19 Cute Christmas Elf Free Crochet Patterns

From Santa’s elves to the Elf on the Shelf, these mischievous creatures are a staple of the holiday season. Let’s take a look at some cute Christmas elf free crochet patterns, starting with amigurumi creations that you can use as ornaments, shelf decor, or a fun Christmas gift. So grab your yarn, your hook, and some Poly-fil stuffing, and get ready to craft!

1. Elf Ornament Crochet Pattern

This tiny amigurumi crochet elf ornament will look perfect on your Christmas tree! It’s a super easy project because it uses basic stitches and doesn’t require any sewing. Just grab some DK weight yarn and you’ll have a cute ornament in no time.

2. Crochet Elf

Elaine the Christmas elf will look so cute in your home this holiday season. I especially love her braided hair and striped tights. To make one, you will need worsted weight yarn and knowledge of easy stitches plus the front post and back post half double crochets.

3. Jingle the Christmas Elf

Looking for a classic Christmas elf to set on your shelf? Look no further than Jingle the Christmas elf. He’s made with worsted weight yarn and basic stitches, so he’ll work up quite easily.

4. Elf for the Shelf

Here’s another adorable elf for your shelf. I love the way his hair peeks out of his hat, and the blue safety eyes the designer used are a fun choice. For this project, you will need worsted weight yarn and knowledge of basic stitches plus the bobble stitch, which is explained in the pattern.

5. Holiday Shelf Elf Crochet Doll

This elf on the shelf comes with an optional skirt accessory, so you can make a Mr. Elf on the Shelf or a Mrs. Elf on the Shelf. Just grab some worsted weight yarn and make sure you know how to work in the front loop only and back loop only. You’ll have festive holiday decoration in no time!

6. An Elf Named Elfus

Elfus is such an adorable amigurumi elf. He’s made with DK yarn and simple stitches. This is a great pattern for crocheters on either side of the pond, because the designer gives both US and UK terminology.

7. Tumbler Elf Girl

This amigurumi elf is sure to add holiday cheer to your home. It’s a fun toy that not only jingles to ring in the Christmas season, but also pops right back up if you knock it over. And best of all, you only need simple stitches to make your elf.

8. Christmas Gnome

This tiny amigurumi Christmas gnome is just so cute! To make one, you crochet the gnome and then felt its beard. Don’t worry if you’ve never done felting before, because the pattern includes a video tutorial. 

9. Little Elf The Santa’s Helper

This little elf is so cute, especially with its tiny ears and the bell on the end of its hat. It would make a great stocking stuffer, or you can use it as an ornament for your Christmas tree. And you only need to know basic stitches, so it will work up very quickly.

10. Pine Cone Elf

This amigurumi elf is super fun because it’s made with a pine cone! After you crochet the various parts using simple stitches, grab some glue and attach those parts to the pine cone, which makes up the body of the elf. I think this would be a fantastic Christmas ornament!

11. Christmas Hygge Elf

This pattern includes three sizes of cozy hygge elf, so you can make an elf family! The pattern calls for only simple stitches, and you’ll get to add my very favorite notion: buttons! Plus there are plenty of progress photos throughout the pattern, so this is a good project for crocheters of all levels.

12. Small Christmas Elves

These small Christmas elves are unbearably adorable! I love their round heads and pointy hats, and especially the pom poms on the hats. For this project, you can use any weight of yarn and corresponding hook size, but if you want yours to look just like the designer’s, choose DK weight yarn and a size C crochet hook. This is a great beginner pattern because it only calls for easy stitches and has links to tutorials for all the techniques you will need. 

Now let’s move on to elf hats that you and your family can wear all holiday season long!

13. Little Helper Crochet Elf Hat

Here’s a fun elf hat with a pom pom and a pointy brim. The pattern includes nine sizes, so you can make a hat for anyone from a newborn through an adult. Wouldn’t it be so fun to take family Christmas pictures with matching hats? Just make sure you know basic stitches and the picot stitch, which is described in the pattern.

14. Crochet Elf Hat Pattern (With Ears!)

This elf hat is super fun not just because of its stripes, but also because it includes crocheted elf ears! You can make this hat in any one of six sizes from newborn through adult, and you will just need worsted weight yarn and knowledge of basic stitches.

15. Crochet Elf Hat

Here’s a simple, fun elf hat that can be made in five sizes from newborn through adult. For this project, grab some worsted weight yarn and make sure you know the basic stitches plus the front post and back post double crochets.

16. Elf Hat

I love this striped elf hat with its contrasting brim and pom pom. You can make the hat for toddlers, children, and adults. Just like the above pattern, you’ll need to know the front post and back post double crochets, and grab some festive colors of worsted weight yarn.

17. Crochet Elf Hats for the Entire Family

Here’s a super fun hat that’s tall and skinny and striped, just like a creative Christmas elf might wear. The pattern includes five sizes from newborn through adults, and you’ll need to use worsted weight yarn and simple stitches. 

18. Cat & Small Dog Elf Hat

And why not get the furry members of your family in on the fun? Here’s a pattern for an elf hat that can fit cats and small dogs. It even includes ties to help keep it on their heads. And best of all, it’s quite easy to make! 

Last but not least, let’s look at a pattern for a fun piece of home decor.

19. I Got My Elf Stuck! Christmas Wreath

I love how this wreath makes it look like an elf got stuck trying to deliver your Christmas presents. You’ll need quite a few supplies for this project, so make sure you grab them before you begin. Beyond worsted weight yarn, you will need stuffing and a 10-inch wreath. There are also quite a few steps to crochet this project, but the pattern includes tons of detailed progress photos, so even beginner crocheters will be able to make this funny wreath. 

Which elf patterns will you be following this Christmas? Let us know in the comments!