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Creating Amigurumi Deer your own handmade amigurumi deer is a delightful project that brings joy to crafters of all skill levels. This charming woodland creature features detailed antlers, a sweet face, and even comes with adorable outfit options. Perfect for gifts or home decoration, this intermediate-level pattern results in a beautiful deer standing approximately 36 centimeters tall when completed. Follow this comprehensive guide to bring your very own forest friend to life with just a hook and some yarn.
Essential Materials for Your Amigurumi Deer
Before beginning your crochet journey, gather these supplies:
- Alize Lanagold yarn (or similar medium weight yarn)
- 2.2 mm crochet hook
- 3 mm knitting needles (for clothing pieces)
- 8 mm safety eyes (size may vary depending on yarn choice)
- Embroidery yarn for facial details
- Soft yarn for clothing items
- Stuffing material
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
Understanding Crochet Terminology
This pattern uses the following abbreviations:
- sl – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase (2 single crochet in one stitch)
- dec – decrease (2 single crochet together)
- hdc2tog – half double crochet decrease
- MR – magic ring
For knitted sections:
- k – knit
- p – purl
- yo – yarn over
- sl – slip stitch
Creating Amigurumi Deer Head
Begin with the head, which forms the distinctive shape of your amigurumi deer. Follow these rounds precisely for the perfect form:
Round 1: Create 6 single crochet stitches in a magic ring (6) Round 2: Work (1 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (9) Round 3: Work (2 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (12) Round 4: Work (3 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (15) Round 5: Work (4 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (18) Round 6: Work (5 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (21) Round 7: Work (2 single crochet, 1 increase, 3 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (27) Round 8: Work 7 single crochet, 3 increases, 17 single crochet (30) Round 9: Work 8 single crochet, 6 increases, 16 single crochet (36) Round 10: Work (4 single crochet, 1 increase) 2 times, 9 single crochet, 1 increase, 4 single crochet, 1 increase, 11 single crochet (40) Round 11: Single crochet around (40) Round 12: Work (5 single crochet, 1 increase) 2 times, 10 single crochet, 1 increase, 5 single crochet, 1 increase, 11 single crochet (44) Round 13: Single crochet around (44) Round 14: Work (6 single crochet, 1 increase) 2 times, 11 single crochet, 1 increase, 6 single crochet, 1 increase, 11 single crochet (48) Round 15: Single crochet around (48) Round 16: Work (6 single crochet, 1 decrease) 2 times, 11 single crochet, 1 decrease, 6 single crochet, 1 decrease, 11 single crochet (44) Round 17: Single crochet around (44) Round 18: Single crochet around (44) Round 19: Work 13 single crochet, 1 decrease, 11 single crochet, 1 decrease, 16 single crochet (42) Round 20: Single crochet around (42) Round 21: Work (5 single crochet, 1 decrease) 6 times (36) Round 22: Work (4 single crochet, 1 decrease) 6 times (30) Round 23: Work (3 single crochet, 1 decrease) 6 times (24) Round 24: Work (2 single crochet, 1 decrease) 6 times (18) Round 25: Work (1 single crochet, 1 decrease) 6 times (12) Round 26: Work 6 decreases (6)
Secure and close the opening by weaving in your yarn tail.
Insert 8 mm safety eyes between rounds 11 and 12, maintaining a distance of 18 holes between them. Ensure symmetrical placement relative to the center of the head. Embroider a small nose around round 2.
Amigurumi Deer Crafting the Arms
Create two identical arms:
Round 1: Create 4 single crochet in a magic ring (4) Round 2: Work increases in all 4 stitches (8) Rounds 3-22: Single crochet around for 20 rounds (8)
Set these aside for later attachment to the body.
Forming the Legs and Body
Begin with the sock portion of each leg:
Round 1: Create 6 single crochet in a magic ring (6) Round 2: Work increases in all 6 stitches (12) Rounds 3-6: Single crochet around for 4 rounds (12) Round 7: Chain, turn, and work 4 single crochet to form the heel (4) Round 8: Chain, turn, and work 4 single crochet (4) Round 9: Mark the next stitch as your new beginning, then work 2 single crochet on one side, 8 single crochet across the front, 2 single crochet on the other side, and 4 single crochet across the back (16) Round 10: Work 1 decrease, 8 single crochet, 1 decrease, 4 single crochet (14) Round 11: Work 1 decrease, 7 single crochet, 1 decrease, 3 single crochet (12) Rounds 12-13: Single crochet around for 2 rounds (12) Round 14: Change to skin color yarn and work in back loops only for 12 single crochet (12) Rounds 15-38: Single crochet around for 23 rounds (12)
Ensure proper foot alignment, then join the legs by crocheting both sides together with 6 single crochet. Create a second leg following the same pattern.
