Crafting DIY Fall Gnomes: A Step-by-Step Guide (Free Pattern)

With the vibrant colors of autumn beginning to paint the world, it’s the perfect time to infuse your space with the cozy magic of the season. Why not combine the rustic charm of garden gnomes with the enchanting spirit of fall to create your very own DIY Fall Gnome? This delightful project captures the essence of autumn and makes for a wonderful addition to your seasonal decor. Join us as we take you through the steps of crafting your own charming fall-themed gnome.

So, gather your materials and embark on a crafting journey that will fill your home with the warm spirit of fall!

Gathering Supplies to Make Your Own Gnomes

Materials needed:

• Pantyhose 3 x 5cm x 5cm squares- Natural.
• 3 x silicone bands
• Fibre fill
• One 3.5cm polystyrene egg- cut in half for the feet.
• One 110cm Foam cone for the body.
• 1 x pipe cleaner (Chenille stick)–Either the same colour as your hat or lighter.
• 2 x 6cm length dowels for the legs

Material:

• Yellow felt 30cm x 20cm
• Dark Brown felt 30cm x 35cm
• Fur for the beard –Ginger- 18cm x 8cm
• Flowers, trim and decorations of your choice.

Tools Needed:

• Hot glue gun/glue
• Scissors
• Craft Knife

Instructions:

Hands/ nose and arms:

1. Use a square of pantyhose and push some fibre fill in the middle to form a ball shape. Wrap, and then twist around a small silicone band.
2. Make 2 hands and 1 nose (the nose should be bigger)
3. Glue a hand onto the arm, in the middle of the front. Make sure the silicone band isn’t seen from the opposite side.
4. Glue one side and fold over to halfway.
5. Glue and fold over the other side halfway, so the seam is in the middle.
6. Add your trim now but leave the very top of the arm free of any decoration.
7. Repeat these steps for the other side.

Feet and legs:

1. Cut your polystyrene egg in half to make 2 feet. Use a bread knife or craft knife but be careful not to cut yourself (Adult supervision is advised)
2. Glue his foot/shoe- curved side – onto the top foot material. Take your time and glue all the way over and down to the flat side trying not to get too many wrinkles around the edge. Stop at the edge and then cut off any excess.
3. Glue the foot/shoe, flat side down onto the bottom foot material and cut off any excess.
4. Add your trim around the edge now remembering to have the join on the side.
5. Glue the leg cover onto the middle of the dowel. You should have a bit of dowel sticking out on each end still.
6. Work out where the leg should go into the foot, remembering the balance –so not too far back or too far forward.
7. Make a hole in the foot, add some glue and push in the leg. Angle the leg towards the inside-where the trim is joined.
8. Repeat the steps for the other foot/shoe. You should end up with the leg and trim joins facing the inside and the legs on an angle towards each other-legs will be opposites and legs should be leaning in towards each other
9. Stand both feet in front of you with the narrower end facing you and both legs angling towards each other.
10. Add some glue to the side of one foot and push the legs together. This will help him stand better.

The Body:

1. Glue the large circle onto the base of the foam cone. There will be excess material all the way around.
2. Snip the extra material all the way around so that it will fold upwards neatly.
3. Glue the extra material upwards and onto to the body of the cone-be as neat as you can.
4. Glue on the front cover.
5. Fold over the lapel on each side and lightly glue them down.
6. Work out where you want the coat to go (With the front cover in the middle) try and have a bit of the coat hanging down below the body, however this isn’t essential.
7. Glue on the coat.

Nose and Beard:

1. Decide where you want his nose but preferably is should go around the top of the coat area and in the middle.
2. Glue the beard/fur up and around the nose.

Legs and arms on:

1. With the front of the legs and feet in front of you, add a little bit of paint –or something similar- to the top of the leg dowels.
2. Position the body on top of the legs and push down lightly transferring the paint to the body.
3. Make holes where the marks are (angle them inwards) add some glue in the holes and push in the legs-you may have to play around with the legs and body to get him to stand nicely.
4. Glue the arms onto each side with the very end of the arm at the top in line with the top of the beard.

