Knitting Tutorial: Winter Moose in Nordic Reindeer Sweater – Free Knitting Pattern

This charming winter moose is designed as a collectible knitted soft toy with long dangling legs, a rounded body, a tall muzzle, wide antlers, a Nordic sweater, a tiny shoulder bag, cozy slippers, a blue pom-pom hat, two acorns, and a takeaway coffee cup. It is a lovely handmade gift for holiday décor, woodland nursery styling, seasonal toy collections, and shoppers searching for knitted moose doll, Scandinavian plush animal, winter amigurumi knit toy, handmade Christmas moose, and Nordic sweater stuffed animal ideas.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Materials

• Main moose color: light camel or oatmeal brown DK yarn
• Antlers and hoof color: medium brown DK yarn
• Sweater and hat main color: dusty denim blue DK yarn
• Fair Isle contrast: cream DK yarn
• Accent contrast: muted berry red DK yarn
• Bag base: pale taupe or beige DK yarn
• Bag contrast: denim blue, cream, and berry red scraps
• Slippers: denim blue, cream, berry red, and tiny amount of green
• Coffee cup: cream, kraft brown, and green scraps
• Acorns: camel and medium brown scraps
• Berries and leaves head detail: berry red, olive green, and tan scraps
• Needles: 2.75 mm double-pointed needles or magic loop for toy pieces, 3.0 mm needles for sweater if preferred
• Stuffing: firm polyester fiberfill
• Eyes: 6 mm safety eyes or embroidered eyes
• Buttons: four tiny wooden buttons, about 8 to 10 mm
• Tapestry needle, stitch markers, waste yarn, scissors

Finished Size

When worked in DK yarn at a tight toy gauge, the finished moose measures about 14 inches tall from the top of the head to the bottom of the slippers when the legs are stretched straight. The seated body height is about 8 inches. The hat, bag, coffee cup, and acorns are all scaled to match the proportions shown in the image.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical for toys, but consistency matters.

• Stockinette in the round on 2.75 mm needles: about 7.5 stitches and 10 rows per 1 inch
• Colorwork on sweater may draw in slightly; keep floats relaxed
• Fabric should be dense enough that stuffing does not show through

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• Kfb = knit into front and back of stitch
• M1L = make 1 left
• M1R = make 1 right
• K2tog = knit 2 together
• SSK = slip, slip, knit
• St st = stockinette stitch
• Rnd = round
• Rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• BO = bind off
• pm = place marker

Construction Overview

This moose is built from separate knitted pieces and assembled carefully to match the reference image. The body is a weighted pear shape with a flat lower edge for seated display. The muzzle and head are worked as one continuous form so the face keeps the smooth, long silhouette visible in the photo.

The legs are narrow and extra long so they dangle below the body. The arms are short and lightly stuffed, ending in darker brown cuffs that read like hooves. The antlers are soft sculpted knitted pieces with three distinct branch sections on each side. The sweater is worked separately and slipped onto the body before final arm attachment.

Body

Lower Body Base

Using light camel yarn and 2.75 mm needles, CO 12 sts. Divide evenly for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in every stitch. 24 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb around. 36 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, Kfb around. 48 sts.
7. Rnd 7: Knit.
8. Rnd 8: K3, Kfb around. 60 sts.
9. Rnds 9 to 18: Knit.

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This section forms the broad lower body that supports the seated shape. Stuff the base lightly as you work, keeping the lowest section evenly rounded but not overfilled.

Upper Body Shaping

1. Rnd 19: K8, K2tog around. 54 sts.
2. Rnd 20: Knit.
3. Rnd 21: K7, K2tog around. 48 sts.
4. Rnds 22 to 25: Knit.
5. Rnd 26: K6, K2tog around. 42 sts.
6. Rnds 27 to 31: Knit.
7. Rnd 32: K5, K2tog around. 36 sts.
8. Rnds 33 to 38: Knit.

At this point the body should look like a softly tapered bell or pear, matching the rounded sweater silhouette in the image. Stuff firmly through the opening, especially at the front belly and lower sides.

Neck Opening

1. Rnd 39: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
2. Rnd 40: Knit.
3. Rnd 41: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
4. Rnds 42 to 45: Knit.

Break yarn, leaving the stitches live on waste yarn if you want a neat grafted join to the head. If preferred, bind off loosely and sew later. The sweater will cover this seam area.

