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

Hey there, crafty friend! Looking for an easy but adorable DIY project to brighten up your home this spring? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to make your very own DIY gnomes. These little fellas are the perfect whimsical touch to add some character to any indoor space. The best part is you can customize them to match your own unique style.

Whether you prefer a more rustic, woodsy vibe or bright, whimsical colors, you can create gnomes that complement your home’s theme.

So gather up some basic supplies, find a comfy spot inside, and get ready for some fun. By the time you’re finished, you’ll have a set of new miniature friends to watch over your home all season long.

Gathering Supplies to Make Your Own Gnomes

Materials Needed:

• A piece of felt of material of your choice 63.5cm x 18cm
• 1 x foam polystyrene egg 50mm
• 1 x deco-foam (round) polystyrene shape 50mm
• Small bag of hobby fill – a handful needed
• 1 x pipe cleaner – optional
• Scrap material for the soles of the shoes 2 x 5cm x 5.7cm squares
• Trim 1/2 meter or more depending on where you will use it
• 4 x silicone bands (little rubber bands)
• A small amount of faux fur – your choice of color

Tools Needed:

• Pair of scissors
• Needle and thread
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Craft knife

DIY Gnomes – Instructions

Cut out your paper pattern (If you want to make any adjustments i.e. shorter  peak, do this now)

Cut the pattern out of the fabric of your choice ( make sure it’s a no-fray material- a soft felt is recommended)

Nose and Hands:

• Cut three pieces of pantyhose (single thickness).
• Take the first piece and fill it with hobby fill. Finish with a silicone band.
• Repeat the process, making the nose slightly bigger.

Hat:

• Glue along the long edge of the hat and fold the opposite side over. Hold for a few seconds. You can do this in two steps.
• Softly stretch the bottom edge of the peak (where the head goes) so that it flares out slightly.
• Fold the brim circle in half and make a small snip in the middle. Unfold, turn and fold, and snip again, making a small cross in the center.
• Position the peak onto the brim and glue. Take your time as this can be fiddly.
• Carefully stretch the brim so that it looks wavy and has more character.

Body:

• Hold the large polystyrene ball on the fabric. Ensure there is more fabric on one side than the other.
• Put a little glue on the fabric where the middle of the ball will be stuck. Fold it around and stick it down. Fold the rest of the material around and glue at the middle, making sure the edges at the top and bottom are even. Then, glue down the join edge.
• On the shorter end, sew a running stitch close to the edge. Put some glue in a circle on the inside, then pull the gathering thread so the fabric sits nicely around the ball. Hold for a few seconds. Finish off the sewing and cut the thread.
• Take the very small circle (from the pattern) and glue this over the gathering/hole to tidy it up.
• At the other end, glue the top of the ball and ease up the fabric until it is together. Twist it and wind a silicone band around to finish it off. This end will go inside the hat.

Arms:

• Take a hand (already made) and trim off excess pantyhose, leaving a little bit at the end.
• Put a small amount of glue at the front, in the middle of the triangle, and place the hand there, making sure the silicone band won’t be seen on the other side.
• Glue each side and fold the triangle so that it looks like a sleeve.
• Repeat for the other arm.

Shoes:

• Cut the egg in half length-wise so that you have two shoes.
• Hold the half egg on the fabric with the curved side up next to the fabric. Position it to make sure you have enough fabric on all sides.
• Glue the felt on the top, then push the fabric down and around, easing in the material and trying not to have too many bumps on the sides. Some bumps are okay.
• Repeat at the back and then the sides. Make sure the fabric goes all the way to the edge.
• Trim off the excess material.
• Find a bit of scrap material to use for the sole and glue each shoe down. Then trim off the excess.

Beard and Nose:

• Decide where you want the nose to be.
• Cut off the excess pantyhose behind the silicone band leaving a small bit to glue down with, then glue it on.
• The seam on the body should be on the side for the arm to cover.
• Cut your beard out of the fur fabric. 4cm x 4cm.
• Trim into a V shape but make sure the fur is running down towards the pointy end.
• Make a small snip at the top. Put some glue around the nose and pull the beard up and around the nose.
• Glue the rest of the beard down.

Shoes on:

• Place your feet together in front of you, making sure you have the narrow ends pointing towards you and the rounder end facing away.
• Sit the body on top to get an idea of where the glue needs to be added (don’t put the body on too far back; think of the balance).
• Put some glue on the body where you think the shoe needs to go and hold for a few seconds. Then repeat for the other side.

