The Cozy Cabin Gnome Ornament: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Miniature Christmas Decoration

Bring a Touch of Woodland Whimsy to Your Tree

This charming little gnome, with his fluffy beard and pointed hat, brings a touch of woodland whimsy to your holiday decor. Knitted in the round with soft, chunky yarn, he's a quick and satisfying project that makes a perfect gift or tree ornament. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a beginner looking for a fun, small project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a textured, miniature Christmas decoration that looks like it came straight from a cozy cabin.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses simple, readily available materials and is perfect for using up small amounts of yarn from your stash.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Red (approx 20 yds)
  • Contrast Color (CC): Cream/White (approx 15 yds)
  • Small amount of black or dark brown yarn for embroidering the eyes.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for the magic loop method, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge.
• Gauge: 5 stitches and 6 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch in the round. Gauge is important for achieving the correct size, but this is a forgiving project.
• Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together, scissors, and stitch markers (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully. The gnome is worked from the bottom up in one piece, and the beard is added separately. All knitting is done in the round unless otherwise stated.

Abbreviations

• k: knit
• k2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• kfb: knit front and back (increase – knit into the front and then the back of the same stitch)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• MC: Main Color (Red)
• CC: Contrast Color (Cream)
• WS: Wrong Side
• RS: Right Side

Gnome Body (Worked in one piece from bottom to top)

Note: The body is worked in the round using double-pointed needles or the magic loop method. Start with the red yarn (MC).

1. Round 1: With MC, cast on 6 stitches using the long-tail method. Divide these 6 stitches evenly onto 3 DPNs (2 stitches per needle). Join in the round, being very careful not to twist the stitches. (6 sts)
2. Round 2: *K1, kfb (knit front and back)*; repeat from * to * around. (9 sts)
3. Round 3: *K2, kfb*; repeat from * to * around. (12 sts)
4. Round 4: *K3, kfb*; repeat from * to * around. (15 sts)
5. Round 5: *K4, kfb*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)
6. Round 6: *K5, kfb*; repeat from * to * around. (21 sts)
7. Round 7: *K6, kfb*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)
8. Rounds 8-12: Knit all stitches. (24 sts) – This creates the body of the gnome.
9. Round 13: *K6, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (21 sts)
10. Round 14: *K5, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)
11. Round 15: *K4, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (15 sts)
12. Round 16: *K3, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 sts)
13. Round 17: *K2, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (9 sts)
14. Round 18: *K1, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (6 sts)
15. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 6 stitches using a tapestry needle and pull tight to close the top of the body. Weave in the end securely.

Beard

Note: The beard is worked flat (back and forth) using the cream/white yarn (CC). Garter stitch is used to create a fluffy, textured look.

1. With CC, cast on 8 stitches.
2. Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (RS): K1, kfb, k4, kfb, k1. (10 sts)
4. Row 3: Purl all stitches.
5. Row 4: K1, kfb, k6, kfb, k1. (12 sts)
6. Row 5: Purl all stitches.
7. Row 6: K1, kfb, k8, kfb, k1. (14 sts)
8. Row 7: Purl all stitches.
9. Row 8: Knit all stitches.
10. Row 9: Purl all stitches.
11. Row 10: Knit all stitches.
12. Row 11: Purl all stitches.
13. Row 12: K1, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k1. (12 sts)
14. Row 13: Purl all stitches.
15. Row 14: K1, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k1. (10 sts)
16. Row 15: Purl all stitches.
17. Row 16: K1, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k1. (8 sts)
18. Row 17: Purl all stitches.
19. Bind off all stitches loosely. Weave in the ends.

Assembly

1. Attach the Beard: Using a tapestry needle and the yarn tails, sew the beard onto the front of the gnome body. Position it so the top of the beard aligns with the top of the body (where the hat will sit). The beard should cover the front of the body completely. Use small, neat stitches along the edges.
2. Embroider the Eyes: Using the black or dark brown yarn, embroider two small French knots or straight stitches for eyes. Position them above the beard, about 1-2 stitches apart, centered on the face.
3. Make the Hat:
   • With MC, cast on 6 stitches.
   • Work in stockinette stitch flat (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 4 rows.
   • Decrease row (RS): K1, k2tog, k1, k2tog. (4 sts)
   • Next row (WS): Purl all stitches.
   • Next row (RS): K2tog twice. (2 sts)
   • Next row (WS): Purl all stitches.
   • Next row (RS): K2tog. (1 st)
   • Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last stitch to secure.
   • Sew the side seam of the hat using the yarn tail, creating a pointed cone shape.
4. Attach the Hat: Position the hat on top of the gnome's head, covering the top edge of the beard. Sew it in place using the yarn tail, stitching around the base of the hat.
5. Create a Hanging Loop: Cut a 6-inch piece of red yarn. Fold it in half to form a loop. Using a tapestry needle, sew the cut ends into the top of the hat (the point). Secure with a few stitches and weave in the ends.
6. Optional Finishing Touch: For extra charm, you can add a small pom-pom to the tip of the hat using the cream yarn.

Your Cozy Cabin Gnome Ornament is now complete! Hang it on your tree, give it as a heartfelt gift, or display it as a cute little decoration. Enjoy your handmade, rustic holiday charm!