How to Make Easy DIY Gnomes (Free Gnome Pattern & Tutorial)

Learn how to make easy DIY gnomes with this simple tutorial. With the free pattern, you can create adorable handmade gnomes that make great gifts and add charm to your seasonal decor.

Handmade Christmas gnomes for post how to make easy DIY gnomes.

Gnomes are one of the cutest and easiest crafts you can make at home, and they’re perfect for any season. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to make easy DIY gnomes step by step, with a free pattern that’s simple to follow.

This tutorial is a fun way to create something special for your home or to give as a handmade gift.

Today’s project is extra inspiring because my friend Ruth made all of these gnomes from her mom’s stash of recycled wool sweaters. Each one has its own charm, and like dolls, they connect with us in unique ways. All of the handmade gnomes you see here were created by artist Ruth Johnson.

Why You’ll Love This Project

Making your own gnomes is a fun way to get creative and use up leftover fabric, trims, and craft supplies. They make thoughtful, handmade gifts or add a personal touch to your home decor.

Each gnome can be customized with different recycled materials, fabrics, beards, and hats, so no two are alike. Best of all, they’re budget-friendly and can often be made with many items you may already have on hand.

✂️ Get the Free Gnome Pattern

Print this free pattern and start creating today

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Delivered straight to your inbox. Free for personal use.

Materials

To make these cute little guys, you only need a few basic supplies. I’ve included shoppable affiliate links below to make it easy, or you can find almost everything at craft stores like Hobby Lobby.

Fabric or Recycled Sweaters
Felt for mittens
Craft Fur for beard
Wire approximately 18 gauge
Pipe Cleaners optional 
Wooden Beads for nose
Popsicle Sticks for skis
Trims ribbons greenery, props, etc.
Pattern Download sign up to grab it!
Paper Scissors
Sewing Scissors
Sewing Machine
Adjustable Temp. Hot Glue Gun
All Temperature Glue Sticks
Pencil or Marker
Washed Pea Gravel for filling
Polyester Poly-fil Batting for filling, optional

Sourcing Materials Before buying new supplies, be sure to check your home and craft stash! Old sweaters, trims, or fabric scraps work great for this project! Thrift shops are also full of fun upcycling finds. Add personality with ribbons, ornaments, dollhouse miniatures, or simple DIY props. Check your local craft or dollar store for embellishments. A few creative details can make your gnome one of a kind.

Recycled Sweaters If you’re using vintage or thrifted sweaters, give them a quick wash first. Place them in a zippered laundry bag or pillowcase to protect the fabric, then dry as usual, checking occasionally. Most will wash up beautifully, though an occasional one may shrink.

Variations

The best part about this project is how easy it is to customize. You can style your gnomes in endless ways to match the season, a special event, or even your everyday decor. Here are some great ideas to inspire your creativity.

Christmas Gnomes

Turn the base pattern into the perfect holiday gnome with festive fabrics, cozy plaids, or classic red and green felt.

Mini topper versions make sweet tree ornaments, while slightly larger toppers are perfect for dressing up wine bottles, for gifts, or holiday decor.

You can also experiment with timeless holiday colors like blues, silvers, reds, and greens to create plaid gnomes and traditional Christmas styles. For something extra special, try making Mr. & Mrs. Claus or a set of cheerful little elves. The possibilities are endless!

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Explore Christmas gnomes or all the other adorable gnome ideas here.

10 Irish DIY gnomes.

Holiday & Seasonal Gnomes

Style your gnomes to celebrate the year: pinks and hearts for Valentine’s Day, green and shamrocks for St. Patrick’s, pastel ears for Easter, stars and stripes for the 4th of July, or spooky touches for Halloween. They also make fun themed decorations for Cinco de Mayo or Day of the Dead.

Special Occasion Gnomes

Mark life’s milestones with gnomes made for celebrating. Try a graduation gnome with a tiny cap, a bride and groom for a wedding, or other festive designs for birthdays and special gatherings. These handmade creations make thoughtful keepsakes for any celebration.

Everyday & Themed Gnomes

Enjoy your gnomes all year long by styling them with playful, everyday themes. Popular ideas include a bee kind gnome in yellow and black, a chef gnome with a tiny apron, a fishing gnome holding a mini pole, garden gnomes in fresh spring or summer colors, or Nordic/Swedish gnomes for a timeless look.

