The Red Heart Santa & His Elf Crochet Gift Bags pattern is a warm way to add a touch of festive charm to your holiday gifting. These vibrant bags, showing Santa and his cheerful elf, are perfect for wrapping presents or as standalone decorations. The playful design not only brings joy but also shows your crochet skills, making it a fun project for both new makers and seasoned makers.
Using a range of bright colors, this pattern allows you to explore distinct yarn skills while creating useful and decorative pieces. The bags are made to be sturdy and spacious, giving ample room for gifts, treats, or holiday goodies. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these whimsical crochet creations that will surely bring smiles to everyone who sees them.
Red Heart Santa His: Understanding the Construction of the Gift Bags
These gift bags are constructed in several parts. Are then joined as one to create a sturdy and whimsical design. The bottom and side panels are crocheted first, and then the front and back panels are added. This method ensures that the bags maintain their shape and can stand upright when filled. As you work through the pattern, pay focus to the steps for joining the panels. This step is crucial for getting a neat finish.
Color Selection and Yarn Preparation for This Bags
This pattern uses many colors to create a festive look. The main color for Santa is Hot Red, while the elf utilizes Spring Green. When preparing your yarn, ensure you have sufficient quantities of each color to complete the bags. It’s also a good idea to lay out your colors beforehand to visualize how they will look as one. This can help you make any changes before you begin making.
Pattern Specifications and Measurements
Sizes & fit
Approx 12″ x 12″ x 8″ [30.5 x 30.5 x 20 cm].
Gauge & motif dimensions
16 sc and 20 rows = 4″ [10 cm].
Hook specified in the pattern
Size U.S. G/6 (4 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
As you work on your gift bags, you may encounter some common challenges. One issue could be keeping even gauge. To avoid this, make sure to check your gauge regularly as you crochet. If your stitches are too tight or too loose, it can affect the size and shape of your bags. Also, keep an eye on your color changes to ensure they are smooth and tidy, mainly when switching between colors.
Required Materials for the Gift Bags
Red Heart® Super Saver® (7 oz/198 g; 364 yds/333 m) Contrast A Hot Red (0390) 3 balls or 825 yds/755 m Contrast B Spring Green (0672) 2 balls or 710 yds/650 m Contrast C Black (0312) 1 ball or 275 yds/252 m Contrast D White (0311) 1 ball or 60 yds/55 m Contrast E Gold (0321) 1 ball or 68 yds/62 m Size U.S. G/6 (4 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge. Yarn needle.
Bag Bottom and Side Panels (make 3 alike) With Color 1, ch 33.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 32 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 12″ [30.5 cm]. Fasten off. Bag Front and Back Panels (make 2 alike) With Color 1, ch 49.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 48 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 12″ [30.5 cm]. Fasten off. Join Panels: Arrange Panels to form a box, having Side Panels opposite each other. With WS of 2 Panels tog, join Color 1 with sl st to top left corner. Ch 1. Working through both thick- nesses, work sc evenly along side edge. Fasten off. Rep for rem Panels. Join Bottom to Panels: With RS of Bottom facing, place lower edge of joined Panels behind Bottom with WS of work tog, aligning corner of Bottom with joining rows of Panels. Join Color 1 with sl st.
1st rnd: Ch 1. Working through both thicknesses, work sc evenly around all 4 sides of Bottom. Join. Fasten off. Feet and Legs (make 2 alike) With Color 2, ch 10.
1st rnd: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to last ch. 5 sc in last ch. Working in opposite side of foundation ch, 1 sc in each of next 7 ch. 3 sc in last ch. Join. 24 sc.
2nd rnd: Ch 1. 2 sc in first sc. 1 sc in each of next 9 sc. 2 sc in next sc. 3 sc in next sc. 2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 9 sc. 2 sc in next sc. 3 sc in last sc. Join. 32 sc.
3rd rnd: Ch 1. 2 sc in first sc. 1 sc in each of next 11 sc. 2 sc in each of next 2 sc. 3 sc in next sc. 2 sc in each of next 2 sc. 1 sc in each of next 11 sc. 2 sc in each of next 2 sc. 3 sc in next sc. 2 sc in last sc. Join. 44 sc.
4th rnd: Ch 1. Working in back loops only, 1 sc in each sc around. Join.
5th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 13 sc. (Sc2tog) twice. Sc3tog. (Sc2tog) twice. 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd. Join. 38 sc.
