This free pattern for a corner to corner crochet reindeer graph is perfect as part of a Christmas afghan, but also works great on its own as a festive pillow square.
Can we all agree it's complete insanity to share a Christmas post in the beginning of August? Okay, great.
Now I'm going to share a Christmas post in the beginning of August.
The thing is, I'm SO excited about this project! And if you have any interest in making it with me, we need to get started now so we can enjoy it all December long.
I first learned about C2C (corner to corner) crochet when I saw Sarah from Repeat Crafter Me's Christmas afghan last year. You know when you see a creative idea and you just mull it over for months and months, almost subconsciously? That's what happened when I saw her incredible pattern.
I had never done C2C crochet before, but I immediately saw so much potential in how you can create graphs (picture patterns) of literally anything you want "illustrate." It's essentially like paint by number with yarn.
I knew I wanted to make my own C2C Christmas afghan pattern to create something my family could look forward to getting out year after year, but I was intimidated to try the corner to corner technique. I'm happy to report it's really pretty easy! I watched this video by The Crochet Crowd as well as checked out all of 1 Dog Woof's extensive corner to corner crochet resources and I was off and running.
Perhaps the best discovery though was of a site called Stitch Fiddle where you can design your own C2C graphs for free! I now have all nine squares of my C2C Christmas afghan planned and I'll be sharing one a week in case you want to work along with me.
The guiding principle I used when designing each graph was that I wanted the "graphgan" to feel festive, but remain contemporary and minimalist in the illustration design. The colors of each square are mostly monochromatic, which I think keeps the blocks looking modern. I can't wait to see how they all work up!
And each week I'll share any C2C tips I've figured out along the way. Since this is my first corner to corner crochet project, I definitely made a couple mistakes and had to tear out some rows. Can you see the subtle difference in how the top portion of Rudolph's right antler is off by one square from the left antler? Wah wah wah. Had to tear that part out.
The biggest thing I learned this week was how to carry the yarn color I wasn't using under the stitches of the other color so as to eliminate having so many ends to weave in. 1 Dog Woof has a great video explaining how she does it. I found that on this reindeer pattern, I was able to save myself a lot of cutting by using this technique in the area around the antlers when I was switching from the linen color to brown very frequently. (See how the linen yarn is tucked "inside" the brown stitch in the photos below?)
Even if you're not ready to commit to crocheting an entire Christmas blanket, I think this Rudolph square would make an adorable and festive pillow. You could just make an identical size C2C square in a solid color for the back and crochet them together like I did in my "I Heart You" pillow. Or wouldn't it look awesome with a plaid flannel backing? This square is about 15x15", so a 14x14" pillow form would work perfectly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I'm using half double crochet stitches for my C2C squares instead of the usual double crochet stitches. When I'm adding a box or square at the beginning of a new row, I'm chaining 5 instead of the usual 6 chains. Then I work my first hdc of that box into the third chain from the hook. At the beginning of each box (after the slip stitch), I use 2 chains instead of the usual 3 you'd use with a double crochet C2C project. This has allowed me to maintain a lot of visual detail in the graphs, yet hopefully end up with an afghan that's not too massive to snuggle under on the couch.
More Free Christmas Crochet Patterns
From tree ornaments to c2c crochet patterns to adorable elf hats with ears, we've got you covered with many more crochet patterns for Christmas. We also have loads of quick gifts to crochet and gift ideas for crocheters to add to your own list (hint!)
See more free Christmas crochet patterns →
Download the free corner to corner crochet reindeer graph!
UPDATE: Here are the additional patterns that have been added in this series:
WEEK 1: C2C RUDOLF THE REINDEER
WEEK 2: C2C CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT
WEEK 3: C2C MODERN CHRISTMAS TREE
WEEK 4: C2C CHRISTMAS LIGHT BULB
WEEK 5: C2C WINTER MITTEN
WEEK 6: C2C SNOWFLAKE
WEEK 7: C2C PINECONE
WEEK 8: C2C STOCKING
WEEK 9: C2C WREATH
Supplies
So you can spend more time c2c-ing and less time shopping, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
• Lion Brand Vanna's Choice: 2 skeins of "Linen" and a partial skein of "Barley" and a partial skein of "Chocolate". You'll also need a very small amount of "Scarlet" and "Cranberry" for the nose.
• size G/4.5 mm hook (I really like this affordable set of hooks.)
