Crochet Christmas Gnome Pattern

This is a free crochet pattern for a decorative Christmas gnome. The pattern is straightforward, and there is an accompanying video tutorial that you will find below. This handsome gnome is customizable. Their colors, beard, and finished size can all be easily adjusted to fit your taste. For those who enjoy embroidering, decorative stitching can be easily added.

If you've already mastered the techniques used in this pattern, get creative and add colorwork to your little fellow! I can't wait to see what you make! Be sure to tag me on your favorite social media outlet: @yarndrasil

Jump to:

• 🎄 About Christmas gnomes
• 📖 About the pattern
• 🧺 Supplies
• 🎥 Video tutorial
• 🧶 Instructions
• 📓 Written pattern
• Crochet Christmas Gnome Pattern
• 💭 Final thoughts

🎄 About Christmas gnomes

I love gnomes year-round, but especially at Christmastime. These festive gnomes are an easy way of celebrating an ancient tradition. In Scandinavian countries, these humanoid house-spirits represent the spirit of the first farmer that lived on the land where you live. The Norwegian name is, "nisse". In Sweden they are known as, "tomte" or, "tometen".

In America, we find them cute, if a little kitschy. We see them as simple decoration. These little fellows get much better treatment in Nordic countries. It is believed that if you do not take care of your home, this will offend the nisse, who will then play tricks on you. It's customary to feed the tomte a bowl of Christmas porridge on Christmas Eve.

They're similar to brownies or the little folk in general. Our little friend was demonized during the Christianization of Scandinavia but has made a healthy return during the last couple of centuries. Now that we've learned the history behind the Christmas gnome, let's look at how to crochet our own!

📖 About the pattern

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Terms:

U.S. Terms

Abbreviations:

• st(s) - stitch(es)
• sl st - slip stitch
• ch – chain
• mc - magic circle
• csc - center single crochet
• sc - single crochet
• inc - increase
• dec - decrease

Gauge:

4”x4”: 13 csc x 9 rows

Size:

One size

~7.5" tall, 3.75" diameter

Want a larger gnome?

Use a larger yarn and a hook that corresponds to that yarn. It's really as simple as that. I don't recommend using chenile-type yarns with this project.

Notes:

• Work sl st from wrong side of the fabric.
• Csc stitches are worked with a looser tension than normal. Not so loose that they're messy, but puffy and easy to work through the center of.

🧺 Supplies

• Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch, (185 yds/170 m ; 100 g/ 3.5 oz)
  • Red Heather, 1 skein
  • Olive, 1 skein
  • Silver Heather, 1 skein
  • Almond, 1 skein

• Hook — H-8 (5 mm)
• Yarn needle 
• Scissors 
• Small piece of cardboard
• Polyfill, or similar

🎥 Video tutorial

🧶 Instructions

First, we work the base of the gnome. We do this by crocheting a flat circle. Here is a chart of rounds 1-7:

Next, we do a round of back loop only which allows us to begin working on the height of the gnome. After that, we change colors and work a few more rounds. At this point let's take a pause from the base, we'll now: create a cardboard base for the gnome, cut his beard out of 13" long strands of yarn, and crochet his nose. Sew the nose onto the body of the gnome. Ensure that it is centered with both the seam and the colors of his hat and body. Next, attach the beard by creating knots on the inside of his body (see image).

📓 Written pattern

💭 Final thoughts

I hope you found that learning how to crochet this gnome was fun and easy. If not, I am more than happy to answer any questions you have. 

I would love to see your finished project, so please tag me via your favorite social media @yarndrasil . Happy crocheting!