purlJam

# Valentine's Gnome Crochet Pattern

**Designed for beginner crocheters | Finished size: Approximately 5-6 inches tall**

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Worsted weight (4) acrylic or cotton blend
- Color A (Pink or Red): 50-60 yards for hat
- Color B (Gray or Tan): 30-40 yards for body  
- Color C (Cream or White): 15-20 yards for beard
- Small amount of Peach or Pink for nose

**Suggested yarns:** Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Caron Simply Soft

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

**Other supplies:**
- Fiberfill stuffing (polyester)
- Yarn needle for weaving and assembly
- Stitch marker
- Small piece of white or pink felt for heart (optional)
- Fabric glue or needle and thread for felt (optional)
- Scissors

**Gauge:** Not critical for this project, but approximately 5 sc and 5 rows = 1 inch. The most important thing is to crochet tightly enough that stuffing doesn't show through.

## 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, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round

## PATTERN NOTES

- This pattern is worked in continuous rounds (spiral). Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
- Do not join or turn unless instructed.
- Crochet tightly to prevent stuffing from showing through.
- The invisible decrease creates a smoother finish than a standard sc2tog.
- Stuff pieces firmly but not overstuffed—you want them plump but not lumpy.
- All pieces are worked separately, then assembled.

## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY

Using Color B (gray or tan):

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Stitch count check: 6 increases = 12 sts*

**Rnd 3:** (sc, inc) around [18]
*Stitch count check: 6 inc + 6 sc = 18 sts*

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [24]
*Stitch count check: 8 repeats of 3 sts = 24 sts*

**Rnds 5-10:** sc in each st around [24]
*Work 6 rounds even*

**Rnd 11:** (2 sc, dec) around [18]
*Stitch count check: 8 decreases, 24 - 6 = 18 sts*

Begin stuffing the body firmly with fiberfill.

**Rnd 12:** (sc, dec) around [12]
*Stitch count check: 6 decreases, 18 - 6 = 12 sts*

Continue stuffing, adding more fiberfill as needed.

**Rnd 13:** dec around [6]
*Stitch count check: 6 decreases, 12 - 6 = 6 sts*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn needle with tail and weave through remaining 6 sts. Pull tight to close hole. Weave in end securely.

---

### HAT

Using Color A (pink or red):

**Rnd 1:** 4 sc in magic ring [4]

**Rnd 2:** (sc, inc) around [6]
*Stitch count check: 2 inc + 2 sc = 6 sts*

**Rnd 3:** sc in each st around [6]

**Rnd 4:** (2 sc, inc) around [8]
*Stitch count check: 2 inc + 4 sc = 8 sts*

**Rnd 5:** sc in each st around [8]

**Rnd 6:** (3 sc, inc) around [10]
*Stitch count check: 2 inc + 6 sc = 10 sts*

**Rnd 7:** sc in each st around [10]

**Rnd 8:** (4 sc, inc) around [12]
*Stitch count check: 2 inc + 8 sc = 12 sts*

**Rnd 9:** sc in each st around [12]

**Rnd 10:** (5 sc, inc) around [14]
*Stitch count check: 2 inc + 10 sc = 14 sts*

**Rnd 11:** sc in each st around [14]

**Rnd 12:** (6 sc, inc) around [16]
*Stitch count check: 2 inc + 12 sc = 16 sts*

**Rnds 13-14:** sc in each st around [16]
*Work 2 rounds even*

**Rnd 15:** (7 sc, inc) around [18]
*Stitch count check: 2 inc + 14 sc = 18 sts*

**Rnds 16-18:** sc in each st around [18]
*Work 3 rounds even*

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff the tip of the hat with a small amount of fiberfill—just enough to give it shape without making it stiff. The hat should flop over naturally.

---

### NOSE

Using Peach or Pink yarn:

**Rnd 1:** 6 sc in magic ring [6]

**Rnd 2:** inc in each st around [12]
*Stitch count check: 6 increases = 12 sts*

**Rnd 3:** sc in each st around [12]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff very lightly with a tiny amount of fiberfill (you want a small, round button nose). The opening will close naturally when you sew it onto the body.

