I make elves for Christmas every year. I use the In The Hoop patterns from
www.dollsanddaydreams.com. They are made with my embroidery machine. There are also sewing patterns so you don't have to have an embroidery machine to make them. I love these patterns and the instructions walk you through step by step with words and picture. Here is a picture of elves I have made. There are 2 In The Hoop elf patterns and maybe more sewing ones.