purlJam

# Easter Gnome with Egg Basket
## Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern

A charming Easter gnome holding a basket filled with colorful eggs! This beginner-friendly pattern uses basic amigurumi techniques and simple shapes. Perfect for spring décor or as a handmade gift.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 4.5-5 inches (11-13 cm) tall

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) acrylic or cotton
- Beige/tan (body) - 30 yards
- Red, green, or pink (hat) - 20 yards
- White (beard) - 10 yards
- Light brown (basket) - 15 yards
- Assorted pastels (eggs: pink, blue, yellow, lavender) - small amounts, 5 yards each
- Small amount of peach or tan for nose

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed for tight gauge

**Other Supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Yarn needle
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Optional: Small amount of wire for basket handle stability

**Gauge**: Not critical, but work tightly so stuffing doesn't show through. Approximately 5-6 sc = 1 inch

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## ABBREVIATIONS
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yo, pull through both, yo, pull through 2 loops)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round
- ( ) = repeat instructions within parentheses

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## SPECIAL NOTES
- Work in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise noted; use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Do not join or turn unless instructed
- Stuff pieces firmly as you go for best results
- Use invisible decrease method for smooth surface

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## PATTERN

### BODY (Beige/Tan)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 4 = 24 ✓*

Rnds 5-12: sc around [24]
*(8 rounds even for body height)*

Rnd 13: (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Math check: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

**Stuff body firmly now.**

Rnd 14: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 15: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Weave through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

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### HEAD (Beige/Tan)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 repeats; 6 × 3 = 18 ✓*

Rnds 4-6: sc around [18]
*(3 rounds even)*

Rnd 7: (sc, dec) around [12]
*Math check: 18 ÷ 3 = 6 repeats; 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Stuff head firmly.**

Rnd 8: dec around [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Do not close hole completely; you'll attach this to body.

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### HAT (Red, Green, or Pink)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

Rnd 2: sc around [6]

Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [9]
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 repeats; 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

Rnd 4: sc around [9]

Rnd 5: (2 sc, inc) around [12]
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats; 3 × 4 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 6: sc around [12]

Rnd 7: (3 sc, inc) around [15]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 repeats; 3 × 5 = 15 ✓*

Rnd 8: sc around [15]

Rnd 9: (4 sc, inc) around [18]
*Math check: 15 ÷ 5 = 3 repeats; 3 × 6 = 18 ✓*

Rnds 10-11: sc around [18]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. Stuff tip of hat lightly (leave brim area unstuffed so it fits on head). You can fold the tip to one side for a floppy gnome hat look.

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### NOSE (Peach or Tan)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnd 3: sc around [12]

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Stuff lightly with small amount of fiberfill.

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### BEARD (White)

**Option 1 - Textured Beard (Easier):**

Ch 12

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across [11]

Rows 2-3: ch 1, sc in each st across [11]

Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing.

**Option 2 - Fluffy Beard:**

Cut 15-20 strands of white yarn, each 3 inches long. Fold each strand in half and pull through stitches along bottom edge of head using a latch hook or crochet hook to create fringe effect.

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### ARMS (Beige/Tan) - Make 2

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

Rnds 2-8: sc around [6]
*(7 rounds for arm length)*

Fasten off, leaving long tail. Stuff lightly. Arms will be sewn to sides of body.

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### BASKET (Light Brown)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

Rnds 3-5: sc around [12]
*(3 rounds for basket height)*

Fasten off, leaving long tail.

**Basket Handle:**

With light brown yarn, ch 15

Fasten off, leaving tails on both ends for attaching to basket.

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### EASTER EGGS (Make 3-5 in Assorted Pastel Colors)

Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]

Rnd 2: (sc, inc) around [9]
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 repeats; 3 × 3 = 9 ✓*

Rnds 3-4: sc around [9]

Rnd 5: (sc, dec) around [6]
*Math check: 9 ÷ 3 = 3 repeats; 3 × 2 = 6 ✓*

Stuff egg lightly.