I love to see your finished projects! Tag me on Instagram (@MakeAndDoCrew) to show me your stitches.
You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, I ask that you link back to me into two places — one link to my homepage (MakeAndDoCrew.com) and one link to this post page. Do not use my photos as your own sales photos. Do not distribute this pattern as your own. View my policies for more info. All clear? Alright, let’s make something awesome!
If you know of any great C2C crochet tutorials, let me know. I can't wait to learn more!
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Joyce W ilford says
Why can't I get the patterns to print. It is so frustrating to want them and they don't show up
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hmm. I'm not exactly sure what might be happening on because each computer is different. Are you getting them to show up in your internet browser? From there you should be able to print them directly or right click on them to download.
Shirlene says
Hello, I saw these cute models for Christmas blocks and I tried to open the patterns but what a disappointment, any link open to the instructions only the graph of the design in the block. How can I make it if I don´t know the stitch or that diagonal way to work?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Shirlene,
Generally the technique of C2C uses graphs instead of written patterns. Up above (in this post) I reference the couple of free resources I used to learn how to C2C. I think those would be really helpful in teaching you how to get started on the diagonal way of crocheting. Then, if you'd like a written pattern, I know some people just jot down the color changes from each row by looking at the graph. (Your notes might say something like "4 white, 5 brown, 3 white" meaning that you'd work 4 white squares, then 5 brown squares and then 4 more white.)
I hope that's helpful!
Jess
Rachel says
Gah! This is adorable! Now I want to crochet a giant Christmas afghan!
The Yarn Fanatic Party is back after a long summer break! I'd love to "see" you there! http://www.thephilosopherswife.net/2016/09/yarn-fanatic-party-59.html
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks, Rachel! I'd love to join your party. I'll check it out!
Jess says
I love this so much. Wonderful work!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks so much, Jess! I've really had fun making these.
Nice name, btw. 😉
Jess
Judie English says
Your comment about projects to complete by December hit home with me - I only have 16 but 3 of them are throws/afghans and I'm freaking out a little bit as it is so close to September already. We'll see how it goes.
But my main question is when is the next Christmas c2c graph coming out? Taking this pattern on vacation with me for working while we travel. Love this pattern. Thanks.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Judie!
Good to know I'm not alone in the summer Christmas making! The next pattern will be released tomorrow morning (Saturday). I am going to email it to you tonight though because I know how important it is just have just the right projects for vacation! 🙂
Jess
Celeste says
This is just adorable! I so need this for my Christmas decor! And when you're talking handmade items, it's never too early for Christmas stuff! It would probably take me until Christmas just to figure out how to crochet, haha!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha, I bet you could get it figured out by Halloween 😉 Really though, it's such a fun hobby to start planning Fall/Winter projects for. I counted the projects I want to complete by Dec today and had 28! Might be time to prioritize. 🙂
But not before I declutter my home following your system. THAT is what I need the most help on!
Calvin Green says
It's lovely. You sure make it look so easy.
Jill says
Can't wait to start this project. Have knitted a lot of dish cloths -corner to corner- but nothing else. Good way to use some of my yarns. Have been knitting for over 30 years. It is such an amazing past time. I take my knitting or crocheting with me to doctors appointment. I always get interesting questions and compliments.
Thank you so much for sharing your talent.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Aw, THANK YOU, Jill! It's my pleasure to share my patterns. I too have been loving corner to corner! There are just so many possibilities with it. I find it a real conversation starter to knit or crochet in public too. It's kind of like we're doing a PSA for our craft every time we take it out of the house 🙂
Chris Bishop says
I copied the reindeer graph, but where are the actual instructions to get started? What stitches did you use? I have never found any written instructions. Can you help, please? Thank you, Chris
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Chris,
There aren't a lot of written instructions because the project is worked similarly to any C2C graph. If you've never made a C2C project before (I hadn't either!), check out the video I linked above from the Crochet Crowd to see how to get started. If you are familiar with C2C, just take note of the "Notes" section above as I talk about how I specifically worked each stitch in half double crochets. I hope that helps you, but please feel free to ask more questions if you need to!
Jess
Judie English says
I love the idea that this is monochromatic with the pops of color coming from the design itself. Thank you so much for sharing. Starting it today (after I get the yarn, of course. Thanks again.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yes! That is my favorite look. I'm so glad you enjoy it too, Judie. Have fun yarn shopping today!
Happy crocheting!
Jess