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This free crochet pattern allows you to make a washcloth that can be wrapped into a small gift package that looks like a reindeer that has a bar of soap inside. It’s the perfect quick last minute gift idea.
We’re only a few days away from Christmas. Are you like me and waited till the last minute to get some gifts? It needs to be quick, cheap and wow the receiver, right? Ideally, you would like to make it yourself as a gift that is made by hand is created with love and has so much more value.
Well, I think I have the perfect gift for you. This Reindeer Washcloth is not only functional but also super cute and very fast to make. In fact, I made the washcloth while walking for an hour in my neighborhood and listing to my audiobook.
And the rest of the materials, in order to create the reindeer, are really up to you. You can use almost anything you have at home to make it look like a reindeer. Instead of googly eyes, you can even use chocolate chips! And for the nose, I would say an M&M would also do.
I added a bar of soap in the middle when I wrapped it up as it is a washcloth, but feel free to hide anything special you might think about. I can imagine it being used for gift cards, candy, toys, even a tiny plush.
The same goes for the antlers and the bow. You can use pretzel sticks and some ribbon, instead of the pipe cleaners and the chain made out loop yarn.
In fact, I would love to see how you create yours and what you will hide as a gift inside the Reindeer Washcloth. Be sure to share it with me and fellow crocheters in my support group on Facebook. We are a fun group and always support and encourage each other while I teach and help you become a great and confident crocheter.
For the washcloth I used 100% organic cotton yarn I got from Knit Picks. I dyed it myself using Rit Dye for which I have a very detailed tutorial for you. Trust me can dye their own yarn – even commercial yarn!
Furthermore, I used the Herringbone Double Crochet to crochet the washcloth. I have below a video showing you how to crochet it and even how to create the reindeer after. In case you are interested, I also have a Herringbone Half Double Crochet stitch tutorial available, if you want to mix it up a bit.
In fact, I would even recommend the thermal stitch to make the washcloth even thicker and sturdier. I love the texture of both. So it depends how thick you want your washcloth to be.
If you are interested, I got the idea of the Reindeer Washcloth from a fellow crocheter who found it on Pinterest which leads to this blog.
How to crochet and make the Reindeer Washcloth Gift
Materials:
- Knit Picks Bare Yarn
: Simply Cotton Worsted - 5.0 mm hook
- scissors
- tapestry needle
- gift inside, I used a bar of soap
- googly eyes
- tiny pom-pom nose
- pipe cleaners
- tiny bells
- loop yarn made into chains or a ribbo
Stitches used (US terms):
Click HERE to learn these basic stitches
- ch = chain
hbdc = herringbone double crochet (explained and shown in the video below)- alternative turning chain
Gauge:
2 rows x 3 sts = 1 square inch
Final Size:
6 (diameter) x 8 (height) inches (folded Reindeer)
Instructions:
Ch 41
R1: 1 alternative turning chain as dc in the 2nd ch from the hook, 1 hbdc in each of the rest of the stitches, turn (40 sts)
R2 – 28: 1 alternative turning chain as dc, 1 hbdc in each of the rest of the stitches, turn
Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Folding the Washcloth to a Reindeer
In order to create a Reindeer, you’ll need to add your gift in the center of the crochet washcloth and then pull up 2 corners that are opposite from each other.
Next, you will need to roll the held up corners downwards to create a roll.
Finally, fold up the sides to make them look like ears of the reindeer. Now, all you have to do is decorated it. First, add a ribbon, or like me, a chained loop yarn around the ears to make them stay in place.
Next, add the antlers with bells between the ears (see the video how I made them) and glue on the eyes and nose. That’s all. You are now done and can gift or display your Reindeer Washcloth Gift. I love how fast it works up and how much you can change it to make it work for you and your loved ones.
I can imagine this also being great at a Craft Fair, too. You can create lots of them and sell them easily.
I will for sure make several of these and gift them to my friends and family. The Reindeer Washcloth Gift is not only cute, but also so functional with a special surprise inside that was not expected which makes this gift even better than just a simple washcloth wrapped up, don’t you think.
Here is your Break-Through Moment: The Reindeer Washcloth Gift Video Tutorial
This video shows you every detail and more about how to crochet and make the Reindeer Washcloth Gift.
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Tracy King
This is so adorable! I love the idea of turning a cloth into something cute to give it. Thanks so much.