Free Crochet Snowman Pattern (2 Sizes with Hat & Scarf)

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If you’ve ever wanted a little snowman who never melts on your shelf, this free crochet snowman pattern is for you. In this tutorial I’ll show you how to make not one, but two sizes of the same chubby snowman: a bigger, huggable version and a smaller one that’s perfect as a Christmas ornament or keychain.

Both snowmen are worked the way I love best for amigurumi: head and body in one piece, so there’s no wobbling neck to sew and fewer ends to deal with. Then we’ll add a squishy ribbed hat with a fluffy pom-pom, a candy-cane striped scarf, a tiny carrot nose and classic coal “buttons”.

The pattern is written in US crochet terms, uses simple stitches (mostly single crochet, increases and invisible decreases), and works great in any DK/light-worsted yarn. If you’re an advanced beginner who can manage a magic ring and work in continuous rounds, you’ll be able to follow along, step photos will do the rest.

Make a matching pair for your mantel, turn the small one into a keychain for your bag, or crochet a whole family of snowmen in different colors for your tree. Ready? Let’s gather materials and start crocheting!

Materials for Your Crochet Snowman (Both Sizes)

You can make both the big and small crochet snowman with the same basic supplies. Just change hook size or yarn brand if you want them a little firmer or softer.

Yarn (DK / light-worsted acrylic or cotton)

• White – body & head
• Red – hat & scarf
• A little yellow – carrot nose
• A little black – mouth & buttons (embroidery thread or fine yarn works great)

If you’re unsure whether your yarn is DK or light-worsted, or which hook to pair with it, check my full
guide to yarn weight, gauge and hook size.

Hook

• 2.5–3.0 mm crochet hook – choose the size that gives you tight, no-hole stitches with your yarn.
  (If you can see stuffing peeking through, go down a hook size.)

Safety eyes

• Big snowman: 8–10 mm safety eyes
• Small snowman: 6–8 mm safety eyes

Other supplies

• Fiberfill stuffing
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch marker or scrap yarn to mark the first stitch of each round

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Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

This free crochet snowman pattern is written in US terms.

• MR – magic ring
• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
• dec – invisible decrease
• BLO – back loop only
• (…)×n – repeat the instructions in brackets n times
• sts – stitches

If you usually work in UK terms, you can quickly convert them with my
US vs UK crochet terms conversion chart.

We’ll work in continuous rounds (a spiral) unless I say otherwise, so keep a marker in the first stitch of each round. For the neatest shaping, I recommend using the magic ring for your first round and the invisible decrease for all decreases, if you need a refresher, you can check my tutorials on the
magic ring vs chain circle and invisible decrease in crochet.

Size, Gauge & Skill Level

With DK/light-worsted yarn and a 2.5–3.0 mm hook, your finished crochet snowman will be approximately:

• Big snowman: about 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tall, including hat
• Small snowman: about 8–10 cm (3–4 in) tall

Exact height depends on your yarn, hook and how firmly you crochet, so don’t worry if your snowmen are a little taller or shorter.

Gauge

For amigurumi, the exact gauge isn’t critical. What matters is that:

• Your stitches are tight enough that the stuffing doesn’t show.
• The fabric feels firm but still squeezable.

As a rough guide, many crocheters get around 22–26 sc per 10 cm / 4 in using DK yarn and a 2.5–3.0 mm hook. If you see holes between stitches, go down a hook size; if your hands hurt or the fabric feels too stiff, go up a size.

Skill Level

This free crochet snowman pattern is advanced beginner–friendly. You’ll be comfortable if you can:

• Make a magic ring
• Work in continuous rounds
• Increase and invisible decrease in single crochet
• Crochet in back loop only (BLO)
• Sew on small pieces and embroider simple details

If this is one of your first stuffed toys, you might also like my step-by-step guide to making your
first amigurumi.

