No Sew Sock Gnomes
Post Updated November 2022
While everyone is enamored with their Elves on Shelves I've been cooking up a little mischief of my own with a simple no sew gnome tutorial to create the cutest little Scandinavian Tomte inspired friends for the holidays.
In less than 30 minutes you too can make your very own!
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Scandinavian Tomte Gnome Inspiration
I've had gnome making on the list of to-dos for years and finally created a bunch to give away as gifts and decorate for holidays like this fun Entry Table Christmas Decor.
With Scandinavian roots I was inspired by mini tomte gnomes from Sarah at Ruffles and Rain Boots and created my own “recipe” for a house full of new furry friends.
No Sew Gnome Tutorial Materials
First things first…..let's gather up a few simple supplies. You may already have some on hand. I did have to make a few adjustments to the list as I went along so keep reading to find out why!
- Men's sized grey crew socks for body
- Shaggy fabric fur for beards
- Homespun multicolored yarn for braids
- 9″x12″ Crafting felt sheets for hats
- 3/4″ Wooden balls for noses
- Rice to fill body: 1-3 cups per gnome
- Large glass to hold rice
- Poly-fill stuffing for hats
- Hot glue gun
- Rubberbands
- Sewing Scissors
- Utility knife
- Extra blades {if you're planning to make a lot}
- Holiday Gift tags
- Hat and Beard Pattern {below}
NEW Gnome Pattern and Instructions
Many of you have expressed interest to have ALL of the gnome patterns in one place. I've compiled them all and will continue to add any new patterns and you'll be able to download new copies in the future.
You've also asked for measurements and written instructions. This has taken a bit of work but I've got it all completed and added to the shop. And it's now available for purchase immediately. 👏🏽
What you'll get with the No Sew Sock Gnome Pattern Collection:
- Standard Gnome Beard and Mustache Patterns
- Standard Gnome Hat Pattern – also use for Wizard Hat and Sweater Hat
- Skinny Gnome Tree Topper Pattern
- Witch Hat Pattern
- Sweater Body Pattern
- Female Hair Pattern
- Instructions and Supply List for Group Crafting in case you aren't able to reference the blog post tutorial
Step 1: Fill the Gnome Sock Body
Use outdated rice from your pantry or pick it up in bulk. The easiest way to fill the sock bodies is to add 2 cups of rice to the glass, stretch the sock over the top of your glass, then turn it upside down. Easy peasy. No spills.
This first attempt of filling it using the funnel worked alright, but did spill a bit.
Step 2: Rubber Band Sock and Trim
Use a rubber band to close up the sock body and if you use a men's crew sock, you'll need to trim the top. BUT You can use the extra to make another gnome! How's that for easy!?
Step 3: Glue Sock Body to Secure
UPDATE: I actually recommend skipping this step. After making dozens of these little guys now, it's easier to just keep the leftover sock standing upright inside the hat. If you glue it too far down it can interfere with the hat and beard.
Add a dot of glue at the top gather to make sure it'll stay closed even if the rubber band breaks. Then glue the edges of the sock down to finish it off. Don't worry about the raw edges of the sock top. They'll be hidden under the hat.
Step 4: Slice the Beard
Everyone knows the beard is what gives a gnome it's magical powers. So you've got to make sure to get this step right! Use a simple triangle or Download my Gnome Beard Template and trace onto the backside of your chosen furry material.
Please make sure you place your pattern with the point in the direction of the hair. I love the look of these long haired ones. There are lots of fun options out there. I chose classic white and shaggy grey.
Using a utility knife carefully cut through the fabric backing and STOP. This is one fabric you DO NOT cut with scissors.
I tried trimming a strip of fur for my Cozy Cottage Christmas table runner with scissors last year and it was a huge mess! Like HUGE. And you're stuck with an awful choppy haircut instead of the lovely furry fringe.
Step 5: Glue Gnome Beard
The beard will wrap around most of the gnome body, if you want to see more body…add additional rice for a taller gnome. This little guy has only 1-1/2 cups of rice and a very long beard and I love him! Using your glue gun carefully attach the beard in a circle near the top.
