Crochet Christmas Ornaments Tutorial: Vintage Whimsy

Vintage Whimsy Crochet Christmas Ornaments are a charming trio of soft velvet decorations featuring Santa, a deer, and a festive car carrying a tree. Their small scale makes them useful for Christmas trees, gift wrapping, seasonal displays, or handmade presents. The pattern combines simple shaping with embroidered details, making it an enjoyable project for crocheters who want to practice color changes, increases, decreases, appliqué-style assembly, and surface embroidery. For another small handmade gift idea, pair these ornaments with a crochet flower keychain project.

Why You’ll Love This Crochet Project

• Three coordinating ornaments: Make Santa, a deer, and a car so your display has variety while keeping a unified velvet texture and vintage-inspired palette.
• Small amounts of yarn: Each design uses only a few yards of the Bernat® Velvet Minis™ colors, making the kit practical for detailed seasonal projects.
• Useful shaping practice: The heads, ears, hat, car body, wheels, and tree introduce increases, decreases, short rows, and changes in stitch height.
• Decorative finishing: Embroidered eyes, brows, spots, lights, and door details give each ornament its character.
• Flexible display options: Add the ornaments to a tree, wreath, garland, wrapped gift, or holiday centerpiece.

My Crochet Flower Tip: Keep each ornament’s yarn ends attached until the major pieces are positioned. This makes it easier to adjust the placement before sewing everything securely.

Before You Start Crocheting

This tutorial creates three hanging Christmas ornaments:

• One Santa ornament
• One deer ornament
• One car ornament

Santa is assembled from a rounded head, a shaped hat, brim, pompom, two mustaches, and embroidered facial details. The deer includes a head, muzzle, cheek, two ears, an eye, embroidered spots, and a hanging loop. The car is made from two crocheted body pieces joined with edging, plus a window, two wheels, a tree, and embroidered details.

The pattern uses U.S. crochet terminology. Helpful abbreviations include:

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc2tog: single crochet two together
• dc2tog: double crochet two together
• WS: wrong side
• RS: right side

The supplied pattern specifies a U.S. H/8 (5 mm) Susan Bates® Silvalume® crochet hook, or the size needed to obtain gauge.

Materials You’ll Need

• Bernat® Velvet Minis™ 1 Kit, including 20 balls, each 1.2 oz/35 g and 41 yds/38 m; total 25 oz/700 g and 820 yds/750 m
• Santa colors:
  • Contrast A Mushroom: 1 ball or 4 yds/3.5 m
  • Contrast B Snowy White: 1 ball or 10 yds/9 m
  • Contrast C Red: 1 ball or 8 yds/7.5 m
  • Contrast D Smokey Blue: 1 ball or 1 yd/1 m
• Deer colors:
  • Contrast A Orchid Hush: 1 ball or 15 yds/2 m
  • Contrast B Sandy Cream: 1 ball or 4 yds/3.5 m
  • Contrast C Rich Blue: 1 ball or 2 yds/2 m
  • Contrast D Chocolate: 1 ball or 1 yd/1 m
  • Contrast E Twilight: 1 ball or 2 yds/2 m
• Car colors:
  • Contrast A Twilight: 1 ball or 10 yds/9 m
  • Contrast B Snowy White: 1 ball or 4 yds/3.5 m
  • Contrast C Velveteal: 1 ball or 4 yds/3.5 m
  • Contrast D Blackbird: 1 ball or 3 yds/2.5 m
  • Contrast E Joyful Gold: 1 ball or 1 yd/1 m
• U.S. H/8 (5 mm) Susan Bates® Silvalume® crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Susan Bates® yarn needle

Complete Crochet Tutorial

Santa

Santa Head

With A, ch 3.

1. 1st rnd: 10 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join. 10 hdc.
2. 2nd rnd: Ch 2. 2 hdc in each of next 4 hdc. Break A. Join B. With B, 2 hdc in each hdc to end of rnd. Join. 20 hdc.
3. 3rd rnd: Ch 2. *1 hdc in next hdc. 2 hdc in next hdc. Rep from * around. Join. 30 hdc.
4. 4th rnd: Ch 1. (1 sc in each of next 4 hdc. 2 sc in next hdc) 4 times. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. 2 dc in next hdc. 1 dc in each of next 2 hdc. 2 dc in next hdc. 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc. 1 sc in each of last 2 hdc. Join.
5. 5th rnd: Ch 1. Working from left to right, instead of right to left as usual, work 1 reverse sc in each of next 11 sc. Fasten off.

