Crochet Nutcracker Ornament Pattern
This crochet nutcracker ornament is sure to add a touch of nostalgic charm to your Christmas tree.
It’s Day 5 of the 12 Days of Crochet Christmas!
Nutcrackers are such a fun symbol of Christmas and this nutcracker ornament takes me right back to watching the Nutcracker Ballet as a child.
I love all of the details on this one. That little moustache is everything.
About the Pattern
This crochet nutcracker ornament is worked from the top of the hat down.
We’ll create subtle definition between the hat and the head by working a round in the back loop only.
The chain and button details are crocheted separately and we’ll use surface slip stitches to add the yellow band.
I used fabric glue to attach the hat details but you always have the option of sewing them on.
I have no qualms about using glue for purely decorative projects (the less sewing the better right??) but if the ornament is to be handled by young children or you’re making them to sell, sewing is always the best option.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Nutcracker Ornament Pattern
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Crochet Nutcracker Ornament Pattern
Materials
- DK weight yarn in black, skin colour, white and yellow (I used Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Pure Black, Light Caramel, Paper White and Mustard Yellow)
- 2.5mm crochet hook
- 8mm safety eyes
- Polyester fiberfill
- Yarn/twine for hanging
- Stitch marker, yarn needle, scissors
- Optional: fabric glue
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase
- invdec – invisible decrease
- dc – double crochet
- BLO – back loop only
- sl st – slip stitch
- st/s – stitch/es
- […] – repeat the instructions in brackets
- (…) – indicates stitch count at end of round
Special Stitches
Surface Slip Stitch
- Insert your hook into the indicated stitch and pull up a loop of yarn.
- Insert your hook into the next space. Yarn over and pull through.
- Pull through the loop on your hook to complete the stitch.
Useful Links
Finished Size
The finished nutcracker 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.
Identifying the Back Bump of a Chain
If you look at the front of your starting chain you will see the front loop and back loop of your chain stitches. Flip your chain over so you’re looking at the back. You will see a line of stitches running down the center, these are the back bumps of each chain.
Pattern Instructions
Nutcracker (starting with black)
R1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
R2: [Inc] x6 (12)
R3: [Sc, inc] x6 (18)
R4: Sc, inc, [2 sc, inc] x5, sc (24)
R5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30)
R6: 2 sc, inc, [4 sc, inc] x5, 2 sc (36)
R7: [BLO sc] x36 (36)
R8-16: [Sc] x36 (36) 9 rounds – change to skin colour in last st of R16
R17: [BLO sc] x36 (36)
R18-22: [Sc] x36 (36) 5 rounds
R23: 2 sc, invdec, [4 sc, invdec] x5, 2 sc (30)
Insert safety eyes between R19 and R20, 7 sts apart.
R24: [3 sc, invdec] x6 (24)
Start stuffing and continue to stuff as you go.
R25: Sc, invdec, [2 sc, invdec] x5, sc (18)
R26: [Sc, invdec] x6 (12)
R27: [Invdec] x6 (6)
Cut the yarn leaving a tail and pull through the last st. Weave the yarn tail through the front loops only of the final round and pull to close. Hide end inside the nutcracker.
Moustache (white)
Leave a longer starting tail than normal.
[Ch 3, dc in back bump of the third ch from hook] x2
Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Embellishments (yellow)
Note: The embellishments can be either glued or sewn on. I recommend sewing if the ornament will be handled by young children.
Chain
Adjust the length if needed by adding or subtracting chains.
Ch 23
Fasten off leaving a long tail if sewing.
Button
6 sc in magic ring
Fasten off invisibly leaving a long tail if sewing.
Assembly
- Starting at the back of the nutcracker with yellow yarn, surface sl st around the entire ornament between R15 and R16. Fasten off and weave in ends.
- Sew the moustache centred between the eyes over R20-21. Use the starting tail and end tail to sew the tips of the moustache in place. With one of the tails, make a couple of small sts over the centre of the moustache to give it a more defined shape.
- Glue or sew the chain to the hat in a curve starting from the sides of the hat with the bottom of the chain sitting over R13.
- Glue or sew the button to the hat centred in the space above the chain over R8-10.
- Attach a hanging loop.
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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.