Today I invite you to step into the whimsical world of crochet with enchanting elf patterns that will spark your imagination. You’ll learn more about the different types of patterns that are out there and find new favorite designs to try out. Whether you’re new to crochet or a seasoned pro, our collection of crochet elf patterns offers something magical for everyone!
You can expect whimsy in spades when it comes to these charming crochet elf patterns, especially with the long tradition of a fascination of elves both in popular culture and in folklore. Whether you are seeking to craft one of Santa’s little helpers or an enchanting denizen of the forest, you are sure to find your inspiration in this post.
There is something really freeing about crochet elf patterns, because creations inspired by fantasy creatures are great fodder for the imagination. You are sure to enjoy the process of whipping up a funny elf hat or an adorable elf amigurumi much more than you would enjoy making something like a dishcloth, at least in my experience!
Best of all, you don’t need to be a crochet wizard to make and enjoy these crochet elf patterns. Many of the designs on this list can be made with just the basic crochet stitches. Even intricate looking amigurumi designs can be boiled down to a bunch of carefully placed single crochet stitches – the simplest crochet stitch of them all. So, don’t get discouraged by how amazing these designs look, even if you are a beginner.
Without further ado, let’s dive into this delightful mix of crochet elf patterns. Soon you’ll be able to see for yourself just how magical these designs are. Pass that magic on to others by gifting these crochet elf creations to your loved ones or keep them all to yourself to embrace a bit of whimsy in your own life. There’s no wrong way to enjoy these enchanting designs!
Little Helper
A crochet elf hat can certainly come in handy around Christmas time. They are great for family photos and for costumes for school plays. Heck, you could wear this cute hat all season long to spread some Christmas cheer. The best part is that it’s made almost entirely with half double crochet stitches.
Designer: Janaya Chouinard for AllFreeCrochet
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Elf Boy
This tiny little elf friend is sure to make you smile. He’s the perfect size to slip into a stocking and any kiddo would love to walk around with this cute doll snuggled up in their pocket. The doll is made in the traditional amigurumi style using just single crochet stitches.
Designer: 5 Little Monsters
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Elf Belly Snow Globe
Add some festive cheer to your table centerpiece or mantle with this brightly colored snow globe. The classic snow globe silhouette gets an elfin makeover in the form of a bright green and red color palette. The pattern calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches.
Designer: GoldenLucyCrafts
Yarn: Worsted Weight #4
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Chunky Elf Hat
If you need to whip up multiple elf hats, then super bulky weight yarn is definitely the way to go. Using a thicker yarn makes your project work up more quickly, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that many thick yarns are also extra soft. You’ll be using half double and double crochet stitches for this design.
Designer: You’ve Been Yarned
Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky Solids (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Elf Amigurumi
This little guy fits snugly in the palm of your hand. Sometimes it’s the smallest crochet elf patterns that are also the cutest. The neat thing about this design is the flat surface on the bottom of the doll that is there instead of legs. It makes it so the doll can stand up!
Designer: Natalina Craft
Yarn: None Specified
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Santa Helper Hat
The elf hats at the department store are usually quite basic and boring. Creating your own crochet elf hat gives you the freedom to infuse a little bit of fun! The basic half double crochet stitches of this design are joined by picot, shell, and bobble stitches to create a one-of-a-kind crochet elf hat.
Designer: Crochet For You
Yarn: Ice Yarns Favorite (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Koulis the Elf
Just look at this enchanting little fellow in his pointy cap. He even has a tiny little scarf! Koulis is just 6 inches tall so he’s the perfect size for a stocking stuffer. You could also select a thicker yarn and the corresponding hook size if you’d prefer a larger stuffie.
Designer: Kouvarakia
Yarn: Scheepjes Catona (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Worsted Elf Hat
You don’t need to break the bank buying yarn for crochet elf patterns. Since elf hats are usually only worn a few times a year, feel free to reach for your favorite tried and true budget-friendly yarn. I’m partial to worsted weight myself, just like the recommended yarn for this design. You’ll be using half double and double crochet stitches.
Designer: You’ve Been Yarned
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn! (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Ellie the Christmas Elf
It seems like there are more crochet elf patterns for boy elves than for girl elves, so this pattern is a nice find. This pretty little Christmas elf design is particular adorable. I love the flouncy skirt on the doll’s dress and the little bits of frill at the tops of her shoes.
Designer: The Blue Elephants
Yarn: Yarn Bee Soft Secret Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Adult Elf Hat
You’ll certainly be feeling both cozy and cute when you don this whimsical crochet elf hat. The pattern calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches along with foundation stitches and post stitches. Don’t forget to make a big and fluffy yarn pom pom to finish things off.
Designer: Okie Girl Bling’n’things
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn! Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Christmas Elf
Here’s another one of our crochet elf patterns for an adorable little amigurumi doll. I admire the more muted color scheme of this design and the whimsical body style. The long torso paired with those cute short legs and that big old head just add to the adorableness.
Designer: Durable Yarn
Yarn: Durable Velvet (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Elf’s Christmas Blanket
We’ve seen crochet elf hats, crochet elf dolls, and now a soft and snuggly crochet elf blanket! This design works up quickly in super bulky weight yarn. I especially love the faux fur border because it makes this blanket feel extra special. The pattern calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches.