For the body, continue from the second leg without cutting your yarn:
Round 39: Work 6 single crochet in front loops only, chain 4, work 6 single crochet in front loops only, then 6 single crochet in front loops only, 4 single crochet, and 6 single crochet in front loops only (32) Rounds 40-51: Single crochet around for 12 rounds (32) Round 52: Work 8 single crochet, 1 decrease, 14 single crochet, 1 decrease, 6 single crochet (30) Round 53: Work 7 single crochet, 1 decrease, 13 single crochet, 1 decrease, 6 single crochet (28) Round 54: Work 6 single crochet, 1 decrease, 12 single crochet, 1 decrease, 6 single crochet (26) Rounds 55-56: Single crochet around for 2 rounds (26)
Now attach the arms:
Round 57: Find the middle of the back and mark the next stitch. Work 6 single crochet on body, 3 single crochet combining body and arm, 10 single crochet on body, 3 single crochet combining body and arm, 4 single crochet on body (26) Round 58: Work 6 single crochet on body, 5 single crochet on arm, 10 single crochet on body, 5 single crochet on arm, 4 single crochet on body (30) Round 59: Work 5 single crochet, 1 decrease, 4 single crochet, 1 decrease, 6 single crochet, 1 decrease, 4 single crochet, 1 decrease, 3 single crochet (26) Round 60: Work 4 single crochet, 1 decrease, 4 single crochet, 1 decrease, 5 single crochet, 1 decrease, 4 single crochet, 1 decrease, 1 single crochet (22) Round 61: Work 4 single crochet, 1 decrease, 3 single crochet, 1 decrease, 4 single crochet, 1 decrease, 3 single crochet, 1 decrease (18) Rounds 62-63: Single crochet around for 2 rounds (18)
Adding the Ears
Create two identical ears:
Round 1: Create 6 single crochet in a magic ring (6) Round 2: Work (1 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (9) Round 3: Work (2 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (12) Round 4: Work (3 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (15) Rounds 5-6: Single crochet around for 2 rounds (15) Round 7: Work (3 single crochet, 1 decrease) 3 times (12)
Fold each ear and sew them to the head around rounds 17 and 18, positioning them symmetrically with the eyes.
Amigurumi Deer Crafting the Antlers
Create four antler pieces and join them in pairs:
Round 1: Create 6 single crochet in a magic ring (6) Rounds 2-4: Single crochet around for 3 rounds (6)
After completing two antlers, join them:
Round 5: Work 6 single crochet in the second antler and 6 single crochet in the first antler (12) Round 6: Work (4 single crochet, 1 decrease) 2 times (10) Round 7: Work (3 single crochet, 1 decrease) 2 times (8)
Repeat this process to create a second pair of joined antlers. Sew both sets to the head around rounds 17 and 18, positioning them symmetrically with the ears.
Amigurumi Deer Optional Tail
Create a small tail if desired:
Round 1: Create 4 single crochet in a magic ring (4) Round 2: Work (1 single crochet, 1 increase) 2 times (6) Round 3: Work (1 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (9) Round 4: Work (2 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times (12) Round 5: Single crochet around (12) Round 6: Chain 1, turn, and crochet both sides together (6)
Attach the tail to the middle of the deer’s back.
Amigurumi Deer Making Cute Shoes
Create adorable footwear for your amigurumi deer:
Round 1: Chain 6 (6) Round 2: Crochet on the opposite side of the chain with 4 single crochet, 4 increases in one stitch, and 4 single crochet (12) Round 3: Work 5 single crochet, 3 increases, 3 single crochet, and 1 increase (16) Round 4: Work 1 single crochet, 1 increase, 3 single crochet, then (1 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times, followed by 5 single crochet (20) Round 5: Work 2 single crochet, 1 increase, 3 single crochet, then (2 single crochet, 1 increase) 3 times, followed by 5 single crochet (24) Round 6: Work in back loops only with single crochet around (24) Round 7: Work 8 single crochet, 8 half double crochet, and 8 single crochet (24) Round 8: Work 8 single crochet, 4 half double crochet decreases, and 8 single crochet (20) Round 9: Work 8 single crochet, 3 half double crochet decreases, and 7 single crochet (17) Round 10: Work 8 single crochet, 1 decrease, 7 single crochet (16) Rounds 11-14: Single crochet around for 4 rounds (16)
Amigurumi Deer Knitting a Charming Dress
Add a lovely knitted dress to your amigurumi deer:
Cast on 23 chains for round 1. For round 2, slip stitch, then purl 22 stitches for 23 stitches total. Round 3 features slip stitch, 2 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 3 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 6 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 3 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 3 knit for 30 stitches.
Round 4 is slip stitch followed by 30 purl stitches for 30 stitches total. For round 5, work slip stitch, 3 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 5 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 8 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 5 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 4 knit for 38 stitches.
