Krampus Time is Here Again!
Yes, that’s right — Krampus. Never heard of him? Well, children, grab a cup of egg nog, wrap a blankie tight around your shoulders and settle down in front of the fire while I tell the you the truncated tale of Krampus.
Krampus, also known as Schmutzli, Black Peter and Knecht Ruprecht, is the demonic, evil counterpart of Santa Claus, punishing naughty children by whipping them with a switch, chaining them up and carrying them off in a basket strapped to his back. During the 19th century, European (particularly Austrian and German) holiday cards would feature illustrated images of the devilish creature with the words “Gruss vom Krampus” (“Greetings from Krampus”) written across the front.
(Vintage Krampus card images and info courtesy of www.krampus.com)
Since the 21st century is filled with some of the most nasty, spoiled, and utterly disobedient children in history, I figured what better way for me to celebrate 2011 Winter solstice than to revive this delightful demon with a loving crocheted tribute!
My Krampus figure comes with his trademark accessories — plus some screaming, crying children.
The handy basket provides extra brat-hauling capability.
These little unfortunates will soon figure out their tears will only make matters worse.
A forked tongue and sharp teeth are invaluable tools for a holiday feast.
Winter demons need nipples, too!
But not to worry — everything will turn out OK in the end!
Croshame 
I applaud you ! 😉 Wonderful, inspiring & wicked … !
December 21, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Oh this is amazing. And so timely
December 21, 2011 at 1:55 pm
This is awesome. I had no idea about this awful demon. This is who Black Peter is? I had no idea. He’s frightening. I love it! Thank you for sharing this.
December 21, 2011 at 4:19 pm
I don’t know if they’re the exact same thing… apparently there are a whole slew of different names for him across various countries and regions. If you’d like to learn more, I highly recommend checking out Krampus.com — that’s where I got the bulk of my info from.
(“Schmutzli” is my favorite!)
December 21, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Absolutely awesome!
December 21, 2011 at 11:45 pm
Brings bac memories of my living in Germany when I was a youngster…Great adaptations !!!!!!!
December 22, 2011 at 8:28 am
I swaer, you’re a crafty genius!!
December 22, 2011 at 9:57 am
You are amazing!!
December 22, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Pingback: Fabulously Demonic Crocheted Krampus Doll Holds Captured Children
Is this for sale? I want one!!! Krampus is my favorite holiday tradition!!
December 24, 2011 at 6:42 am
Hi! I only have the one Krampus right now, but I plan on making another set and putting it up for sale in Etsy shop sometime after Christmas. I will definitely announce it on the blog when I do. Thanks very much!
December 24, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Cool! Will be on the lookout. Love yr other stuff too!
December 25, 2011 at 5:46 am
This is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!! I love him, do you have plans on selling your pattern? I would love to make one for my house!
December 25, 2011 at 9:13 pm
omg, tell me there’s going to be a pattern?! Love it!!!
December 26, 2011 at 8:24 am
Any chance of purchasing a pattern? My daughter spent a year in Germany & she told me about this that year. I know she would love to have one as well.
December 26, 2011 at 8:29 am
I would dearly love to have the pattern for this!!! Will you be offering it for sale?
December 26, 2011 at 8:33 am
Hey Shove! Great to see your work praised by Craft Magazine! I worked with Chuck for many years at Escape and always heard so much about you. Great piece! Congrats!
December 26, 2011 at 9:58 am
Hello Karla! Chuck has spoken about you many times, and I’m glad to finally make your (online/virtual) acquaintance! Thanks for stopping by!
December 26, 2011 at 11:25 am
Sorry to disappoint all you Kurious Krochetin’ Krampus Kollectors: unfortunately I don’t think I will be making a pattern for sale — but as previously mentioned, I WILL be making another crocheted set and putting it in the Etsy shop sometime within the next two weeks.
Thanks so much for your interest!!
December 26, 2011 at 11:24 am
I think I love you. I wish there were a Krampus for adults. I work in retail, and every year it gets worse. Pretty sure the kids learn it from the adults’ example. sigh.
December 27, 2011 at 6:21 am
Awesome! Crazy details. Thanks for sharing!!
January 2, 2012 at 7:30 pm
This is pretty epic
January 9, 2012 at 9:43 am
The most awesome Krampus EVER!
December 24, 2012 at 9:19 am
How much is the Krampus?
October 12, 2014 at 5:24 am
Etsy listing is here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/89762670/custom-krampus-antigurumi-amigurumi-set
Thanks!
October 12, 2014 at 1:39 pm
Are you still making these? I need one!!
November 3, 2017 at 4:41 pm