Step 6: Glue Gnome Nose
Confession time. There are a few potential issues with gnome noses you need to be aware of so here's how to make a gnome nose the EASY way!
Attaching the nose at the top of the beard as shown above looks great until you try to put the hat on and see sock on either side of the nose.
SO…against all instincts, place the nose down into the beard to avoid issue #1.
#2 If you happen to pick up a package of wooden beads instead of wooden balls {because that's all the store has} I've got you covered.
Place a little glue dot into the bottom of each “nostril” and press a small tuft of beard to help hide the holes. Be careful not to use too much hair or glue it too high. That'll look weird.
Or you can wait the 48 hours to get the proper 3/4″ Wooden balls from Amazon Prime!
You also have permission to craft a nose with pantyhose and stuffing as an alternative. I just love the look of wood with all my woodland Christmas decor.
Step 7: Trace and Cut Hat
This is the pattern I used for the gnome hats and it worked really well for me. You can download it here: Free printable gnome hat pattern
Step 8: Roll Hat
Now that your hat is cut and ready to go we need to glue it into that cute little cone. These are no sew gnomes remember? The felt rolls alright but the point at the top is a little squirrely.
So try the hat on and pin the bottom where you'd like it to stop. Now start at the top of the point and make sure it gets glued down well. Then work your way down in sections making sure the angles all line up with your pin.
If in doubt, make the hat slightly larger so it sits down on the head, over the top of the beard, and has room for the nose to to sit underneath it.
Step 9: Stuff Hat and Glue
Now that your hat is ready, stuff the inside with batting to help hold it's shape. Then, add a bead of hot glue on inside opposite your seam. Place that just above the nose so you've got your hat nice and centered, then continue around the perimeter until firmly glued in place.
I like my gnome profile with his jaunty little hat! His beard is a little long for his squat body but I totally love this shaggy little guy.
Proudly Display Your DIY Gnome!
The hardest part of this whole gnome tutorial is deciding where to put them! And being able to STOP making more!!
Gift of Gnomes
I made a whole family of them in time for Christmas. It's such a quick and easy craft that makes a great gift idea! Snag the “Gnome for the Holidays” gift tag from my friend Brenda at Festive Fetti for the perfect finishing touch!
If you do make one {or a dozen!} I'd love to see them! Please tag us when you share @partieswithacause on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Here's wishing you a wonderful holiday full of cozy little DIY Christmas gnomes!
Pin it For Later
Gnome Tree Topper
Try Gnomes for OTHER Holidays Too!
Halloween No Sew Witch Gnome
Halloween Wizard Gnome
Fall Sweater GIRL Gnome
How much does it cost to make? If you bought the basic supplies, what is the total cost and how many gnomes can you make from that? If you divide that, what would you say is the price per gnome?
It depends on how many you’re making. The more you make the more cost effective they are. I bought large packs of socks from Walmart for a great price. The bigger bags of rice are affordable too. The cost comes in on the felt and fur fabric. If you can get the fabric with a coupon on sale that’s your best best. Felt squares are often sold for $1 each and you need 1 per gnome. If you’re talking about just one gnome – you can use a mismatched sock from the laundryroom, rice you have, and only need to get a tiny bit of fabric. It’ll probably be $8 or so for that one because the fur fabric often has a minimum of 1/4 yard. So if you make 20 gnomes you can make them for $2-3 each. Or if they are smaller and share a piece of felt for the hat, or you use an old sweater to create a floppy hat {See Fall Gnomes} it can be even less.
Hi, I tried using the link to get the patterns but it went to access resource library which is requiring a password. Could you please email the patterns with dimensions so I will know how much faux fur and felt to get. Also, do you have another source that you get the faux fur for the beards, such as Hobby Lobby or JoAnn’s Fabrics?
Thanks. Super cute idea.
Oh I’m sorry – the password is in the email you received. Just take a look back and see if you can find it. The faux fur is available at both Hobby Lobby and JoAnn’s.
I am also having trouble getting the patterns. Must be old age. Can you please email them to me! My daughter and granddaughter just love gnomes and I would like to make a box full of them for them to “share”.