How to Crochet a Snowman – Quick Overview

Before we dive into stitch-by-stitch rounds, here’s the big picture of how this free crochet snowman pattern comes together:

1. Crochet the head and body in one piece
   • Start with a magic ring in white yarn.
   • Shape a round head with simple increases and decreases.
   • Without fastening off, work in BLO to smoothly transition into the body and build a chubby snowman shape.
2. Stuff as you go for a smooth shape
   • Add stuffing once the head is tall enough.
   • Keep stuffing the neck and body gradually so there are no hard lumps or empty spots.
   • Close the bottom with firm decreases so the snowman stands nicely.
3. Add the face: safety eyes, carrot nose and smile
   • Place safety eyes on the head while there’s still room to work from the inside.
   • Crochet a tiny yellow carrot nose and sew it between the eyes.
   • Embroider a simple curved smile and a few “coal” buttons with black thread.
4. Make the ribbed hat in rows
   • Work a rectangle of single crochet in back loop only to get that stretchy ribbed texture.
   • Sew the short edges together into a tube, gather the top, and fold up a brim.
   • Add a fluffy white pom-pom on top.
5. Crochet the striped scarf cord
   • Use two colors to create a thick, twisted-looking cord (or a simple striped chain-and-single-crochet strip if you prefer).
   • Wrap it snugly around the neck so it sits just where you like.
6. Turn the small snowman into a mini or ornament
   • Work the small version from the same pattern.
   • You can leave it as a tiny desk buddy, sew on a keyring, or add a hanging loop to turn it into a Christmas ornament.

Once you’ve seen the structure, the detailed rounds will feel much easier to follow, so let’s start with the big snowman.

Free Crochet Snowman Pattern – Big Snowman

Big Snowman – Head & Body (worked in one piece)

Start with white yarn. The head and body are crocheted in one piece, so don’t fasten off between sections. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.

Head

R1 – MR, 6 sc in ring ………………………………………. 6
R2 – 6 inc ……………………………………………………… 12
R3 – (sc, inc) ×6 …………………………………………….. 18
R4 – (sc, inc, sc) ×6 ……………………………………….. 24
R5 – (3 sc, inc) ×6 ………………………………………….. 30
R6 – (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) ×6 …………………………………. 36
R7 – (5 sc, inc) ×6 ………………………………………….. 42
R8 – (3 sc, inc, 3 sc) ×6 …………………………………. 48
R9–R14 – sc in each st around (6 rounds) ……….. 48

At this point you have a nice round head.

• Place the safety eyes between about Rounds 8–10, leaving a few stitches between them.
• You can also embroider the smile now or later, whichever you find easier.
• Begin stuffing the head firmly and keep adding more stuffing as you continue.

R15 – (3 sc, dec, 3 sc) ×6 ……………………………….. 42
R16 – (5 sc, dec) ×6 ……………………………………….. 36
R17 – (2 sc, dec, 2 sc) ×6 ……………………………….. 30
R18 – (3 sc, dec) ×6 – stuff firmly ……………………. 24

The head is now closed at the bottom and we move straight into the body.

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Body

R19 – BLO: (3 sc, inc) ×6 ……………………………. 30
R20 – (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) ×6 ……………………………….. 36
R21 – (5 sc, inc) ×6 ……………………………………….. 42
R22 – (3 sc, inc, 3 sc) ×6 ……………………………… 48
R23 – (7 sc, inc) ×6 ……………………………………….. 54
R24 – (4 sc, inc, 4 sc) ×6 ……………………………… 60
R25–R32 – sc in each st around (8 rounds) ……. 60

You’ll see the body growing into a chubby snowball shape. Keep adding stuffing as you go so the snowman stays firm and round.

R33 – (4 sc, dec, 4 sc) ×6 ………………………………. 54
R34 – (7 sc, dec) ×6 ………………………………………. 48
R35 – (3 sc, dec, 3 sc) ×6 ……………………………… 42
R36 – (5 sc, dec) ×6 ………………………………………. 36
R37 – (2 sc, dec, 2 sc) ×6 ……………………………… 30
R38 – (3 sc, dec) ×6 – stuff body very firmly .. 24
R39 – (sc, dec) ×8 ………………………………………….. 16
R40 – dec ×8 …………………………………………………… 8

Fasten off, pull the remaining hole closed with the yarn tail, and weave in securely.
Your big crochet snowman base is finished and ready for his hat, scarf and details.

Free Crochet Snowman Pattern – Small Snowman

Small Snowman – Head & Body (one piece)

The small crochet snowman is worked almost the same way as the big one, just with fewer rounds. He’s perfect as a mini decoration, ornament or keychain.

Use white yarn and work in continuous rounds with a stitch marker.

