The Mistletoe Mischief Gnome: A Free Crochet Amigurumi Pattern for Holiday Cheer

Bring a touch of woodland whimsy to your holiday decor with this charming crocheted gnome, complete with a fluffy beard and a sprig of mistletoe. Perfect for gifting or as a festive tabletop companion, this Mistletoe Mischief Gnome is a delightful project that works up quickly and makes a wonderful handmade gift. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking for a fun challenge, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a soft, plush gnome that sits upright and spreads holiday cheer. Let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses basic amigurumi techniques and worsted weight yarn, making it accessible and affordable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
  • Forest green (for the body)
  • Cream (for the head and beard)
  • Red (for the hat)
  • Brown (for the mistletoe stem)
  • Small amount of yellow (for the mistletoe berries)
• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
• Other Supplies: Yarn needle, scissors, stuffing (polyester fiberfill), stitch marker (optional), and black yarn or safety eyes for the face.

Gauge: 4 sc x 4 rows = 1 inch. Gauge is not critical for amigurumi, but keeping your tension consistent will ensure a neat finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your gnome. The pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds.

Head and Body (Worked in One Piece)

We'll start with the head, which is worked from the top down and then stuffed.

1. Round 1: With cream yarn, make a magic ring, 6 sc into 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 5-7: sc in each st around. (24)
6. Round 8: (sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) around. (18)
7. Round 9: (sc in next st, sc2tog) around. (12)
8. Stuff the head firmly with polyester fiberfill, shaping it into a round ball.
9. Round 10: sc2tog around. (6)
10. Fasten off and weave in the end securely.

Body

Now we'll create the gnome's forest green body, which will be sewn to the head.

1. Round 1: With forest green yarn, make a magic ring, 6 sc into 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. Rounds 4-6: sc in each st around. (18)
5. Round 7: (sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) around. (12)
6. Stuff the body with fiberfill, making it firm but not overstuffed.
7. Round 8: sc2tog around. (6)
8. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the body to the bottom of the head, aligning the decreases. Weave in the end.

Hat

The iconic pointed red hat adds the festive touch. We'll work it in the round and then fold the brim.

1. Round 1: With red yarn, make a magic ring, 6 sc into 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. Rounds 4-6: sc in each st around. (18)
5. Round 7: (sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog) around. (15)
6. Round 8: (sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog) around. (12)
7. Round 9: (sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) around. (9)
8. Round 10: (sc in next st, sc2tog) around. (6)
9. Round 11: sc2tog around. (3)
10. Fasten off and weave in the end. Fold the hat brim up slightly and sew it to the top of the head, positioning it at a jaunty angle.

Beard

The fluffy cream beard gives the gnome his wise, jolly appearance.

1. With cream yarn, chain 10.
2. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (9)
3. Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (9)
4. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Sew the beard to the face, just below the hat, covering the area where the head meets the body.

Mistletoe Sprig

This charming detail adds a playful, festive accent to the hat.

1. With brown yarn, chain 6. Fasten off, leaving a tail.
2. With yellow yarn, make 3 small berries: create a magic ring, 4 sc into ring, close and fasten off.
3. Sew the yellow berries to the brown stem, spacing them evenly.
4. Attach the completed sprig to the side of the red hat, using the yarn tails to secure it firmly.

Finishing Touches

Bring your gnome to life with a cheerful face.

1. Embroider eyes with black yarn (or attach safety eyes) and a small smile using a simple backstitch or satin stitch.
2. Weave in all remaining ends with your yarn needle.
3. Gently shape the gnome, ensuring it sits upright. Adjust the hat and beard as desired.

Your Mistletoe Mischief Gnome is now complete! This adorable amigurumi makes a perfect holiday gift, a charming tabletop decoration, or a festive addition to your own home. The soft, plush texture and whimsical details are sure to bring smiles to everyone who sees it. Happy crocheting, and enjoy your new holiday companion!