For even more ways to bring your gnomes to life, you can follow the basic tutorial at the bottom of this post or explore the Gnome Books in the shop.

These detailed guides feature fun designs, including gnome bunnies, chefs, witches, mummies, and ghosts. Each ebook includes over 19 pages of full-color photos, step-by-step instructions, printable patterns, creative ideas, and helpful tips. You can purchase them individually or bundle and save.

Instructions

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create your own adorable DIY gnomes. Each one is easy to follow, so you’ll have charming gnomes ready to display or gift in no time!

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1 Gnome Pattern

You can grab the free pattern by signing up. I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Print and cut out each pattern piece on regular paper or transfer it to sturdy cardboard for durability.

2 Prepping the Gnome Hat

Cut out the gnome’s hat piece, paying attention to any fabric patterns so the design appears exactly as you want.

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides together. Stitch from the tip of the hat to the brim, then turn it right side out gently, avoiding stretching the fabric.

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3B

3 Creating the Body of the Gnome

Cut out the fabric for the gnome body piece and fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the open side from top to bottom.

Close with a rubber band or clear hair tie. For extra reinforcement, you can wrap with thin wire if desired. Then, carefully turn the body right side out.

Tip: If using a sock, there’s no need to sew the side; just close the bottom while inside out, then turn it right side out.

Next, fill the bottom with pea gravel for weight, then top off with polyester filling until the body is about 3–4 inches tall. Adjust to your preference. The pea gravel helps the gnome stand, and the poly-fil gives shape and fullness. Set aside.

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4B

4 Creating the Gnome Beard and Arms

Style your Beard Grab your faux craft fur and sharp sewing scissors. Work with a single layer of fur at a time and decide how you want it to lie before cutting.

Cut from the back of the fur, focusing on the base so you don’t trim the fur strands. Adjust the length to your liking and gently pull the fur apart after cutting. Trim corners if needed for your preferred beard shape.

Ruth likes to cut 2 additional small triangle to “fill in” any gaps on either side of the beard if necessary.

Making the Arms Cut out the sleeve fabric and lay it right side down. Fold the lengthwise edges into the center so they slightly overlap. Run a bead of hot glue down one side, then press the other side on top to seal. Hold for 10–20 seconds until the glue cools.

Optional: Insert a pipe cleaner inside each arm before gluing to make the arms slightly adjustable. Add a second row of glue inside for extra reinforcement.

5A
5B

5 Assembling the Gnome

Attach the arms Center the sleeve piece around the top closure. Secure to the body with hot glue, dabbing addition glue in spots along the top of the body where needed.

To attach the beard, decide where you want it positioned first. Place each piece one at a time, using small dots of hot glue to tack them in place. Once you’re confident with the placement, add more glue and hold each piece for 10–20 seconds until fully secure.

After that, it’s time to glue on the hat. Tack with little hot glue dots (small amounts) until you are confident about the placement. Then, add the nose.

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6 Hands, Embellishments, and Props

The final step is to add the hands and the finishing touches. Hot glue or hand-sew any embellishments, ribbons, or props onto your gnome. Unleash your creativity and enjoy the process using all the things, such as tiny trims, bows, buttons, patches, and seasonal accessories.

You did it! Adorable, right? I told you these gnomes would steal your heart! Be sure to check out the latest mini gnome crafts printable pattern for even more cute DIY fun.

FAQs

What is the easiest way to make a DIY gnome?

The easiest method is using fabric, faux fur, and a wooden bead with hot glue. My tutorial and free pattern help make the process simple!

What fabric works best for gnome hats and bodies?

I love recycled sweaters the best, but fabric or fleece works great too. All are easy to shape and sturdy enough to hold.

How do you keep gnomes from tipping over?

Fill the bottom with washed pea gravel before stuffing with polyfill to add a bit of weight and stability.

Can I sew instead of hot glue my gnome?

Sewing makes a more durable finished gnome, but using hot glue for trims and attachments is faster and often easier, especially for small pieces.

Where can I get the free pattern?

Sign up and I’ll email the gnome pattern to you.

Tips and Tricks

Cutting Faux Fur Use sharp scissors and cut from the back, focusing on the fabric base instead of the hair. This keeps the beard looking natural and avoids blunt edges.