Head and Muzzle

The photo shows a long, smooth, vertically elongated face with a broad rounded nose and a narrower forehead. To achieve that exact look, the head is worked from the nose upward, with strategic increases around the sides and extra rows before the eye line.

Muzzle Start

Using light camel, CO 8 sts. Divide for working in the round.

1. Rnd 1: Knit.
2. Rnd 2: Kfb in every stitch. 16 sts.
3. Rnd 3: Knit.
4. Rnd 4: K1, Kfb around. 24 sts.
5. Rnd 5: Knit.
6. Rnd 6: K2, Kfb around. 32 sts.
7. Rnds 7 to 16: Knit.

Shape the lower muzzle fullness with short stuffing bursts as you go. Keep the nose rounded and smooth. Do not flatten it.

Face Transition

1. Rnd 17: K8, M1R, K16, M1L, K8. 34 sts.
2. Rnd 18: Knit.
3. Rnd 19: K8, M1R, K18, M1L, K8. 36 sts.
4. Rnds 20 to 28: Knit.

This creates the wider cheek zone seen around the lower eye area. Place eyes between Rnds 23 and 24 with 6 stitches between them on the front face. The eyes should sit high above the widest part of the muzzle, just like the image.

Upper Head

1. Rnd 29: K4, Kfb around. 43 sts.
2. Rnd 30: Knit.
3. Rnd 31: K5, Kfb around. 50 sts.
4. Rnds 32 to 39: Knit.
5. Rnd 40: K8, K2tog around. 45 sts.
6. Rnd 41: Knit.
7. Rnd 42: K7, K2tog around. 40 sts.
8. Rnd 43: Knit.
9. Rnd 44: K6, K2tog around. 35 sts.
10. Rnd 45: Knit.
11. Rnd 46: K5, K2tog around. 30 sts.
12. Rnd 47: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.

Stuff firmly, shaping the forehead into a slightly narrow top. Close by threading yarn through remaining stitches and pulling tight. Weave in the end.

Face Embroidery

• Embroider two tiny brown nostril stitches low on the front muzzle, placed horizontally and spaced 4 stitches apart.
• If not using safety eyes, embroider white eye ovals first, then dark pupils slightly upward for the gentle expression in the photo.
• Lightly pinch the bridge of the face with one hidden anchoring stitch if you want the head to taper more dramatically toward the forehead.

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Ears

Make 2 using medium brown.

1. CO 10 sts flat.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Begin with a knit row and work St st.
3. Row 5: K1, SSK, K4, K2tog, K1. 8 sts.
4. Row 6: Purl.
5. Row 7: K1, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1. 6 sts.
6. Row 8: Purl.
7. Row 9: SSK, K2, K2tog. 4 sts.
8. Row 10: Purl.
9. Row 11: K2tog twice. 2 sts.
10. Cut yarn and pull through.

Fold the cast-on edge slightly and sew the ears low on each side of the head, angled outward and slightly downward under the headband, just as shown.

Antlers

Each antler is made from one central stem and two side branches, then sewn into a three-pointed antler shape. Make 2 mirrored antlers using medium brown.

Main Stem for Each Antler

1. CO 24 sts flat.
2. Rows 1 to 6: St st.
3. Row 7: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
4. Row 8: Purl.
5. Rep Rows 7 and 8 three more times. 16 sts.
6. Rows 15 to 18: St st.
7. BO.

Upper Branch for Each Antler

1. CO 14 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: St st.
3. Row 5: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
4. Row 6: Purl.
5. Rep Rows 5 and 6 twice more. 8 sts.
6. Rows 11 to 12: St st.
7. BO.

Lower Branch for Each Antler

1. CO 12 sts.
2. Rows 1 to 4: St st.
3. Row 5: K1, SSK, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
4. Row 6: Purl.
5. Rep Rows 5 and 6 twice more. 6 sts.
6. Rows 11 to 12: St st.
7. BO.

Sew the long edges of each piece to create lightly stuffed tubes. Insert only a trace of stuffing. Attach the two smaller branches to the wider top edge of the stem, one higher and one lower, to create the layered hand-shaped antler visible in the image. Sew antlers firmly to the head top with a slight outward flare.

Legs

Make 2 using light camel. These legs are intentionally long, slim, and flexible.

1. CO 12 sts and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1 to 38: Knit.
3. Rnd 39: K4, K2tog twice. 10 sts.
4. Rnds 40 to 46: Knit.
5. Stuff lightly only in the upper 20 rounds, leaving the lower leg soft so it bends naturally.
6. Flatten opening and sew closed.

