Introduction
This cheerful flat snowman is quick to make, beginner-friendly, and looks exactly like the photo: a white two-circle snowman with a slim red or green scarf, tiny black eyes, and a short orange nose. Because the piece is flat (not stuffed), it’s perfect as an ornament, garland piece, gift-wrap topper, fridge magnet base, or to appliqué onto stockings, hats, and sweaters. If you can crochet a circle, you can create this classic winter character in under an hour.
To keep this tutorial accessible for new crocheters, you’ll find clearly labeled sections, short paragraphs, and step-by-step counts for every round. Everything here complies with family-friendly content standards and is suitable for craft fairs and home décor.
What You’ll Make
You’ll crochet two neat circles in white—a smaller head (2 rounds) and a larger body (3 rounds)—then overlap and stitch them together to form the traditional snowman silhouette. A slim chain-and-slip-stitch scarf gives that cozy winter vibe, and simple embroidered features bring your snowman to life.
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Time: ~30–45 minutes each (after your first)
- Finished Size (with worsted yarn & 4.0 mm hook): about 4.5–4.75 in (11.5–12 cm) tall and 3.25 in (8.5 cm) wide.
- Gauge: Not critical. The circles should lie flat without ruffling or cupping.
Materials
- Yarn (Worsted/Medium #4):
- White – main color for head and body
- Red and/or Green – for the scarf
- Small amount of Orange – for the carrot nose
- Small amount of Black – for the eyes (or use tiny buttons/safety eyes)
- Hook: 4.0 mm (US G/6). If you crochet tightly, use 4.5–5.0 mm.
- Notions: Yarn needle (blunt), scissors, stitch marker (optional).
- Optional: Two 6 mm safety eyes or tiny black buttons.
- Blocking: Optional light steam or spritz blocking for extra-flat finish (avoid direct heat on acrylic).
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR – magic ring
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – increase (2 sts in the same stitch)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rep – repeat
- FO – fasten off
All rounds are joined unless otherwise noted.
Construction at a Glance
- Body: 3 joined rounds of dc → 36 dc total.
- Head: 2 joined rounds of dc → 24 dc total.
- Assembly: Overlap head and body; whip stitch the curved join.
- Scarf: Chain a slim length and slip stitch back for a tidy rope. Tie once and tack.
- Face: Embroider two black eyes and a short orange nose (or use small eyes).
This recipe reproduces the exact flat look in the photo, including the proportions between the head and body.
Pattern (Round-by-Round with Counts)
A) Body (White; make 1)
- Round 1: MR, ch 2 (counts as dc), 11 dc into ring. Tighten. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (12 dc)
- Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (24 dc)
- Round 3: Ch 2, (2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st) rep around. Join. (36 dc)
FO, leaving a 12–15 in (30–38 cm) tail for sewing to the head.
Flatness check: The circle should sit flat. If it ripples, your tension is loose—go down a hook size. If it cups, go up a size.
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B) Head (White; make 1)
- Round 1: MR, ch 2, 11 dc into ring. Tighten. Join with sl st. (12 dc)
- Round 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (24 dc)
FO, leaving a 10–12 in (25–30 cm) tail for sewing.
Proportion note: Keeping the head at 24 dc and the body at 36 dc matches the exact silhouette in the image.
C) Assemble the Snowman
- Lay the body on a flat surface. Position the head so it overlaps the top of the body by about ½–⅝ in (1.3–1.6 cm) to create the neck curve.
- Thread the body tail onto a yarn needle. Whip stitch through both layers along the overlap, taking small, even stitches so they disappear.
- Weave in the tail on the back (wrong side). Use the head tail to add a few more securing stitches if needed, then weave it in.
D) Slim Scarf (Red or Green)
The photo shows a narrow scarf tied once with ends hanging. We’ll create a firm, cord-like scarf.
- With red or green, ch 55 (for a standard tie). For longer ends, ch 60–65.
- Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (54 sl st)
- FO. Weave in one end completely. Leave the other end for tacking.
- Position the midpoint of the scarf at the back of the neck (where head overlaps body). Bring ends to the front, tie a soft half-knot slightly to one side, and let the ends dangle at unequal lengths (as pictured).