Reverse sc: Work the reverse single crochet as indicated in the 5th round, moving from left to right rather than in the usual direction. The pattern references an image for this stitch.

Santa Hat

With C, ch 2.

1. 1st row (WS): 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Turn. 1 sc.
2. 2nd row: Ch 1. 2 sc in first sc. Turn. 2 sc.
3. 3rd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. 2 sc in last sc. Turn. 3 sc.
4. 4th row: Ch 1. 2 sc in first sc. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc. Turn. 4 sc.
5. 5th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 3 sc. 2 sc in last sc. Ch 10. Turn. 14 sts. 5 sc and ch-10.
6. 6th row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each of next 8 ch. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. 14 sc.
7. 7th row: Ch 2. 1 hdc in each of first 4 sc. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn.
8. 8th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 7 sc. 1 hdc in each st to end of row. Turn.
9. 9th row: Ch 2. 1 hdc in each of next 7 hdc. 1 sc in each of next 4 sc. Sl st in each of last 3 sc. Turn.
10. 10th row: Skip first sl st. Sl st in each of next 3 sts. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc. 1 hdc in each of next 4 sts. 1 dc in each of next 2 hdc. Dc2tog. Fasten off.

Santa Hat Brim

With B, ch 12.

1. 1st row (WS): 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. 1 hdc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 10 hdc.
2. 2nd row: Ch 1. Sc2tog. 1 sc in each hdc to last 2 hdc. Sc2tog. 8 sts. Fasten off.

Sew Hat Brim to the 6th row of Hat.

Santa Pompom

With B, ch 3.

1. 1st rnd: 10 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join. 10 hdc. Fasten off.

Sew Pompom to the 1st row of Hat. Sew Hat to Head as shown in the photo.

Santa Mustache

Make 2.

With B, ch 5.

1. 1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in next ch. 1 sl st in each of last 2 ch. 4 sts. Fasten off.

Sew Mustache to Head as shown in the photo.

Santa Facial Details and Hanging Loop

• Nose: With A, embroider the nose between the Mustache pieces using bullion st.
• Eyes and eyebrows: With B, embroider the whites of the Eyes and Eyebrows with straight st as shown in the photo.
• Pupils: With D, embroider the pupils with satin st as shown in the photo.
• Hanging loop: With C, ch 12. Fasten off. Sew Hanging Loop to the top of Hat as shown in the photo.

Deer

Deer Head

With A, ch 2.

1. 1st rnd: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. 6 sts.
2. 2nd rnd: Ch 1. 2 sc in each sc around. Join. 12 sts.
3. 3rd rnd: Ch 1. *1 sc in next sc. 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * around. Join. 18 sts.
4. 4th rnd: Ch 1. *1 sc in each of next 2 sc. 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * around. Join. 24 sts.
5. 5th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in next sc. 2 sc in next sc. *1 sc in each of next 3 sc. 2 sc in next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sc. 1 sc in each of last 2 sc. Join. 30 sts.
6. 6th rnd: Ch 2 (does not count as hdc). (1 hdc in each of next 2 sc. 2 hdc in next sc) 3 times. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc. Sl st in each of next 2 sc. 1 sc in each of next 2 sc. (2 hdc in next sc. 1 hdc in each of next 2 sc) 4 times. Join. 38 sts. Fasten off.

The pattern provides bullion stitch, straight stitch, and satin stitch references for the embroidery steps below. Use them as indicated.

Deer Muzzle

With B, ch 6.

1. 1st row: 1 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. 1 hdc in each of next 2 ch. 5 hdc in last ch. Working into opposite side of foundation ch, 1 hdc in each of next 3 ch. Fasten off.

Using straight st, embroider the nose and mouth on Muzzle.

Deer Cheek

With A, ch 3.

1. 1st rnd: 10 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join. 10 hdc. Fasten off.

Sew Muzzle to Head as shown in the photo. Sew Cheek on top of Muzzle as shown in the photo.

Deer Ears

Make 2.

With B, ch 5.