Sew the legs to the lower front body edge, spaced about 10 stitches apart, so they hang straight down from the seated body.

Arms

Make 2. Begin with medium brown hoof cuff.

1. Using medium brown, CO 10 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1 to 4: Knit.
3. Change to denim blue.
4. Rnds 5 to 18: Knit.
5. Rnd 19: K3, K2tog twice. 8 sts.
6. Rnd 20: Knit.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Flatten and sew closed.

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Sew the arms just below the sweater yoke line, angled downward so the hoof ends rest near the sides of the belly.

Sweater

The sweater in the image is a fitted denim blue pullover with white reindeer and snowflake motifs, thin berry-red dividing lines, narrow sleeves, and a softly rolled lower edge. It should fit snugly over the round body without looking oversized.

Body of Sweater

Using denim blue and 3.0 mm needles, CO 44 sts. Join in the round.

1. Rnds 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
2. Rnds 5 to 10: Knit.
3. Rnd 11: With berry red, knit.
4. Rnd 12: With denim blue, knit.
5. Rnds 13 to 18: Work Nordic Chart Round A.
6. Rnd 19: With berry red, knit.
7. Rnd 20: With denim blue, knit.
8. Rnds 21 to 24: Knit.

Nordic Chart Round A may be worked as repeated motifs across 44 stitches:

• Round pattern unit over 11 stitches: 3 blue, 2 cream, 1 blue, 2 cream, 3 blue
• Use cream placements to suggest snowflake diamonds

For the reindeer band, embroider duplicate stitch reindeer after knitting if preferred for cleaner shaping. Place 3 cream reindeer motifs evenly around the front and sides, each about 7 stitches wide and 6 rounds tall.

Sleeve Openings

1. Rnd 25: K8, BO 4, K20, BO 4, K8.
2. Rnd 26: Knit to first bound section, CO 4, knit to second bound section, CO 4, knit to end. 44 sts.
3. Rnds 27 to 31: Knit.
4. Rnd 32: K9, K2tog around. 40 sts.
5. Rnd 33: Knit.
6. Rnd 34: K8, K2tog around. 36 sts.
7. Rnds 35 to 37: K1, P1 rib.
8. BO loosely.

Sweater Sleeves

Pick up 16 sts around each armhole in denim blue.

1. Rnds 1 to 8: Knit.
2. Rnd 9: K2, K2tog around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 10 to 12: Knit.
4. Rnd 13: With berry red, knit 1 round.
5. Rnd 14: With denim blue, knit 1 round.
6. Rnd 15: K1, P1 rib.
7. BO loosely.

Slip the sweater over the body before final neck joining. Adjust so the colorwork sits high on the chest and upper back just like the image.

Headband

Using a gray-blue or muted blue scrap, CO 36 sts flat.

1. Rows 1 to 4: K1, P1 rib.
2. BO in pattern.

Sew around the upper head in a gentle curve between the antlers, slightly tilted, with the decorative berries and leaves placed off center toward one antler.

Berry and Leaf Decoration

• Berries: Make 3 tiny knitted bobbles or wrap yarn 6 times around two fingers, tie tightly, and trim into miniature pom-poms.
• Leaves: Make 3 small leaves in olive and tan by CO 6 sts, work 4 rows St st, then decrease to a point.
• Sew leaves and berries in a cluster to the left side of the headband.

Shoulder Bag

The bag is small, rectangular, and lightly textured with a Nordic stripe effect. It hangs from the left shoulder across the front body.

Bag Front and Back

Using pale taupe, CO 12 sts. Work flat.

1. Rows 1 to 4: St st.
2. Rows 5 to 8: Add narrow stranded or slipped stripes in cream, berry red, and blue.
3. Rows 9 to 16: Continue in pale taupe with one patterned stripe band centered.
4. BO.

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Make 2 pieces. Sew sides and bottom together. Add a small flap if desired by picking up 12 sts and working 4 rows, then bind off. Sew one wooden button to the front center. Add a tiny yarn loop to close.

Bag Strap

• Using taupe, make an I-cord 18 inches long.
• Sew one end to each upper bag corner.
• Position diagonally across the moose body exactly as in the photo.

Slippers

Make 2 using denim blue and cream. These slippers are important for the final look. They are open-top slip-ons with striped edging, a buttoned side strap look, and tiny floral embroidery near the toe.