Hi Nancy! I have changed the patterns this year and added them to my resource library to make them super easy to download. You can find them by joining the resource library VIP’s here: https://parties-with-a-cause.ck.page/ef5176d3bc Or if you already get my emails the link and password is at the bottom of each one. Thank you so much for being here! I hope you enjoy your gnomes.
I love your gnomes. Do you have written directions? I would love to try and make a collection of Holiday gnomes for someone very special for Christmas.
Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m so happy you are excited to try out these gnomes! I’ve got the step by step all explained in the post. But I am working on a more in depth tutorial I hope to have completed by the end of September.
Would you please email the patterns as I can’t download! Ty!
On their way! Sorry for the delay.
Hello! Can I get your Gnome pattern? Can you email it to me? Thank you! I love Gnomes!
Just sent finally! So sorry for the delay.
Please email gnome patterns. I’m so excited to get started.
Sorry you had trouble. I hope you enjoy making them!
I’m having trouble as well. Can you please email the pattern to me too, Thanks!
Absolutely. Check your email.
Could you please email the Gnome hat and beard pattern, also how to make taller ones as well. Many thanks.
Hi Anne-Marie! I have changed the patterns this year and added them to my resource library to make them super easy to download since so many people have had trouble in the past. You can find them by joining the resource library VIP’s here: https://parties-with-a-cause.ck.page/ef5176d3bc Or if you already get my emails the link and password is at the bottom of each message. Thank you so much for being here! I hope you enjoy your gnomes.
The weather outside is frightful. The gnomes are so delightful. I have no place to go, makin gnomes, making gnomes, making gnomes
The best kind of day ever! Hope you had a great time.
Can you please email me a template of this gnome pattern?
Yep. It’s on it’s way.
Could you please send them to me please love the gnome do they have a template with the pattern iam so sorry if iam a pain as I am just trying to make. These I have aways love them never though I could do it but my daughter in-law said i could we will see thank you so much
Hi Diane.
Did you try to get them from the library? I had hundreds of requests for patterns last year and wasn’t able to keep up with them all so I added the pattern to the Resource Library and there’s only one link you need to click in order to get into the library. There’s a password in the email you’ll get. Thanks so much for stopping in. These gnomes are so much fun!
Can you please send me the templates!!! I am stuck and cannot master the hats and need help!!
Ok, the hats are the tricky part. I have a little video of them on the Fall Gnome instructions. https://partieswithacause.com/fall-gnomes-diy-gnome-instructions/
Take a look and see if that helps. Sending templates but let me know if you need any more help.
What is the finished size of these gnomes?
The body size can vary depending on how much rice you use but they are approximately 12″ tall from bottom to top of pointy hat. If you do a floppy hat they are half that size.
Can I please get all these gnome patterns emailed to me none of the downloads are working and these are so cute!!!!
Could I please ask to have the pattern emailed to me.
Thank you. These are soooooooncute!
Well this sounded alot easier than what it actually was. My look nowhere near as nice as yours. Mine are a mess! My hat doesn’t stand up, its tilted back. I’m a little disappointed.
Please can you email a copy of the patterns as I don’t seem to be able to open them and I cant wait to make them! Thank you 🙂
Hello
Would you please email me the patterns for the gnomes and the braids pattern? It won’t let me get to it or open them. Thank you 😊
Are you able to email me this pattern please??
Sent. Thanks for your patience.
I cannot download hat and beard templates can you please email them to me . Thank you so much 🙂
Would you please email me the pattern for the gnomes.
Thank you
I hope you enjoyed your crafting!!
Hi y’all!
For those having issues with downloading the pattern from the Pintrest site, try opening the article in the browser (using the three dots on the bottom of the page) and download the pattern from there. Worked like a charm for me!
Thanks for the pattern! These gnomes are total cuteness!
You are an angel! Thank you. We can’t figure out the issues so hopefully it’ll help some people.
can you email me this pattern please many thanks. these are soooo cute
I hope you received it! Thank you
I’m having a hard time getting the pattern. Can you email the patterns to me? Thank you so much!! Merry Christmas 🎅
I hope you received them okay. Merry Christmas to you too!
