These little guys are the perfect way to add some handmade charm to your mantle this winter! Whether you want a bearded fellow or a braided friend, this pattern covers both styles so you can make a matching pair. You will love how the textured embroidery on the body and the unique loop stitch beard bring these characters to life. They are quick enough to whip up as last-minute gifts but detailed enough to look like heirloom decorations you will pull out year after year.
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β 1. Body :
Round 1 :
Using Color A, create 6 sc into a magic adjustable ring (6)
Round 2 :
Work 1 inc into every st around the circle (12)
Round 3 :
Work [1 sc, 1 inc] 6 times (18)
Round 4 :
Work [2 sc, 1 inc] 6 times (24)
Round 5 :
Work [3 sc, 1 inc] 6 times (30)
Round 6 :
Work [4 sc, 1 inc] 6 times (36)
Round 7 :
Work [5 sc, 1 inc] 6 times (42)
Round 8 :
Work [6 sc, 1 inc] 6 times (48)
Round 9 :
Working in the blo only, sc in each st around (48)
Round 10-14 :
sc in every st around (48)
Info :
Place your cardboard circle inside the bottom of the piece to create a flat base before continuing.
Round 15 :
Work [6 sc, 1 dec] 6 times (42)
Round 16 :
sc in every st around (42)
Round 17 :
Work [5 sc, 1 dec] 6 times (36)
Round 18 :
sc in every st around (36)
Round 19 :
Work [4 sc, 1 dec] 6 times (30)
Round 20-22 :
sc in every st around (30)
Round 23 :
Work [3 sc, 1 dec] 6 times (24)
Round 24 :
Work [2 sc, 1 dec] 6 times (18)
Info :
Firmly stuff the body, ensuring the base remains flat against the cardboard.
Round 25 :
Work [1 sc, 1 dec] 6 times (12)
Round 26 :
Work 1 dec 6 times around (6)
Info :
Fasten off and hide the yarn tail. Use Color C to stitch decorative 'X' patterns across the body.
β 2. Hands and Arms (Make 2) :
Round 1 :
Using Color B, make 6 sc into a magic ring (6)
Round 2 :
sc in every st around (6)
Round 3 :
Work [1 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (9)
Colour Change :
Cut Color B and join Color A to begin the arm section.
Round 4-9 :
sc in every st around (9)
Info :
Fasten off with a long tail. Embroider small decorative patterns on the arms with Color C. Sew the arms between Rounds 17 and 18 of the body, leaving a gap of 14 sts between them.
β 3. Beard :
Row 1 :
Using Color D, ch 4. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in each of the next 3 ch, then turn (3)
Row 2 :
Work 3 lp st across, then turn (3)
Row 3 :
Work 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, then turn (5)
Row 4 :
Work 5 lp st across, then turn (5)
Row 5 :
Work 1 inc, [1 sc, 1 inc] twice, then turn (8)
Row 6 :
Work 8 lp st across, then turn (8)
Row 7 :
Work [1 inc, 1 sc] 4 times, then turn (12)
Row 8 :
Work 12 lp st across, then turn (12)
Row 9 :
Work [1 inc, 2 sc] 4 times, then turn (16)
Row 10 :
Work 16 lp st across (16)
Info :
Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing. Position and sew the beard between the arms, covering Rounds 12 through 21 of the body.
β 4. Braids (Alternative to Beard) :
Info :
Cut 27 strands of Color D, each 12 inches long. Group them into three bundles and create a thick braid. Secure each end with a 2-inch scrap of yarn to create tassels, then trim the ends to half an inch. Fold the braid in half and secure the center point to Rounds 25-26 of the body.
β 5. Nose :
Round 1 :
Using Color C, work 6 sc into a magic ring (6)
Round 2 :
Work [1 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (9)
Round 3 :
sc in every st around (9)
Info :
Fasten off with a sewing tail. For the bearded gnome, sew the nose to the top center of the beard. For the braided gnome, sew it between the braids at Rounds 17-19.
β 6. Hat :
Round 1 :
Using Color B, work 6 sc into a magic ring (6)
Round 2 :
sc in every st around (6)
Round 3 :
Work [1 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (9)
Round 4-6 :
sc in every st around (9)
Round 7 :
Work [2 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (12)
Round 8-10 :
sc in every st around (12)
Round 11 :
Work [3 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (15)
Round 12-14 :
sc in every st around (15)
Round 15 :
Work [4 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (18)
Round 16-17 :
sc in every st around (18)
Round 18 :
Work [5 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (21)
Round 19-20 :
sc in every st around (21)
Round 21 :
Work [6 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (24)
Round 22 :
sc in every st around (24)
Round 23 :
Work [7 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (27)
Round 24 :
sc in every st around (27)
Round 25 :
Work [8 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (30)
Round 26 :
Work [9 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (33)
Round 27 :
Work [10 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (36)
Round 28 :
Work [11 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (39)
Round 29 :
Work [12 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (42)
Round 30 :
Work [13 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (45)
Round 31 :
Work [14 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (48)
Round 32 :
Work [15 sc, 1 inc] 3 times (51)
Info :
Fasten off and leave a long tail. Use Color C to embroider large snowflake-style stars randomly across the hat. Place the hat on the body so it sits just above the arms and nose, then sew it securely in place.
I hope you have as much fun making these little festive gnomes as I did! They really bring such a playful, handmade energy to holiday decorating. Whether you make a whole village of them in different colors or just a single pair for a friend, they are sure to be a hit. Don't forget to take a second to fluff out those loop stitches on the beard once you're finishedβit really makes the texture pop! Happy crocheting, and may your holiday season be filled with cozy stitches and warm memories. π§Ά β¨ π