Head

R1 – MR, 6 sc …………………………………………………. 6
R2 – 6 inc ……………………………………………………… 12
R3 – (sc, inc) ×6 …………………………………………….. 18
R4 – (sc, inc, sc) ×6 ……………………………………….. 24
R5 – (3 sc, inc) ×6 ………………………………………….. 30
R6–R9 – sc in each st (4 rounds) ……………………. 30

You’ve formed a round head.

• Place the safety eyes now (6–8 mm) with a few stitches between them.
• Start stuffing the head so it keeps a nice ball shape.

R10 – (3 sc, dec) ×6 ………………………………………. 24
R11 – (sc, dec, sc) ×6 – start stuffing more …… 18
R12 – (sc, dec) ×6 ………………………………………….. 12

The head is closed at the bottom and we go straight into the body.

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Body

R13 – BLO: (sc, inc) ×6 ……………………………… 18
R14 – (sc, inc, sc) ×6 ……………………………………… 24
R15 – (3 sc, inc) ×6 ………………………………………… 30
R16 – (2 sc, inc, 2 sc) ×6 ……………………………… 36
R17–R21 – sc in each st (5 rounds) ……………….. 36

You’ll see a small, plump body forming under the head. Keep adding stuffing as you go so the neck doesn’t flop.

R22 – (7 sc, dec) ×4 ……………………………………….. 32
R23 – (2 sc, dec) ×8 ………………………………………. 24
R24 – (sc, dec) ×8 ………………………………………….. 16
R25 – dec ×8 – finish stuffing, close with tail .. 8

Fasten off and pull the opening tightly closed with the tail. Weave in the end securely.

Now you have a mini crochet snowman base that’s ready for his tiny hat, scarf and carrot nose. You can leave him as a desk buddy, add a hanging loop to turn him into an ornament, or attach a keyring on top of the hat for a snowman keychain.

Crochet Snowman Hats (Big & Small)

No snowman is complete without a cozy hat, right? Both sizes use the same simple construction: a ribbed rectangle worked flat in rows, then sewn into a tube and gathered at the top. All stitches are single crochet in back loop only (BLO) after the first row, which gives you that stretchy, knitted-look ribbing.

Use red yarn for both hats (or any color you love).

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Big Hat (for the large snowman)

Chain 26.

Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch – 25 sts.

Row 2: ch 1, turn, BLO sc in each st – 25 sts.

Repeat Row 2 until the strip wraps comfortably around the big snowman’s head
(about 26–30 rows, depending on your yarn and tension).

Finishing the big hat:

1. Fold the strip so the short edges meet and sew the short edges together to make a tube.
2. With a new strand of red yarn, weave through one open edge all the way around and pull tight to close the top of the hat. Secure the yarn firmly.
3. Fold up the bottom edge to form a brim.
4. Sew a white pom-pom on the top (we’ll make it in the next section).

This ribbed hat stretches nicely, so don’t worry if your stitch count is off by a row or two—just wrap it around the snowman’s head and stop when it fits.

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Small Hat (for the mini snowman)

Chain 16.

Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc across – 15 sts.

Row 2: ch 1, turn, BLO sc in each st – 15 sts.

Repeat Row 2 until the strip fits snugly around the small snowman’s head
(about 22–24 rows).

Finishing the small hat:

1. Sew the short edges together to form a tube.
2. Weave a strand of red yarn through one open edge, pull tight to gather the top, and knot securely.
3. Fold up the bottom edge into a tiny brim.
4. Add a mini white pom-pom on top.

If you love making tiny Christmas accessories, you might also enjoy my
mini Santa hat crochet pattern – it pairs perfectly with this little snowman.

Pom-Poms, Carrot Nose & Striped Scarf

Time to add all the details that turn a plain white shape into a real crochet snowman: fluffy pom-poms, a carrot nose and a candy-cane scarf.

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White Pom-Poms (for both hats)

Use white yarn.

1. Wrap the yarn around two fingers about 20 times (or more if you want a fuller pom-pom).
2. Carefully slide the loops off your fingers, keeping the bundle together.
3. Tie a strand of yarn tightly around the center of the loops and knot securely.
4. Cut all the loops open.
5. Trim around the edges until you have a neat little ball.