Can you email the pattern to me
Just sent! Thanks for your patience.
Pls could you email me a pattern i cant get it
send it over. thank you!
I wasn’t able to access the pattern either – can you please send it to me? Thank you
Check your email. I just sent it over.
I’m excited to make these gnomes but was unable to get your template. Can you please email them? THank you!
Sent. Have so much fun!!
May I also have the patterns emailed? thanks so much!
Yes! I got you too. Thank you
I am having trouble with getting the pattern, please, could you send it to me via my email
So sorry. This is really frustrating. Thanks for your patience.
Hi there! Thank you so much for sharing your gnome pattern 😊 Quick question – you mention that if you use a crew sock, you can use the excess to make another gnome. Since both ends are “open”, how do you solve for that? Do you hot glue one end? Sew it? Thanks in advance!
Yes! I have been swamped and unable to make the videos that I want to do. Turn the sock inside out and rubberband the bottom. Glue the inside of the gather just like you do at the top. Then, turn it right side out and you’ve created a new base for the sock body. It’s so nice to be able to use the whole sock. Good luck! Please let me know if you have any issues.
I was not able to get the templates either. Could you please email them to me?
Thank you
I got you too! Have fun.
Please send me the pattern for the hat and beard. Thank you. Love gnomes.
Thanks for your patience! Happy crafting
Could you email me the hat and beard pattern. They will not download for me. Thank you so very much
Hi Patty! I have changed the patterns this year and added them to my resource library to make them super easy to download. You can find them by joining the resource library VIP’s here: https://parties-with-a-cause.ck.page/ef5176d3bc Or if you already get my emails the link and password is at the bottom of each message. Thank you so much for being here! I hope you enjoy your gnomes.
I would love the patterns for these cute gnomes. Was unable to download.
Super cute
Thank you for being patient. No one can figure out why it’s not working for a small % of people.
Hi can you send me patterns for hat and beard! I tried…
I love these btw
Thank you so much. Email sent.
Love them! They look great! And a great alternative to paying big $$$ for similar ones. I have some from the old country but I love your take better! Thank you! I do have other ideas and if you’d like to put them up (as I can’t) please contact me and I’ll give you all the information you need to post plus I think you will love them. Plus I have a special something for animal rescuers (and I’m sure it will help them a lot with bottle babbies! I’ve just never had a site to show them off. I ran a large animal shelter that covered many towns all alone & found some of these were real life savers!) Please reach out when you can! I’ve done them for over 20 years but now that I’m I’ll for 15 years my hands no longer work well.
These are so cute! I would love to make these. Could you send me the pattern, please? Thank you in advance!
Hi Kim! Did you click through the form? It should send to you automatically. A few people have been experiencing issues but only like 2% of the total downloads. So I’m hoping yours will go through just fine. Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy this fun craft.
Please send me your patterns for the gnomes.
Hi Valerie! Just sent.
Please send me the gnome hat and beard pattern. I tried downloading and it did not work.
HI Christa,
Just so I know what’s happening – can you tell me what didn’t work? So I can get it fixed if needs be. Thanks so much.
I subscribed to get the gnome patterns but I am having trouble printing them. Can you send them to my email address please?
Just sent!
Hi- would love to make the gnomes but can’t download the templates. Could you email them please.
Thanks for your patience!
I also subscribed for the hat and beard patterns, but cannot access them. Would you mind sending them to my email?
Of course! I’m so frustrated this is still happening. Thanks for your patience.
I have submitted my email a couple times, and checked to make sure it didn’t go to spam. I can’t seem to get the pattern sent to me 🙁
SO sorry! We are looking into it. Many people are still successfully receiving the file but there’s a few of you that are experiencing this. I’ll send it over right now. Thanks for your patience.
. please send pattern
Check your email. I just sent them.
Would love to make these cute little guys. I have tried 3 times to get the pattern for the beard and hat without success. Can you send them to my email. Thank you.:-)
I sure can! I’m so sorry there must be a glitch. Sending them over now.