1. 1st row (WS): 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each of next 2 ch. 3 sc in last ch. Working into opposite side of foundation ch, 1 sc in each of next 3 ch. Break B, join A. Turn. 9 sts.
2. 2nd row: With A, ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 3 sc. 2 hdc in next sc. (1 dc. 1 tr. 1 dc) all in next sc. 2 hdc in next sc. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. 13 sts.

Fasten off.

Sew one Ear to the front of Head as shown in the photo. Sew one Ear to the back of Head as shown in the photo.

Deer Eye and Finishing

With E, ch 2.

1. 1st rnd: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join. 6 sc. Fasten off.

Sew Eye to Head as shown in the photo. Using B, embroider spots on Head and the whites of Eye as shown in the photo.

Hanging loop: With C, ch 12. Fasten off. Sew Hanging Loop to the top of Head as shown in the photo.

Car

Car Notes

When changing colors, hold the color not in use at the WS of work. Join all rounds with sl st to the first st.

Car Body

Make 2.

With A, ch 17.

1. 1st row (RS): 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 16 sts.
2. 2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn.
3. 3rd row: Ch 1. Sc2tog. 1 sc in each sc to last 2 sc. Sc2tog. Turn. 14 sts.
4. 4th row: As 3rd row. 12 sts.
5. 5th row: Ch 1. Sc2tog. 1 sc in each of next 7 sc. Turn. Leave rem sts unworked. 8 sts.
6. 6th row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each st to end of row. Turn.
7. 7th row: Ch 1. Sc2tog. 1 sc in each sc to last 2 sc. Sc2tog. Fasten off.

Car Body Edging

Hold WS together. Join A with sl st at any point around Car Body.

1. 1st rnd: Ch 1. Working through both thicknesses, work sc evenly around Car Body. Join. Fasten off.

Car Window

With B, ch 8.

1. 1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 7 sc.
2. 2nd row: Ch 1. Sc2tog. 1 sc in each sc to last 2 sc. Sc2tog. 5 sts. Fasten off.

Sew Window to Car Body as shown in the photo. Using A, embroider a line in the middle of Window.

Car Wheels

Make 2.

With B, ch 2.

1. 1st rnd: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Break B. Join with D. 6 sc.
2. 2nd rnd: With D, ch 1. 2 sc in each sc around. Join.

Fasten off.

Sew Wheels to Car Body as shown in the photo.

Car Tree

With C, ch 10.

1. 1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of chain. Turn. 9 sc.
2. 2nd row: Ch 1. Working in back loops only, 1 sc in each of next 3 sc. Sc3tog. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. 7 sts.
3. 3rd and alt rows: Ch 1. Working in back loops only, 1 sc in each st to end of row. Turn.
4. 4th row: Ch 1. Working in back loops only, 1 sc in each of next 2 sc. Sc3tog. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. 5 sts.
5. 6th row: Ch 1. Working in back loops only, 1 sc in next sc. Sc3tog. 1 sc in last sc. Turn. 3 sts.
6. 8th row: Ch 1. Working in back loops only, Sc3tog. Fasten off.

Sew Tree to the top of Car Body as shown in the photo. Using a length of E, wrap and embroider yarn around Tree as shown in the photo.

Car Lights, Door Details, and Hanging Loop

Using B, embroider Car Lights with satin st as shown in the photo. Using the same length, embroider door details.

Hanging loop: With A, ch 12. Fasten off. Sew Hanging Loop to the top of Car Body.

Handmade Gift and Decoration Ideas

• Hang all three ornaments together on a tree for a coordinated vintage holiday display.
• Tie one ornament to a wrapped gift using ribbon or twine for a reusable gift topper.
• Arrange the Santa, deer, and car on a seasonal mantel, shelf, or tabletop display.
• Use the car ornament as a focal piece on a small holiday wreath or garland.
• Make a set in a consistent color palette for a thoughtful handmade Christmas gift.
• Combine the ornaments with crocheted floral decorations for a soft botanical-and-holiday arrangement; bobble-textured flowers can add dimension alongside the velvet ornaments in a seasonal display.

Caring for Your Crochet Project

Treat these velvet ornaments as decorative items rather than everyday-use accessories. Velvet yarn can show pressure marks, and the embroidered and sewn-on details may catch if handled roughly.

