aran/worsted weight your elf will turn out huge!

I am offering this pattern for free so if you would like to thank me I would love it if you could follow my blog in some way, or like my Facebook page!

 Happy Christmas crocheting!

Julie xxx





Copyright 2015 Julie Erskine, All Rights Reserved © 

Please note: This pattern is property of Heart & Sew. This pattern is not to be redistributed for sale or for free. Text and images contained within this pattern are not authorised to be placed in full or in part on any website, book, magazine, blog or forum.
  
This pattern is not to be translated or altered without expressed written consent.Currently I do not allow my patterns to be translated.

You may however: Post my pictures on your website, blog or forum with a link back to this post. You may not post the pattern or any parts of it.

You may however: Sell your own handmade items made from this pattern. The items must be individually handmade on a small scale by you and not mass produced in any way. Credit for the pattern in any online description (eg: "Created using a Heart & Sew Pattern") would be greatly appreciated. You may not claim, directly or indirectly, to be the original designer or author of the pattern. 

Please see my full disclosure for more details.


  • 3mm Crochet Hook (I use a Clover Amour Crochet Hook)
  • Stitch Marker
  • Blunt End Yarn Needle
  • Scissors
  • 50g Three Bears Yarn "Peaches & Cream" DK
  • 50g Three Bears Yarn "Poppy Red" DK
  • 50g Three Bears Yarn "Pure White" DK
  • 50g Three Bears Yarn "Shamrock Green" DK
  • 50g Three Bears Yarn "Ginger" DK
  • 2 Red Buttons
  • Fabri-Tac Fabric Glue (optional)
  • 3 Jingle Bells (or white pom poms!)
  • Pair of 6mm Safety Eyes
  • Black embroidery Floss
  • White, long pile craft fur
  • 2 Pipe Cleaners


 Psst! Hold down CTRL and P to print the pattern!
Difficulty: Confident Crocheters Only - Beginners may struggle with the hair and dungarees.

Must know how to work in the round, increase, decrease, chain, join rounds & change colours.

This pattern uses the following U.S stitches & abbreviations:
  • st = stitch
  • sc = single crochet (double crochet for UK)
  • dc = double crochet (treble crochet for UK)
  • ch= chain
  • sl st = slip stitch
  • 2tog = 2 stitches together (decrease) 
Do not join rounds, work in a continuous spiral unless stated otherwise. It is a good idea to use a stitch marker to mark the end of each round (You can use a bent paper clip or hair grip!) My notes, tips and further instructions are in purple italics.

There are FULL assembly instructions at the end of the pattern. It is very important you follow these in the correct order.


Head:


Starting from the top of the head and working to the bottom.

In Three Bears Yarn "Peaches & Cream":
Round 1) Magic Circle with 6sc (6)
Round 2) 2sc in each st (12)
Round 3) 1sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (18)
Round 4) 2sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (24)
Round 5) 3sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (30)
Round 6) 4sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (36)
Round 7) 5sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (42)
Round 8) 6sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (48)
Round 9) 7sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (54)
Round 10) 8sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (60)
Round 11-20) 1sc in each st; for 10 rounds total (60)
Round 21) 8sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (54)
Round 22) 7sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (48)
Round 23) 6sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (42)
Round 24) 5sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (36)
Round 25) 4sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (30)

Attach 6mm safety eyes. Mine are attached between rounds 13 and 14 and are spaced roughly 6 stitches apart for your reference.

Round 26) 3sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (24)

Start stuffing the head. Add a little bit of stuffing after each round until you get a firmness you are happy with.

Round 27) 2sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (18)
Round 28) 1sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (12)
Round 29) 2tog all the way around (6)

Slip stitch into the next stitch and fasten off. Weave yarn tail in and out of the front loops of the 6 remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Knot yarn and hide tail inside the head.

Hair:


Start the hair as if you were making the head again. The curls are created by chaining during the round. Most of the hair will be hidden under the elf hat (which will be sewn on) so don't worry if your hair isn't perfect!)