I also tried to get pattern for gnome. And did not get
Just sent again!
I have also had a hard time getting the pattern for the beard and hat. Would you mind sending them to my email, please?
Sent. I’ll keep digging to find the problem. Haven’t found it yet. Thanks so much for your patience.
I just love these Gomes Were can i get the christmas tags like the pegone you show? would really like to make them Thanks in Advance.
You are so welcome! They are from my friend Brenda at https://tidd.ly/374dS6o
Please send the pattern to my emai. I can’t seem to get it . Thanks
Just sent the email.
Olá, achei muito lindo seus gnomos. Pretendo fazê-los para presentear amigos e familiares.
Um beijo do Brasil 🇧🇷❤️
Ha ha! I’m glad you are enjoying them. Thank you for sharing
So adorable! I cannot get the templates to load, can you help? THANKS!
uh oh! Sorry to hear that. I will email you ASAP!
These are so cute I would love to make and gift them however I can’t seem to down load, is there measurement?
I am adding a new template to download with the measurements this evening. You aren’t the only one having trouble. So sorry for that. Check your email – I’ll send it directly.
Love your tutorial! I began making these last year and love them but the hat was always my tricky part. Thanks for the simple shape pattern. I’ll send a picture when I get my gnome making supplies out and get busy making them.
I’m so glad to hear it. I had trouble with the hat at first too. I know I need to make a video so I can help walk people through it. I hope you are enjoying them. I’m working on a Halloween gnome now. it’s been so fun. I’ll be posting about it later.
They look so cute. But why are there no measurements on the patterns? I’d like to know how big the beard and hat should be.
I’m sorry if that made it difficult for you. The patterns are scaled for an 8.5″x11″ piece of printer paper. The gnomes are small. I’ll measure one for you and send it to you.
Getting a start on fall and christmas and would love to make these little guys/girls but cannot seem to download the hat and beard pattern. Thanks so much for this great tutorial and patterns. Sooo appreciated!
Sharla
Oh no! I’m so sorry it’s not working. I’ve updated everything and hoping that it’s working now. I’ll send yours directly to your email. Have so much fun making them. They’re a little addictive.
I love the gnomes! I hope I will be able to make one. My health isn’t the best. But I could not download the hat and beard pattern.
Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us.
I’m so sorry. I will have to check the files and make sure they aren’t corrupted or something. I’ll email you them directly. I hope you enjoy making a few. I know they are quite therapeutic for me!
I an unable to download pattern for hat and beard. Can you advise ? Thanks so much.. Love this little guy
Oh I’m so sorry you’ve had troubles. Please check your email for the files.
I’m not understanding how to put the hat together. I didn’t understand the folding part. & what to do next.
Run a bead of glue on one edge of the hat and roll it into a cone shape while pressing the glue onto the other side in a straight line. If you’re point isn’t perfect that’s ok – you can trim off any extra. The bottom should end up in a circle that you place on the gnome’s head. Please email me a photo if you are still having trouble. bri{at}partieswithacause{dot}com
So I am definitely not the most creative person but, I am also really struggling with this hat, not sure where the seam should be and the shape at the bottom doesn’t look like yours does. Is there anyway you could maybe share a video about this so we could see how it should be done?
Okay. I’ve been wanting to do a video for a long time. I’ll get you something by Monday, it might not be pretty!, but hopefully it’ll help.
Hi, Bri!
I’m excited to make these! Could you please update the links to the patterns for the hat and beard? They’re not displaying.
Thank you so much for letting me know. I’ll get that fixed. Until then I’ve emailed you the files directly. Have so much fun making them.
Just a quick question. What braids is the yarn used for?
I made a girl gnome but wasn’t super happy with how the hat went over the braids so I’m tweaking it.
I made one of these guys .i added peppermint essential oils to my rice and now he makes my home smell like candy cane wishes! I’m going to play around with hand sewing the parts so you could heat them up like little cuddly friends for kids!
