Crochet Cardinal Ornament Pattern
Cardinals are a beautiful symbol of the Winter season and this crochet cardinal ornament is a quick and easy way to add a handmade touch to your holiday decor.
Welcome to Day 1 of the 12 Days of Crochet Christmas! We’re getting things underway with an adorable crochet cardinal.
I love the fun shape of this one. Whether you enjoy a Winter or Summer Christmas, this little cardinal would make a lovely addition to your tree.
About the Pattern
This crochet cardinal ornament is worked from the top down in an easy bauble style with some colour change rounds to accentuate the face.
This is a low-sew pattern with only the wings needing sewing on and a simple embroidered beak added at the end.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Cardinal Ornament Pattern
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Crochet Cardinal Ornament Pattern
Materials
- DK weight yarn in red, black and yellow (I used Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Pillar Red, Pure Black and Mustard Yellow)
- 2.5mm crochet hook
- 8mm safety eyes
- Polyester fiberfill
- Yarn/twine for hanging
- Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase
- invdec – invisible decrease
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/s – stitch/es
- […] – repeat the instructions in brackets
- (…) – indicates stitch count at end of round
Useful Links
Finished Size
The finished cardinal ornament measures approximately 2.5″ (6.5cm) tall. Size may vary depending on tension and materials used.
Gauge
Gauge is not important in this pattern. Use a hook size to match your chosen yarn. Make sure that your stitches are tight enough to prevent stuffing showing through and adjust hook size if necessary.
Notes
- Pieces are worked in a continuous spiral starting with a magic ring unless otherwise specified. Mark the first stitch of each round with a removable stitch marker.
- Colour changes take place in the last yarn over of the previous colour.
Pattern Instructions
Cardinal (starting with red)
R1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
R2: [Sc] x6 (6)
R3: [Inc] x6 (12)
R4: [Sc] x12 (12)
R5: [Sc, inc] x6 (18)
R6: [Sc] x18 (18)
R7: Sc, inc, [2 sc, inc] x5, sc (24)
R8: [Sc] x24 (24)
R9: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30)
R10: [Sc] x30 (30)
The next round is the start of our colour change rounds. All colour changes take place in the last yarn over of the previous colour.
R11: 2 sc, inc, 4 sc, inc, 3 sc; with black, sc, inc, 4 sc, inc; with red, [4 sc, inc] x2, 2 sc (36)
R12: [5 sc, inc] x2; with black, 5 sc, inc, 5 sc; with red, inc, [5 sc, inc] x2 (42)
R13: 14 sc; with black, 12 sc; with red, 16 sc (42)
R14: 15 sc; with black, 10 sc; with red, 17 sc (42)
R15: 17 sc; with black, 7 sc; with red, 18 sc (42)
Tie off black yarn and continue working with red.
Insert safety eyes between R11 and R12, 7 sts apart.
R16-18: [Sc] x42 (42) 3 rounds
R19: [5 sc, invdec] x6 (36)
R20: 2 sc, invdec, [4 sc, invdec] x5, 2 sc (30)
R21: [3 sc, invdec] x6 (24)
Start stuffing and continue to stuff as you go.
R22: Sc, invdec, [2 sc, invdec] x5, sc (18)
R23: [Sc, invdec] x6 (12)
R24: [Invdec] x6 (6)
Cut the yarn leaving a tail and pull through last st. Weave the yarn tail through the front loops only of the final round and pull to close. Hide the end inside the cardinal.
Wings (red)
R1: 4 sc in magic ring (4)
R2: Ch 1, turn. [Inc] x4 (8)
R3: Ch 1, turn. [Dc, sl st] x4 (8)
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Note: R3 is worked with the wrong side facing you.
Assembly
- Sew wings to the sides of the body between R13 and R14.
- Using yellow yarn, sew a beak centred between the eyes and spanning over 2 sts. Make 2 horizontal sts and wrap yarn evenly along the length by going over and under the 2 sts.
- Attach a hanging loop to the top.
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What’s Next?
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This pattern is for personal use only and may not be copied, reproduced, altered, published or distributed in any format (including video). If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint it on your site.
You can sell finished products made from this pattern in small quantities. Do NOT use our photos as your sale photos.
Thank you for 12 Days of Crochet Christmas 2024. I’ve waited all year for them. I have enjoyed working your patterns and those I’ve gifted have loved the results too. Appreciate your work and efforts to produce these great ornaments.
Thank you so much for your kind words, it means a lot.