Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns

By Jan Bay

This collection of free crochet Christmas ornament patterns brings my Santas, angels, snowmen, reindeer, candy canes, miniature stockings and other hanging decorations together in one place. Each design links to its own written pattern, so you can choose the ornament you like, check the supplies and get straight to the stitches. Some are quick little projects, while others have enough detail to keep you busy for an afternoon or two. Either way, I like that you can make a Christmas ornament without taking over the whole kitchen table. That's a big holiday win to me!

See Crochet Supplies for These Projects Here.

Browse Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns

Before you start pulling out the Christmas yarn, take a look at the ornaments below. Some are flat decorations you can finish with a hanging loop. Others have little hats, wings, bows or other details to crochet and sew together.

I've picked a few different styles to get you started. Click any picture to go straight to its free pattern, or keep scrolling to see the rest of the collection.

If you're making several ornaments to give away, you don't have to learn a different pattern for every decoration. Choose one or two favorites, make them in coordinating Christmas colors and repeat them until you have enough.

Or make one of each. There's no rule that says every handmade decoration on your Christmas tree has to match.

Santa and Angel Crochet Ornaments

Santa and angels are two Christmas decorations that don't need much explaining. A red hat, a white beard or a pair of wings will tell you what you're looking at, even on a little crocheted ornament.

I've included several different styles here because they aren't interchangeable. Some are hanging figures, while others can be used on a stocking or another Christmas project.

Free Crochet Santa Ornament Pattern

Start with my free crochet Santa ornament pattern if you want a recognizable Santa Claus decoration for the Christmas tree.

This design also has a Baby's First Christmas option with a miniature baby bootie, so you can make a more personal keepsake without needing an entirely different ornament pattern.

For a regular Christmas tree, I'd keep the Santa design as the main attraction. If you're making the baby keepsake version, the little bootie becomes the detail that makes it different.

Free Crochet Santa Face Applique and Ornament Pattern

The Santa face applique and ornament pattern is quite different from a complete Santa figure.

This one has a long, bent Santa hat, an exaggerated curling mustache and five distinct spiral beard curls. Those beard curls give the finished face its character without needing arms, legs or a stuffed body.

Make it as a hanging ornament, or leave off the hanging loop and sew the finished face onto a Christmas stocking, gift bag or another handmade decoration.

I'd choose this one when I wanted a Santa design that could be used more than one way.

Free Crochet Angel Ornament Pattern

My free crochet angel ornament pattern gives you a separate hanging angel for the Christmas tree.

An angel is a nice change when you've already made several red and green decorations. White or ivory yarn makes it easy to combine an angel with snowflakes, stars and other winter ornaments without adding more bright colors.

Free Crochet Angel Wings Ornament Pattern

If you'd rather make just the wings, my free crochet angel wings pattern makes a pair of ivory wings with overlapping feather layers and a narrow center binding. Add the crocheted hanging loop for a Christmas tree ornament, or leave it off when using the wings as an applique.

There are five separate feathers on each wing, with the longest ones extending below the upper layers. I especially like that the wings can be displayed on their own without needing an angel figure attached to them.

The pattern also includes an optional Baby's First Christmas version with two miniature crocheted booties hanging beneath the wings. That's a nice way to make a keepsake while keeping the original wing design unchanged.

Free Crochet Flying Angel Ornament Pattern

If you want an angel with more movement in the design, look at the free crochet flying angel ornament pattern.

This angel has a flowing ivory gown with lace-style stitchwork and a golden halo. The different stitches in the gown are part of the design, so there's more to pay attention to than you would have with a plain crocheted cone.

I'd keep the yarn colors simple on this one. The gown, wings and halo already provide the details.

Free Crochet Santa Sleigh Ornament Pattern

For something completely different from another Santa face, try the free crochet Santa sleigh ornament pattern.

The finished sleigh is Christmas red with curved golden runners, miniature wrapped gifts and holly details. It has several separate features to crochet and assemble, making it a better choice when you're in the mood for a project with a little more detail.

I'd give this sleigh a branch of its own rather than crowding several other ornaments around it. You want enough room to see the curved golden runners and the little presents tucked inside.

Crochet Candy Cane, Stocking and Mitten Ornaments

These are the patterns I'd look at first if I wanted to make a little group of Christmas decorations instead of one large character ornament.

A miniature stocking, a pair of mittens and a candy cane all have familiar Christmas shapes. They also look good together without needing identical stitches or matching decorations.

Free Crochet Candy Cane Ornament Pattern

The free crochet candy cane ornament pattern makes a dimensional red-and-cream striped candy cane with a curved hook, a peppermint decoration, green leaves and crocheted ribbon tails.

This isn't the same as a flat candy cane applique. The ornament has a rounded, lightly stuffed shape, so there's a little more construction involved than crocheting stripes back and forth.