What a fabulous idea! Love that. I don’t want mine getting smushed but having them be a little more play friendly is a great. YOu’d have to stuff the hat – which I’ve already decided I’ll do next time I make a bunch. But the peppermint is genius!
Hi Kimber, I stuffed mine with lavender buds. I put some dry beans in the bottom to add weight for the base. Like yours, I have the fragrance benefit. Merry Christmas
Another genius! I love this. Thank you so much for sharing!! Merry Christmas.
Your gnome is just too cute! I’m addicted to making these – we have so many in our house now (and still about 100 planned in my head). 🙂
Pinned this little cutie and I’m so thankful you shared my little gnome.
These are so cute! I’m glad to learn they’re easy to make. I’ve pinned it to make for next year.
I totally need to make these next year! They look so so cute Bri!
I can’t believe this was a no sew project, Bri! Absolutely adorable!!
Your gnome is so cute! Yours is definitely one of the easiest tutorials I’ve found so I am going to give it a try next year.
Merry Christmas!
What a cute little fella, he sounds like loads of fun to make too.
Omgosh Bri ! I always wondered how gnomes were made. This is the perfect tutorial! I may have to try making these next year for fun.
He came out great! Thanks for the tutorial and super thanks for all the added tricks for overcoming the obstacles.
The little gnome is so adorable. I can see why you are going to make a gnome family. Great tutorial on how to make them.
I just love how you join these DIY challenges. Maybe one day I’ll feel like I have the time to join one. They look so fun. Love the gnome!!!
Oh these are so cute! Not sure how long these would last with my 2 toddlers anyway but worth a try!
What!!! These are soooooo cute! Definitely need to give these a shot!
We always pass this giant gnome each morning at a nursery when I take my son to school. My son loves seeing that gnome and I bet he would also love to make this craft! I love how easy they are to make and most of all no sewing involved!!
Bri, what a great tutorial of a really trendy decor item! Your gnome is absolutely adorable. Brought a big smile on my face. Happy holidays!
This Gnome is soo fun and creative!! That’s awesome that there’s no sewing involved!
So cute and I love how easy they are to make!
That is one ridiculously CUTE project! We were garden gnomes for Halloween a couple of years ago and now they catch my attention wherever they may be! I love this one! Thank you for the step by step directions. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
If you’d like to see our costumes, here is that link: http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/2017/10/need-quick-couples-costume.html
I do not think I knew how simple these were to make, thank you for such great instruction to create these cute little gnomes.
Why didn’t I think of this. This is so cool, saving this post so I can make it. Your creation is so beautiful.
Oh he’s just so cute!! What a fun little guy to make for the holiday!!
This little gnome is too cute! Your tutorial makes it look so easy to make. Thanks for sharing and Happy Holidays!
Oh my goodness he is so cute! I’ve always wanted to make a gnome, but haven’t tried it yet. This tutorial looks really easy and pinned to try it.
This looks really great and the fact that it’s so easy to make motivates me to do this at our house too. Perfect for my reading nook!
No sew is my kind of craft! Cute!
I love this! It’s adorable and no-sew! I am notoriously bad at sewing so this is right up my alley. I am definitely pinning and will be attempting this, if not now then next year.
I can’t get over the cuteness of the gnomes this year, I have seen them everywhere. I love it! Thanks for a great tutorial, I would love to make one.
He’s so cute! Thanks for the tutorial too. Pinned.
Gnomes are so fun and adorable to look at and yours is no exception! Too cute and the fact that it’s a no-sew makes it perfect to create!
Love the gnomes, they are so adorable. I am definitely will be attempting to be make them for next year.
That makes me so happy! I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. But be careful…..you just might end up with a house full of gnomes!😉
Lovely! Thank you!
You are so very welcome!
hi dear,gnomes are soo cute ,I hope to make the same like you,please send me patterns ,will be great present for Christmas for children.Thanks!
Did you try to get them from the library? I had hundreds of requests and wasn’t able to keep up with them all so I added the pattern to the Resource Library and there’s only one link you need to click in order to get into the library. There’s a password in the email you’ll get. Thanks so much for stopping in. These gnomes are so much fun!