Looking for a fun, handmade gift for the culinary or baking enthusiast in your life? My friend Ruth’s adorable Chef Gnomes are a simple DIY craft that are so cute and full of charm. They are just right for gifting or decorating your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Gnome
This adorable Chef Gnome has so many precious details that make it such a joy to create! The gnome has a classic chef hat, braided pigtails, and holds a lattice-topped fruit pie. You can outfit yours in a lace-trimmed apron like Ruth’s, or personalize it with your own fabric choices, trims, and embellishments. The creative freedom is what makes this project so fun.
You will love making this sweet gnome from start to finish. It is a satisfying project that lets you add your personal touch while still being simple and relaxing to sew or craft.
This little chef is perfect any time of year for someone who loves cooking, baking, or spending time in the kitchen. To create a Valentine’s version, use heart-themed fabrics along with red, pink, or white trims, and you have an extra-special gnome that makes a thoughtful handmade gift for a sweetheart. The chef gnome e-book is available here.
All of the gnomes on this site are made by Ruth Johnson, gnome artist extraordinaire.
He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.
― Francis of Assisi
Gnome Materials
Below are the supplies Ruth used for her Valentine Chef gnome design.
Hat Fabric
Braids Gray yarn
Nose 25 mm natural wooden balls
Body Red mid-weight polar fleece
Apron White mid-weight polar fleece
Hands White felt
Pie Tan felt and Czech glass beads
Trims White lace, brocade ribbon, pearl buttons
Props Optional ideas include a mini cookbook, whisk, or spoon
See all gnome posts here and subscribe to receive gnome project ideas, inspiration, & a basic gnome pattern.
Where to Find Materials
Ruth often buys fabric and recycled sweaters from thrift stores to use for gnome arms and bodies. Be sure to browse the women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing sections for affordable and creative options.
The accessories department is another great place to look. Scarves, hats, and capes can be repurposed, and vintage pieces often have buttons or trims that work beautifully for gnome details.
Ruth also shops on Amazon and Etsy for trimmings, patches, and props. She also checks Facebook Marketplace, where she occasionally finds old sweaters, buttons, and other embellishments.
Many decorations are sold in sets, which is especially helpful if you make multiple gnomes. Large decorations can often be taken apart so the smaller pieces can be used across more than one gnome.
How to Make a Gnome
This Valentine Chef gnome is meant to inspire you and show just one of the many ways a gnome can be customized. The same basic gnome structure can be transformed into so many different ideas for holidays, seasons, special occasions, or everyday decor.
If you would like to start with a simple, flexible design, I recommend beginning with this free gnome pattern and tutorial. It walks you through the basic parts of gnome construction and gives you a solid foundation you can adjust again and again.
If you are especially interested in making a chef gnome like the one featured in this post, you can find the full step-by-step pattern in my Gnome Pattern Shop. This paid pattern includes the details and variations needed to create the chef design.
👉 Get the free gnome pattern and tutorial
👉 Visit the gnome pattern shop to make the chef gnome
Once you have the base pattern, the possibilities are endless. A few simple fabric and trim changes can turn one pattern into dozens of unique gnomes.
Free Pattern
If you would like to start with a basic gnome, you can download my free gnome base pattern.
When you subscribe to my GNOME email list, you will receive an email with a link and password to access the free library. Inside the library, look for the gnome thumbnail to download the PDF pattern.
After printing the pattern, head over to the DIY Gnomes post for the step-by-step instructions. You can also explore my other gnome posts for ideas on fabric choices, trims, and embellishments.
See all of the gnome posts for more ideas about fabric choices, trims, and embellishing. For more Valentine fun, visit this cute pink and red gnomes post, and download this free Valentine’s Day banner, too!
More Gnome Projects
How to Make DIY Gnomes
Easter bunny gnome e-book
Spring gnomes
Fourth of July gnomes
Halloween gnome e-books
Christmas gnomes
Holiday gnomes
Christmas ornament gnomes
Ornament gnome e-book
Plaid gnomes
Wine Topper gnomes
Bottle Topper gnome ebook
Enjoy creating your chef gnomes!
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or send me a note. I am happy to help!
Thanks for visiting. Be sure to subscribe or follow me on social media for more inspiration!
xo,
Cindy
why cant i find the free down load for the
Chef Gnome
Hi Cindy, this pattern is available for sale in the shop. It is not included in the free patterns.
There are links in this post (above) or at https://bebraveandbloom.com/bloom-products/
Thanks!
I’m looking for a nurse gnome do you have a pattern for one
Hi Gerry, I am so sorry I don’t, yet! Check your email I sent an inspiration photo for you and some tips. 🙂
I would like written directions on how to sew all pieces to make a garden gnome.Where can I get these for free?
Hi Estelle! Yes, go to the top navigation under PROJECTS, then MAKING GNOMES, then HOW TO MAKE EASY DIY GNOMES (FREE PATTERN). All instructions and inspiration are there for lots of gnome styles. (Scroll all the way near the bottom for the instructions) All can be made with the same pattern by embellishing differently. Have fun!