6th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 10 sc. (Sc2tog) twice. Sc3tog. (Sc2tog) twice. 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd. Join. 32 sc.
7th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 7 sc. (Sc2tog) twice. Sc3tog. (Sc2tog) twice.1 sc in each sc to end of rnd. Join. 26 sc.
8th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 7 sc. Hdc2tog. Dc3tog. Hdc2tog. 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd. Join. 22 sc. 9th and 10th rnds: Ch 1. 1 sc in each st around. Break Color 2. Join Color 3. Stuff Feet firmly.
11th rnd: With Color 3, ch 1. Working in back loops only, 1 sc in each sc around. Do not join.
12th to 14th rnds: 1 sc in each sc around.
15th rnd: 1 sc in each sc around. Break Color 3. Join Color 1.
16th rnd: With Color 1, 1 sc in each sc around. Rep 16th rnd until work from beg measures 12″ [30.5 cm]. Fasten off. Sew Legs to bottom front edge of Bag as shown in photo. Belt With Color 2, ch 161.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 160 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 2″ [5 cm]. Fasten off. Sew Belt around center of Bag as shown in photo. Belt Buckle With Color 4, ch 11.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 10 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 2″ [5 cm]. Fasten off. Sew Belt Buckle to center front of Belt as shown in photo.
Buttons (make 2) With Color 3, ch 3.
1st rnd: 10 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join. 10 hdc.
2nd rnd: Ch 2. 2 dc in each hdc around. Join. Fasten off. Sew Buttons to Front of Bag as shown in photo. Straps (make 2) With Color 1, ch 73.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 72 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 2″ [5 cm]. Fasten off. Sew Straps 1″ [2.5 cm] down from top edge and 3″ [7.5 cm] in from sides. Attach 1 end to Front Panel and other end to Back Panel.
Detailed Instructions for the Gift Bags
Note: Ch 2 at beg of row does not count as hdc. Join all rnds with sl st to first st. Santa: Use A as Color 1. Use C as Color 2. Use D as Color 3. Use E as Color 4. Elf: Use B as Color 1. Use C as Color 2. Use A as Color 3. Use E as Color 4.
| Abbreviation | Meaning in the original pattern |
|---|---|
| Approx | Approximately |
| Beg | Beginning |
| Ch | Chain(s) |
| Dc | Double crochet |
| Dc3tog | (Yoh and draw up a loop in next stitch. Yoh and pull through 2 loops on hook) 3 times. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook. |
| Hdc | Half double crochet |
| Hdc2tog | Yoh and draw up a loop in each of next 2 stitches. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook. |
| Rem | Remaining |
| Rep | Repeat |
| Rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| RS | Right side |
| Sc | Single crochet Sc2(3)tog = Draw up a loop in each of next 2 (3) stitches. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook. |
| Sl st | Slip stitch |
| St(s) | Stitch(es) |
| Tog | Together |
| WS | Wrong side |
| Y oh | Yarn over hook |
CROCHET I SKILL LEVEL: EASY
MATERIALS
Red Heart® Super Saver® (7 oz/198 g; 364 yds/333 m) Contrast A Hot Red (0390) 3 balls or 825 yds/755 m Contrast B Spring Green (0672) 2 balls or 710 yds/650 m Contrast C Black (0312) 1 ball or 275 yds/252 m Contrast D White (0311) 1 ball or 60 yds/55 m Contrast E Gold (0321) 1 ball or 68 yds/62 m Size U.S. G/6 (4 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge. Yarn needle.
Bag Bottom and Side Panels (make 3 alike) With Color 1, ch 33.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 32 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 12″ [30.5 cm]. Fasten off. Bag Front and Back Panels (make 2 alike) With Color 1, ch 49.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 48 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 12″ [30.5 cm]. Fasten off. Join Panels: Arrange Panels to form a box, having Side Panels opposite each other. With WS of 2 Panels tog, join Color 1 with sl st to top left corner. Ch 1. Working through both thick- nesses, work sc evenly along side edge. Fasten off. Rep for rem Panels. Join Bottom to Panels: With RS of Bottom facing, place lower edge of joined Panels behind Bottom with WS of work tog, aligning corner of Bottom with joining rows of Panels. Join Color 1 with sl st.
1st rnd: Ch 1. Working through both thicknesses, work sc evenly around all 4 sides of Bottom. Join. Fasten off. Feet and Legs (make 2 alike) With Color 2, ch 10.