Round 6 is slip stitch followed by 38 purl stitches for 38 stitches total. For round 7, work slip stitch, 4 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 7 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 10 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 7 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 5 knit for 46 stitches.
Round 8 is slip stitch followed by 46 purl stitches for 46 stitches total. For round 9, work slip stitch, 6 knit, cast off 9, 13 knit, cast off 9, 7 knit for 28 stitches. Round 10 continues with slip stitch, 6 purl, cast on 2, 13 purl, cast on 2, 7 purl for 32 stitches.
For rounds 11 through 16, knit in a circle using multiple needles to maintain 32 stitches for 6 rounds. Round 17 is 3 knit, increase, repeated around. Rounds 18 through 38 are knit for 20 rounds. Finish with rounds 39 and 40 alternating 2 knit with 2 purl.
Amigurumi Deer Creating a Stylish Jacket
Complete the outfit with a knitted jacket:
Cast on 26 chains for round 1. For round 2, slip stitch, then purl 25 stitches for 26 stitches total. Round 3 features slip stitch, 1 purl, 3 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 3 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 6 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 3 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 3 knit, 2 purl for 34 stitches.
Round 4 is slip stitch followed by 34 purl stitches for 35 stitches total. For round 5, work slip stitch, 1 purl, 4 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 5 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 8 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 5 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 4 knit, 2 purl for 42 stitches.
Round 6 is slip stitch followed by 44 purl stitches for 44 stitches total. For round 7, work slip stitch, 1 purl, 5 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 7 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 10 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 7 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 5 knit, 2 purl for 50 stitches.
Round 8 is slip stitch followed by 52 purl stitches for 52 stitches total. For round 9, work slip stitch, 1 purl, 6 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 9 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 12 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 9 knit, yarn over, knit, yarn over, 6 knit, 2 purl for 58 stitches.
Round 10 is slip stitch followed by 57 purl stitches for 58 stitches total. For round 11, work slip stitch, 1 purl, 7 knit, then distribute 12 knit on another needle (using yarn as a holder), cast on 6, 15 knit, distribute again 12 knit, cast on 6, 7 knit, 2 purl for 58 stitches.
Round 12 is slip stitch followed by 58 purl stitches for 58 stitches total. For round 13, work slip stitch, 2 purl, 56 knit, 2 purl for 58 stitches. Rounds 14 through 25 alternate knit with purl (remembering the 2 purl in knitting rounds) for 12 rounds. Rounds 26 through 29 alternate 2 purl with 2 knit. Cast off in round 30.
For the jacket sleeves, use the 12 knit stitches distributed in round 11 and the 6 cast on in round 12 for a total of 18 knit stitches. Knit 12 rounds in a circle, then finish with two rounds alternating 2 knit with 2 purl before casting off.
Amigurumi Deer Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
Once all components are complete, carefully assemble your amigurumi deer:
- Ensure the head is securely attached to the body
- Position the ears symmetrically on the head
- Attach the antlers securely above the ears
- If desired, add the tail to the back of the body
- Dress your deer in its outfit, adjusting as needed for the best fit
Your handcrafted amigurumi deer is now complete and ready to be treasured as a special handmade creation or given as a heartfelt gift.
Why This Amigurumi Deer Pattern Is Perfect For Crochet Enthusiasts
This deer amigurumi pattern offers several advantages that make it perfect for both beginner and experienced crochet artists:
The pattern incorporates various crochet techniques that help you enhance your skills, from basic single crochet work to more complex shaping methods. The detailed instructions for creating facial features and clothing provide valuable experience in crafting complete amigurumi characters.
With its adorable appearance and charming outfit options, this woodland creature makes an excellent gift for children or a delightful decoration for your home. The pattern’s versatility allows for customization through yarn color choices and clothing options, enabling you to create a unique deer that matches your personal style.
The finished deer stands at approximately 36 centimeters tall, making it a substantial and satisfying project that showcases your crochet abilities. Whether you’re looking to expand your amigurumi collection or create a special handmade gift, this deer pattern delivers beautiful results that will bring joy to creators and recipients alike.
Check this out :Adorable Amigurumi Turtle Crochet Pattern
Join The Amigurumi Community
After completing your deer, consider joining the vibrant online amigurumi community. Share photos of your finished creation on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook using popular amigurumi hashtags. Many crafters find inspiration and support by connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
You might also experiment with slight modifications to make your deer unique – perhaps changing the yarn colors to create a fawn with spots, or designing seasonal outfits for holidays and special occasions. The skills you’ve developed making this deer will transfer to many other amigurumi projects.
Remember that each handmade item carries your personal touch and creativity, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Your amigurumi deer represents not just a completed project, but also the time, patience, and care you’ve invested in creating something special from simple yarn and hook.
Happy crocheting, and may your amigurumi adventures continue to bring you joy and satisfaction!