Fabric Choices Thicker fabrics or recycled sweaters work beautifully for the body, arms, and hat. The extra weight helps hats and arms “stand up,” while sturdier material holds filling better. Avoid loose weaves or very thin fabrics.

Adding Personality Use fabric scraps, combine prints and colors, or add little details like bells, faux flowers, patches, or props. These touches make each gnome unique.

Efficient Cutting If you’re making multiples, cut all your pieces at once. For repeated use, transfer your patterns to rigid cardboard so they’re easier to trace around.

Shaping & Filling Add wire inside hats or arms for flexibility. For stability, Ruth uses pea gravel in the body base, then fills with polyester stuffing to form the shape. Try different materials until you find your favorite.

Creative Mindset Don’t overthink it! These little guys are meant to be fun and joyful, not perfect.

Please comment below on how your DIY gnomes turn out! I’d love to hear from you. Be sure to subscribe or follow me on social media for more inspiration!

Happy crafting!

xo,
Cindy

Did you make a DIY gnome?

I would love to hear all about it! Let me know how it went by leaving a comment below.

Thank you!

About Bloom

Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.

63 comments on “How to Make Easy DIY Gnomes (Free Gnome Pattern & Tutorial)”

  1. I made your gnome using the pattern without enlarging it. It is small but cute! The beard direction is hard for me. Could you explain more how you cut it. Pieces…?

    Reply

    1. Hi there! It sounds like you may have made the mini gnome? There is also a regular size gnome in the pattern library that is about 8 inches tall.
      For the beard, it may help to reference the photos in the post or the PDF pattern. Work with a single layer of fur at a time and decide how you want it to lie before cutting. Cut from the back of the fur, focusing on the base so you don’t trim the fur strands. Adjust the length to your liking and gently pull the fur apart after cutting. It’s really about trimming it to your preference. 🙂 Trim corners if needed for your preferred beard shape.

      Reply

    1. Oh I am so glad Kathleen! For the regular size gnome, a 3/4 inch round wooden ball works great. Check out the materials list in this post and I link to one on Amazon.com. Have fun!

      Reply

    1. Linda, I added you to the subscriber list this weekend. You should have received an email with free library login info. 🙂 (FYI for others: bebraveandbloom.com/resources/subscribe)

      Reply

  6. I am excited to try a few of the Gnomes. I want to make them for a birthday centerpiece, so I would like one arm to be raised to hold 6 tiny “Ballons” held by 20-gauge wire. Is there a suggestion you can give me to allow the arm to be strong enough to be raised enough and yet hold the weight of six 0.8″ Styrofoam balls held by six 20-gauge wires each about 7″ in length?

    Reply

    1. Hi Karen, That sounds cute! It might be fine with just a stiff wire through the arm. Or you could try using a stiff wire or a wooden dowel, then try to brace it by inserting the lower end into the body? Let me know how it goes! Good luck!

      Reply

  7. I’m just to step two:

    Just confirming that the body is sewn on the long side from top to bottom. Then you use a rubber band or clear hair tie to secure the bottom. Wire can also be added.

    Does this provide a secure enough way to keep the beads, pellets, rice and batting inside?

    Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Hi Diana, yes, sew the body down the long side. Then turn. Close up the bottom of the body with a rubber band or clear hair tie. Since you only have two hands the hair tie is a great way to cinch it in place. Then for reinforcement, wrap again with a wire if desired.😃 Have fun!

      Reply

  9. I think I might make one for each holiday and give them as gift set next Christmas. Wish I had found this page sooner. Can’t wait to get started on this project. Thank you

    Reply

  11. Can’t wait to repurpose some of my Mom’s clothes into these adorable gnomes that I want to use as memory gifts for the grand kids! Thanks!!

    Reply

  15. Just think gnomes are wonderful and would love to make some.
    Many thanks
    Barbara Gibbons
    Scotland UK

    Reply

    1. Hi Lexy, You can print it at a larger size or enlarge it on a copier, then tape it together. You can also just eyeball it and draw it with a ruler. They are very simple shapes. Make one gnome to see how you like the size. Then tweak it to create the shape you like best. Enjoy! 😃

      Reply

  22. Ciao, io sono già iscritta alla newsletter ma non riesco ad avere il modello gratuito del gnomo, come posso fare?
    Se c era una password da qualche parte, non ce l’ho più, me la puoi rimandare?
    Grazie mille

    Reply

    1. Hi Carolyn, Ruth uses 100% wool in most of the gnome’s hats. She says when washed, wool rarely unravels, but it may depend on the weave too. If you are not using natural fibers, you may need to run a stitch around the edge of the hat or hem it. Good luck!

