Nordic Reindeer Granny Sitting Pad Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Nordic Reindeer Granny Sitting Pad is the perfect cozy project for an advanced beginner who wants something quick, chunky, and full of winter charm. Worked in the round with simple granny clusters and super bulky yarn, it grows fast on a large hook and finishes at a generous 15.5 inches across. The soft, squishy texture makes it lovely to sit on, and the little brown reindeer appliqué in the center gives it that Scandinavian holiday feel. Whether you keep it for yourself or give it as a gift, it looks warm and handmade in all the best ways.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Super Bulky (6) weight yarn, acrylic or wool blend:
  • Color A (main): 200 yds
  • Color B (contrast): 50 yds
  • Color C (brown): 30 yds
  • Color D (white): 20 yds
• Hook: 9 mm (M/13)
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, small amount of fiberfill for the reindeer head, scissors
• Finished size: Approx. 15.5 x 15.5 in (39.5 x 39.5 cm) diameter

Abbreviations

• MR – magic ring (an adjustable starting loop)
• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sp – space
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec – decrease (work 2 sc together into one stitch)
• rep – repeat

Gauge

8 sts x 3 rounds = 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in) over the granny stitch pattern. To check, crochet a small swatch of granny clusters and measure across the center; adjust your hook size if needed to match.

Tips Before You Start

• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in the growing circle.
• Keep your ch-1 spaces loose and even — tight chains make the pad pucker instead of lying flat.
• Work the reindeer pieces first if you like, so the pad can be blocked flat before you sew the appliqué on.
• Stuff the reindeer head only lightly; overstuffing makes it bulge and hard to sew down neatly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pad (Color A)

Setup: MR 6 sc. Join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 1: ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in same sp, [ch 2, 3 dc in next st] rep 5 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch 3 (6 groups of 3 dc, 6 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 2: sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch 3 (12 groups of 3 dc, 6 ch-1 sps, 6 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 3: sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch 3 (18 groups of 3 dc, 12 ch-1 sps, 6 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 4: sl st to next ch-2 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp, *[ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp] rep to next ch-2 sp, ch 1, [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, ch 1, join with sl st to top of ch 3 (24 groups of 3 dc, 18 ch-1 sps, 6 ch-2 sps).

Rnds 5–12: rep Rnd 4 eight times, adding one more [ch 1, 3 dc] group between corners each round. Rnd 5 (30 groups, 24 ch-1 sps), Rnd 6 (36 groups, 30 ch-1 sps), Rnd 7 (42 groups, 36 ch-1 sps), Rnd 8 (48 groups, 42 ch-1 sps), Rnd 9 (54 groups, 48 ch-1 sps), Rnd 10 (60 groups, 54 ch-1 sps), Rnd 11 (66 groups, 60 ch-1 sps), Rnd 12 (72 groups, 66 ch-1 sps). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Reindeer Head (Color C)

Setup: MR 6 sc.

Rnd 1: inc x6 (12 sts).

Rnd 2: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnd 3: sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts). Stuff lightly.

Rnd 5: dec x6 (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Ears (make 2, Color C)

Setup: MR 4 sc.

Rnd 1: inc x4 (8 sts).

Rnd 2: sc in each st around (8 sts). Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Antlers (make 2, Color C)

Row 1: ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, [ch 4, sl st in same ch] twice, sl st in each remaining ch. Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Muzzle (Color D)

Setup: MR 4 sc.

Rnd 1: inc x4 (8 sts).

Rnd 2: sc in each st around (8 sts). Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Eyes (make 2, Color D)

Setup: MR 4 sc. Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Edging (Color A)

Rnd 1: join A to any ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, *sc in each dc and ch-1 sp around, working 2 sc in each ch-2 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly and Finishing

Sew the ears to the top of the reindeer head, then sew the antlers behind the ears. Sew the white muzzle to the lower front of the head, and the two white eyes just above the muzzle. Using the photo as a guide, sew the finished reindeer to the center of the pad with your tapestry needle and matching yarn. Weave in all remaining ends. Block the pad lightly by misting it with water and patting it flat, or steam it gently, then let it dry completely before use.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap Color A for a deep red or forest green to make the pad feel more festive, keeping the reindeer in brown and white.
• Add a second edging round in Color B for a contrasting border that frames the pad.
• Make a set of smaller pads by stopping at Rnd 8 or 10 — perfect as coasters or chair pads.