DIY Elf Yarn Ornaments

by | Arts & Crafts, Creative Learning

a girl elf yarn ornament

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These precious yarn ornaments are one of the most loved crafts from my childhood that I can remember! We used to make them in school. I had almost forgotten about them until my own kids reached the school age. Then -of course- I had to teach them to make these as well!

This is a relatively inexpensive and simple craft. I would say it suits children around the age of 10, but it depends on the kids. We did this as a craft in the classroom with my older daughter this year. The kids range from the 9-11 and it was perfect! My daughter, who is 11, actually lead the craft. Grown-ups will enjoy this craft as well! I do! 

Below I’ll show you exactly how we make them. I don’t claim this to be my original idea, but I did make my own twists here and there.

This post might contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link.

How to make Elf yarn ornaments:

 

Materials needed:

  • Yarn in desired colors (medium thickness usually gives the best results) + big sewing needle
  • Felt in matching colors
  • Wooden beads (I like the one with a flat side, called “wood ball knob”. We did, however, have to drill some more to make a complete hole through the bead)
  • Scissors
  • Glue gun
  • Card board or thicker paper
  • Thin markers to draw the face with

Step-by-step, lets start!

1. Cut out a piece of card board about the size of 4 x 7 inches (adjust it to the size of ornament you’d like). Then wrap 20-22 times along the length of card board for the body piece (adjust to the thickness of the yarn you are using).
2. Slide the yarn off card board and tie a knot around the middle, using a rather long piece of yarn. This will later be the loop you use for hanging the ornament.
3. Now it’s time to make the arms. Wrap yarn 12-16 times around the shorter side of the card board. Carefully slide off card board.  
4. Put the larger piece (body) on top of the smaller one (arms).
5. Pick it up carefully and fold the body over the arms snugly. Try to get the arms as far up as possible and hold on tight!
6. Tie a piece of (different color) yarn to hold in place. It’s taking shape! This is the waist of your elf yarn ornament.
7. Tie ends of the arms using the same yarn as the waist to form hands. Secure as tightly as you can.
8. Cut the loops on both arms. Trim to make them even.
9. Cut the loops for the legs.
10. If you would like your elf to wear a skirt, just trim the edges nicely. If you would like legs this is the time to separate the bottom part into two equal sections and tie the ends to form legs/feet. Again; remember to tie tightly!
11. Using the big sewing needle, thread the head onto the body. Put a blob of hot glue to keep head in place.
12. Using a cone shaped pattern, trace the hat on felt and cut out.
13. There are more or less two ways to make the elf hat. You can either glue it together completely before you glue it onto the head, OR…
14. …you can start by gluing the felt on the front of head as shown above. 
15. Then you work yourself through to the back and secure the back with some more glue. 
16. Now comes the most difficult part, according my opinion…this step can make the difference between a cute elf and a hideous monster…Using a thin marker, draw on a face. I usually try to make it as simple as possible.
We have also made gingerbread men/women in the past. They turn out really cute, but the hat requires some extra work, which I’ll show you in a future separate tutorial.
AND Lucias… 
…and angels..
…and elves in various colors..

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that you’ll make memories together with your kids, just like I have made with my parents in the past and am making now with my own children. Let me know if you have any questions or comment below.  

 

Happy Holidays!

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