 In Three Bears Yarn "Ginger":

Round 1) Magic Circle with 6sc (6)
Round 2) 2sc in each st (12)
Round 3) 1sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (18)
Round 4) 2sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (24)
Round 5) 3sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (30)
Round 6) 4sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (36)
Round 7) 5sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (42)

Now we start making the hair curls.

Round 8) 1sc in the next 2 stitches, chain 6, skip first ch, 1sc in remaining 5 chains. (You've made one                curl!) Repeat until end of the round.

Depending on the thickness of yarn you're working with your hair might not "curl" and just stick straight out. If this is the case either switch to a thinner yarn or chain more chains for a longer curl. Experiment! Try chaining 8 instead of 6.

Round 9) 1sc in each st (Just sc in every stitch between each curl of hair. Hold each curl behind your yarn and hook as you crochet and skip over it as if you are almost crocheting on top of it. This may make the hair piece curl upwards and pucker - again, don't worry about it!)

Round 10) 1sc in the next 2 stitches, chain 6, skip first ch, 1sc in remaining 5 chains. (You've made                      one curl!) Repeat until end of the round.

Slip stitch into the next stitch and fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. 

Hat:



 The hat is made with double crochet (uk = treble crochet) not single crochet! You will need to join rounds with a slip stitch and chain 2 (does not count as 1dc) before starting a new round. Never work in the joining slip stitch.

 Round 1) Magic Circle with 6dc, join end of round to start of round with sl st, chain 2 (6)
Round 2) 1dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (6)
Round 3) 2dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (12)
Round 4) 1dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (12)
Round 5) 1dc, 2dc in next st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (18)
Round 6) 1dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (18)
Round 7) 2dc, 2dc in next st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (24)
Round 8) 1dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (24)
Round 9) 3dc, 2dc in next st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (30)
Round 10) 1dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (30)
Round 11) 4dc, 2dc in next st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (36)
Round 12) 1dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (36)
Round 13) 5dc, 2dc in next st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (42)
Round 14) 1dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (42)
Round 15) 6dc, 2dc in next st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (48)
Round 16) 1dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (48)

Change to white:
Round 17) 1dc in each st, repeat until end of round, join round with sl st, chain 2 (48)

Use single crochet for the last round:

Round 18) Front loop only: 1sc in each st (48)

Slip stitch into the next stitch and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.


Ears (Make 2):


 In Three Bears Yarn "Peaches & Cream":
Round 1) Magic Circle with 4sc (4)
Round 2) 1sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (6)
Round 3) 1sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (9)
Round 4) 2sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (12)
Round 5) 1sc in each st (12)
Round 6) 2sc then 2 tog, repeat until the end of the round (9)
Round 7) 1sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (6)

Slip stitch into the next st and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Body:



 In Three Bears Yarn "Red":
Round 1) Magic Circle with 6sc (6)
Round 2) 2sc in each st (12)
Round 3) 1sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (18)
Round 4) 2sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (24)
Round 5) 3sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (30)

 From now on change colour every 3 rounds - 3 white rounds, 3 red rounds - repeat.

 Change to white:
Round 6) 4sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (36)
Round 7) 5sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (42)
Round 8) 6sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (48)
Round 9) 7sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (54)
Round 10-11) 1sc in each st; for 2 rounds total (54)
Round 12-26) 1sc in each st; for 15 rounds total (54)
Round 27) 1sc in each st (54)
Round 28) 7sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (48)
Round 29) 1sc in each st (48)
Round 30) 6sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (42)
Round 31) 1sc in each st (42)
Round 32) 5sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (36)
Round 33) 1sc in each st (36)
Round 34) 4sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (30)
Round 35) 1sc in each st (30)
Round 36) 3sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (24)
Round 37-38) 1sc in each st; for 2 rounds total (24)

Slip stitch into the next st and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff body firmly - do not over stuff or your dungarees will not fit!