Each Slipper Sole

1. Using cream, CO 8 sts.
2. Row 1: Knit.
3. Row 2: Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. 10 sts.
4. Row 3: Knit.
5. Row 4: Kfb, knit to last stitch, Kfb. 12 sts.
6. Rows 5 to 10: St st.
7. BO.

Upper

1. Pick up 12 sts around toe edge in denim blue.
2. Rows 1 to 4: Knit.
3. Row 5: Change to cream and knit.
4. Row 6: Denim blue knit.
5. Row 7: Cream knit.
6. Row 8: Denim blue knit.
7. BO.

Sew side seams to form the slipper. Add one small wooden button on the outer side of each slipper. Embroider a tiny red berry and green leaf cluster near the front side of each toe area.

Pom-Pom Hat

The hat is not worn in the image, so make it as a removable accessory. It is a bright denim blue beanie with a folded brim, narrow Fair Isle stripe, and two pom-poms.

1. Using denim blue, CO 36 sts and join.
2. Rnds 1 to 8: K1, P1 rib.
3. Rnd 9: Fold line round, purl all sts.
4. Rnds 10 to 12: Knit.
5. Rnd 13: With cream, knit.
6. Rnd 14: With berry red, K2 blue, K1 contrast pattern around as desired.
7. Rnd 15: With cream, knit.
8. Rnds 16 to 24: Knit in denim blue.
9. Rnd 25: K4, K2tog around. 30 sts.
10. Rnd 26: Knit.
11. Rnd 27: K3, K2tog around. 24 sts.
12. Rnd 28: Knit.
13. Rnd 29: K2, K2tog around. 18 sts.
14. Rnd 30: K1, K2tog around. 12 sts.
15. Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight.

Make two medium pom-poms in denim blue and sew them to the top corners so the hat matches the accessory shown beside the moose.

Coffee Cup

Using cream, CO 8 sts and join.

1. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 16 sts.
2. Rnds 2 to 8: Knit.
3. Change to kraft brown for Rnds 9 to 14 and knit.
4. Change to cream for Rnds 15 to 17 and knit.
5. Stuff lightly.
6. Rnd 18: K2tog around. 8 sts.
7. Thread yarn through and close.

Embroider a tiny green square on the cup sleeve to mimic the label in the image.

Acorns

Make 2. One acorn is slightly lighter and one slightly darker in visual emphasis, so vary the placement if you like.

1. Using camel, CO 6 sts and join.
2. Rnd 1: Kfb around. 12 sts.
3. Rnds 2 to 5: Knit.
4. Change to medium brown.
5. Rnd 6: Knit.
6. Rnd 7: K1, K2tog around. 8 sts.
7. Stuff lightly.
8. Rnd 8: K2tog around. 4 sts.
9. Close.

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Assembly

1. Sew the head securely to the body, making sure the muzzle points slightly downward rather than up.
2. Slide the sweater onto the body first if you left the neck open. Close any remaining neck seam from inside.
3. Attach arms below the sweater yoke, angled down.
4. Attach legs to the lower front so they hang long and straight.
5. Sew ears under the headband line.
6. Attach antlers wide apart on top of the head.
7. Add the headband and berry cluster.
8. Slip the slippers onto the feet and tack them in place with two hidden stitches if desired.
9. Hang the shoulder bag diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite side.
10. Place the hat, acorns, and coffee cup as styled accessories.

Final Assembly and Facial Detailing

Check that the eyes sit high and evenly on the face, and that the muzzle remains full and rounded. Shape the head by hand before closing every seam. The antlers should tilt outward slightly. The ears should be partly hidden by the headband. A tiny nostril stitch and gentle facial symmetry make the finished moose look calm and friendly.

Care Notes

Display this knitted moose indoors and away from strong moisture. Spot clean whenever possible. If the toy is handled often, check the antlers, bag strap, and slippers from time to time because those are the pieces most likely to loosen with repeated play.

Quick Checklist Before You Finish

• Body is firmly stuffed and sits evenly
• Head is centered and slightly forward
• Eyes are even and secure
• Antlers are balanced from left to right
• Sweater motif is centered on the chest
• Legs hang at equal length
• Slippers match and sit straight
• Bag strap crosses the body neatly
• Hat has two pom-poms
• Coffee cup and acorns are scaled to the toy

Detailed Cleaning and Preservation Guidelines

For best results, dust gently with clean dry hands or a soft cloth. Spot wash with cool water and mild soap only where needed, then reshape and air dry flat on a towel. Do not wring. Store in a dry place away from direct sun so the blue and red sweater details stay bright and the stuffing keeps its shape.