- Time needed
- 14 hrs
- Made this
- 0 crocheters
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Hook size
- 4 mm
- Finished size
- Box approx. 5 in (13 cm) square; about 10.5 in (27 cm) tall with Santa and open lid
On this page
- Skill level
Intermediate
Comfortable with shaping, joining and reading counts.
- Time
14 hrs
An average pace, including assembly.
- Use
Holiday Centerpiece
Box approx. 5 in (13 cm) square; about 10.5 in (27 cm) tall with Santa and open lid
Why you'll love it
- Santa popping out of a gift box is a fun, surprising decoration.
- Plastic canvas inside the box and lid keeps them crisp and square.
- The bobble beard and popcorn hat brim add soft, fluffy texture.
- Green ribbons and embroidered snowflakes make it look like a real present.
- Santa can be removed so the box can also hold small gifts or treats.
Materials needed
Tools
- 4.0 mm (US G-6) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Two 10 mm black safety eyes
- Polyester fiberfill, approx. 3 oz (85 g)
- One sheet of 7-mesh plastic canvas, cut into five 4.75 in (12 cm) squares for the box and one 5.1 in (13 cm) square for the lid
Gauge & finished measurements
Gauge: 20 sc and 22 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in worsted yarn with a 4.0 mm hook. Square gauge: Rounds 1-11 of the box base measure about 4.9 in (12.5 cm) per side.
Row counter
Row 0
Tap the circle after each row
The pattern
Gift Box
Lid
Ribbons and Bow
Santa
Santa Hat
Assembly
- 1
Box: sew the four box ribbons down the center of each wall. Embroider white snowflakes and French knot dots on the red areas of the box and lid.
- 2
Lid: sew the lid ribbons across the lid, then sew the bow loops and knot to the top center.
- 3
Santa: sew the head to the body. Sew the beard along the lower face from cheek to cheek, add the mustache under the nose, and sew the nose above it. Embroider pink cheeks.
- 4
Hat: sew the hat to the head with the brim just above the eyes. Tack the floppy tip to one side and add the pompom.
- 5
Arms: sew the arms to the sides of the body just below the neck, raised in a waving pose. Embroider a white line down the front of the body and a gold buckle on the belt.
- 6
Place Santa in the box so the belt sits at the rim. Tack him to the box walls on the inside.
- 7
Hinge: tilt the lid open and sew one back edge of the lid to the back rim of the box with the lid tail, so it stays propped open behind Santa.
Important notes
- Tip: This is an original pattern inspired by the photo. Hidden details are interpreted from the image, and the pattern has not been physically test-crocheted.
- Tip: Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, MR = magic ring, BLO = back loop only, dec = decrease (invisible single crochet decrease).
- Tip: The box and lid are worked in joined rounds; the ch 1 at the start does not count as a stitch. Santa pieces are worked in continuous rounds with a marker. The beard and ribbons are worked in turned rows.
- Tip: Safety: safety eyes and plastic canvas are not suitable for children under 3. This piece is intended as a decoration.
Pattern FAQ
Can I use the box for gifts?
Yes. Leave Santa loose instead of sewing him in, and do not sew the hinge. The box and lid then work as a real gift box.
How do I keep the box corners sharp?
Keep a marker in each corner while working the walls, and use the canvas squares. Pinch the corners between your fingers when the box is finished to set the shape.
Can I skip the plastic canvas?
You can, but the box will be soft and the lid will not hold its tilted position. Stiff cardboard works as an alternative if you will not wash the box.
How do I clean it?
Spot clean with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Remove Santa and the canvas pieces before hand washing if you need to clean it more thoroughly.
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Santa Surprise Gift Box Crochet Pattern, © 2026 Mandy’s Crochet Studio. Source: https://mandyshealthylife.com/patterns/santa-surprise-gift-box-crochet-pattern/. Please do not redistribute this pattern.
