Frosted Forest Gnome Garland Free Knitting Pattern – Cozy Nordic Holiday Decor

Bring a touch of Nordic whimsy to your mantel this holiday season with this charming knitted garland of tiny forest gnomes. Each gnome features a fluffy white beard, a soft cream body, and a pointed, striped hat in festive red and green. This quick, delightful project is perfect for using up scrap yarn from your stash and adds a handmade, cozy warmth to any room. Whether you're an experienced knitter or a beginner looking for a fun weekend project, these little gnomes are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday traditions.

This pattern is designed to be simple and accessible, using basic knit and purl stitches. Each gnome is knitted flat in small pieces and then seamed together, making it easy to manage even for those new to knitting. The finished gnomes are about 3 inches tall, and you can make as many as you like to create a garland that perfectly fits your space. Let's get started on creating your own frosted forest of festive friends!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. This project is wonderfully portable and uses only small amounts of yarn, making it ideal for using up leftovers from other projects.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in small amounts of the following colors:
  • Red (for hats)
  • White (for beards)
  • Cream or off-white (for bodies)
  • Green (for alternate hats)
• Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles or straight needles for flat knitting. Straight needles are perfectly fine for this project.
• Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but it will help you estimate the final size of your gnomes.
• Other Supplies:
  • Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
  • Small amount of fiberfill or polyester stuffing
  • Black yarn or embroidery floss for eyes (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Thin yarn, ribbon, or jute twine for stringing the garland

Step-by-Step Instructions

This garland is made of individual gnomes, each knitted flat and then seamed. Each gnome is about 3 inches tall. Make as many as you like, then string them together. The pattern below will guide you through creating one complete gnome. Repeat for each gnome you wish to add to your garland.

Gnome Body (Make one per gnome, in cream or white yarn)

The body forms the base of your gnome, including the head and torso. It's worked from the bottom up, starting with a simple rectangle and then decreasing to shape the top of the head.

1. Cast on 12 stitches. Leave a tail of yarn about 6 inches long for seaming later.
2. Row 1 (WS - Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (RS - Right Side): Knit all stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 1.5 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. You will have a neat stockinette stitch rectangle.

Shape the body (decrease for the top of the head):

5. Row 1 (RS): K2tog (knit two together), k8, k2tog. (You will now have 10 stitches on your needle).
6. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
7. Row 3 (RS): K2tog, k6, k2tog. (8 stitches remain).
8. Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
9. Row 5 (RS): K2tog, k4, k2tog. (6 stitches remain).
10. Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.
11. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches). Thread this tail onto a tapestry needle and slide it through the remaining 6 stitches on your knitting needle. Pull tight to gather the stitches together, creating the top of the head. Secure the yarn with a knot, but do not cut it yet—you'll use this tail for seaming the body.

Gnome Hat (Make one per gnome, in red or green yarn)

The hat is a long, narrow triangle that will be seamed and placed on top of the body. Alternate red and green hats for each gnome in your garland for a festive look.

1. Cast on 10 stitches. Leave a tail of yarn about 6 inches long.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 1 inch from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape the hat point:

5. Row 1 (RS): K2tog, k6, k2tog. (8 stitches remain).
6. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
7. Row 3 (RS): K2tog, k4, k2tog. (6 stitches remain).
8. Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
9. Row 5 (RS): K2tog, k2, k2tog. (4 stitches remain).
10. Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.
11. Row 7 (RS): K2tog, k2tog. (2 stitches remain).
12. Row 8 (WS): Purl all stitches.
13. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches). Thread the tail through the remaining 2 stitches, pull tight, and secure. This gathered point is the top of the hat. Leave the tail attached for seaming.

Gnome Beard (Make one per gnome, in white yarn)

The beard is a small, fluffy triangle that will be attached to the front of the body, just below the hat. It gives your gnome that classic, wise look.

1. Cast on 8 stitches. Leave a tail of yarn about 6 inches long.
2. Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 0.75 inch from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape the beard bottom:

5. Row 1 (RS): K2tog, k4, k2tog. (6 stitches remain).
6. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
7. Row 3 (RS): K2tog, k2, k2tog. (4 stitches remain).
8. Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
9. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches). Thread the tail through the remaining 4 stitches, pull tight, and secure. This gathered edge will be the bottom of the beard. Leave the tail attached for seaming.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together to create your gnome. Take your time with the seaming to ensure a neat, polished finish.

1. Sew the side seam of the body. Using the long tail from the top of the body, thread it onto your tapestry needle. With the right sides together, sew the side seam from the cast-on edge (bottom) up to the gathered top. Use a simple whip stitch or mattress stitch for a neat seam. Before closing the top completely, stuff the body lightly with a small amount of fiberfill. You want it to be soft and plump, but not overly stuffed. Finish closing the seam and secure the yarn.
2. Sew the side seam of the hat. Using the tail from the point of the hat, sew the side seam of the hat with the right sides together. Do not stuff the hat. The hat should be a simple cone shape.
3. Attach the hat to the body. Place the hat on the top of the body, with the pointy end facing up and slightly to one side for a jaunty, whimsical look. Using the tail from the hat's seam, sew the hat to the body around the base of the hat. Make sure it's securely attached all the way around.
4. Attach the beard to the body. Position the beard on the front of the body, just below the hat. The beard should cover the lower half of the face area. The top of the beard should be about 0.5 inch below the hat. Using the tail from the beard's seam, sew the beard securely to the body. You can sew around the entire edge of the beard for a firm hold.
5. Embroider the eyes (optional). For a charming finishing touch, embroider two small eyes using black yarn or embroidery floss. Place them just above the beard, about 0.25 inch apart. Use a simple French knot or a couple of small straight stitches for each eye.

Making the Garland

Once you've completed all your gnomes, it's time to string them together into a beautiful garland.

1. Make as many gnomes as you wish. Typically, 5-7 gnomes make a lovely garland for a standard mantelpiece. You can make more or fewer depending on your space.
2. Cut a length of yarn or thin ribbon about 1-2 feet longer than your desired garland length. This extra length will give you room to tie knots and hang the garland.
3. Thread the yarn through the top of each gnome's hat. Using a tapestry needle, carefully push the needle through the hat, just below the gathered point. Space the gnomes evenly along the string.
4. Secure each gnome in place. Tie a small knot on each side of each gnome to keep them from sliding, or simply let them slide freely along the string for a more casual look.
5. Hang your garland. Drape it on your mantel, along a shelf, or on a staircase railing. The natural jute twine or yarn will complement the rustic, Scandinavian aesthetic perfectly.

Your Frosted Forest Gnome Garland is now complete! These adorable little gnomes will bring a smile to your face and a cozy, handmade touch to your holiday home. They also make wonderful handmade gifts for friends and family. Enjoy your festive creation!