The Mossy Glen Gnome: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Woodland Guardian

Introducing the Mossy Glen Gnome: Your New Woodland Guardian

Welcome to a world of whimsy and texture! Today, we're crafting a charming, soft-sculpture gnome that looks like it just wandered out of a storybook. The Mossy Glen Gnome features a deeply textured, bushy beard and a hand-dyed, earthy tunic, making it the perfect companion for your bookshelf, desk, or garden. This pattern is designed for knitters who enjoy simple techniques—working in the round, basic increases and decreases, and a touch of seed stitch—to create a weighted, huggable friend. Whether you're a seasoned amigurumi maker or a beginner looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you step by step to create a unique, textured guardian for your cozy nook.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency will ensure your gnome has a nice, even shape.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in three colors:
  • Color A: Deep moss green (for the beard and hat) – approximately 50 yards
  • Color B: Warm brown (for the tunic) – approximately 30 yards
  • Color C: Cream (for the face) – approximately 20 yards
  • Small amounts of black and pink yarn for embroidery (eyes and nose)
• Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle for the magic loop method. You will also need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembly.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Gauge is not critical, but consistency ensures proper shaping.
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, stitch markers (optional), and scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This gnome is knitted in the round from the top down, with separate pieces for the beard and hat. Follow these detailed steps carefully, and you'll have a lovely gnome in no time.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (decrease)
• m1 = make one (increase) – pick up the bar between stitches and knit it through the back loop
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd(s) = round(s)
• WS = wrong side
• RS = right side

Head & Body (worked in one piece)

We'll start at the top of the head and work down to the bottom of the body. Use Color C (cream) for the head.

1. With Color C, cast on 6 stitches. Distribute these stitches evenly on your DPNs (2 stitches per needle) or prepare your circular needle for magic loop. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Rnd 1: Knit all stitches.
3. Rnd 2 (increase round): *M1, k1* repeat around. You will have 12 stitches.
4. Rnd 3: Knit all stitches.
5. Rnd 4 (increase round): *M1, k2* repeat around. You will have 18 stitches.
6. Rnd 5: Knit all stitches.
7. Rnd 6 (increase round): *M1, k3* repeat around. You will have 24 stitches.
8. Rnd 7: Knit all stitches.
9. Rnd 8 (increase round): *M1, k4* repeat around. You will have 30 stitches.
10. Rnd 9: Knit all stitches.
11. Rnd 10 (increase round): *M1, k5* repeat around. You will have 36 stitches.
12. Rnds 11-15: Knit 5 rounds even. This forms the height of the head.
13. Switch to Color B (brown) for the tunic.
14. Rnds 16-25: Knit 10 rounds even. This is the body of the gnome.
15. Rnd 26 (decrease round): *K2tog, k4* repeat around. You will have 30 stitches.
16. Rnd 27: Knit all stitches.
17. Rnd 28 (decrease round): *K2tog, k3* repeat around. You will have 24 stitches.
18. Rnd 29: Knit all stitches.
19. Rnd 30 (decrease round): *K2tog, k2* repeat around. You will have 18 stitches.
20. Rnd 31: Knit all stitches.
21. Rnd 32 (decrease round): *K2tog, k1* repeat around. You will have 12 stitches.
22. Rnd 33 (decrease round): *K2tog* repeat around. You will have 6 stitches.
23. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the bottom. Weave in the end securely.
24. Stuffing: Before closing the bottom completely, firmly stuff the head and body with fiberfill. Make sure the head is nicely rounded and the body is plump but not overstuffed. Then finish closing as described.

Beard (knitted flat, then attached)

The beard is worked in seed stitch to create a textured, bushy look. Use Color A (moss green).

1. Cast on 20 stitches.
2. Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (RS): *K1, p1* repeat across the row.
4. Row 3: *P1, k1* repeat across the row.
5. Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until the piece measures 2.5 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
6. Next row (RS, decrease row): K2tog across the row. You will have 10 stitches.
7. Next row (WS): Purl all stitches.
8. Next row (RS, decrease row): K2tog across the row. You will have 5 stitches.
9. Bind off loosely. Cut yarn and weave in ends. The beard will have a nice, textured shape.

Hat (knitted in the round)

The hat uses ribbing at the brim and stockinette for the crown. Use Color A (moss green).

1. Cast on 30 stitches. Distribute on DPNs and join in the round.
2. Rnds 1-6: *K2, p2* repeat around. This creates a ribbed brim.
3. Rnds 7-12: Knit all stitches.
4. Rnd 13 (decrease round): *K2tog, k3* repeat around. You will have 24 stitches.
5. Rnds 14-16: Knit all stitches.
6. Rnd 17 (decrease round): *K2tog, k2* repeat around. You will have 18 stitches.
7. Rnds 18-19: Knit all stitches.
8. Rnd 20 (decrease round): *K2tog, k1* repeat around. You will have 12 stitches.
9. Rnd 21: Knit all stitches.
10. Rnd 22 (decrease round): *K2tog* repeat around. You will have 6 stitches.
11. Cut the yarn, thread through the remaining stitches, and pull tight. Weave in the end. Fold the brim up slightly for a cute look.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring your gnome to life! Follow these steps carefully.

1. Attach the beard: Center the beard on the face, just below where the eyes will go. The top edge of the beard should sit about 3-4 rows below the top of the head. Use a tapestry needle and matching yarn (Color A) to sew the top edge of the beard to the head using a mattress stitch or whip stitch. Make sure it's secure and lies flat.
2. Embroider the eyes: Using black yarn, embroider two small eyes. You can use French knots or small satin stitches. Place them about 4 stitches apart, centered horizontally, and about 3 rows above the top of the beard.
3. Embroider the nose: Using pink yarn, make a small nose. A tiny satin stitch or a single French knot works perfectly. Place it between the eyes, just above the beard.
4. Attach the hat: Place the hat on the head, slightly tilted for a whimsical look. The ribbed brim should sit just above the eyes. Sew the hat in place around its base using matching yarn (Color A). Make sure it's secure.
5. Optional hanging loop: If you'd like to hang your gnome, use a small piece of Color A yarn to create a loop at the top of the hat. Secure it with a knot and weave in the ends.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends with a tapestry needle. If desired, gently steam block the beard to enhance its texture—hold a steam iron just above the beard (do not touch it) and let the steam relax the fibers. Your Mossy Glen Gnome is now ready to guard a cozy nook! Enjoy your new woodland friend.