Hat, moustache, decoration and hair:

1. If you have some fur scraps, you can add the moustache by cutting them about 1cm x 1.5cm- remembering which way the fur runs. This is optional.
2. Glue each piece in half.
3. The nose will be moveable so have a play around and work out if you want your moustache to stick out to the sides or downwards.
4. Add some glue under the nose and push in the fur pieces. Hold the nose down while it dries.
5. Then add a bit of glue to the top of the nose as well.
6. Glue the hair on around the top of the head area if you are adding hair.
7. Put the hat on and play around with how you want it to look.
8. With the hat seam at the back add some glue over the top of the nose and pull the hat partly over the nose.
9. Then add more glue around the sides and stick on the hat.
10. Finish with the hat being glued at the back-add glue at the back of the head on the cone peak top under the hat and make sure the hat is stuck where the pipe cleaner is to stabilize it to the body.
11. Now is the fun bit-Decorate your gnome like there’s no tomorrow and give him some character!

Congratulations on Your Whimsical Fall Gnome!

Your DIY Fall Gnome is now ready to bring the charm of autumn into your home! Feel free to get creative and add additional fall-themed accessories like tiny pumpkins, leaves, or a rustic lantern.

Free Pattern Download

If you’re eager to get started, I have a special offer for you. You can download the detailed written instructions along with the pattern for free, allowing you to have them handy as you embark on your gnome-making adventure. Simply click the link below to access your free instructions and begin crafting your own gnome masterpiece.

For those who prefer a more immersive learning experience, I’ve also created a comprehensive video tutorial that guides you through each step in detail. The video provides visual demonstrations and additional tips to ensure your gnome turns out just the way you envision. You can download the video tutorial below for a one-time fee of $7.99 USD.

Conclusion

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, your Fall Gnome will stand as a little testament to the beauty of the season.

Thank’s for joining me crafting this cute little guy. Happy gnome-making and happy fall! 🍁🍂

Where to Find Materials and Tools

USA:

Hobby Lobby (www.hobbylobby.com): Hobby Lobby is a popular arts and crafts retailer offering a wide range of supplies for gnome making, including fabrics, felting materials, faux fur, and craft accessories.

Joann (www.joann.com): Joann is another well-known craft store that carries an extensive selection of materials for gnome crafting, such as felt, faux fur, pom-poms, and trims.

Canada:

DeSerres (www.deserres.ca): DeSerres is a leading art supply store in Canada, offering a variety of materials for gnome making, including felt, yarn, stuffing, and decorative accessories.

Michaels Canada (www.michaels.ca): Michaels also has a presence in Canada, providing a wide range of craft supplies suitable for gnome crafting, such as fabrics, felting kits, and embellishments.

UK:

Hobbycraft (www.hobbycraft.co.uk): Hobbycraft is a popular arts and crafts retailer in the UK, offering a comprehensive selection of supplies for gnome making, including felt, sewing notions, faux fur, and decorations.

The Range (www.therange.co.uk): The Range is a home and leisure retailer that carries various crafting materials, including fabrics, trims, yarns, and accessories suitable for creating gnomes.

Australia:

Spotlight (www.spotlightstores.com/au): Spotlight is a well-known craft and fabric store in Australia. They offer a range of supplies for gnome crafting, such as felt, sewing notions, faux fur, and decorative elements.

Riot Art & Craft (www.riotstores.com.au): Riot Art & Craft is a popular art supply store that stocks materials for various crafts, including gnome making. They offer items like felting kits, felt sheets, yarn, and embellishments.

New Zealand:

Spotlight (www.spotlightstores.com/nz): Spotlight also has stores in New Zealand, providing a range of crafting supplies suitable for gnome making, including felt, faux fur, sewing notions, and decorations.

The Warehouse (www.thewarehouse.co.nz): The Warehouse is a general merchandise retailer that offers a selection of craft supplies, including fabrics, trims, and other materials that can be used for gnome crafting.