1st rnd: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to last ch. 5 sc in last ch. Working in opposite side of foundation ch, 1 sc in each of next 7 ch. 3 sc in last ch. Join. 24 sc.
2nd rnd: Ch 1. 2 sc in first sc. 1 sc in each of next 9 sc. 2 sc in next sc. 3 sc in next sc. 2 sc in next sc. 1 sc in each of next 9 sc. 2 sc in next sc. 3 sc in last sc. Join. 32 sc.
3rd rnd: Ch 1. 2 sc in first sc. 1 sc in each of next 11 sc. 2 sc in each of next 2 sc. 3 sc in next sc. 2 sc in each of next 2 sc. 1 sc in each of next 11 sc. 2 sc in each of next 2 sc. 3 sc in next sc. 2 sc in last sc. Join. 44 sc.
4th rnd: Ch 1. Working in back loops only, 1 sc in each sc around. Join.
5th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 13 sc. (Sc2tog) twice. Sc3tog. (Sc2tog) twice. 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd. Join. 38 sc.
6th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 10 sc. (Sc2tog) twice. Sc3tog. (Sc2tog) twice. 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd. Join. 32 sc.
7th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of first 7 sc. (Sc2tog) twice. Sc3tog. (Sc2tog) twice.1 sc in each sc to end of rnd. Join. 26 sc.
8th rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of next 7 sc. Hdc2tog. Dc3tog. Hdc2tog. 1 sc in each sc to end of rnd. Join. 22 sc. 9th and 10th rnds: Ch 1. 1 sc in each st around. Break Color 2. Join Color 3. Stuff Feet firmly.
11th rnd: With Color 3, ch 1. Working in back loops only, 1 sc in each sc around. Do not join.
12th to 14th rnds: 1 sc in each sc around.
15th rnd: 1 sc in each sc around. Break Color 3. Join Color 1.
16th rnd: With Color 1, 1 sc in each sc around. Rep 16th rnd until work from beg measures 12″ [30.5 cm]. Fasten off. Sew Legs to bottom front edge of Bag as shown in photo. Belt With Color 2, ch 161.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 160 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 2″ [5 cm]. Fasten off. Sew Belt around center of Bag as shown in photo. Belt Buckle With Color 4, ch 11.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 10 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 2″ [5 cm]. Fasten off. Sew Belt Buckle to center front of Belt as shown in photo.
Buttons (make 2) With Color 3, ch 3.
1st rnd: 10 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. Join. 10 hdc.
2nd rnd: Ch 2. 2 dc in each hdc around. Join. Fasten off. Sew Buttons to Front of Bag as shown in photo. Straps (make 2) With Color 1, ch 73.
1st row: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch to end of ch. Turn. 72 sc.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in each sc to end of row. Turn. Rep 2nd row until work from beg measures 2″ [5 cm]. Fasten off. Sew Straps 1″ [2.5 cm] down from top edge and 3″ [7.5 cm] in from sides. Attach 1 end to Front Panel and other end to Back Panel.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Santa & His Elf Gift Bags
What size are the finished gift bags?
The done gift bags measure about twelve inches by twelve inches by eight inches. This size is ideal for holding various gifts, making them not only useful but also a charming piece to your holiday decor. The spacious design allows for versatility in what you can fit inside, from small gifts to larger treats.
How do I ensure my gauge is correct?
To ensure your gauge is correct, it is key to make a gauge swatch before starting the project. The pattern lists a gauge of sixteen single crochet and twenty rows per four inches. If your gauge does not match, you may need to adjust your tension or try a distinct hook size to achieve the chosen size.
Can I use different colors for my gift bags?
Absolutely! While the pattern suggests exact colors for Santa and the elf, feel free to get creative with your color choices. Using distinct colors can give your gift bags a unique flair and allow you to personalize them for recipients. Just make sure to choose colors that complement each other for a cohesive look.
Now that you’re equipped with the insights to tackle this festive project, gather your supplies and start making! These charming gift bags will not only enhance your holiday spirit but also showcase your crochet skills well.
Save & Print This Crochet Pattern
Prefer working offline or keeping a printed copy in your project bag? Download our formatted Santa & His Elf Crochet Gift Bags printable PDF guide below, complete with the full materials table, stitch diagrams, color-key charts, and step-by-step assembly instructions prepared for Derecipe.
READER COMMENTS & PATTERN QUESTIONS
Have a question about stitch counts, yarn substitutions, or sizing? Leave a comment below — Mary Ward reads and replies to every maker question!