• Dust gently with a soft brush or use a low, careful stream of cool air.
• For a small mark, spot clean cautiously with a slightly damp cloth rather than soaking the ornament.
• Allow any cleaned area to dry completely away from direct heat.
• Store the ornaments in a dry container with tissue paper around delicate features such as Santa’s mustache, the deer’s ears, and the car’s tree.
• Avoid compressing the pieces under heavy decorations.
• Keep them away from excessive heat, which can affect the yarn’s texture and shape.
• Secure or trim loose yarn ends before storing, but avoid cutting any stitching that holds an appliqué in place.

Tips for Better Results

1. Count every round and row. The small components depend on precise stitch counts, especially the Santa head, deer head, hat, and car body.
2. Mark the first stitch of joined rounds. This helps you identify where to join with a slip stitch and prevents gradual shifting.
3. Watch the color changes. For Santa’s head and the car wheels, follow the instructions for breaking, joining, or holding the unused color exactly.
4. Keep the car body pieces aligned. Hold the WS together before working the edging through both thicknesses so the finished shape remains consistent.
5. Use the correct loops for the tree. The tree instructions specifically call for working in back loops only, which creates the intended ridged texture.
6. Place facial features before final sewing. Lightly position the hat, mustache, muzzle, cheek, ears, and eye before securing them permanently.
7. Use small, neat embroidery stitches. Surface details are prominent on these compact ornaments, so consistent tension makes the faces and car decorations clearer.
8. Secure hanging loops firmly. Stitch through the top of the Hat, Head, or Car Body several times so the ornament can hang without pulling loose.

For additional texture practice before starting another seasonal piece, try a bobble flower crochet tutorial to become comfortable with raised, dimensional stitches.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Project

These modifications are optional and should be made separately from the approved instructions.

• Change the contrast colors while keeping the same color assignments for each component. A deeper red, cream, forest green, or icy blue palette can create a different holiday mood.
• Use one coordinated palette for all three ornaments, or let each character have its own colors.
• Add a narrow ribbon to the hanging loop after finishing, taking care not to pull the crocheted loop out of shape.
• Display the ornaments against natural wood, white ceramic, or metallic holiday décor to emphasize the velvet texture.
• Make matching sets for different family members by varying the hat, deer, or car colors.
• If substituting yarn, remember that fiber, thickness, and texture can change the gauge, stitch definition, finished size, and amount of yarn required. A different hook size may also alter the dimensions and structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this pattern beginner-friendly?

It is suitable for crocheters who are comfortable with basic U.S. stitches, joined rounds, simple increases and decreases, color changes, sewing pieces together, and introductory embroidery. The compact pieces require careful counting and placement.

What yarn is recommended?

The supplied pattern uses Bernat® Velvet Minis™ in the listed contrast colors. Its soft texture gives the ornaments a plush, vintage appearance. Substituting yarn may affect gauge, texture, size, and yarn requirements.

What hook size should I use?

Use a U.S. H/8 (5 mm) Susan Bates® Silvalume® crochet hook, or the size needed to obtain gauge.

How many ornaments are included?

The project includes one Santa, one deer, and one car. Some components are made more than once, including Santa’s two mustaches, the deer’s two ears, and the car’s two body pieces and two wheels.

Can I change the colors?

Yes. Color changes are an optional design choice, but keep the component assignments clear while crocheting. For the car, hold the unused color at the WS when changing colors as directed.

How are the ornaments assembled?

Each ornament is assembled by sewing its individual crocheted components together, then adding embroidered details and a chain hanging loop. Follow the construction order for each character so the pieces remain easy to position.

How should I care for the finished ornaments?

Dust them gently, spot clean only when necessary, and avoid soaking, excessive heat, or heavy compression. Store them in a dry container with tissue paper protecting delicate details.

What is the reverse single crochet used for?

The Santa head’s 5th round uses reverse sc worked from left to right rather than the usual right-to-left direction. It creates a defined edging along the indicated section.

Conclusion

This Vintage Whimsy Crochet Christmas Ornaments Tutorial creates a memorable trio of velvet holiday characters with plenty of opportunities to practice shaping, embroidery, color changes, and careful assembly. Display Santa, the deer, and the car together, give them as handmade gifts, or customize the colors for your own seasonal style. For more festive inspiration, browse these free crochet Christmas ornament patterns.