Mossy Glen Gnome Ornament Free Pattern – Knit a Whimsical Woodland Keepsake

Bring a Touch of Forest Magic to Your Holidays: The Mossy Glen Gnome Ornament

Are you looking for a quick, charming, and deeply satisfying knitting project? Look no further than the Mossy Glen Gnome Ornament. This adorable little fellow, with his forest green pointed hat, fluffy cream beard, and rust-orange nose, is the perfect way to add a cozy, woodland-inspired accent to your Christmas tree, gift packages, or even a sunny windowsill. This pattern is wonderfully beginner-friendly, using only basic knit stitches, increases, and decreases to create a plump, whimsical keepsake. In just an evening, you can knit a little piece of forest magic that will be treasured for years to come. Let's get started!

Materials Needed: Your Gnome-Making Kit

Before you begin your journey into the glen, gather these simple supplies. This project is perfect for using up small amounts of yarn from your stash.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Forest Green (for the hat)
  • Cream (for the body and beard)
  • Rust Orange (for the nose)
• Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles (or a circular needle for the magic loop method).
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembly, polyester fiberfill stuffing, and a stitch marker.

Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but you should aim for a tight, firm fabric. This will prevent the stuffing from showing through and give your gnome a nice, plump shape.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Knitting Your Gnome

Follow these detailed instructions to bring your gnome to life. We'll knit the pieces in the round and flat, then assemble them.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
• M1: Make one (increase). Lift the bar between stitches onto the left needle and knit into the back of it.
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Part 1: The Hat (Knit in the Round)

We'll start with the gnome's iconic pointed hat. Using your forest green yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Divide these stitches evenly among your double-pointed needles (or use the magic loop method). Join to work in the round, being very careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

1. Round 1: Knit all stitches. (6 sts)
2. Round 2: M1, knit to end of round. (12 sts)
3. Round 3: Knit all stitches. (12 sts)
4. Round 4: M1, knit to end of round. (18 sts)
5. Round 5: Knit all stitches. (18 sts)
6. Round 6: M1, knit to end of round. (24 sts)
7. Rounds 7-10: Knit all stitches for four rounds. (24 sts)
8. Round 11: K2tog, knit to end of round. (18 sts)
9. Round 12: Knit all stitches. (18 sts)
10. Round 13: K2tog, knit to end of round. (12 sts)
11. Round 14: Knit all stitches. (12 sts)
12. Round 15: K2tog, knit to end of round. (6 sts)

Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, slide it through the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to close the top of the hat. Weave in the end securely. Gently fold the brim of the hat up slightly to create a cute, rolled edge.

Part 2: The Body (Knit in the Round)

Now, we'll create the gnome's plump body. Switch to your cream yarn. Cast on 6 stitches and join to work in the round as you did for the hat, placing a marker.

1. Round 1: M1, knit to end of round. (12 sts)
2. Round 2: M1, knit to end of round. (18 sts)
3. Round 3: M1, knit to end of round. (24 sts)
4. Rounds 4-8: Knit all stitches for five rounds. (24 sts)
5. Round 9: K2tog, knit to end of round. (18 sts)
6. Round 10: K2tog, knit to end of round. (12 sts)

Now is the time to stuff your gnome's body firmly with the polyester fiberfill. Make sure it's nice and plump so he holds his shape well.

7. Round 11: K2tog, knit to end of round. (6 sts)

Cut your yarn, leaving a tail. Thread it through the remaining 6 stitches, pull tight, and weave in the end securely.

Part 3: The Nose (Knit Flat)

This little rust-orange nose is knit flat in a simple triangle shape. Using your rust orange yarn, cast on 3 stitches.

1. Row 1: Knit all stitches. (3 sts)
2. Row 2: K1, M1, K1, M1, K1. (5 sts)
3. Row 3: Knit all stitches. (5 sts)
4. Row 4: K2tog, K1, K2tog. (3 sts)
5. Bind off all stitches. Leave a long tail (at least 8 inches) for sewing.

Part 4: Assembly – Bringing Your Gnome to Life

This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps to assemble your gnome.

1. Attach the Nose: Using the long tail from the nose, sew it to the center of the body, positioning it just below where the hat will sit. Weave in the end.
2. Create the Beard: Cut several 4-inch lengths of your cream yarn. The more strands you use, the fluffier the beard. Attach them around the nose using a lark's head knot. To do this, fold a strand in half, insert a crochet hook (or your tapestry needle) through the fabric of the body, pull the folded loop through, and then pass the two yarn ends through the loop. Pull tight. Repeat this around the nose, covering the area below it. Once you're happy with the density, trim the beard to your desired shape.
3. Sew on the Hat: Position the hat on top of the body, slightly angled for a whimsical look. Using the tail from the hat's cast-on edge, sew it securely to the top of the body. Weave in all ends.
4. Add a Hanging Loop: Thread a piece of yarn through the top point of the hat and tie a secure knot to form a loop for hanging.

And there you have it! Your very own Mossy Glen Gnome ornament. This project is so quick and addictive, you might find yourself knitting a whole family of gnomes to adorn your home or give as heartfelt, handmade gifts. Happy knitting!