Use the pins from this Winter Bowling Set as decorations, then when you are ready for a game, just pull them down and have some fun. This crochet bowling set is sure to add a little fun to your winter.
Below you will find the complete pattern and instructional photos for this Winter Bowling Set pattern. You will also find all the materials, stitches, gauge, and sizing information.
From Halloween to a Winter Bowling Set
Three days before Halloween, I shared a Halloween Bowling Game. It was a very loved pattern, and immediately readers began to ask for a Holiday version.
I was flooded with ideas for a winter bowling set. People suggested gnomes, penguins, Christmas trees, elves, and snowmen for bowling pins and snowballs and Santa’s belly as bowling balls.
I have to confess that they were all good ideas, so I incorporated as many ideas as I could. This is a long pattern but it is up to you on which characters you would like to make and how many of each.
Holiday Versus Crochet Winter Bowling Set
Lately, I have been making decorations for winter, instead of the holidays. That way they can stay out all winter long. I decided to make this crochet bowling set a Winter set, but I thought I would share a few ideas in case you want to add more holiday spirit to your set.
If you would like to make elves instead of gnomes, add pink felt ears to the gnome pin pattern. Add some felt ornaments to the evergreen tree pins to make Christmas trees. If you can find a star button, you can add that to the top.
For your bowling ball, consider making the ball red with a black stripe down the middle. You can add a felt belt buckle and buttons to make a Santa’s Belly bowling ball. Another idea is to make the bowling ball look like an ornament.
Don’t Miss a Single Pattern
If you love to crochet and you don’t want to miss a single free crochet pattern, make sure to sign up for the newsletter! I will send you a quick email a couple of times a week to let you know what is new. Plus you get access to a variety of crochet related printables.
The Premium Ad-Free PDF Pattern
Below you will find the free pattern with all the instructional photos and videos needed to complete the pattern, but I am also aware that several of us like to crochet on the couch, in the car, or in bed with a print out of the pattern. This is why I also offer a nicely formatted ad-free large font PDF version of the pattern that can be purchased on Etsy and Ravelry. With the PDF pattern, you can print the pattern and take it on the go with you or tuck it into your project bag or basket.
More Patterns you may Love
Don’t forget to check out all the free patterns at Winding Road Crochet. You may just find a new favorite project. Here are some great patterns you will love.
4. Ombre Tree Table Runner 5. Santa Gnome | 6. Snow Couple | 7. Mini Advent Calendar
8. Gnome Ornament| 9. Advent Calendar
Crochet Winter Bowling Set
Pin pattern to Pinterest!
Save to Ravelry Favorites!
Purchase Premium PDF Pattern on Etsy!
Materials Needed
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information refer to my Terms and Conditions.
2 oz or 104 yds of Red Heart Super Saver (Size 4 Yarn), in White for Bowling Ball
2.6 oz or 136 yds of Red Heart Super Saver (Size 4 Yarn), for each pin
15.6 oz or 816 yds of yarn total for 6 pins: Color used include Cherry Red, Buff, Tea Leaf, Real Teal, Dusty Grey, White, and Black
Size H 5mm Crochet Hook (See notes)
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Polyfil or Stuffing
White Felt
Embroidery Thread
Hot Glue (Optional)
Paint Pens or Permanent Marks in Black and Orange
**Shop my Favorite Tools Here**
Here is a printable template for the penguin white belly and gnomes beard and mustache.
Penguin and Gnome Felt TemplateStitches and Abbreviations
CH – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
SC2TOG – Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together
BLOSC – Back Loop Only Single Crochet
FLOSC – Front Loop Only Single Crochet
HDC – Half Double Crochet
DC – Double Crochet
ST(s) – Stitch(es)
MC – Magic Circle (Video Tutorial)
Gauge and Size
Size: Bowling ball is 6 inches in diameter and the pins are roughly 7 inches tall.
Gauge: 6 SC X 7 Rows = 2 inches
Note About Gauge: The gauge is not really important in this pattern. What is important is that your stitches are tight enough to cause the pins to stand up on their own. We will be stuffing the pins, but that is to help them keep their shape and not to help them stand up. If you need to use a smaller hook to get the stitches tight enough, then try a size G 4mm hook.
If you find that the stitches are so tight that they are hard to work, then consider using a size I 5.5mm crochet hook, but make sure that your stitches are tight enough that your pins will stand up on their own.
Helpful Video Tutorials
Learn Amigurumi Basic with this How to Crochet a Gnome tutorial and how to paint face onto crochet with this video.
Special Stitches
SC2TOG – Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together – Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull the loop through the hook (2 loops on hook), insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull the loop through the hook, (3 loops on the hook) yarn over and pull the first loop through all the loops on the hook. Your decrease is complete.
Crochet Winter Bowling Set
Notes:
-Written in US terms.
– All patterns use 2 strands of worsted weight (size 4) yarn held together as you work. (Except the Snowman’s scarf).