Elf Shoes (Make 2):



 Round 1) Magic Circle with 4sc (4)
Round 2) 1sc in each st (4)
Round 3) 1sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (6)
Round 4) 1sc in each st (6)
Round 5) 2sc in each st (12)
Round 6) 1sc in each st (12)
Round 7) 1sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (18)
Round 8) 1sc in each st (18)
Round 9) 2sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (24)
Round 10) 1sc in each st (24)
Round 11) 3sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (30)
Round 12-15) 1sc in each st; for 4 rounds total (30)
Round 16) 3sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (24)

Fold a pipe cleaner in half, doubling it up. Place the folded point into the point of the shoe and curl the toe upwards. Start stuffing the shoe making sure not to move the pipe cleaned out of position.

Round 17) 2sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (18)
Round 18) 1sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (12)
Round 19) 2tog all the way around (6)

Slip stitch into the next st and fasten off. Weave yarn tail in and out the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Knot yarn and hide yarn tail inside of the shoe.


Legs (Make 2):


 Working from the bottom of the legs to the top

In white:
Round 1) Magic Circle with 6sc (6)
Round 2) 2sc in each st (12)
Round 3) 1sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (18)
Round 4) 2sc, 2sc in next st, repeat until the end of the round (24)
Round 5) Back loop only: 1sc in each st (24)
Round 6-10) 1sc in each st; for 5 rounds total (24)

Rounds 5-10 will be covered with white craft fur. From now on change colours every 3 rounds from white to red, white, red to create the elf's stripy stockings.

Starting in red: 
Round 11) 2sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (18)
Round 12-31) 1sc in each st; for 20 rounds total (18)

After last round: Slip stitch into the next stitch and fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the leg firmly but keep the bottom of the leg flat for sewing onto the shoe. Do not sew or glue the craft fur onto the leg until you have sewed the shoe on.

Arms (Make 2):



 In Three Bears Yarn "Peaches & Cream":
Round 1) Magic Circle with 6sc (6)
Round 2) 2sc in each st (12)
Round 3) 1sc, 2sc in next st (18)
Round 4-8) 1sc in each st; for 5 rounds total (18)
Round 9) 1sc then 2tog, repeat until the end of the round (12)
Round 10) 1sc in each st (12)

From now on change colours from red to white every 3 rounds.

Starting in red:
Round 11-31) 1sc in each st; for 21 rounds total (12)

Dungarees:


 Make sure your starting chain fits around your elf body - if it doesn't you have over stuffed your body and will need to remove some stuffing!

In green:
Ch 54, join last chain to first with a slip stitch. Put stitch marker in last ch.

Round 1) 1sc in each ch - do not join this round or any other rounds. Skip the joining slip stitch, do not work in it. (54)
Round 2-18) 1sc in each st; for 17 rounds total (54)

Now we start crocheting the legs. Continue crocheting in the same direction. Put a stitch marker in after you make the first sc.

Round 19) 1sc in the next 27 sts. Join 27th sc to first sc with a slip stitch.

 You have the beginnings of your first trouser leg. Move stitch marker to 27th sc.

Round 20-26) 1sc in st; for 7 rounds total. (27)

 Slip stitch into the next st and fasten off, weave in yarn tail.

Second trouser leg:



It is VERY important that you crochet in the right direction, otherwise you will end up with the "wrong side" of the fabric facing outwards. Think of the round end of your trouser leg like a clock, crochet in a clockwise manner.

 Round 1) Attach yarn to a st on round 18 at the back of the dungarees. 1sc in the next 27 sts. Put stitch marker in 27th sc.  (27)
Round 2-8) 1sc in each st, for 7 rounds total (27)

Slip stitch into the next stitch and fasten off. Weave in yarn tail. If there is an obvious hole between the legs of your dungarees sew it up using green yarn.

Front Panel for Dungarees:



 In green:
Row 1) ch 13, skip first ch, 12 sc (12)
Row 2-9) ch 1, turn, 12 sc. Repeat for 8 rows total.