Sew one pom-pom firmly to the top of each red hat. Tug gently to check it’s secure, especially if you’re gifting the snowman to a child.

For very young children, always keep in mind that safety eyes, buttons and small pom-poms can be choking hazards. You can find more general advice in the
American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidance on choosing safe toys for children.

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Carrot Nose (for both sizes)

Use yellow yarn and work in continuous rounds.

For a slightly bigger nose on the large snowman, use 6 stitches; for a tiny nose or the small snowman, use 5.

R1 – MR, 5 sc (or 6 sc for the big snowman) ………. 5/6
R2 – sc in each st around …………………………………… 5/6

Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing. You can:

• Stuff it very lightly, or
• Just flatten it to make a tiny triangle shape.

Sew the nose between the eyes, pointing slightly downward like a little carrot.

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Striped Crochet Scarf – Twisted Cord Style

The original design uses a clever two-color cord that looks like a thick braid. It’s easier than it sounds once you get into a rhythm. You’ll make:

• A thick cord for the big snowman
• A thinner version for the small snowman

Use red (color A) and white (color B).

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Big Scarf (red & white)

With color A (red), ch 6.

1. Starting in the 2nd ch from hook, insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, but do not finish the sc.
2. Repeat in each of the remaining 4 chains. You should now have 5 loops on the hook.
3. Gently remove the hook from those loops (they stay on the working yarn).
4. Now take color B (white). Insert the hook from right to left through all 5 loops, yarn over with white and pull through all the loops, again leaving each stitch “unfinished” so you keep 5 loops on the hook.
5. Repeat Steps 3–4, alternating colors every “row”, until the cord is long enough to wrap twice around the snowman’s neck with a little extra for drape.

Fasten off both colors. Knot the ends securely and trim them neatly to look like tiny tassels.

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Small Scarf (thinner cord)

Work exactly the same way, but:

• Start with ch 3 instead of 6, and
• Work over 2 unfinished sc instead of 5 – so you keep 2 loops on the hook instead of 5.

This gives you a slimmer cord that suits the small crochet snowman better.

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Easy Alternative (if the braid feels too fiddly)

If you find the twisted cord confusing, you can absolutely simplify:

1. With red, ch to your desired length (long enough to wrap around the neck).
2. Work 1 row of sc back across the chain, switching between red and white every few stitches to make stripes.

It won’t twist in the same way, but it still looks like a cozy, striped snowman scarf.

📌 Pin this free crochet snowman pattern for later 💾

Assembly – Turn Your Pieces into a Snowman

Now comes the fun part: giving your crochet snowman a face, clothes and personality. Follow these steps for both sizes, just adjusting placement to fit.

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1. Add the Eyes

If you haven’t attached the safety eyes yet:

• For the big snowman, place the eyes between about Rounds 8–10 of the head, with 3–5 stitches between them.
• For the small snowman, place them slightly lower so he still looks cute and round.

Push the safety backs on firmly from the inside. Once they’re locked, they should not come off.

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2. Sew on the Carrot Nose

• Position the yellow carrot nose in the middle between the eyes.
• Tilt it slightly downward, like a real snowman nose.
• Sew all around the base of the nose using the yarn tail, taking small stitches so it doesn’t wobble.

You can leave it a little pointy or trim/shape the stuffing so it’s more rounded, each tiny change gives your snowman a different expression.

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3. Embroider the Smile and Buttons

With black embroidery thread or fine yarn:

• For the smile, bring the needle up near one side of the mouth, then make a few small stitches in a gentle curve under the nose.
• You can add tiny short stitches at the ends of the smile for a “smirking” look, or keep it very simple and subtle.
• For the buttons, embroider 2–3 small French knots or tiny straight stitches down the front of the body.

Take your time here—these little details really define the personality of your snowman.

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4. Put the Hat On

• Slide the red ribbed hat onto the head so the gathered top sits nicely centered.
• Fold up the brim until it frames the eyes the way you like: you can show more forehead or pull it down for a cozy, over-the-eyes look.
• Once you’re happy, sew the hat in place with a few small stitches around the back and sides so it doesn’t slide off.

Make sure the white pom-pom is sitting straight on top. If it leans, you can add one or two extra stitches to anchor it.

