Whimsical Winter Gnome Amigurumi Free Pattern – A Knitted Nordic Forest Friend

Bring a touch of Nordic magic to your home with this adorable knitted gnome, complete with a fluffy beard and a cozy pointed hat. Perfect for holiday decor or a handmade gift that sparks joy. This charming little fellow, standing about 5 inches tall, is worked in the round using double-pointed needles, making him a delightful weekend project for knitters ready to try their hand at amigurumi. With his bright red hat that flops to one side, soft grey body, and fluffy cream beard, he's sure to become a treasured seasonal decoration or a whimsical companion on any shelf.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using basic knit and increase/decrease stitches. The result is a sturdy, plump gnome with a visible stockinette texture that gives him a wonderfully cozy, handmade feel. Let's gather our supplies and bring this little Nordic forest friend to life!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. This project uses simple, readily available materials:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Red (for the hat) – approximately 30 yards
  • Cream (for the beard and nose) – approximately 15 yards
  • Grey (for the head and body) – approximately 25 yards
  • Black (small amount for embroidering the eyes)
• Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles (set of 4 or 5). You can also use a circular needle for the magic loop method if preferred.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (worked flat). Note: Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension will ensure a neat finish.
• Other Tools: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, poly-fil or polyester stuffing, and small black buttons (optional, if you prefer buttons over embroidered eyes).

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round using double-pointed needles. We'll start with a magic ring to ensure a tight, seamless closure at the top of the head. Follow each section carefully, and you'll have your gnome assembled in no time.

Head and Body

The head and body are worked as one piece, starting from the top of the head and working downwards. The grey yarn creates the gnome's soft, neutral body.

1. Cast On: With grey yarn, cast on 6 stitches. Distribute them evenly across three double-pointed needles (2 stitches per needle). Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
2. Round 1: Knit all stitches (6 stitches).
3. Round 2 (Increase Round): Increase in every stitch by knitting into the front and back of each stitch (kfb). You will now have 12 stitches.
4. Round 3: *K1, inc* (kfb into the next stitch); repeat from * to * around (18 stitches).
5. Round 4: *K2, inc*; repeat from * to * around (24 stitches).
6. Rounds 5-8: Knit all stitches (24 stitches). This forms the crown of the head.
7. Round 9 (Decrease Round): *K2, k2tog* (knit two together); repeat from * to * around (18 stitches).
8. Round 10: *K1, k2tog*; repeat from * to * around (12 stitches).
9. Stuff the Head: Now is the time to firmly stuff the head with poly-fil. Make sure it's packed tightly to create a round, plump shape, but not so tight that the knitting stretches.
10. Round 11: *K2tog*; repeat from * to * around (6 stitches).
11. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, pass it through the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Hat

The iconic red hat is worked from the top down, increasing gradually to create a wide brim that flops charmingly to one side.

1. Cast On: With red yarn, cast on 6 stitches and join in the round as before. Place a marker.
2. Round 1: Knit all stitches (6 stitches).
3. Round 2: *K1, inc*; repeat from * to * around (9 stitches).
4. Round 3: Knit all stitches (9 stitches).
5. Round 4: *K2, inc*; repeat from * to * around (12 stitches).
6. Rounds 5-7: Knit all stitches (12 stitches).
7. Round 8: *K3, inc*; repeat from * to * around (15 stitches).
8. Rounds 9-11: Knit all stitches (15 stitches).
9. Round 12: *K4, inc*; repeat from * to * around (18 stitches).
10. Rounds 13-15: Knit all stitches (18 stitches).
11. Round 16: *K5, inc*; repeat from * to * around (21 stitches).
12. Rounds 17-19: Knit all stitches (21 stitches).
13. Round 20: *K6, inc*; repeat from * to * around (24 stitches).
14. Rounds 21-23: Knit all stitches (24 stitches).
15. Round 24: *K7, inc*; repeat from * to * around (27 stitches).
16. Rounds 25-27: Knit all stitches (27 stitches).
17. Round 28: *K8, inc*; repeat from * to * around (30 stitches).
18. Rounds 29-31: Knit all stitches (30 stitches).
19. Bind Off: Bind off loosely. Do not cut the yarn too short; leave a long tail for sewing.
20. Shaping: Fold the hat slightly at the brim so the tip flops to one side. Position the hat on the gnome's head, covering the top and slightly angling it. Sew the hat securely onto the head using the tail, stitching around the brim. Let the tip flop playfully to one side.

Beard

The fluffy cream beard is worked flat in short rows, decreasing to a point. It's then sewn onto the face just below the hat.

1. Cast On: With cream yarn, cast on 10 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches (10 stitches).
3. Row 2 (Decrease Row): K2tog, knit to the last 2 stitches, k2tog (8 stitches).
4. Row 3: Knit all stitches (8 stitches).
5. Row 4: K2tog, knit to the last 2 stitches, k2tog (6 stitches).
6. Row 5: Knit all stitches (6 stitches).
7. Row 6: K2tog, knit to the last 2 stitches, k2tog (4 stitches).
8. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches. Leave a long tail for sewing.
9. Attach: Position the beard on the face, centered just below the hat. The wider edge should be at the top, and the pointed edge at the bottom. Sew it securely in place, weaving the yarn through the edges of the beard and into the head.

Nose

A tiny cream nose adds character and sits centered above the beard.

1. Cast On: With cream yarn, cast on 3 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches (3 stitches).
3. Row 2: K1, inc (kfb), K1 (4 stitches).
4. Row 3: Knit all stitches (4 stitches).
5. Row 4: K1, k2tog, K1 (3 stitches).
6. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches. Leave a tail for sewing.
7. Attach: Sew the nose onto the face, centered above the beard. The slightly wider middle gives it a rounded, button-like appearance.

Eyes

Give your gnome a cheerful expression with simple embroidered eyes.

1. Embroider: Using black yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider two small French knots for eyes. Place them symmetrically above the nose, about 1/2 inch apart. If you prefer, you can sew on two small black buttons instead for a different look.
2. Secure: Weave in the yarn ends on the inside of the head to secure the eyes firmly.

Finishing

Complete your gnome with these final touches.

1. Weave in Ends: Carefully weave in all remaining yarn ends using a tapestry needle, ensuring they are hidden within the stuffing or along seams.
2. Optional Hanging Loop: If you'd like to hang your gnome as an ornament, create a small loop of red yarn and sew it securely to the top of the hat.
3. Final Shaping: Gently adjust the hat's flop and the beard's position to give your gnome his signature whimsical look. Fluff the beard slightly with your fingers for extra softness.

And there you have it—your very own Whimsical Winter Gnome! This little Nordic forest friend is perfect for adding a touch of handmade charm to your holiday decor, or as a thoughtful, cozy gift for someone special. Enjoy your new companion, and happy knitting!