The peppermint detail is what sets this candy cane apart. I'd keep it rather than replacing it with a big commercial bow. The leaves, peppermint center and ribbon tails are already enough decoration.

If you want a flatter design to sew onto a Christmas blanket or stocking, my candy cane and peppermint applique pattern is a separate project with a different purpose.

Crochet Christmas Stocking Ornament Pattern

There's something about a tiny Christmas stocking that makes it hard to stop at one. Use my crochet Christmas stocking ornament pattern when you want a miniature stocking that hangs on the tree instead of a full-size stocking for the mantel.

Mini stockings are also handy for decorating wrapped Christmas gifts. You can attach one to the gift ribbon, then the person receiving the gift has a little handmade decoration to keep.

If I were making several stockings together, I'd keep their basic colors coordinated and change only one small detail between them. That gives you some variety without turning every stocking into a different project.

Free Crochet Christmas Mitten Ornament Pattern

The free crochet Christmas mitten ornament pattern features a pair of red mittens with ivory cuffs, embroidered snowflake details, little green bows and red holly berries.

Each mitten has its own shaped thumb, so these aren't just flat rectangles sewn into a mitten outline. The thumbs face outward when the pair is arranged for hanging.

The red-and-ivory hanging cord ties the pair together. I like the idea of using this design between larger round ornaments, where its longer hanging shape gives the tree a little variety.

And if you happen to be making a whole set of Christmas decorations, the mittens, stocking and candy cane can share the same cranberry, ivory and evergreen yarn colors.

You don't need three completely different yarn collections to make three different ornaments.

More Free Crochet Christmas Ornament Patterns

Not every Christmas ornament has to be Santa or a candy cane. I've also got animals, snowflakes and other familiar Christmas designs that can help fill the spaces between the larger decorations.

Free Crochet Reindeer Ornament Pattern

My free crochet reindeer ornament pattern makes a flying reindeer with crocheted antlers, a red harness and holly details.

The flying pose is what makes this one different from an ordinary standing reindeer. The body and legs need to keep that stretched-out appearance so the finished ornament looks as though it's moving through the air.

It's a good choice if you're putting together a woodland Christmas tree or want a reindeer that looks different from the usual little standing figures.

Free Crochet Reindeer Face Ornament Pattern

If you'd rather crochet just the reindeer's face, my free crochet reindeer face ornament pattern makes a red-nosed reindeer with branching brown antlers, pointed ears and embroidered closed eyes.

Unlike the flying reindeer, this design focuses entirely on the face. The lightly padded backing gives it a little dimension without making it a fully stuffed figure. Add the yarn hanging loop, and it's ready for a branch on your Christmas tree.

I'd put these two reindeer designs on different parts of the tree. One looks as though he's flying off to deliver presents, while the other looks perfectly content to sleep through the whole thing.

Crochet Christmas Puppy Ornament Pattern

The crochet Christmas puppy ornament pattern features a sleeping puppy wearing a cranberry-red Santa hat.

Its floppy ears, closed eyes and little ivory paws give it a completely different personality from the reindeer.

If you're making an ornament for someone who loves dogs, I'd choose this one over a generic Christmas shape. The puppy itself is the point of the gift, and the Santa hat is enough to make it Christmas.

Free Crochet Snowman Ornament Pattern

My free crochet snowman ornament pattern has a navy top hat, icy-blue scarf, embroidered sleepy eyes and a little carrot nose.

The hat has a contrasting band and holly decoration, giving the snowman a dressed-up Christmas look without relying on the usual bright red Santa hat.

You could make a coordinating group of snowmen by keeping the white heads the same and changing the scarf colors. Just remember that the hat, face and scarf are part of this particular pattern's finished design if you want yours to match the example.

Free Crochet Christmas Wreath Ornament Pattern

A little wreath gives you a traditional Christmas decoration without making another character. The free crochet wreath ornament pattern is the one to open when you want a hanging wreath for your tree.

I'd put wreaths between the Santas, angels and other figures. A familiar round Christmas shape breaks up the row of little characters, and it doesn't have to compete with them.

Free Crochet Snowflake Ornament Pattern

The free crochet snowflake ornament pattern is another option when you want decorations that don't have faces, hats or lots of separate parts.

Snowflakes look especially nice repeated throughout a tree. Make several with the same yarn and finished size, or try a few different yarn colors if you want more variety.

If you're making a group, I'd pay attention to the finished shape and blocking. You want the points to show instead of curling into one another.

Free Crochet Christmas Tree Ornament Pattern

If you're looking for a Christmas tree decoration shaped like a little Christmas tree itself, take a look at my free crochet Christmas tree ornament pattern.