- Use the remaining tail to tack the scarf at two or three discreet points (back of neck and under the knot) so it doesn’t loosen. Weave in the final tail.
Optional: To taper tips, work (sl st, ch 1, sl st) into the last chain before fastening off; it forms a tiny point.
E) Face Details
Eyes (Flat Embroidery): With black yarn, embroider two tiny straight stitches or French knots on Round 2 of the head, spaced about 3–4 stitches apart horizontally.
Nose (Little Carrot): With orange yarn, stitch a short diagonal satin stitch (2–3 overlapped stitches) slightly below and between the eyes, tilted a bit to the right. Keep it short and plump, matching the photo’s look.
Secure tails on the wrong side and trim.
Alternate Option: Insert 6 mm safety eyes before sewing tails in, following the manufacturer’s instructions; then embroider the orange nose as above. For décor intended for young children, embroidered eyes are safer.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends on the back so the front stays neat and flat.
- Block (optional): Pin to shape and spritz with water; allow to fully dry. If using acrylic, steam from a distance—do not press the iron to the yarn.
Your flat snowman is ready!
Helpful Tips for Beginners
- Count out loud. When increasing in circles, say the pattern rhythm—“two, one, two, one…”—to avoid miscounts.
- Use a marker. Place a removable marker in the first stitch of each round so you know where to join.
- Keep joins tidy. Always join to the first dc (top of ch-2) and pull the join snug for a smooth edge.
- Tension test. If edges wave, drop your hook size; if the circle curls like a bowl, go up a size.
- Invisible finishes. When you FO the scarf, weave the tail along the back of the stitches so it disappears.
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Make a Matching Set (Like the Photo)
To replicate the set, make four snowmen:
- Two with green scarves and two with red scarves.
- Place the knot slightly off-center on each piece for a charming, casual look.
- Keep eye placement consistent across the set by marking with pins before stitching.
Size Adjustments (while preserving the look)
Want a larger snowman but the same proportions?
- Enlarge only the body with one more increase round:
- Body Round 4: Ch 2, (2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next 2 sts) rep around; join. (48 dc)
- Keep the head at 24 dc so the classic “big belly, smaller head” silhouette stays the same.
- For a longer scarf on the bigger body, chain 60–70 before slip-stitching back.
Prefer a smaller one?
- Work the body only through Round 2 (24 dc), and keep the head at Round 2 (24 dc) as written, then slightly overlap less. Chain 45–50 for the scarf.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Ruffled circle: Too many stitches for your tension or hook. Go down a hook size or block lightly.
- Cupped circle: Not enough room for stitches. Go up a hook size or stretch gently while blocking.
- Scarf slips or flips: Tack it with two small stitches at the back and one under the knot.
- Eyes misaligned: Pin placement first, then embroider. If needed, carefully pull out and redo—yarn is forgiving.
- Seam shows: Match your sewing yarn to the piece (white) and take tiny stitches between posts, not through them.
Safe Use & Care
This item is a decorative snowman. If it may be handled by small children, embroider the eyes rather than using small parts. Hand-wash gently or machine wash in a mesh laundry bag on delicate (if using sturdy acrylic or cotton). Lay flat to dry to maintain shape.
Creative Ways to Use Your Flat Snowman
- Ornaments: Add a hanging loop—ch 18, sl st to the back of the head, and secure.
- Garlands: Make several and join with a long chain or ribbon.
- Gift toppers: Tie on top of wrapped presents for a handmade touch.
- Appliqués: Sew to scarves, tote bags, pillows, or the front of a sweater.
- Magnets: Glue a magnet strip to the back (use fabric glue).
- Cards: Mount on cardstock with double-sided tape for a keepsake greeting.
Each option keeps the flat, classic snowman look faithful to the image.
Quick Reference (Exact-Match Checklist)
- White body: 3 dc rounds → 36 dc
- White head: 2 dc rounds → 24 dc
- Overlap head on body by ~½–⅝ in; whip stitch together
- Scarf: ch 55, sl st back; tie once; tack
- Face: two black stitches/knots for eyes; short orange diagonal nose
Follow the counts above and your finished piece will match the photo precisely—just a flat snowman, not a coaster. Happy crocheting and enjoy making a whole wintery family in red and green!
