Whimsical Woodland Gnome Stocking Free Crochet Pattern

Bring a touch of enchanted forest charm to your holiday decor this year with this utterly adorable mini crochet stocking, shaped like a cozy gnome's boot. This quick and delightful project is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels, from confident beginners to seasoned makers looking for a fast, festive make. Whether you hang it on your Christmas tree, attach it to a gift, or use it as a charming ornament in a wreath, this little stocking is sure to bring a smile to everyone who sees it. Let's get started on creating this rustic, handmade treasure!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet session. This project uses simple, readily available materials.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Deep forest green (for the stocking body)
  • Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Warm cream (for the top and loop)
  • Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Soft berry red (for the cuff and nose)
• Crochet Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
• Scissors: For cutting yarn
• Fiberfill Stuffing: A small amount for stuffing the foot and nose
• Optional: A small wooden bead (to use instead of a crocheted nose)
• Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds

Note on Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight tension to keep the stuffing from showing through your stitches. If you crochet loosely, consider using a smaller hook (like 4.5 mm) to achieve a denser fabric.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral) unless otherwise stated. Always use a stitch marker to keep track of your rounds. Let's break this down into manageable sections.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec = decrease (sc 2 together)
• sl st = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Part 1: Leg of Stocking (Worked from Top Down)

We'll start with the cream-colored top of the stocking and work our way down.

1. Start: With CC1 (cream), make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly. (6 sts)
3. Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around (inc in each st). (12 sts)
4. Round 3: *Sc in the next st, inc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)
5. Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)
6. Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 sts, inc in the next st*; repeat from * to * around. (30 sts)
7. Rounds 6-10: Sc in each stitch around. (30 sts) This forms the cream-colored top section.
8. Switch Colors: Cut CC1 and join MC (green) with a slip stitch. Pro tip: Leave a long tail of CC1 to weave in later.
9. Rounds 11-15: With MC, sc in each stitch around. (30 sts)

Part 2: Shaping the Heel

Now we will create the heel flap by working back and forth in rows, not rounds. This creates the boot-like shape.

1. Row 1: Sc in the next 15 sts, ch 1, turn your work. (15 sts) You are now working on only half of the stitches.
2. Row 2: Sc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (15 sts)
3. Repeat Row 2: Repeat this row until you have a total of 6 rows worked on this flap. This forms the heel flap.

Shape the Heel Cup: This decreases the width to round the bottom of the heel.

1. Row 1: Sc in the next 9 sts, dec over the next 2 sts, ch 1, turn. (10 sts)
2. Row 2: Sc in the next 4 sts, dec over the next 2 sts, ch 1, turn. (5 sts)
3. Row 3: Sc in the next 2 sts, dec over the next 2 sts, ch 1, turn. (3 sts)
4. Fasten off. Fold the heel flap in half (right sides together) and use your yarn needle to slip stitch across the edge to close the heel. Turn the work right side out.

Part 3: Foot of Stocking

We will now work in the round again to create the foot of the stocking.

1. Attach Yarn: Attach MC (green) with a slip stitch at the center of the heel edge (where you just closed it).
2. Round 1: Sc evenly around the opening of the foot. Work 15 sts across the top of the foot and 15 sts across the bottom of the foot. (30 sts) Place your stitch marker here.
3. Rounds 2-6: Sc in each stitch around. (30 sts)
4. Round 7 (Decrease): *Sc in the next 3 sts, dec over the next 2 sts*; repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)
5. Round 8: Sc in each stitch around. (24 sts)
6. Round 9 (Decrease): *Sc in the next 2 sts, dec over the next 2 sts*; repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)
7. Round 10: Sc in each stitch around. (18 sts)
8. Stuff the Foot: Now is the time to stuff the foot firmly with fiberfill. Make sure to push the stuffing all the way into the toe area.
9. Round 11 (Decrease): *Sc in the next st, dec over the next 2 sts*; repeat from * to * around. (12 sts)
10. Round 12 (Decrease): Dec around (decrease in every stitch). (6 sts)
11. Fasten Off: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail onto your yarn needle and weave it through the front loops of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the hole like a drawstring. Weave in the end securely.

Part 4: The Cuff (Worked Separately)

This creates the rolled red cuff at the top of the stocking.

1. Start: With CC2 (red), make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
3. Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
4. Round 3: *Sc in the next st, inc in the next st*; repeat around. (18 sts)
5. Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st*; repeat around. (24 sts)
6. Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 sts, inc in the next st*; repeat around. (30 sts)
7. Rounds 6-8: Sc in each stitch around. (30 sts)
8. Fasten Off: Leave a long tail for sewing. Slip the cuff over the top of the stocking (over the cream edge) and sew it in place. Fold the cuff down slightly for a rolled look, revealing the cream interior.

Part 5: Gnome Nose

This adorable feature gives the stocking its gnome personality.

1. Start: With CC2 (red), make a magic ring.
2. Round 1: 6 sc in ring. (6 sts)
3. Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
4. Rounds 3-4: Sc in each stitch around. (12 sts)
5. Fasten Off: Leave a long tail. Stuff the nose lightly with a tiny bit of fiberfill. Sew the nose onto the front of the stocking, centered just below the red cuff. Alternative: You can skip this step and sew a small wooden bead in its place for a quicker finish.

Part 6: Hanging Loop

1. Create Loop: With CC1 (cream), ch 12. Slip stitch to the first chain to form a loop. Fasten off, leaving a tail.
2. Attach: Sew the loop securely to the top back of the stocking, positioning it just inside the red cuff so it's hidden when hanging.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in Ends: Carefully weave in all loose ends using your yarn needle to ensure a clean, professional finish.
2. Blocking (Optional): If desired, lightly block your stocking to even out the stitches. Since this is a 3D item, you can simply spritz it with water and shape it with your hands, then let it dry completely.

Your whimsical woodland gnome stocking is now complete! Admire your handiwork—the deep forest green, the warm cream, and the soft berry red combine for a rustic, festive look full of woodland charm. Hang it proudly and enjoy the handmade coziness it brings to your holiday season. Happy crafting!