      Reply

  24. I tried this pattern, not the easiest pattern to follow as the visuals were separate from the actual word instruction, which made it frustrating. I did find that not having the pattern to size was upsetting. I had to spend time blowing up and shrinking the image just to get it to the correct size, so not worth the time. I just ended up making a cone shape close to the measurements and it was okay. In the end it was free so that is nice, but next time I recommend putting the pictures with the word instructions, and making the pattern pieces to actual size, even if it means I glue pages together, I am okay with that.

    Reply

    1. I’m sorry you had such a hard time. Thanks for the feedback, I will try to incorporate those ideas in the future. I do create this blog all by myself and basically, for free, and do the best I can.

      Reply

  25. I’ve been waiting on some of the materials. I’m looking forward to making these little guys. Thank you so much for sharing and explaining.

    Reply

  26. Hi,
    Thank you for sharing your sweet gnome pattern and knowledge! I’m having a really hard time understanding the arms, and chenille stem! Do you put the stem through the arms first, and then twist it on? If you twist on the wire,then add the arms(which are one continuous piece, right?), then how is the wire getting into the arms, to be able to position them?
    I’m probably totally missing something here, but I was hoping that maybe you could explain it differently? Idk, I really want to make some, but keep getting stuck on that step.
    Thank you!
    Julie

    Reply

    1. Hi Julie! You can really do it one of 2 ways. The directions in this post do not use a wire within the sleeve. It is just one wire that is used to close the top of the body and also twist the wire’s ends around the center of the sleeve piece to hold it on. You could also use an additional wire inside the sleeve though! Up to you. Hope that helps!

      Reply

    1. Hi Julia, You’ll want to enlarge it to those approximate measures. (It would not fit on a printed sheet) Use your preferred size, but this is what is in the picture.

      Reply

    1. Hi Bev, It depends on your fabric weight. Pipe cleaners or approximately 18 gauge wire or thicker should work well. I would suggest using wire that is thick enough to hold things in place but flexible enough to bend easily. I hope you enjoy the project!

      Reply

  29. A few questions, for the nose, couldn’t you use a little wooden ball and just glue it on? And, the wire doesn’t rundown the length of the arms, it’s just twisted around the center to attach them, or it , since the arms are one piece, correct? Couldn’t you just hot glue the arms on? Thank you! I’m planning on making some Easter gnomes!

    Reply

    1. Hi Pat, Yes, a wooden ball for the nose works great! Ruth does do all wood noses now instead. (I need to update the photo steps!) For the arms, correct, it just wraps around the center so that it is completely hidden. Yes, the arms are one piece. You could certainly test the hot glue for the arms, but the glue may melt some fabrics or not hold the weight. Please let me know if your ideas work? Enjoy the project!

      Reply

      1. Hi Cindy! I have been making Easter gnomes! I did use wooden beads for the nose. They look good! For the arms, I cut 2 out of leftover sock (I’m using socks for my gnomes). For each arm I run a line of hot glue down one side of the arm fabric, roll it so the glue hits around halfway down the length, then put glue on the other long edge and finish rolling. To attach the arms, I put hot glue on the end of an arm, then attach it to the body. I’d love to show you pics, but there’s no where to post them.

        Reply

        1. Hi Pat! That’s so awesome. I would love to see them! If you have an Instagram or Facebook account you could upload your photo to your account, and then tag me on your photo? (@bebraveandbloom) Thanks for sharing this with me!

          Reply

  30. Oh my fabulous fanny these are adorable. I was just browsing pinterest looking for instant pot dishes and these little cuties came up. I will be making some for my mum and auntie for v-day. I can’t wait to go out tomorrow hunting for cute sweaters or scarves at the local charity shoppes. You are a genius! Hugs

    Reply

    1. Bre, Oh my gosh. Thank you so much! You made my day! I am thrilled you are going to make some. Please let me know how they turn out!

      Reply

  31. Toooooo Cute!!!! Love each one they look hard to make, gonna give making one today!!! Thank You ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

    Reply

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