– Patterns are worked in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rows.
Bowling Ball
Working with 2 strands of white yarn for snowball.
Row 1: Work 6 SC into a Magic Circle. (6)
Alternate Row 1: CH2, Work 6 SC into the 2nd CH from Hook.
Row 2: *Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (12)
Row 3: *SC in next ST, Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (18)
Row 4: *SC in next 2 STs, Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (24)
Row 5: *SC in next 3 STs, Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (30)
Row 6: *SC in next 4 STs, Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (36)
Row 7: *SC in next 5 STs, Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (42)
Row 8: *SC in next 6 STs, Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (48)
Row 9 – 15: SC in next 48 STs.
Row 16: *SC in next 6 STs, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (42)
Row 17: *SC in next 5 STs, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (36)
Row 18: *SC in next 4 STs, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (30)
Row 19: *SC in next 3 STs, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (24)
Stuff your ball.
Row 20: *SC in next 2 STs, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (18)
Row 21: *SC in next ST, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (12)
Row 22: *SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (6)
Fasten off leaving a long tail. Use that tail to weave through the last 6 stitches and pull the hole close. Weave in your ends.
If you like you can take a paint pen or sharpie and decorate your bowling ball. I decided to add a snowflake to mine.
Snowman and Penguin + Pin Base
Snowman and Penguin Body
Working with two strands of yarn held together.
With White (for Snowman) or Black (for Penguin)
Row 1: Work 6 SC into a Magic Circle. (6)
Alternative Row 1: CH2, Work 6 SC into 2nd CH from hook. (6)
Row 2: *Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (12)
Row 3: *SC in next ST, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (18)
Row 4: *SC in next 2 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (24)
Rows 5-8: SC in next 24 STs.
Row 9: *SC in next 2 STS, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (18)
Row 10: *SC in next ST, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (12)
Row 11: *SC in next ST, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (18)
Row 12: SC in next 18 STs.
Row 13: *SC in next 2 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (24)
Rows 14-23: SC in next 24 STs.
Row 24: *SC in next 2 STS, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (18)
Row 25: *SLST to next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (3 SLST)
Fasten off and weave in your ends. When weaving in the end at the bottom of the body, try to use the end to smooth out the edge.
Penguin Wings (Make 2)
Note: The wing is worked all in one row. You will make a chain, work down one side of the chain, then work down the other side of the chain.
Working with 2 strands of black yarn held together, CH 9.
Row 1: Starting with the 2nd CH from the hook, SC in next 4 CH, HDC in next 2 Ch, DC in next CH, Work 6 DC in last CH, turn your work so you are working down the other side of the chain. DC in next CH, HDC in next 2 CH, SC in next 3 CH, work 2 SC in last CH.
Fasten off and weave in your ends. Use a piece of black yarn to sew a wing onto both sides of the penguins body.
Assembling your Penguin
To finish up your penguin pin, you will just need to use the template located under the materials section to cut out a piece of white felt for the face and belly of the penguin. Using a needle and embroidery thread, sew the felt to the front of the pengiun.
Next use a sharpie or paint pen to draw eyes and a peak onto the penguin. Lastly, you will crochet a base for your penguin, stuff the penguin with stuffing and sew (or glue) the base onto the bottom of the penguin about 1/4 inch from the bottom of body. We want the base to be pushed up a bit to prevent it from rounding the bottom of the pin and making it hard for the pin to stand up straight.
Pin Base
With 2 stands of yarn that match the pin you are making the base for.
Row 1: Work 6 SC into a Magic Circle. (6)
Alternative Row 1: CH2, Work 6 SC into 2nd CH from hook. (6)
Row 2: *Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (12)
Row 3: *SC in next ST, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (18)
Note: For the Penguin, gnome, and snowman, stop here and just work a slip stitch into the next stitch and fasten off. For the tree base, work the rest of the rows.
Row 4: *SC in next 2 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (24)
Row 5: *SC in next 3 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (30)
Row 6: SLST to the next ST. Fasten off.
Weave in your ends or use the ends to sew the base inside the pins about a 1/4 inch from the bottom. The base is only designed to hold the stuffing and will not be the section that the pin sets on.
Snowman Hat
Working with 2 strands of black yarn.
Row 1: Work 6 SC into a Magic Circle. (6)
Alternative Row 1: CH2, Work 6 SC into 2nd CH from hook. (6)
Row 2: *Work 2 SC into next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (12)
Row 3: *SC in next ST, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (18)
Row 4: BLOSC in next 18 STs.
Rows 5-6: SC in next 18 STs.
Row 7: *FLOSC in next 2 STs, Work 2 FLOSC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (24)
Row 8: *SC in next 3 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (30)
Row 9: *SLST to the next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Glue or sew the hat to the top of the snowman’s head.
Snowman Scarf
Working with one strand of yarn.
CH35
Row 1: DC in 3rd CH from hook, SC in next 32 CH.
