Another handmade Christmas DIY in this week’s post with this easy sewing project. See how to sew a Christmas Gnome!
So, I am now getting into the Christmas spirit. I have put up the slim tree in my room and I am ready to get festive. Yes, it may be a bit early, but anything seems to go in 2020, what a year it has been! Also, it gives you a bit of early inspiration and time to have a go at crafting before the full-on Christmas rush.
In this week’s post and video, I am going to show you how to sew a Christmas gnome. These are super cute, and just add a bit of something else to your decor, but what are Christmas gnomes?
Check out how to make your own Christmas stockings for some more added luxe to your Christmas decor.
Christmas Gnomes
Christmas gnomes have grown in popularity over the last few years and are becoming a firm favourite of having as a piece of decor. They originate from Scandinavia and are known as various different titles; Tomte (Swedish), Nisse (Danish & Norwegian), and Tonttu or Tomteni (Finnish). In England, they can also be known as Gonks. They are typically a mythological creature within Nordic folklore and correlate with the Christmas season and winter solstice.
Christmas gnomes have a similar appearance to garden gnomes and come in a variety of shapes and size. Some have more of a body with arms and legs, whilst others typically look like the top part without the limbs.
According to the folklore, the Christmas gnomes offer some protection and act as guardians to the home. However, if they are not treated well or offended then they will play tricks on the household. In more modern times the Christmas gnomes take on the role of gift-giver as a version of Father Christmas.
How to Sew a Christmas Gnome:
These Christmas gnomes are really easy to make. There are plenty of no-sew versions out there using old socks to do so. However, I wanted to use my sewing skills, and use some rich luxurious fabric (velvet) to make my version of Christmas gnomes. Now, you can use a sewing machine or hand sew this together, but for this post, I will show you how to sew a Christmas gnome using a sewing machine. This DIY also uses the same concept of making a fabric plant pot, to make the base of the Christmas gnome.
So, if you would like to see how to make your own Christmas gnomes, then let’s get crafting!
Jump to the video version at the end of this post too!
What you need:
To make the Christmas gnomes, you are going to need the following items.
Some items on this list are affiliate links and will be indicated with an asterisk (*). This means that I may earn a small amount of commission should you make a purchase through the link, at no extra cost to you.
- Cotton or cotton flannel fabric*
- Contrasting material – I used Blue velvet* and Teal velvet*
- Faux fur trim*
- Cotton thread
- Sewing machine or hand sewing needle
- Uncooked rice
- Pillow stuffing/toy stuffing
- Glue Gun
- Round beads or buttons
- Fabric marker
- Scissors
- Decorative Christmas bells (optional)
Step 1 – Cut out material
Firstly, you need to cut out your fabric to make the gnomes. Start by selecting something round to draw around. This can be as big or little as you like. I opted to draw around a round jewellery dish, however, you can use a jar lid or something similar.
Draw around your chosen round object onto the base material. Then cut this out.
Next, you want to cut out a square in the base material. The size of this will depend on the size of your circle. For mine, I measured and drew out a 18cmx18cm square. Cut this out, and then taper this slightly from the bottom to the top, so that the top is narrower than the bottom.
Finally, you want to cut out another square of material in the contrasting material to make the hat for the gnome. This needs to be slightly bigger than the first square, with mine measuring 25cmx25cm. Cut this out and then fold in half. Cut from the fold line diagonally so that you get a sort of triangle shape.
Step 2 – create the Christmas Gnome base
Next, it is time to do a bit of sewing, whether this is on the sewing machine or by hand.
Start by sewing the two side edges of the tapered square together. Backstitch each start and end of the seams. This should connect the two pieces together and create a sort of tube.
Then select the circle base and pin this around the inside of the bottom part of the newly sewn tube. If the tube piece appears too big for the circle, then re-sew the seams deeper and trim until the circle and tube base match up. I hope that makes sense!
You should then have the base of the Christmas gnome, a circular base with sides going up.