It's another option when you want to mix traditional Christmas shapes with the Santas, angels, reindeer and other characters in this collection. You can also repeat a Christmas tree design between the more detailed ornaments to give your decorations a little variety.

Free Crochet Gingerbread Heart Ornament Pattern

My free crochet gingerbread heart ornament pattern has a scalloped cream icing border, two matching frosting swirls, a red bow and a little holly decoration. It's a flat design with a crocheted hanging loop, so you can hang it on the Christmas tree or leave off the loop and use the heart as an applique.

I particularly like the matching frosting curls on this one. They give the heart that decorated gingerbread-cookie look without covering up the brown crochet underneath. And it's already included in the collection image at the top of this page.

Free Crochet Gingerbread Man and Woman Ornament Patterns

My gingerbread crochet applique pattern set includes a gingerbread man, gingerbread woman and gingerbread house. All three can be turned into hanging Christmas ornaments by adding the loops described in the individual instructions.

The gingerbread man has a traditional cookie-shaped body, while the woman has a little skirt-shaped lower body. You can make a matching pair for the tree or crochet the house to go with them.

What I like about this set is that the same finished pieces can decorate Christmas stockings, gift bags and other handmade projects. Just leave off the hanging loops when you're using them as appliques.

More Small Crochet Decorations You Can Turn Into Ornaments

Some Christmas crochet projects weren't designed only as ornaments, but they can still work as hanging decorations.

My free crochet star pattern can be made into a hanging star. The mini Santa hat crochet pattern is another option when you want a little Christmas shape rather than a complete Santa figure.

Follow the instructions on each project page, and use a securely attached hanging loop if you're making the finished piece into a tree ornament.

If you want to explore larger Christmas projects, my free Christmas crochet patterns collection includes more than ornaments, with seasonal characters, baby accessories and other handmade Christmas gifts.

Yarn and Supplies for Crochet Christmas Ornaments

You probably won't need a shopping cart full of yarn to make a few Christmas ornaments. But don't assume every pattern uses the same hook or yarn weight just because the finished projects are small.

A flat snowflake and a stuffed reindeer have different construction needs. The snowflake needs its stitches to show clearly, while the reindeer needs a firm enough fabric to hold its shape and keep the stuffing inside.

Basic Crochet Ornament Supply List

• Yarn in the colors and weight specified by your chosen pattern
• Crochet hook in the size listed in the individual instructions
• Yarn needle for assembling pieces and weaving in ends
• Small scissors
• Stitch markers for counting rounds and marking assembly positions
• Tape measure or small ruler
• Polyester fiberfill for ornaments that require stuffing
• Embroidery thread or yarn for embroidered eyes and other facial details
• Rustproof pins and a blocking surface when the pattern calls for shaping
• Matching yarn for sewing on hanging loops

Check the actual pattern before cutting yarn or changing hook sizes. Even two ornaments made with the same yarn weight can finish at very different sizes because of their stitches, construction and gauge.

If you're unsure whether a yarn is DK, worsted or another weight, the Craft Yarn Council's standard yarn weight guide explains the numbered yarn categories and their usual hook-size ranges.

Choosing Christmas Yarn Colors

For a group of ornaments, I'd start with four useful colors:

• Cranberry red: Santa hats, stockings, mittens and candy canes
• Warm ivory: Santa beards, snowflakes, cuffs and angel gowns
• Evergreen: Wreaths, holly leaves and smaller Christmas accents
• Gold: Angel halos, sleigh details and other small accents

Then add brown yarn if you're making reindeer or another animal ornament. A snowman may call for different scarf and hat colors, so check those supplies separately.

One little trick is to keep the leftover yarn from each ornament in a bag until your Christmas projects are finished. You may need those same colors for a hanging cord, a replacement decoration or the next ornament.

I'd also keep the finished yarn labels. If you decide to make another ornament later, you'll know exactly what weight and color you used.

How to Finish and Hang Crochet Christmas Ornaments

You've finished the crocheting, but don't put the ornament on the tree just yet. Those last few minutes of sewing, shaping and hiding yarn ends can make a real difference, especially on a little decoration that gets handled every Christmas.

Weave In the Yarn Ends Before Adding the Hanging Loop

Check the front and back of the ornament for loose yarn ends. On a flat ornament, weave each tail through several stitches on the wrong side, change direction and weave back through another section before trimming.

For stuffed ornaments, use the yarn needle to carry the remaining ends through the body and bring them out at a different point. Trim close to the fabric only after the ends have been secured.

Don't cut an end right next to a knot and assume the knot will hold forever. Christmas ornaments get packed, unpacked, hung and handled.

Attaching a Crochet Hanging Loop

Follow the hanging-loop instructions supplied with each ornament pattern whenever they're included.