Fasten off and weave in your ends. Sew or glue the scarf around the snowman’s neck.
Assembling your Snowman
Once all the snowman pieces are crocheted, sew or glue the snowman’s hat to his head, and glue or sew the scarf around his neck. Use permanent markers or pain pens to add eyes, a nose and buttons to your snowman.
Stuff your snowman and insert the pin base, sew or glue the pin base about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the snowman.
Tree
Working with 2 strands of green yarn held together.
Row 1: Work 6 SC into a Magic Circle. (6)
Alternative Row 1: CH2, Work 6 SC into 2nd CH from hook. (6)
Row 2: SC in next 6 STs.
Row 3: *SC in next ST, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (9)
Row 4: SC in next 9 STs.
Row 5: *SC in next 2 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (12)
Row 6: SC in next 12 STs.
Row 7: *SC in next 3 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (15)
Row 8: SC in next 15 STs.
Row 9: *SC in next 4 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (18)
Row 10: SC in next 18 STs.
Row 11: *SC in next 5 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (21)
Row 12: SC in next 21 STs.
Row 13: *SC in next 6 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (24)
Row 14: SC in next 24 STs.
Row 15: *SC in next 7 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (27)
Row 16: SC in next 27 STs.
Row 17: *SC in next 8 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (30)
Row 18: SC in next 30 STs.
Row 19: *SC in next 9 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (33)
Row 20: SC in next 33 STs.
Row 21: *SC in next 9 STs, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (30)
Row 22: *SC in next 8 STs, SC2TOG* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (27)
Row 23: *SLST to next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (3 SLST)
Fasten off and weave in your ends. Stuff your tree and insert the tree pin base into the bottom of the pin. Sew or glue the pin base in place about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the pin.
Gnome Pin
Gnome Hat
Working with 2 strands of yarn held together.
Row 1: Work 6 SC into a Magic Circle. (6)
Alternative Row 1: CH2, Work 6 SC into 2nd CH from hook. (6)
Row 2: SC in next 6 STs.
Row 3: *SC in next ST, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (9)
Row 4: SC in next 9 STs.
Row 5: *SC in next 2 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (12)
Row 6: SC in next 12 STs.
Row 7: *SC in next 3 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (15)
Row 8: SC in next 15 STs.
Row 9: *SC in next 4 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (18)
Row 10: SC in next 18 STs.
Row 11: *SC in next 5 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (21)
Row 12: SC in next 21 STs.
Row 13: *SC in next 6 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (24)
Row 14: SC in next 24 STs.
Row 15: *SC in next 7 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (27)
Row 16: SC in next 27 STs.
Row 17: *SLST to next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (3 SLST)
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Gnome Body
Note: The gnome body is worked in continuous rounds. We will make a starting chain, then work the first stitch or row 1 into the first chain of the starting chain to create a loop.
With 2 strands of yarn held together, CH21.
Row 1: SC into first CH of starting chain to create loop, SC in next 20 STs. (21)
Row 2: *SC in next 6 STs, Work 2 SC in next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (24)
Rows 3-9: SC in next 24 STs.
Row 10: *SC in next 6 STs, SC2TOg* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (24)
Row 11: *SLST to next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (3 SLST)
Fasten off and weave in your ends. Try to use the end to help smooth the edge of the bottom of the gnome.
Gnome Nose
With 2 Strands of yarn held together or a skin tone color.
Row 1: Work 6 SC into a Magic Circle. SLST to first SC. (6)
Alternative Row 1: CH2, Work 6 SC into 2nd CH from hook. SLST to first SC. (6)
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Assembling your Gnome
Once you have crocheted a hat, body, nose and pin base you are read to finish up your gnome. First you will need to take a piece of felt and cut out a beard and mustache. You will sew or glue the beard, mustache and nose to the front of your gnome body like in the picture above. Then sew or glue the pin base to the bottom of the gnome body about 1/4 inch from the bottom.
Next, stuff your body and hat and sew or glue the two pieces together. Make sure the hat covers about half of the gnome nose. If you would like to make this gnome an elf, then cut out 2 pointy ears in a skin tone colored felt and sew/glue them in place.
Once you have made a bowling ball and 6-10 pins, then you are ready to play a fun game with your crochet winter bowling set. When you are done playing just set the pins around the house to add to your winter decorations.
Let’s Be Friends
Want to know what I am making next? Follow me on Instagram @windingroadcrochet to see sneak peeks of what I am up to and to be notified of when I release new free patterns. You can also follow me on Pinterest and Facebook. Join our Facebook group Our Crochet Journey and be a part of our community. Share, photos, ask for help and be inspired all in one place!
Written pattern, tutorials, photos, graphs, and pdfs of the Crochet Winter Bowling Set free pattern are copyright Windingroadcrochet.com. Please do not reprint or repost this content as your own, but please feel free to share this link with others. You can find more information on sharing my work with others in the Terms and Conditions Page.
