Harvest Moon Acorn Gnomes: A Free Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern

Embrace the magic of autumn with these utterly charming Harvest Moon Acorn Gnomes! This whimsical woodland duo is the perfect project for crafters of all skill levels, especially beginners looking to dive into the world of amigurumi. Using only simple single crochet stitches and basic shaping, you can create a cozy, nature-inspired treasure that adds a touch of rustic charm to your fall decor or makes a heartfelt, handmade gift for someone special. Let's gather our supplies and bring these adorable little gnomes to life!

Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's make sure you have everything you need. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  • Rust Orange (for the acorn body and nose)
  • Warm Brown (for the acorn cap)
  • Cream (for the face and beard)
  • Soft Green (for the leaf)
• Crochet Hook: 5.5 mm (I/9) hook
• Fiberfill: For stuffing the acorn bodies
• Yarn Needle: For sewing pieces together and weaving in ends
• Stitch Marker: To track your rounds (or a scrap piece of yarn)
• Black Yarn or Safety Eyes: For the gnome's eyes
• Scissors

Note on Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project. Just keep your tension consistent for a neat finish. The finished gnomes will be approximately 4 inches tall.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Always use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round. Let's get started!

Acorn Body (Make 2 - one for each gnome)

Using your rust orange yarn:

1. Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Pull tight to close. (6 stitches)
2. Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
3. Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
4. Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
5. Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (30 stitches)
6. Rounds 6-10: Sc in each stitch around for 5 rounds. (30 stitches)
7. Round 11: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, single crochet 2 together (sc2tog)*; repeat from * to * around. (24 stitches)
8. Round 12: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
9. Round 13: *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 stitches)
10. Stuff firmly with fiberfill. Ensure the body is plump and holds its shape well.
11. Round 14: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches)
12. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Weave the tail through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Acorn Cap (Make 2)

Using your warm brown yarn:

1. Round 1: Create a magic ring and work 6 sc into the ring. (6 stitches)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
3. Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
4. Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (24 stitches)
5. Round 5: Working in the back loops only, sc in each stitch around. This creates the ribbed, textured look of an acorn cap. (24 stitches)
6. Round 6: Sc in each stitch around. (24 stitches)
7. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Place the cap over the top of the acorn body. It should sit like a little hat. Sew it in place, slightly overlapping the body, using your yarn needle and the long tail.

Gnome Face (Make 2)

Using your cream yarn:

1. Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
3. Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat around. (18 stitches)
4. Round 4: Sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches)
5. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Position the face onto the front of the acorn body, just below the cap. Sew it on securely using the yarn needle.

Gnome Beard (Make 2)

Using your cream yarn:

1. Chain 10 stitches.
2. Sc in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. (9 stitches)
3. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the beard just below the face, curving it slightly to give it a fluffy, natural look. You can shape it with your fingers as you sew.

Gnome Nose (Make 2)

Using your rust orange yarn:

1. Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6 stitches)
2. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the nose in the center of the face, just above the beard.

Leaf (Make 2)

Using your soft green yarn:

1. Chain 8 stitches.
2. Sc in the second chain from the hook, half double crochet (hdc) in the next chain, double crochet (dc) in the next 3 chains, hdc in the next chain, and sc in the last chain. (7 stitches)
3. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the leaf to the top of the acorn cap, giving it a cute, finished look.

Finishing Touches

1. Eyes: Embroider simple eyes using black yarn, or attach small safety eyes if you prefer. Place them on the face, just above the nose. If using safety eyes, attach them before sewing the face onto the body.
2. Weave in all ends: Use your yarn needle to carefully hide any remaining yarn tails inside the pieces.

Congratulations! You've just completed your very own Harvest Moon Acorn Gnome. Make a second one to complete the duo, and display them proudly on a mantle, shelf, or as a centerpiece. These little guys are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face and a touch of handmade autumn magic to your home. Happy crocheting!