Hello, fellow crocheters! Emma here, and I’m so excited to share a truly delightful project that will bring a touch of whimsical charm to your holiday decor: the Gingerbread Gnome Ornament. This little guy is a variation of my popular Heart Gnome design, but with a festive gingerbread twist that I just adore. I love how quickly these come together, making them perfect for last-minute gifts or to hang all over your Christmas tree!
What makes this gnome so special is that all its main components – the hat, beard, and body – are crafted from heart-shaped elements. It’s a clever construction that adds so much character. Whether you’re looking to make ornaments, unique gift toppers, or even a cute garland, this pattern is straightforward and uses basic stitches, making it accessible for anyone with a little crochet experience. Let’s get started on bringing these sweet gnomes to life!
Gingerbread Gnome Ornament Crochet Pattern
Materials
- Red Heart Soft, medium weight #4 yarn, color – Toast
- Red Heart Soft, medium weight #4 yarn, color – White
- Crochet cotton #3, color beige for the Nose
- US size H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook
- Crochet hook 1/2.75 mm
- Beads or mini snowflake buttons for embellishment
Finished Size
Approximately 5 inches tall (without a hanging loop).
Hook and Tools
- US size H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook
- Crochet hook 1/2.75 mm
- Sewing needle and matching thread (for assembly)
- Scissors
Abbreviations
- Ch – chain
- DC – double crochet
- HDC – half double crochet
- Rnd – round
- SC – single crochet
- Sl St – slip stitch
- sp – space
- St (Sts) – stitch (stitches)
- TR – treble crochet
Pattern Notes
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
- This gingerbread gnome is constructed by crocheting a cap, beard, body, and nose separately, then sewing them together.
- The hat, beard, and body are based on a heart shape.
Instructions
Cap (White Yarn, H/8 (5 mm) Hook)
With Color White, make a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 3, make all of the next stitches into the ring – 3 DC, 3 HDC, Ch 1, DC, Ch 1, 3 HDC, 3 DC; Ch 3, Sl St in ring. Fasten off. (14 stitches + 2 Ch-1 spaces)
Round 2: Ch 3, SC in first St, 2 SC in each of next 2 Sts, SC in each of next 3 Sts, SC in Ch-1 sp, Ch 1, DC in next St, Ch 1, SC in Ch-1 sp, SC in each of next 3 Sts, 2 SC in each of next 2 Sts, SC in next St, Ch 3, Sl St in center. Fasten off. (22 stitches + 2 Ch-1 spaces)
Beard (Toast Yarn, H/8 (5 mm) Hook)
With Color Toast, Ch 15.
Round 1: Working under 2 loops: 3 TR in fifth Ch from hook, DC in each of next 2 Chs, HDC in each of next 2, SC in each of next 6, Ch 2, continue working on opposite side of Chain: Sl St in each of next 3, SC in each of next 3, HDC in each of next 2, DC in each of next 2, 3 TR in last, Ch 4, Sl St in same last. Fasten off. (26 stitches + 1 Ch-2 space + 1 Ch-4 space)
Body (Toast Yarn, H/8 (5 mm) Hook)
With Color Toast, make a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 3, make all of the next stitches into the ring – 3 DC, 3 HDC, Ch 1, DC, Ch 1, 3 HDC, 3 DC; Ch 3, Sl St in ring. Fasten off. (14 stitches + 2 Ch-1 spaces)
Round 2: Ch 3, HDC in first St, 2 HDC in each of next 3 Sts, HDC in each of next 2 Sts, HDC in Ch-1 sp, Ch 1, DC in next St, Ch 1, HDC in Ch-1 sp, HDC in each of next 2 Sts, 2 HDC in each of next 3 Sts, HDC in next St, Ch 3, Sl St in center. Fasten off. (22 stitches + 2 Ch-1 spaces)
Arms (White Yarn, H/8 (5 mm) Hook)
Use crochet hook H-8/5 mm. Join White Color to 2nd St of Round 2 of the Body, Ch 1, 2 HDC in same St, Ch 1, Sl St in same St. Fasten off.
Use crochet hook H-8/5 mm. Join White Color to last St of Round 2 of the Body, Ch 1, 2 HDC in same St, Ch 1, Sl St in same St. Fasten off.
Nose (Beige Cotton Thread, 1/2.75 mm Hook)
With crochet hook 1/2.75 mm and cotton thread size 3 in beige, make a magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 2, 9 HDC in ring, join with Sl St to top of Ch 2. Fasten off. (9 HDC)
Finishing
Using a sewing needle and matching thread, sew the body, beard, cap, and nose together. Embellish the cap with snowflake buttons or beads. Attach a hanging loop made from a length of yarn or thread. Block as necessary to shape your gnome.
Emma’s Tips
I find that using stitch markers for the beginning of rounds or to mark specific stitches can be a huge help, especially when you’re working with heart shapes that have distinct points and curves. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different embellishments for the cap – tiny jingle bells or even a small pom-pom could look adorable!
For a truly cohesive holiday look, consider making a few of these gnomes alongside some crochet gingerbread men. They complement each other perfectly! And if you’re new to sewing crochet pieces together, take your time. Small, neat stitches will make all the difference in the final appearance of your gnome.