The Jolly Gnome Stocking Free Pattern – A Whimsical Nordic Knit

Bring a touch of Scandinavian charm to your mantel this holiday season with the Jolly Gnome Stocking. This adorable, heirloom-quality stocking features a classic Nordic colorwork pattern in rich crimson red, ivory cream, and pine green, topped with a fluffy crocheted bobble trim that mimics a gnome's hat brim. Whether you're an experienced knitter looking for a festive project or a brave beginner ready for a challenge, this pattern will guide you through creating a cozy, whimsical piece that will be treasured for years to come. Let's get started on this magical knitting adventure!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Red (approx. 250 yards) – for the main body
  • Cream (approx. 100 yards) – for the cuff and colorwork
  • Forest Green (approx. 50 yards) – for the bobble trim and hanging loop
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles – straight or circular (for magic loop method)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch holder or waste yarn, crochet hook (for bobble trim and loop)
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (important for correct sizing!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat from the cuff down, then seamed. The colorwork is simple and repetitive, making it a great introduction to stranded knitting. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful gnome stocking in no time!

Stocking Body (Worked Flat, Then Seamed)

Cuff

1. With cream yarn, cast on 48 stitches.
2. Rows 1-8: Work in k1, p1 ribbing (knit 1, purl 1) across each row. This creates a stretchy, snug cuff.
3. Switch to red yarn. You're now ready to start the leg of the stocking.

Leg (Colorwork Section)

Now we'll work the festive Nordic pattern. You'll be carrying the cream yarn behind the red as you knit. Remember to keep your floats (the carried yarn) loose to avoid puckering.

1. Rows 9-40: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) with red yarn, incorporating the following colorwork pattern:
   • Row 9 (RS): *Knit 6 red, 2 cream; repeat from * to end of row.
   • Row 10 (WS): *Purl 2 cream, 6 red; repeat from * to end of row.
   • Rows 11-12: Knit all stitches with red yarn.
   • Row 13 (RS): *Knit 2 red, 4 cream, 2 red; repeat from * to end of row.
   • Row 14 (WS): *Purl 2 red, 4 cream, 2 red; repeat from * to end of row.
   • Rows 15-16: Knit all stitches with red yarn.
2. Repeat rows 9-16 for a total of 4 repeats (this equals 32 rows of colorwork).
3. After completing the colorwork, work 8 more rows in red stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS).

Heel Flap

The heel is worked back and forth over the first 24 stitches only. The remaining 24 stitches will be placed on a holder for the instep (top of the foot).

1. Slip the last 24 stitches onto a stitch holder or waste yarn. You will work on the first 24 stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): Slip 1 stitch purlwise, knit the remaining 23 stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1 stitch purlwise, purl the remaining 23 stitches.
4. Repeat these 2 rows 6 more times (14 rows total for the heel flap). The slipped stitches create a strong, reinforced edge.

Turning the Heel

This technique shapes the bottom of the heel. Follow the short-row instructions carefully.

1. Row 1 (RS): Knit 14 stitches, k2tog (knit 2 together), k1, turn your work.
2. Row 2 (WS): Slip 1 stitch purlwise, purl 5, p2tog (purl 2 together), p1, turn.
3. Row 3 (RS): Slip 1 stitch purlwise, knit 6, k2tog, k1, turn.
4. Row 4 (WS): Slip 1 stitch purlwise, purl 7, p2tog, p1, turn.
5. Continue in this manner, working one more stitch before the decrease each row. This means on the next RS row you'll knit 8 before the k2tog, and on the next WS row you'll purl 9 before the p2tog, and so on.
6. Keep going until all heel stitches have been worked. You should now have 16 stitches remaining on your needle.

Gusset (Shaping the Ankle)

Now we'll pick up stitches along the heel flap to create the gusset, which shapes the ankle area.

1. With your right side facing, pick up and knit 12 stitches along the left side of the heel flap.
2. Knit across the 24 instep stitches from your holder.
3. Pick up and knit 12 stitches along the right side of the heel flap.
4. You should now have 64 stitches total (16 heel + 12 left + 24 instep + 12 right).
5. If using a circular needle, join to work in the round. If using straight needles, continue working flat and seam later.
6. Decrease round: Knit to 3 stitches before the instep, k2tog, k1, knit across the 24 instep stitches, k1, ssk (slip, slip, knit – a left-leaning decrease), knit to end of round.
7. Repeat this decrease round every other round until you have 48 stitches remaining. This reduces the gusset back to the original stocking width.

Foot

1. Work even in stockinette stitch (knit every round if working in the round, or knit on RS/purl on WS if working flat) until the foot measures 6 inches from the heel, or your desired length. For a standard stocking, 6 inches is a good starting point.

Toe Shaping

Time to shape the toe with a series of decreases.

1. Decrease round: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round (40 stitches).
2. Next round: Knit all stitches.
3. Decrease round: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round (32 stitches).
4. Next round: Knit all stitches.
5. Decrease round: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round (24 stitches).
6. Next round: Knit all stitches.
7. Decrease round: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end of round (16 stitches).
8. Next round: *K2tog; repeat from * to end of round (8 stitches).
9. Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, slide it through the remaining 8 stitches, and pull tight to close the toe. Secure with a knot.

Finishing Touches

1. Seaming: If you worked the stocking flat, use your tapestry needle and the mattress stitch to seam the back and bottom of the stocking. Weave in all loose ends.
2. Bobble Trim: With your forest green yarn and crochet hook, create a chain long enough to fit around the entire cuff edge. Work 1 single crochet (sc) in each chain. In the next row, work 3 double crochets (dc) into each single crochet, with a slip stitch between each group. This creates a fluffy, bobbled edge. Attach this trim to the top edge of the cuff with a slip stitch or by sewing it on with a tapestry needle.
3. Hanging Loop: With green yarn, crochet a chain of 20 stitches. Slip stitch the ends together to form a loop. Attach the loop securely to the top corner of the stocking (the heel side is best for balance).
4. Final Weave: Weave in any remaining ends with your tapestry needle. Give your stocking a gentle block if desired to even out the stitches.

Congratulations! You've just created a stunning Jolly Gnome Stocking that will bring Nordic charm to your holiday decor for years to come. This whimsical piece also makes a thoughtful, handmade gift for loved ones. Happy knitting, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and joy!