Slip stitch and fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.

Dungaree Straps (Make 2)



 In green:
Ch 30, skip first ch, sc 29 (29)

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. I have not sewed my straps, I have used fabric tac to glue them on. If you are going to glue your straps weave in any loose tails with a yarn needle.







It is important you follow the following order of assembly! If you assemble your elf in the following order you shouldn't have any problems. I have used fabric tac to glue on the straps, jingle bells and craft fur. Fabric tac is crazy strong once dry! Top Tip: When assembling your elf keep all colour changes with the stripes to the back!

1. Glue or sew a jingle bell to the point of each shoe.

2. Glue or sew a jingle bell to the end of the hat (or a white pom pom!)

3. Sew the hair to the head using a whip stitch, make each stitch between the curls of hair.

4. Sew the hat to the head using a whip stitch. The hat should cover most of the hair, there should be no hair showing at the sides or back.

5. Embroider the nose using the same yarn you used for the face. Stitch a "V" shape where you want the nose to be and fill it in.

6. Embroider eyebrows and a mouth using black embroidery floss.

7. Sew the ears flat against the side of the head, they should poke out above the brim of the hat.

8. Sew the head to the body using a ladder stitch.

9. Sew the legs (without the shoes attached!) to the bottom of the body. They must be directly centred under the body of the elf so the dungarees will slip on easily.

10. Slip the dungarees over the legs and onto the body. You do not need to sew the dungarees on. Make sure you are happy with the way the dungarees and legs look together before you go any further, as you will be unable to remove them once fully assembled!

11. Sew the shoes to the bottom of the legs.

12. Sew the arms to the body. Line them up with the top of last red round of the body.

13. Sew the front panel to the front of the dungarees, make sure it is centred!

14. Sew or glue a strap to the top corner of the front panel of the dungarees. Wrap it over one shoulder and diagonally across to the other side. Sew or glue in place to the back of the dungarees. Repeat with the other strap.

15. Glue or sew a red button at each top corner of the front panel.

16. Glue a strip of long pile, white craft fur around the bottom of the legs. You can add some to the hat too if you like!


♥ 

Phew! Now you have your own cheeky little elf on the shelf. I wonder what mischief he'll get up to this Christmas? If you do make your own elf please post your pictures on my Facebook page - I would love to see!

 Julie xxx 

36 comments:

  1. Unknown11 November 2015 at 15:40

    So cute!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown11 November 2015 at 22:31

    Thanks for sharing! I have "Pinned it on my Pinterest"

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wendy's Mhaaksels11 November 2015 at 23:54

    He's so cute! Thanks. Pin ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown12 November 2015 at 01:10

    He's fabulous! Cannot wait to make him... Thank you very much for being so kind to share him x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Unknown12 November 2015 at 08:48

    Absolutely beautiful!
    http://soldenochedecocrochet.blogspot.com.ar

    ReplyDelete
  6. Unknown12 November 2015 at 08:48

    Absolutely beautiful!
    http://soldenochedecocrochet.blogspot.com.ar

    ReplyDelete
  7. Carmensilva13 November 2015 at 09:57

    Bellissimo, stupendo!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Neesie25 November 2015 at 14:58

    He is so adorable and friendly looking!
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Blessings,
    Neesie
    NC, USA

    ReplyDelete
  9. Unknown30 November 2015 at 15:22

    I am making this cute little elf. I am a novice really and this is my first assembly project. I'm doing the body now and am stumped. I am not seeing anywhere in the directions when it is I am supposed to stuff the body. From the picture of the finished project it seems to be stuffed. Have I missed something?
    Thanks,
    Angela
    KY, USA

    ReplyDelete
  10. Julie Erskine30 November 2015 at 23:55

    Hi Angela,

    Stuff the body after you have finished crocheting it. There will be a large hole left at the top of the body which will be covered by the head. Stuff through there.

    Julie x

    ReplyDelete
  11. Helen1 December 2015 at 09:02

    Hi! Amazing pattern, thanks for sharing! How big does it turn out to be?

