Mini Father Christmas - free crochet pattern

Here we come to the last in my collection of free Christmas crochet patterns, a miniature Father Christmas that you can make into a tree decoration, or add to a little festive scene. He’ll look sweet together with the penguin and snowman patterns I posted previously, though I think the mouse and the robin would look a bit giant next to him!

I hope you’ve been enjoying all the Christmas patterns, and found a few little things that you can make at the last minute if necessary. If you ever want to find them again, you’ll see a list of all my free patterns to the right of this page, just click on any that you’re interested in.

 

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
st = stitch or stitches
sc = single crochet (US), double crochet (UK)
dc = double crochet (US), treble crochet (UK)
tog = together
sc2tog = decrease by working two sc together
bob = bobble (see special stitch instructions)
BLO = work in back loop only
FO = fasten off

Approximate size: 6cm/2.5" tall.

General instructions:

Work in rounds unless otherwise stated and do not join rounds unless told to. Use a stitch marker to mark the start of a round - a small piece of different coloured yarn placed under the stitch at the start of the round will do. To start a round, you can use the magic ring method, but I prefer to ch 2, and work the appropriate number of sc into 1^st ch. If you work the sc over the tail of yarn as well you can use that to pull the hole tight.

When changing from one colour of yarn to another work the stitch before the change until there are two loops left on the hook. Then use the new colour for the final yarn over hook and pull through. When you use two different colours on the same round, as you do for the face, carry the colour you are not using behind the one you are working with.

Work through both loops of stitches unless otherwise indicated.

Special stitch instructions:

2dc bob: bobble stitch for beard. YOH, insert hook into next stitch, YOH and pull through stitch, YOH, pull through 2 loops, YOH, insert hook into same stitch, YOH and pull through stitch, YOH, pull through 2 loops, YOH, pull through all 3 loops on hook.

You will need:

Small amounts of double knitting or worsted weight yarn in red, white, black and skin colour.
A length of cotton yarn to hang as a decoration.
Small amount of stuffing.
3.5mm (E) hook.
Tapestry needle.

Pattern:

Start with red yarn.
Round 1: Ch 2, work 5 sc into 1^st ch - 5 st.
Round 2: 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 st - 6 st.
Round 3: [2 sc in next st, sc in next st] 3 times - 9 st.
Round 4: Sc in each st around – 9 st.
Round 5: [2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 st] 3 times - 12 st.
Round 6: Sc in each st around – 12 st.
Change to white yarn.
Round 7: Sc in each st around – 12 st.
Change to skin colour yarn.
Round 8: BLO Sc in next 6 st, change to white yarn, sc in next 6 st – 12 st.
Round 9: Sc in next 6 st, change to white yarn, sc in next 6 st – 12 st.
Round 10: Sc in next st, 2dc bob in each of next 4 st, sc in next st, change to red yarn, sc in next 6 st – 12 st.
Round 11: Sc in each st around – 12 st.
Round 12: 2 sc in next 6 st, sc in next 6 st - 18 st.
Round 13: Sc in each st around – 18 st.
Change to black yarn.
Round 14: Sc in each st around – 18 st.
Change to red yarn.
Round 15 - 17: (3 rounds) Sc in each st around – 18 st.
Round 18: [Sc2tog, sc in next st] 6 times – 12 st.
Round 19: Sc2tog 6 times – 6 st.

FO, leaving a length of yarn, and stuff. With the cotton yarn, sew a loop at the top of the head if you want to hang as a decoration. Using black yarn sew eyes and a little mouth on top of the beard. Finish stuffing and sew up bottom neatly.