Rnd 6: dec around [3]
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving tail. Weave through remaining sts and pull tight to close. Weave in ends.

**Optional Decoration**: With contrasting yarn color, embroider small dots, stripes, or zigzags on eggs for Easter patterns.

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## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1 - Attach Head to Body:**
Position head on top of body opening. Pin in place. Using the long tail from head and yarn needle, whip stitch head to body all the way around, making sure attachment is secure.

**Step 2 - Attach Nose:**
Position nose on center front of head, about 1/3 down from top. Sew in place using long tail, stitching around the edges.

**Step 3 - Attach Beard:**
Position beard below nose, covering lower portion of face. If using textured beard option, sew flat piece across face. If using fluffy beard, ensure fringe hangs down nicely. Sew securely.

**Step 4 - Attach Hat:**
Place hat on top of head, angled slightly to one side if desired. Sew around the brim edge to secure to head, making sure to catch both hat and head stitches.

**Step 5 - Prepare Basket:**
Attach chain handle to opposite sides of basket opening by sewing tails into basket stitches. Handle should arch over basket. Optional: Thread thin wire through chain for stability.

**Step 6 - Attach Eggs to Basket:**
Using yarn needle and matching yarn, tack 3-5 eggs into basket. Sew through bottom of eggs and into basket interior so eggs appear to be sitting inside. Eggs can peek up above basket rim.

**Step 7 - Attach Arms:**
Position one arm on each side of body, about 2-3 rounds down from head attachment. Arms should angle slightly forward. Sew arms to body securely. 

Position basket in front of gnome, resting handle over one or both arms. Using small stitches and matching yarn, tack basket handle to top of hands/arms in 2-3 places so basket appears to be held by gnome.

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## FINISHING

Weave in all remaining ends. Trim any excess yarn. 

Optional embellishments:
- Embroider small eyes with black yarn or add tiny bead eyes just above nose (between nose and hat brim)
- Add small felt flowers or bow to hat
- Embroider decorative patterns on eggs if not already done
- Add small felt or yarn pom-pom to tip of hat

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Spot clean only. If necessary, hand wash gently in cool water and lay flat to dry. Do not machine wash or dry.

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## TIPS FOR SUCCESS

1. **Tight Tension**: Crochet tightly so stuffing doesn't show through stitches. If you can see stuffing between stitches, go down a hook size.

2. **Stuffing**: Stuff firmly but not overly tight. Body should be plump and stable. Head should be round and smooth.

3. **Assembly Order Matters**: Always attach pieces in the order listed for easiest construction and best results.

4. **Invisible Decrease**: This technique creates smoother surfaces. Insert hook in front loops only of next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through both loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops.

5. **Stitch Marker**: Move your stitch marker up with each round to track your place, especially important for beginners.

6. **Egg Variations**: Make eggs in different sizes by adding or skipping a round in the middle section for variety.

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## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

- **Color Variations**: Make hat in different colors (pink, lavender, spring green)
- **Seasonal Variations**: Change to autumn colors and add felt leaves for fall gnome
- **Size Adjustments**: Use bulky yarn and larger hook (5-6mm) for a bigger gnome (approximately 7-8 inches tall)
- **Girl Gnome**: Add small braids or ponytails with yarn in addition to beard
- **Pattern Details**: Add stripes to hat by changing colors every 2 rounds

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## ABBREVIATIONS REFERENCE
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet  
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = decrease
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)

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**Pattern Design Notes**: This pattern uses basic amigurumi sphere (head, nose), cylinder (body, arms, basket), cone (hat), and oval (eggs) shapes. Total project time for beginners: 4-6 hours. Perfect for practicing basic amigurumi techniques!

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*This pattern is for personal use. Finished items may be sold in small quantities with credit to pattern designer. Pattern may not be reproduced or distributed.*