The Jolly Jingle Gnome: A Free Crochet Candy Cane Holder Ornament Pattern

Bring a touch of whimsy to your holiday tree with this adorable crochet gnome that doubles as a candy cane holder. His fluffy beard, striped hat, and jaunty angle are sure to become a cherished handmade tradition. This amigurumi project is perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, and the finished ornament makes a wonderful gift or festive addition to your own home. Let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses simple materials and is highly portable—perfect for crafting by the fire or on the go.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  • Red (for the hat)
  • White (for the beard and hat brim)
  • Cream (for the head and body)
  • Small amount of black (for eyes, if embroidering)
  • Small amount of pink (for the nose)
• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
• Other Supplies: Stitch marker, yarn needle, stuffing (polyester fiberfill), scissors

Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight tension to prevent stuffing from showing. If your stitches are loose, consider using a smaller hook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds. Let's break it down into manageable sections.

Head & Body (Worked as One Piece)

We'll start with the head and body, which are crocheted as a single piece to create a seamless, rounded shape.

1. Round 1: With cream yarn, make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
3. Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* around. (18)
4. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* around. (24)
5. Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* around. (30)
6. Rounds 6-10: Sc in each st around. (30) — This creates the sides of the head.
7. Round 11: *Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog* around. (24) — Begin decreasing to shape the top of the head.
8. Round 12: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog* around. (18)
9. Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill. Make sure it's well-packed but not so tight that it distorts the shape.
10. Round 13: *Sc in next st, sc2tog* around. (12)
11. Round 14: Sc2tog around. (6)
12. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through a yarn needle, weave through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Nose

The nose is a small, simple sphere that gives the gnome his charming character.

1. With pink yarn, make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Position the nose on the face, centered between the eyes (if adding eyes) or about 4 rounds down from the top of the head. Sew it on securely.

Beard

The beard is worked in rows to create a triangular shape that frames the face beautifully.

1. With white yarn, attach yarn to the bottom of the face (around round 10 of the head).
2. Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 5 sts, turn. (6)
3. Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (6)
4. Row 3: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog, turn. (4)
5. Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (4)
6. Row 5: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc2tog, turn. (2)
7. Row 6: Ch 1, sc2tog. (1)
8. Fasten off. This creates a triangular beard shape. For a fuller, fluffier look, you can add a few extra rows of sc around the edges of the beard.

Hat

The hat is crocheted from the brim up, then folded over for that classic gnome look.

1. With red yarn, make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
3. Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* around. (18)
4. Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* around. (24)
5. Rounds 5-8: Sc in each st around. (24) — This is the base of the hat.
6. Round 9: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog* around. (18) — Begin tapering the hat.
7. Rounds 10-11: Sc in each st around. (18)
8. Round 12: *Sc in next st, sc2tog* around. (12)
9. Rounds 13-14: Sc in each st around. (12)
10. Round 15: Sc2tog around. (6)
11. Rounds 16-18: Sc in each st around. (6) — This forms the tip of the hat.
12. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Fold the hat over to one side and sew the tip down to the side of the hat to create a jaunty angle. Sew the hat onto the head, covering the top of the head and slightly overlapping the top of the beard.

Hat Brim

The brim adds a cozy, finished look to the hat and helps it sit nicely on the head.

1. With white yarn, attach yarn to the bottom edge of the hat (where it meets the head).
2. Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each st around the edge, join with sl st. (24)
3. Round 2: Ch 1, *2 sc in next st, sc in next st* around, join with sl st. (36)
4. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Candy Cane Holder Loop

This clever loop on the back of the gnome's head is what makes him a functional candy cane holder.

1. On the back of the gnome's head, attach white yarn.
2. Ch 12, sl st to the same spot to form a loop.
3. Fasten off and weave in ends. This loop will hold the candy cane.

Assembly & Finishing Touches

Now it's time to bring your gnome to life!

1. Sew the nose onto the face, centered and about 4 rounds down from the top of the head.
2. Embroider the eyes with black yarn, or attach safety eyes before stuffing the head (if using safety eyes, do this during the head assembly). For embroidered eyes, make small French knots or a few straight stitches just above the nose.
3. Weave in all ends securely to ensure your ornament is durable.
4. To use as a candy cane holder, simply slide a candy cane through the loop on the back of the gnome. The gnome will appear to be carrying the candy cane over his shoulder—a delightful and festive touch!

And there you have it—your very own Jolly Jingle Gnome! This charming ornament is perfect for gifting, decorating your tree, or adding a handmade touch to a holiday gift wrap. The pattern is quick to work up, and the result is a soft, huggable friend that will bring smiles for years to come. Happy crocheting, and have a wonderfully jolly holiday season!