5 Best DIY Elf on the Shelf Patterns

Sweet Little Elf Sewing Pattern - These precious sewing projects can be used as ornaments or even as a homemade Elf on the Shelf. Whether you hang this Sweet Little Elf Sewing Pattern on the tree or attach her to the outside of a gift, she is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. These easy sewing projects even come with a free pattern, so all you have to do is print, and you're ready to go. Although these sewing ideas are Christmas-themed, all you have to do is switch up the colors, and you can make an elf for all seasons.

Idea: While this little elf stays in your home, create a tiny door to magically appear on the wall at her arrival. That way, she can get back and forth between your home and the North Pole to easily give Santa her "reports." For a quick tutorial, check out this Imaginative Magic Door from our friends at AllFreeKidsCrafts.

DIY Elf on the Shelf Pattern - It's never too early to start thinking of Elf on the Shelf ideas for this year, and one of the best ideas is making a totally unique Christmas buddy for your family. Christmas will never be the same with this fun DIY Elf on the Shelf Pattern keeping an eye on the kids. This time of year, sewing projects are a great way to cozy up with your fabrics and do something you really enjoy. With so many Christmas projects on your list, make sure this friendly elf is sitting at the top. He's always watching!

Idea: Got stickers? Cover your elf in stickers one night for a hilarious and colorful surprise that the kids will love!

Pine Cone Elf - The Christmas season is full of adorable characters like Rudolph and Santa's Elves. Decorate your home this year with the free craft materials you have in your backyard or neighborhood park. Make this cute Pine Cone Elf and sit him on your bookshelf or let him dangle his legs over the edge of an end table. Pine cone projects are the best crafts because the main material you need doesn't cost any money! You can make your own homemade Elf on a Shelf that will be unique from any other and use this pine cone craft year after year.

Idea: Since this little guy loves the outdoors, make him feel at home with a campfire built just for him! Position your elf near an unlit candle and give him a few mini marshmallows to "roast." For an extra fun touch, try fastening something long and skinny (like a twig from outside) to his body, so it looks like he was caught in the act of making s'mores!

Easy Paper Mache Swedish Christmas Tomte or Elf Project - Easy, complete step by step instructions how to make a cute Swedish Christmas paper mache tomte, tomtem, elf or gnome using primarily recycled supplies. Primary supplies include air dry, paper mache clay (made from recycled materials), newspaper, cardboard from an old box, glue, scrap fleece, acrylic craft paint, florist ball, furry ribbon and any embellishments you wish to add. Make over a weekend and enjoy for a lifetime. Project suitable from ages 8 to 88.

Idea: Due to his Swedish roots, this Christmas "tomte" loves the cold! One night, give him a taste of home by sticking him in the refrigerator - right between the coffee creamer and chocolate syrup! Be sure to wrap him in a little washcloth, just in case he does get chilly.

Quick and Easy Felt Elf - The Quick and Easy Felt Elf project is a fast and fun way to create a selection of elf decorations for your home this Christmas season. Instead of spending a sizable amount of time and effort embroidering this handmade Christmas decoration, use a styrofoam ball covered in wool to make the elf's body. This technique cuts down on time, allowing you to make as many of these elf decorations as you would like!

Idea: With his big, round body and little wooden head, this guy was practically made for a ball pit! Make him a ball pit of his own by filling a plastic basket with colorful pom-poms and bury everything but his head and pointy hat.