Looking for an easy and inexpensive Christmas wreath that will make your Christmas decor stand out? This adorable DIY reindeer wreath is a fun Christmas craft that can be made with just a few inexpensive supplies.
This project is similar to my popular loop yarn sheep wreath, but this time the fluffy wreath becomes a fun Christmas reindeer!
Whether you’re making Christmas decorations for your own home or looking for a fun holiday craft to make with the kids, this reindeer wreath is simple enough for beginners.
Supplies List
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- Loop yarn – brown or your preferred reindeer colour
- Wreath form
- Pool Noodle
- Foam clay
- Large googly eyes
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and glue
- Craft Foam Sheets (Brown and red)
- Canary craft cutting knife
- Twine
- Masking Tape
How to Make a DIY Reindeer Wreath
Step 1: Prepare the Wreath Form
I am using a wire wreath form, as I find the flatter back helps it lie flat on the wall when hung. You can use a styrofoam form if you prefer.
Start by preparing the wreath form.
Cut a pool noodle into 1/4 lengths and fill the wire wreath frame. This gives it a more rounded appearance while still lying flat.
Secure the noodle pieces to the frame using masking tape.
Step 2: Cover the Wreath Form with Loop Yarn
Start by adding a dab of hot glue to a pool noodle.
Place the end of the loop yarn onto the glue and press to adhere.
Continue wrapping until the foam wreath form is completely covered.
Try to keep the yarn reasonably even as you work. You don’t need to make every section perfect because the fluffy loops will help hide small imperfections.
Step 3: Secure the End
When you reach the end of the wreath, cut the yarn and secure the end with a small amount of hot glue.
Tuck the end underneath the surrounding loops so it isn’t visible.
Look around the wreath and gently adjust the yarn to fill any thin spots.
Step 4: Make the Reindeer’s Feet
The reindeer’s feet are made using foam clay.
Shape the foam clay into two hooves by rolling out a piece into a tube shape.
Cut it into 2 equal lengths.
Insert a hole into the end of each piece for the twine.
You don’t need to make them perfectly identical. Slight variations can actually make the finished wreath look more handmade and playful.
Allow the foam clay to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 5: Make the Reindeer Face
Now it’s time to turn the fluffy wreath into a reindeer.
Using our printable pattern or SVG (or draw your own), cut the pieces from 2mm craft foam.
The pattern includes:
- One head piece
- Two antlers
- \One nose
For a sturdier reindeer head, you can cut the head from 4mm craft foam. I prefer this, but wasn’t able to get the colour I wanted in the 4mm at the time. I did not add another layer, as I like the smooth outer edge, but that is also another option.
For cutting machine users – just download our free SVG and upload it into your cutting machine software. Resize as needed.
Step 6: Attach the Legs and Feet
Cut a long piece of twine, double the length of the legs you’d like. I used 7-inch legs, so I cut a 14-inch piece of twine for each leg.
Fold the twine in half and thread it through the foam clay hooves.
Tie a knot in the twine at the two cut ends.
Thread the opposite end of the twine through one of the loops in the yarn wreath and then thread the twine through itself.
Pull it snugly.
Repeat with the other twine leg, placing it about 2 inches away from the first leg.
Step 7: Attach Reindeer Head
Add hot glue to the back of the head cutout.
Press it in place on the wreath.
I like the head placed a little offset to the left, but you can place it where you’d like it.
Step 8: Complete the Face
Add hot glue to the nose and press it in place.
Add hot glue to the bae of each antler and adhere them to the back of the head.
Add hot glue to the back of each googly eye and press in place.
Step 9: How to Hang
You can easily hang this diy reindeer wreath without a special hanger
. To add a separate hanger, add a piece of wire, ribbon or twine to the back of the wreath so you can hang it on your door.
Make sure the hanger is securely attached before displaying the wreath when using a separate hanger.
And that’s it!
Your fluffy DIY reindeer wreath is ready to add some Christmas cheer to your home.
Problem-Solving Tips
How much yarn is needed?
It can be hard to judge how much yarn is needed. Here is an estimate (approximate) that I follow.
- 8-inch wire wreath with pool needle insert – 1 Skein – (100g/0.2lb/8.7 yards: thickness 0.197-0.354 inch)
- 10-inch wire wreath with pool needle insert – 11/2 Skeins – (100g/0.2lb/8.7 yards: thickness 0.197-0.354 inches)
- 12-inch wire wreath with pool needle insert – 2 Skeins – (100g/0.2lb/8.7 yards: thickness 0.197-0.354 inches)
How do I keep the loop yarn from slipping?
If your loop yarn is slipping, it isn’t being pulled snug enough. Snug it up and add a little glue periodically if needed.
Don’t use too much glue because you don’t want it to show through the loops.
What if I can still see the wreath form?
Checking the density as you go will prevent this from happening. To fix this, gently slide it closer and add more rows of loop yarn to areas where the form is visible.
The fluffy loops should cover most of the wreath form, but adding extra yarn to thin areas will give your wreath a fuller appearance.
Alternatives to Foam Clay
I love foam clay for its lightweight and versatility, but if you’d prefer an alternative, make sure that you consider weight. You want them light enough not to pull but heavy enough to hold the twine straight.
Some good alternatives are: Small wood spools, wood or plastic beads, stacked buttons and corks. Corks work great, but will require a hole to be drilled.
Alternatives to Foam Sheets
If you are looking for an alternative to the foam sheets, consider the rigidity. The face will need to stand up on its own. Felt is a great option, but you will need stiff felt.
If using regular craft felt (soft), add a stiff backer, such as thin cardboard.
Where to Display Your Reindeer Wreath
This reindeer wreath is versatile and looks great on display.
You can hang it:
- Above a fireplace
- On an interior door
- In a child’s bedroom (Kids love these)
- On a Christmas tree wall
- In an entryway
- On a covered porch (do not expose to weather)
This DIY reindeer wreath is a fun way to create a cute Christmas decoration without spending a lot of money or needing advanced crafting skills.
The combination of fluffy loop yarn, simple craft foam features and adorable foam clay feet gives this wreath plenty of personality. And because the basic construction is so simple, it’s easy to customize the colours and details to make your reindeer completely your own.
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