Step 3 – Fill the Gnome
Now it is time to fill the body of the gnome. Place in a few handfuls of dried rice to cover the bottom of the gnome base. Then, add on top of this stuffing. This can be pillow stuffing or toy stuffing. I used an old pillow and removed the stuffing from this. Got to recycle! Fill until it is plump.
Then, head to the sewing machine or use a hand sewing needle to close the gap to keep the stuffing inside. The base of the Christmas gnome is then complete.
Step 4 – Make the hat
Now it is time to make the hat for the gnome. With the triangle piece of material, you want to hem the bottom edge. Fold the edge under and sew a neat stitch to keep this in place. Then the hem of the hat is complete.
Next, fold the triangle right side to right side and sew together the open edge of the triangle. Take this from the bottom edge of the hem right to the point of the hat.
Turn right side out and the gnome hat is ready to go. You can add on a decorative jingle bell (or bells) to the point of the hat. If you want to be a bit fancier, you can add some decorative stitches to the hat too.
Step 5 – Add on the nose and beard
To complete the gnome, you need a round nose and a fluffy beard.
First, place on the newly formed hat and measure how far down you want this to be. You can change the shape of the gnome, giving them more or less body. Then, mark where you want the nose to be. These gnomes don’t have eyes, so the nose needs to be close to the brim of the hat.
Remove the decorative hat and set aside for later. Then, use a hot glue gun and stick the nose onto the place where you have marked. Hold this down and ensure it has stuck. It should stick more or less straight away. Watch your fingers though, the glue and fabric get very hot!
Finally, it is time to add the beard. Select the fur trim and place it against the gnome’s face. Measure where you want the beard to start and finish horizontally and cut. It is important to cut through the backing of the trim only, rather than the full faux fur. This should stop the fur from shedding too much.
Then cut a ‘U’ shape of the beard so that the bottom of the beard is narrower. Use the glue gun to attach the beard onto the nose. Make sure that this is stuck right underneath the nose so that the nose is sort of over-lapping on top of the faux fur.
Then the gnome is nearly complete.
Step 6 – Add on the Gnome hat
To complete the Christmas gnome, add on the hat that was made. Bring this right down onto the gnome and ensure that the top of the fur trim and nose is right against the bottom of the hat.
And that is how to sew a Christmas Gnome. Aren’t they just cute, yet stylish for Christmas?!
Will you be making a Christmas Gnome this year, or do you have a different Christmas decor style? Let me know in the comments below!
If you have enjoyed this Christmas DIY, then you may like DIY Advent Calendar, DIY Christmas Wreaths and DIY Christmas Candles.
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How to Sew a Christmas Gnome Video
Here is the video version of ‘How to sew a Christmas Gnome’. If you enjoy the video, don’t forget to give it a like, and subscribe to my channel for more creative and crafty goodness!
How to Sew a Christmas Gnome | Pin It!
If you enjoyed this post, why not share the love and pin it for later? Check out my Pinterest too!
These are so cute! I thought they were gonna be super hard to make but when reading they don’t look so difficult! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you like them! They are so cute, aren’t they? I didn’t like them when I first saw them, but they have definitely grown on me.
There are even easier versions with old socks and glue guns, but i didn’t have socks, but always have a tonne of material haha!
Thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
So cute! These Christmas gnomes are adorable!
So cute, aren’t they?! Glad you like them!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I’ve never thought to do this before but this is such a great idea. You’ve broken each section down so that it makes it feel simple. Great post!
Glad you like them! They are really easy to make when you break it down, aren’t they? Ideally, I would have given them a bit more body, but I love how they turned out!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxox
These gnomes are so cute! And it does look like a fairly easy sewing project (I really don’t have good skills lol). I’ve been wanting a fun, little gift to send my parents and I think this might fit the bill! 🙂
Oh, aren’t they just?! I love how they have turned out and so easy to make too! You could probably glue these together if you are not sure on the sewing part, but I don’t know how durable it will be. You could always hand-stitch together too if the sewing machine is too daunting. Whatever way, I am sure they will turn out adorable!
