Sunny Sprout the Garden Gnome Free Pattern

Introducing Sunny Sprout: Your New Favorite Crochet Companion

Bring a touch of whimsy to your garden, bookshelf, or holiday décor with this adorable crocheted gnome! Sunny Sprout features a leafy green hat, a fluffy cream beard, and a cheerful expression that is sure to make you smile. This intermediate-level pattern uses simple single crochet shaping to create a charming character that stands about 5 inches tall. Whether you are looking for a handmade gift, a seasonal decoration, or just a fun weekend project, this free pattern is the perfect way to spend a cozy afternoon with your yarn.

This pattern is designed to be approachable for those who have mastered the basics of amigurumi—like magic rings and increases—while still offering a satisfying build. The result is a soft, huggable gnome with a handcrafted, cozy look that will stand out in any room. Let’s gather your materials and get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies on hand. Using the recommended yarn weight will ensure your gnome turns out the perfect size and texture.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in four colors:
  • Red (for the body) – e.g., Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Crimson
  • Cream (for the beard) – e.g., Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in White
  • Green (for the hat and leaf) – e.g., Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Fern
  • Skin Tone (for the head, arms, and nose) – e.g., Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Beige
• Crochet Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) hook
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or your preferred stuffing material
• Yarn Needle: A tapestry needle for sewing parts together and weaving in ends
• Safety Eyes (optional): Two 6mm black safety eyes, or black embroidery floss/yarn for embroidered eyes
• Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds
• Scissors

Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight stitch to prevent the stuffing from showing through. Approximately 4 single crochets = 1 inch. If your stitches are loose, consider using a smaller hook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise stated. Do not join at the end of rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work.

Head & Body (Worked in One Piece, Starting from Top of Head)

We begin with the head, which is worked from the top down. This creates a seamless shape that you will later attach to the body.

Round 1: With skin tone yarn, make a magic ring, work 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)

Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)

Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (30 sts)

Rounds 6-10: Sc in each stitch around. (30 sts)

Round 11: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, sc2tog (single crochet decrease)*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)

Round 12: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)

If you are using safety eyes, now is the time to insert them between Rounds 6 and 7, spacing them about 6 stitches apart. If you prefer embroidered eyes, you will do that at the very end.

Stuff the head firmly with fiberfill, making sure to shape it into a smooth ball.

Round 13: *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 sts)

Round 14: Sc2tog around. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a yarn needle, weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely.

Body (Start from Bottom)

The body is worked from the bottom up, creating a cone shape that will become the gnome's red tunic.

Round 1: With red yarn, make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)

Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)

Rounds 5-8: Sc in each stitch around. (24 sts)

Round 9: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)

Round 10: Sc in each stitch around. (18 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches) for sewing. Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill, shaping it into a rounded cone. Sew the body to the bottom of the head (the opening where you closed the head). Use the long tail to whip stitch the body securely to the head, making sure the seam is hidden. Weave in the ends.

Arms (Make 2)

These small tubes are quick to make and add the perfect finishing touch to the gnome's sides.

Round 1: With skin tone yarn, make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)

Rounds 2-4: Sc in each stitch around. (6 sts)

Switch to red yarn.

Rounds 5-7: Sc in each stitch around. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Stuff the arm lightly—just enough to give it shape without making it stiff. Flatten the opening and sew the arms to the sides of the body, positioning them about 2 rounds down from the neck seam. Weave in the ends.

Nose

This little sphere gives the gnome his characteristic rosy look.

Round 1: With skin tone yarn, make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: Sc in each stitch around. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Stuff the nose lightly. Sew the nose to the center of the face, positioning it between Rounds 5 and 7 of the head (just below the eyes). Weave in the ends.

Beard

The beard is created using a series of chains and slip stitches, which gives it a fluffy, textured look. We will build it in layers for fullness.

First Layer: With cream yarn, attach the yarn to one side of the face at Round 4 (just below the nose) using a slip stitch. *Chain 8, slip stitch into the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around the face, moving from one side to the other, until you reach the opposite side. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Second Layer (for fullness): Attach the cream yarn again, this time starting slightly lower on the face (around Round 5). *Chain 6, slip stitch into the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around, creating a slightly shorter row that overlaps the first. Fasten off.

Third Layer (optional, for extra fluff): Attach the yarn once more, starting around Round 6. *Chain 4, slip stitch into the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. Fasten off. This creates a layered, dimensional beard that frames the face beautifully. Weave in all ends.

Hat

The iconic pointed hat is worked from the brim up, with decreases to create the taper.

Round 1: With green yarn, make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)

Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)

Rounds 5-7: Sc in each stitch around. (24 sts)

Round 8: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)

Rounds 9-10: Sc in each stitch around. (18 sts)

Round 11: *Sc in the next stitch, sc2tog*; repeat from * to * around. (12 sts)

Rounds 12-13: Sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)

Round 14: Sc2tog around. (6 sts)

Rounds 15-16: Sc in each stitch around. (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Stuff the hat lightly—just enough to give it structure without making it stiff. Sew the hat onto the head, covering the top of the head and slightly overlapping the forehead (about 1-2 rounds down from the top of the head). Make sure the hat is centered. Fold the tip of the hat to one side and tack it down with a few small stitches to give it that charming, jaunty look. Weave in the ends.

Leaf Decoration on Hat

This simple leaf adds a garden-inspired touch to the gnome's hat.

With green yarn, chain 6. In the second chain from the hook, work a sc. In the next chain, work a half double crochet (hdc). In the next chain, work a double crochet (dc). In the next chain, work a hdc. In the last chain, work a sc. Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 6 inches).

Sew the leaf to the side of the hat, near the brim or slightly higher, using the tail. Weave in the ends.

Finishing Touches

Now it's time to bring Sunny Sprout to life!

• Eyes: If you did not use safety eyes, use black embroidery floss or yarn to embroider two small eyes. To do this, thread a yarn needle with black yarn. Insert the needle from the back of the head (where the seam is) and bring it out at the eye position. Make a small stitch (about 2-3 mm wide) and bring the needle back out at the same spot. Repeat 2-3 times to create a small, solid knot. Repeat for the second eye, then weave in the ends securely inside the head.
• Smile: Using a small piece of black or dark brown yarn, embroider a small smile just below the nose. Bring the needle up from the back of the head, make a small curved stitch (or two small stitches) below the nose, and weave the end back into the head.
• Weave in all ends: Double-check that all yarn tails are securely woven in and trimmed. This ensures your gnome is durable and looks neat.

Congratulations! Your Sunny Sprout the Garden Gnome is complete. Stand him on a shelf, tuck him among your potted plants, or gift him to a fellow craft lover. Because he is made with love and attention to detail, he is sure to be treasured for years to come. Happy crocheting!