    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown5 December 2015 at 09:57

      good question :) I thought it would small but as I'm making it - it's pretty big! lol I've just done up to the body. The body is about 5.5 inches ad the head is about 4 inches. (unless I did something wrong lol)

      Delete
    2. crystal28 November 2020 at 19:10

      I was wondering same thing . Mind is so big

      Delete
    3. crystal28 November 2020 at 19:10

      I was wondering same thing . Mind is so big

      Delete
  12. Vc15 December 2015 at 02:34

    Adorable

    ReplyDelete
  13. Unknown23 May 2016 at 09:01

    Hi, I am working on r 34 on the body, says 4sc, then 3tog. Should it be 2tog? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Unknown23 May 2016 at 09:01

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  15. joanne7 October 2016 at 01:06

    Great pattern, thanks for sharing. Pinned and definitely going to have a go at this one x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Unknown10 October 2016 at 05:00

    Hi thanks for the pattern, on print out ,head rounds 11- 25 are missing Hair round 10 missing , Body rounds 31 -35 are missing Arm Starting in red rounds 11-31 are missing i do not get it , Arm Starting in red rounds 11 -31 1 sc in each st 21 rounds is it 11-21

    ReplyDelete
  17. Unknown30 October 2016 at 13:50

    he is ADORABLE_and yes-I'd love to have a go at him-Thanls for the share of your hard work.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Linda7 November 2016 at 09:29

    What a delightful elf! I love his facial expression, like he might have some mischief up his sleeve. Thanks so much for sharing the pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Unknown19 November 2016 at 08:11

    He is gorgeous, than you for the pattern looking forward to making this

    ReplyDelete
  20. Laura14 November 2017 at 09:19

    I love him. I've added some needle shaping to his face. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sherezade3 December 2017 at 01:34

    Love this 'little' one! Thanks for sharing and letting us have him 😊

    He's an adorable christmas decor... and christmas gift!

    I adapted his suspenders on one and adapted another one in a girly elf (she'll be a personalized gift wirh a ruffled skirt and a sitting position)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Unknown2 January 2018 at 01:19

    How big is this elf?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Unknown12 January 2018 at 03:21

    Loved making this cute little guy for my boyfriend's Christmas present! Thank you Julie for sharing the pattern!

    ReplyDelete
  24. grandmanoodles15 October 2019 at 12:04

    I am having a problem with this pattern! I have 18 stitches on Row 3. I did Row 4 (2sc, 2sc to end of row). According to your instructions, I should have 24 stitches at end of row. BUT... I have 36!!!!! I did this row over and over with the same result. Is it me or is it an error????? Please advise! I really want to make this!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown26 November 2019 at 22:31

      I don't know if you've figured it out but it sounds to me like your putting an increase in every stitch. it should be 1sc in first 2 stitches 2sc in the next. that should give you 24 stitches instead of 36.

      Delete
    2. Unknown26 November 2019 at 22:32

      You would repeat that all the way around for the row.

      Delete
  25. Ray&Jane23 October 2020 at 10:55

    Could anyone help with the dungaree instructions? I am really struggling with even round one!
    Thanks in advance for any advice .. I think I need a video 😊

    ReplyDelete
  26. Kate16 November 2020 at 15:27

    Can’t figure out how to attach the feet. Any advice welcome.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Unknown5 October 2021 at 11:07

    I started printing it but it cuts off the next rows because of the ads. I can't get the whole pattern.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Deborah8 October 2021 at 04:57

    Can’t wait to make this

    ReplyDelete
  29. Didine20 November 2021 at 06:55

    un grand merci pour ce partage ,maintenant j' espère pouvoir le faire ;)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Stalker28 February 2022 at 04:01

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    ReplyDelete

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I'm a 27 year old pattern designer from Scotland! I love designing cute, crocheted toys. This blog documents my journey in pattern design, come follow me and pick up every new pattern I design for free along the way!

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