Designer: Left in Knots
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Solids (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Elf Gift Bag
Skip the cheap single use gift bags and gift wrap and go handmade instead. This adorable crochet elf gift bag can be used to spread smiles season after season. You’ll be using mostly single crochet stitches for this design along with a single bobble stitch to make the cute little elf nose.
Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Premier Yarns Everyday Bulky (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Elf Gift Bag
Here’s another take on the crochet elf gift bag idea. This design is a little smaller and more simple but no less adorable! My favorite part is the little legs, especially posed as they are crossed at the ankles. This easy level design can be made using just single, half double, and double crochet stitches.
Designer: Red Heart Design Team
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Family Elf Hat
As the name implies, you can crochet this elf hat for every member of your family since the design is available in many different sizes. This would be such a great idea for a seasonal family photo shoot! You’ll be using single, half double, and double crochet stitches for this design.
Designer: Traverse Bay Crochet
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Ella the Mini Christmas Elf
This little Christmas elf is ready to spread some holiday cheer. Just look at her adorable little dress and her oversized elf hat. There is so much detail packed into this design and it’s even more impressive when you consider the scale of the design. Ella is one of the smallest doll designs on this list at just four and a half inches tall!
Designer: Chai Coffee Crochet
Yarn: DK Weight #3
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Mistletoe the Elf Bear
The next one of our crochet elf patterns really makes the wheels in the head start spinning. This crochet elf bear is ridiculously adorable and it makes me think of all the other sorts of animals you might be able to crochet in elf form just by putting a hat on top and crocheting the body in green yarn.
Designer: Julia Chiang for Clover USA
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Sport (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Mini Amigurumi Elf
What if you could crochet a little elf doll that looked exactly like your little one? Now you can! This detailed design includes variations for both girl and boy dolls. Just choose the hair color and length to make your kiddo. Isn’t that a neat idea?
Designer: Grace and Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Cobblestone (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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I Got My Elf Stuck! Christmas Wreath
Are you ready for some more crochet elf patterns that you can use to decorate your home? This funny Christmas wreath is perfect for the front door and all those jingle bells are sure to make a joyous clatter every time you welcome guests inside. The pattern calls for single and double crochet stitches.
Designer: StringyDingDing
Yarn: Worsted Weight #4
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Elf Hand Puppet
Hand puppets are fun for children to use during play time and are sure to spark their imagination. You can also use puppets during story time to make it more engaging. You can make one of these cute puppets for yourself using single, half double, and double crochet stitches along with bobble and puff stitches.
Designer: EKayG
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Elf on the Shelf Sausage Dog
I’ve heard of elf on the shelf before but I’ve never seen it in the form of a sausage dog. This funny and adorable design is sure to make your kiddo cackle with glee when they see it. I love the surrealism that is infused into this design with the exaggerated shapes. Plus, how cool is it that the dog can stand up?!
Designer: Elisa’s Crochet
Yarn: Yarn Bee Bamboo-tiful (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free pattern!
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Christmas Elf Pixie
Have you ever seen a crochet elf doll that’s as precious as this one? With that graceful form and that pretty full dress she looks like a little dancer. But I think my favorite part of the design is the realistic pigtail braids and the tiny offset elf hat. It’s just adorable and would also make a great crochet elf ornament!
Designer: Sweet Softies
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Mini Christmas Elf Amigurumi
Sometimes good things come in small packages, like this adorable mini elf. What he lacks in size he makes up for in charm! The pattern calls for single and half double crochet stitches. You’ll need to use a thin yarn like the one recommended if you want to make yours just as small as the original.
Designer: Supergurumi
Yarn: Schachenmayr Catania Solids (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet Christmas elf pattern!
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Christmas Elf Ornament
Do you like to crochet ornaments for the Christmas tree? If so, then this little guy is sure to be a welcome addition! There’s nothing like a bit of handmade charm to make your holidays feel extra cozy. This design is crocheted much like an amigurumi using just single crochet stitches.
Designer: The Blue Bobbin
Yarn: Alize Cotton Gold Solids (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet elf pattern!
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Elf Hat
Stock up on your jingle bells and get ready to crochet this adorable elf hat. The striped design with the really long tail is classic elf territory. My favorite aspect of this design is the decorative trim on the brim. You’ll be using single and double crochet stitches for this design, with a jingle bell trim.
Designer: Lovable Loops
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet elf hat pattern!
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See our other Crochet Christmas Tree patterns, too!
Check out Crochet Stocking Patterns here
Final Thoughts on Our Crochet Elf Patterns
Now that you have all of these amazing crochet elf patterns at your fingertips you are ready to go forth and crochet! It’s not hard to use simple stitches make your own elf to bring some Christmas joy to your decor. Any skill level can make an easy crochet pattern from our list!
I really enjoy decorating my elf creations with embellishment of various items: little bells, yarns in bright holiday colors, busting out my pom pom maker for some cute little poms, and making cute little clothing items for them.
Some materials you might need for your elf creation are a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds, yarn in your chosen colors (most commonly red yarn, a skin tone color of your choice like a beige yarn or brown yarn, dark green, light green and white yarn) a tapestry needle (also called a yarn needle), 2-5 mm safety eyes,
Here are the most common techniques you’ll need to know to crochet an elf: the magic ring (also called the magic circle), slip stitches (sl st) how to color change, how to work in the front loops or back loop, chain stitches (ch), single crochet (sc), and double crochet (dc).
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free crochet pattern round-up to all your crochet friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing crochet patterns.
I’ll see you next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Crocheting!