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5. Wrap the Striped Scarf

• Take the thick cord scarf for the big snowman (or the thinner cord for the mini).
• Wrap it gently around the neck once or twice, depending on length.
• Tie a loose knot or cross the ends over one another.

Use a bit of matching yarn to tack the scarf down in 1–2 places, especially under the chin or at the back, so it stays exactly where you like and doesn’t ride up.

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6. Final Shaping & Fluffing

• Squish the snowman gently from all sides to even out the stuffing.
• Add a bit more stuffing from the bottom with a thin tool if you notice any empty pockets.
• Roll the snowman between your palms to smooth the shape if needed.

Now step back for a second, you’ve finished your first crochet snowman! 🎉
The larger one makes a perfect winter decoration or soft toy, while the smaller version is ideal for ornaments and keychains.

Crochet Snowman Ornament & Keychain Ideas

The small crochet snowman you’ve just made is the perfect base for a whole army of tiny winter decorations. With just a couple of tweaks, you can turn him into an ornament, a bag charm, or a cute friend for your keys.

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Turn the Small Snowman into a Hanging Ornament

To make a classic snowman crochet ornament:

1. Finish the small snowman completely, with hat and scarf.
2. Cut a piece of yarn or thin cord (around 12–15 cm / 5–6 in).
3. Thread both ends through the top of the hat, close to the pom-pom, and knot them securely on the inside so the loop sits centered on top.
4. Hide the knot inside the hat and add a tiny stitch if needed to keep it in place.

Now you can hang your crochet snowman ornament on the Christmas tree, on a wreath, or along a garland. Make several in different scarf colors for a whole snowy family.

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Make a Snowman Keychain or Bag Charm

For a snowman keychain or zipper pull:

1. Attach a small lobster clasp or keyring to the loop at the top of the hat (or sew a metal jump ring directly to the hat).
2. Make sure the hat is firmly sewn to the head so it doesn’t twist or pop off with daily use.
3. Keep the scarf ends a bit shorter so they don’t tangle in zippers or keys.

Because this mini crochet snowman is built as one solid piece, he holds up really well as a travel buddy on backpacks or totes. If you enjoy small projects like this, you might also like my
avocado crochet keychain pattern for another quick, giftable make.

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Create a Tiny Snowman Garland

Once you’ve made one little snowman, it’s very hard to stop. To build a garland:

1. Crochet several small snowmen (with or without hats).
2. Make a long chain in red, white or green.
3. Sew each snowman onto the chain at regular intervals, keeping them all facing the same direction.

Hang your snowman garland across a window, bookshelf, or along the mantel for instant cozy winter vibes.

Tips to Customize Your Crochet Snowman

One of the best parts of this free crochet snowman pattern is how easy it is to customize. A few tiny changes in color or details can make each snowman look completely different.

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Change Hat & Scarf Colors

You don’t have to stick with classic red:

• Try pastel hats and scarves for a soft, cozy look.
• Use team colors for sports fans.
• Make a full rainbow of snowmen for your mantel or tree.

You can even give each family member their own snowman with “their” favorite colors so everyone can spot theirs at a glance.

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Play with Facial Expressions

Small tweaks in the face can dramatically change the mood:

• Move the eyes a row closer or farther apart.
• Tilt the carrot nose up for a surprised look or down for a sleepy one.
• Curve the smile more for a big grin, or keep it tiny and shy.

If you prefer embroidered eyes for babies and toddlers, you can skip safety eyes completely and stitch simple “sleepy” eyes with black thread instead.

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Add Extra Details

Once the basic crochet snowman is done, you can dress him up:

• Embroider tiny eyebrows or rosy cheeks with a bit of pink yarn.
• Add little patches or stripes to the scarf.
• Sew on tiny felt stars, snowflakes or heart-shaped buttons (for non-baby gifts).

If you’re nervous about overdoing it, remember you can always start simple and add more details later.

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Make a Matching Winter Set

This snowman fits perfectly into a bigger winter or Christmas amigurumi collection. You can pair him with:

• Your favorite festive toys (for example, my
  free crochet gingerbread man pattern makes an adorable best friend for him).
• Tiny trees, gifts or animals you already have.

And if you want to level up your overall amigurumi skills so all your snowmen come out consistent, neat and well-shaped, don’t miss my
top 10 amigurumi mistakes to avoid.

FAQ – Free Crochet Snowman Pattern