Plum Deer Hand Puppet Crochet Free Pattern

Plum Deer Hand Puppet Crochet Free Pattern

Introduction

This little plum deer is the perfect first puppet project for anyone who has mastered single crochet and wants to try simple amigurumi shaping. It's worked flat in easy rows, then joined into a straight sleeve so a child's fingers slip right in and bring the head to life. The deep plum body with its soft mauve snout and two pointed ears has a sweet, mid-century modern look that fits right in with pumpkin-season decor. At just 4 inches wide and 6 inches tall, it's small, quick, and made to be played with.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic yarn — approximately 80 yards plum, 20 yards mauve
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional), measuring tape
• Finished size: Approximately 4 inches (10 cm) wide x 6 inches (15 cm) tall; fits a child's hand

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• inc — increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
• sc2tog — single crochet 2 together: insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
• sc3tog — single crochet 3 together: pull up a loop in each of the next 3 stitches, yarn over, pull through all 4 loops.
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• st(s) — stitch(es)

Gauge

16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Work a small swatch in single crochet and measure a 4-inch square; adjust your hook size if needed so the finished puppet fits a child's hand.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your single crochet tension even and slightly firm so the tube holds its shape on the hand.
• Count your stitches at the end of every row — the body stays at 16 sc throughout, so any drift is easy to catch.
• When folding the body, match the row edges carefully before slip stitching so the tube stays straight and doesn't twist.
• Leave generous tails on the snout and ears; they make positioning and sewing much easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Head and Body (Plum)

Row 1: Ch 17, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (16 sc).

Rows 2-24: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (16 sc).

Do not fasten off. Fold the piece in half lengthwise with right sides together. Join with sl st in each st across to form a tube, leaving the bottom open. Fasten off.

Snout (Mauve)

Row 1: Ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (8 sc).

Rows 2-6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (8 sc).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears (Plum, make 2)

Row 1: Ch 2, 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook (3 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc in next st, inc in last st (5 sc).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across (5 sc).

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next st, sc2tog (3 sc).

Row 5: Ch 1, turn, sc3tog (1 sc).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Repeat for the second ear.

Edging (Plum)

Join plum yarn at the bottom edge of the tube. Work 1 round of sc evenly around the bottom opening (approx 32 sc). Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the mauve snout to the front of the head, centered about 1 inch from the top edge. Sew the ears to the top of the head about 1 inch apart, with the points facing up. Weave in all remaining ends. Lightly steam or mist block the puppet, shaping the tube and pressing the snout and ears flat, then let it dry fully before play.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the mauve snout for cream or mustard for a different seasonal look.
• Add a tiny embroidered nose or simple safety eyes (for older children only) to give the deer more character.
• Work the body in a slightly larger hook size for an adult hand, or a smaller size for a toddler.