Scandinavian Gnome Free Crochet Pattern

Quick Snapshot

• Skill Level: Confident beginner
• Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) in red, natural/cream, and gray
• Hook: 3.5 mm (E) or 4.0 mm (G)
• Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle, stitch marker, faux fur or eyelash yarn for beard (optional)
• Finished Size: Approximately 6 inches tall

The Magic of Scandinavian Gnomes

Scandinavian gnomes — known as tomte in Sweden, nisse in Norway, and tonttu in Finland — have guarded homes and barns for centuries. According to folklore, a happy gnome brings good fortune and protects the household. An unhappy one? Let’s just say the milk might sour and the chickens might stop laying.

This crochet pattern brings that folklore to life in squishy amigurumi form. Our gnome features a tall, pointed hat that flops adorably to one side, a round bulbous nose (the only visible facial feature — because classic gnomes have no eyes!), and a lush fluffy beard. Place him on a shelf, mantle, or windowsill and let the hygge vibes flow.

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Materials

• Worsted weight yarn in red (approx. 60 yards) for the hat
• Worsted weight yarn in natural/cream (approx. 30 yards) for the nose
• Worsted weight yarn in gray (approx. 20 yards) for the body
• Faux fur yarn or eyelash yarn in white or cream for the beard (or substitute with brushed-out worsted)
• 3.5 mm (E) crochet hook
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Small amount of rice or poly pellets for weighted bottom (optional but recommended)

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

Abbreviation	Meaning
ch	chain
sc	single crochet
inc	increase (2 sc in same stitch)
dec	invisible decrease (sc2tog)
sl st	slip stitch
hdc	half double crochet
st(s)	stitch(es)
FO	fasten off
MR	magic ring

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The Pattern

Body (make 1 in gray)

The body is a simple weighted cylinder that sits stably on flat surfaces.

Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
Round 2: inc in each st around. (12)
Round 3: [sc 1, inc] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 4: [sc 2, inc] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 5: [sc 3, inc] repeat 6 times. (30)
Round 6: working in BLO (back loops only), sc around. (30)
Round 7–16: sc in each st around. (30 for 10 rounds)

After Round 10, insert a small fabric pouch of poly pellets or rice at the bottom for weight. This prevents tipping. Stuff the remainder firmly with fiberfill.

Round 17: [sc 3, dec] repeat 6 times. (24)
Round 18: [sc 2, dec] repeat 6 times. (18)
Round 19: [sc 1, dec] repeat 6 times. (12)

FO, leaving a long tail for attaching the hat later. Do not close fully — the hat will cover the opening.

Nose (make 1 in cream/natural)

Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
Round 2: inc in each st around. (12)
Round 3–5: sc in each st around. (12 for 3 rounds)
Round 6: dec 6 times. (6)

FO, leaving a tail for sewing. Stuff the nose firmly so it holds a plump round shape. The nose should protrude noticeably — that is the signature gnome look.

Hat (make 1 in red)

Worked from the brim upward to a long tapered point.

Round 1: 6 sc in MR. (6)
Round 2: [sc 1, inc] repeat 3 times. (9)
Round 3: sc in each st around. (9)
Round 4: [sc 2, inc] repeat 3 times. (12)
Round 5: sc in each st around. (12)
Round 6: [sc 3, inc] repeat 3 times. (15)
Round 7: sc in each st around. (15)
Round 8: [sc 4, inc] repeat 3 times. (18)
Round 9: sc in each st around. (18)
Round 10: [sc 5, inc] repeat 3 times. (21)
Round 11: sc in each st around. (21)
Round 12: [sc 6, inc] repeat 3 times. (24)
Round 13: sc in each st around. (24)

Check fit: At this point, the hat brim should fit snugly over the body opening. If it is too loose, work one more increase round. If too tight, frog back one round.

Rounds 14–24: sc in each st around. (24 for 11 rounds)

The hat should now be about 4 inches long. Time to taper to the point.

Round 25: [sc 4, dec] repeat 4 times. (20)
Round 26: sc in each st around. (20)
Round 27: [sc 3, dec] repeat 4 times. (16)
Round 28: sc in each st around. (16)
Round 29: [sc 2, dec] repeat 4 times. (12)
Round 30: sc in each st around. (12)
Round 31: [sc 1, dec] repeat 4 times. (8)
Round 32: sc in each st around. (8)
Round 33: dec 4 times. (4)

FO, close the tip, and weave in the end. The hat should stand about 7–8 inches tall from brim to tip. Do not stuff the hat — it should be hollow so it drapes and flops naturally.

Beard (make 1 in faux fur or eyelash yarn)

If using faux fur yarn, work loosely — this yarn is fluffy and forgiving.

Row 1: Ch 10.
Row 2: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across. (9)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. sc 3, hdc 3, sc 3. (9)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. sc across. (9)

FO, leaving a tail for sewing. If regular worsted weight is all you have, work 12 chain stitches at the cast-on edge and use a pet slicker brush to aggressively brush out the stitches until they fluff into a beard-like texture. This brushing technique works surprisingly well.

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Assembly

1. Attach the nose: Sew the stuffed nose to the front-center of the body, about 1 inch down from the opening.
2. Attach the beard: Position the beard directly below the nose so it hangs down over the body. Sew or glue the top edge in place.
3. Attach the hat: Position the hat over the body opening. The front brim should sit right above the nose. Whipstitch the hat to the body using the tail from the body and the hat brim round.
4. Shape the hat: Gently bend the hat to one side to create the classic floppy gnome silhouette. A few discreet stitches at the bend point can help the hat hold its pose.

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Styling & Variations

• Festive Gnome: Add a tiny jingle bell to the tip of the hat.
• Valentine Gnome: Swap red for hot pink and add a mini crochet heart.
• Farmhouse Gnome: Use oatmeal and charcoal tones, and replace faux fur with a brushed-out wool beard in cream.
• Mini Gnome Set: Halve all stitch counts and use sport-weight yarn for a trio of pocket gnomes.

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