If you're turning a flat applique or another suitable crochet motif into an ornament, you can make a simple chain loop:

1. Choose the top center of the finished piece, or the hanging point that keeps it balanced.
2. Join matching yarn securely at that point.
3. Chain approximately 12 to 16 stitches, adjusting the number until the loop is the length you want.
4. Bring the final chain back to the starting point without twisting it.
5. Slip stitch into the attachment point to close the loop.
6. Fasten off with a long tail. Sew through several nearby stitches on the wrong side and weave in the end securely.

The chain count is only a starting point for a flat decoration, not a replacement for the loop specified in an individual pattern. Thicker yarn makes a longer loop with fewer stitches, so check the actual length before you fasten off.

For a heavier dimensional ornament, attach the loop through a reinforced part of the crocheted body as directed by the pattern. Don't rely on a single loose stitch, a narrow decorative piece or the edge of a hat to hold the weight.

Before hanging the ornament, hold it by the loop and check whether it tilts. If it leans badly to one side, reposition the attachment rather than adding weight to make it hang straight.

Blocking Flat Crochet Ornaments

Snowflakes, stars and other flat designs sometimes need a little help showing their finished shape.

If the yarn is suitable for wet blocking, dampen the finished piece, gently squeeze out the excess water and lay it on a blocking mat. Arrange the points and edges with rustproof pins, using the pattern's measurements as your guide.

Let the ornament dry completely before removing the pins.

Don't stretch it simply to make it larger. A snowflake with unevenly pulled points won't look better just because it's wider.

Stuffed ornaments are different. Use your hands to arrange the finished shape, straighten the attached details and check the seams. Follow the individual pattern's finishing directions rather than soaking a stuffed piece just because you blocked the snowflakes.

Check the Small Decorations

Look over any holly berries, bows, pom-poms, antlers, hats or separate ornaments before you hang the finished piece.

Make sure the sewing threads and yarn tails are secure. Remove every temporary pin and stitch marker. If you've added any bells, beads, charms or similar decorations, remember that these can come loose and should be kept away from babies and young children.

These are hanging Christmas decorations, not baby toys. Keep them out of a baby's reach and away from cribs and other infant sleep spaces. Don't hang yarn ornaments near candles, fireplaces or other heat sources.

Making a Coordinated Set for the Tree

If you're making several different ornaments, there's no need to force every design into the same shape or size.

Instead, repeat one or two yarn colors. You might make cranberry stockings and mittens, ivory angels and snowflakes, then add a brown reindeer or a red Santa sleigh for variety.

Try hanging the longer ornaments on branches with a little extra space below them. Flat snowflakes and wreaths can fill smaller openings between the larger decorations.

And don't crowd everything onto the front of the tree. A few handmade pieces with room around them can be easier to appreciate than twenty ornaments squeezed onto three branches.

Storing Handmade Crochet Ornaments

When Christmas is over, check that each ornament is clean and completely dry before putting it away.

Lay flat ornaments between sheets of clean tissue paper. Give stuffed ornaments enough room that their hats, ears and other shaped pieces aren't crushed by heavier decorations.

Don't put a heavy glass ornament on top of your crocheted angel or Santa sleigh and expect everything to come out looking the same next December.

A little care when packing them away will save you from having to reshape every decoration next Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crochet Christmas Ornaments

Which crochet Christmas ornament should a beginner make first?

I'd look at one of the flatter designs, such as a star or snowflake, before trying a detailed sleigh or dimensional animal. Check the stitches and shaping used in the individual pattern before deciding. A small ornament isn't automatically an easy one, especially if it has several pieces to sew together.

Can I use leftover yarn to make Christmas ornaments?

Yes, provided the yarn is suitable for the particular pattern. Small color accents, embroidery and decorative pieces are good places to use leftovers. For the main body of an ornament, check the yarn weight and gauge so the finished pieces come out in the intended proportions.

Can I make several ornaments from the same pattern?

Of course. Make a group of mini stockings, a collection of snowflakes or several pairs of mittens in coordinating colors. You can change the colors without changing the written construction, although a different yarn weight may change the finished size.

Can I give crochet Christmas ornaments as gifts?

Yes. They make lovely additions to wrapped presents, Christmas baskets and holiday gift exchanges. I would choose a design that suits the person receiving it, whether that's a puppy, a reindeer, an angel or a traditional Christmas stocking. If the gift is for a home with babies or young children, explain that small decorative ornaments should be kept out of their reach.

Where can I find Baby's First Christmas ornament ideas?

If you're looking for a baby's first Christmas keepsake rather than a general crochet tree ornament, visit my Baby's First Christmas ornament ideas collection. That page includes other types of handmade and personalized keepsakes, not just crochet.

You can come back to this collection whenever you're ready to choose another Christmas ornament to crochet. Pick one pattern, gather your yarn and make something you'll enjoy bringing out again next December.