---

### BEARD

**Option 1: Simple Yarn Loop Beard (Easiest for beginners)**

Cut approximately 15-20 strands of Color C (cream or white) yarn, each about 3-4 inches long. You'll attach these directly to the body during assembly to create a fluffy beard.

**Option 2: Crocheted Flat Beard**

Using Color C (cream or white):

**Row 1:** Ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across [9 sc], turn

**Row 2:** Ch 1, sc in each st across [9], turn

**Row 3:** Ch 1, sc in each st across [9]

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

---

## ASSEMBLY

**Step 1: Attach Hat to Body**
- Position the hat opening on top of the body, slightly toward the back.
- Using the long tail from the hat and your yarn needle, whip stitch around the edge of the hat opening to secure it to the body.
- The hat should flop forward naturally.

**Step 2: Attach Nose**
- Position the nose on the front of the body, about 1/3 down from where the hat sits.
- Using the long tail from the nose, sew around the edges to secure it to the body.
- Make sure the stuffing stays inside as you sew.

**Step 3: Attach Beard**

*For Yarn Loop Beard:*
- Using your crochet hook, pull loops of yarn through stitches below the nose.
- Space them evenly across the lower front of the body.
- Pull each strand through, fold in half, and pull the ends through the loop to secure (like fringe).
- Trim to desired length—about 1-2 inches works well.
- You can make the beard fuller by adding more strands.

*For Crocheted Flat Beard:*
- Position the crocheted rectangle below the nose, centered on the body.
- Using the long tail, sew the top edge of the beard to the body.
- The beard should cover the lower portion of the front body.

**Step 4: Optional Heart Embellishment**
- Cut a small heart shape from white or pink felt (about 1 inch tall).
- Glue or sew the heart to the front of the hat.
- Alternatively, you can embroider a small heart using pink or red yarn and a yarn needle.

**Step 5: Finishing**
- Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
- Gently shape the hat so it flops to one side.
- Fluff the beard if using the yarn loop method.

---

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Color Variations:**
- Classic Valentine's: Red hat with white beard
- Pink Love: Light pink hat with cream beard
- Romantic: Dark red hat with gray body and white beard

**Embellishments:**
- Add small ribbon bow to hat
- Sew on tiny buttons down the body
- Create multiple small felt hearts for hat decoration
- Use metallic yarn for sparkly hat
- Add "LOVE" or "XOXO" embroidered on body

**Size Adjustments:**
- **Smaller gnome (3-4 inches):** Stop body increases at Round 3 (18 sts), work fewer even rounds
- **Larger gnome (7-8 inches):** Add one more increase round to body (30 sts), work more even rounds, and add length to hat

---

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. Do not machine wash or dry. Keep away from heat sources.

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Problem:** Stuffing shows through stitches
- **Solution:** Use a smaller hook or crochet more tightly. You can also line the inside with fabric or use yarn that matches your stuffing color.

**Problem:** Hat won't stay upright/floppy
- **Solution:** This is normal! Gnome hats are meant to flop over. If you want it to stand up, insert a pipe cleaner through the center of the hat for structure.

**Problem:** Body is lumpy
- **Solution:** Stuff more gradually, adding small amounts of fiberfill at a time. Smooth the stuffing as you work.

**Problem:** Stitch count is off
- **Solution:** Go back to the last round where your count was correct. Use the stitch count checks provided to verify your work.

---

## SKILL LEVEL
**Beginner** - Requires knowledge of: magic ring, single crochet, increases, and decreases. Perfect for learning basic amigurumi techniques!

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**Pattern Notes:**
- This pattern is designed for personal use and gift-giving.
- You may sell finished items made from this pattern in small quantities.
- Please credit the pattern designer.
- Do not reproduce, share, or sell this pattern itself.

**Questions?** Common beginner tips:
- Keep your tension consistent throughout
- Count your stitches at the end of each round
- Don't be afraid to pull out a round if something doesn't look right
- Your first amigurumi might not be perfect, and that's okay—each one gets better!

Happy crocheting! Your Valentine's gnome will bring smiles all February long! ❤️