Hands and Arms on:

• Take the made-up arms and glue them, one on each side. On one side, you will cover the body join. Check to make sure the arms look even before gluing.

Put on the hat:

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• Before filling the hat with hobby fill, bend a similar color pipe cleaner in half and twist it together (optional step; allows the hat to be manipulated).
• Push the pipe cleaner up to the top of the hat and glue it at the base on the seam if you have decided to do this step.
• Fill the hat with hobby fill, either firm or loosely, depending on your preference. Make sure you have enough room in the hat for the excess material on the top of the body.
• Place the hat on your gnome, ensuring the seam is at the back.
• Hold the hat down and start in the front. Lift up the brim and glue the hat down. Continue to glue the hat down, making sure it’s pulled down at the back.

Congratulations! This completes the making of your basic gnome.

Free Pattern Download

If you’re eager to get started, I have a special offer for you. You can download the detailed written instructions 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 once-off $9.99.

Whether you choose the written instructions or the video tutorial, I’m confident that you’ll find joy in the process of creating your very own handmade gnome. So let your creativity flourish, gather your materials, and let’s get gnome-making!

Conclusion

Creating your own handmade gnome can be a delightful and rewarding experience. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you’ll be able to craft a charming gnome that adds a touch of whimsy to your space.

But why stop at just one gnome? Let your imagination run wild and experiment with different colors, patterns, and accessories to create a whole gnome family! Personalize them to reflect your unique style and make your home truly enchanting.

Happy crafting, and may your garden be filled with the whimsical charm of your handmade gnomes.

Supplies are available at the following stores

1. USA:
   • Felt material: Michaels (https://www.michaels.com/)
   • Foam polystyrene egg: Joann (https://www.joann.com/)
   • Decofoam polystyrene shape: Walmart (https://www.walmart.com/)
   • Hobby fill: Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/)
   • Pipe cleaner: Michaels (https://www.michaels.com/)
   • Scrap material: Fabric.com (https://www.fabric.com/)
   • Trim: Joann (https://www.joann.com/)
   • Silicone bands: Walmart (https://www.walmart.com/)
   • Faux fur: Joann (https://www.joann.com/)
   • Tools:
     • Scissors: Michaels (https://www.michaels.com/)
     • Needle and thread: Joann (https://www.joann.com/)
     • Hot glue gun and glue: Michaels (https://www.michaels.com/)
2. Canada:
   • Felt material: Michaels (https://canada.michaels.com/)
   • Foam polystyrene egg: Walmart Canada (https://www.walmart.ca/)
   • Decofoam polystyrene shape: Michaels (https://canada.michaels.com/)
   • Hobby fill: Amazon.ca (https://www.amazon.ca/)
   • Pipe cleaner: Walmart Canada (https://www.walmart.ca/)
   • Scrap material: Fabricville (https://fabricville.com/)
   • Trim: Fabricland (https://fabricland.ca/)
   • Silicone bands: Walmart Canada (https://www.walmart.ca/)
   • Faux fur: Fabricland (https://fabricland.ca/)
   • Tools:
     • Scissors: Michaels (https://canada.michaels.com/)
     • Needle and thread: Fabricville (https://fabricville.com/)
     • Hot glue gun and glue: Michaels (https://canada.michaels.com/)
3. Australia:
   • Felt material: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/)
   • Foam polystyrene egg: Riot Art & Craft (https://riotstores.com.au/)
   • Decofoam polystyrene shape: Lincraft (https://www.lincraft.com.au/)
   • Hobby fill: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/)
   • Pipe cleaner: Riot Art & Craft (https://riotstores.com.au/)
   • Scrap material: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/)
   • Trim: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/)
   • Silicone bands: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/)
   • Faux fur: Lincraft (https://www.lincraft.com.au/)
   • Tools:
     • Scissors: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/)
     • Needle and thread: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/)
     • Hot glue gun and glue: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/)
4. New Zealand:
   • Felt material: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/nz)
   • Foam polystyrene egg: Warehouse Stationery (https://www.warehousestationery.co.nz/)
   • Decofoam polystyrene shape: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/nz)
   • Hobby fill: Spotlight (https://www.spotlightstores.com/nz)
   • Pipe cleaner: The Warehouse (https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/)