I bet your parents will love them!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Wow! These look amazing 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Emma | http://www.lifeofemmax.co.uk
Glad you like them! They turned out great, didn’t they?
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Ahhh, I love this Totally just bought one in Poundland though
Glad you like it! Oh, they are everywhere, aren’t they? Will have to check out Poundland’s version.
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
These gnomes look so fluffy and cute and are such a great thing to make! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Oh they are just plump pieces of goodness, aren’t they? So easy to make and they turn out fab!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Sooooo cute creatures❤❤❤ I must make a few. Thank you for info!
Glad you like them…they are so cute, aren’t they (although I wasn’t a fan when I first discovered them!)
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I’ve seen some of these in the shops, but I think they would be so fun to make! I’m bookmarking this post for later 🙂
They are so easy to make, and you can make them in whatever colour you like. Great if you can’t find what you are looking for in the shops!
Glad you like it and happy gnome making!
Aimsy xoxo
How cute are these Christmas gnomes! Thanks for the tutorial.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Oh, they are so cute, aren’t they? I have a few more to make in other colours too to add to the cuteness.
Glad you like and thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
This is so adorable! And a great project to do with kids over the holidays!
Glad you like, they are so cute, aren’t they? Definitely a good one for the kids.
Thanks for commenting and happy gnome making!
Aimsy xoxo
You are so talented and creative!! I am truly in love with your adorable Christmas Gnomes, they are ridiculously cute!!
Aww, thank you! They are too cute, aren’t they? I love that they are so customisable.
Thanks for commenting and happy crafting!
Aimsy xoxo
Thisis amazing and absolutely adorable! Going to try this on my day off!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Glad you like them! They are so adorable, aren’t they?!
Have fun making them and thanks for commenting!
Aimsy xoxo
These are so cute! I might actually pull out my sewing machine and attempt to make one. Thanks for sharing the tutorial!
Glad you like them! They are so easy to make and turn out so cute!
Thanks for commenting and happy gnome making…would love to see how yours turn out!
Aimsy xoxo
This is such a cool idea to spend my time during lockdown, thank you for keeping me busy! Great post as always xx
xoxo Olivia | http://www.oliviaandbeauty.com/
Definitely a good project to keep yourself busy during lockdown! Glad you like it and happy crafting!
If you make any, you will have to show me!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
These Christmas Gnome look amazing, such a great tutorial!
Glad you like them! They just add that something else to the decor, don’t they?
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
These are such cute little fellows! I love how simple they are to make and how perfect a row of them would be for table or altar decor. Thanks for sharing!
They are cute little fellows, aren’t they?! They are so easy to make, oh and they would look great on a table or as altar decor. I have o make some more!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
The gnomes look so cute!! I don’t really get that creative for Christmas decor, but seeing these cute lil guys makes me want to give it a go. I haven’t thought about decorating yet for Christmas, but I am super excited for Christmas this year! xx
They are so cute, aren’t they? Oh, I have been in the festive spirit much earlier this year, and these have definitely helped with that.
What is good with these is you can create them in any style, so make them as minimal or as glam as you like depending on your decor.
Glad you like them and thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Oh these are so cute! I love these ☺️
Your tutorials are awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Love Lozza x
http://girlygabble.com
Glad you like them…they are just adorable, aren’t they?
Thank you and thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
I absolutely love these, they look so cute and fun to make! I couldn’t have them in my house though, they’d last about 10 minutes before Hugo got his teeth stuck into them x
Sophie
They are really easy and look cute, don’t they? What a shame…but you would have to forgive him, he is just too adorable not to!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Very cute and create post. Love these adorable little gnomes 🙂
https://www.chicnpink.com
Glad you like them…I can’t wait to make a few more to add to my collection!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Aw, these are so cute! I made Christmas gnomes a couple of years ago with pine cones although they looked more like archbishops because my glue wouldn’t get the hats to stay in position, haha. Might have to try these versions this time around – great tutorial, thank you! x
So cute, aren’t they? I bet the pinecone version looked great, and I guess the archbishop look still ties in with Christmas haha!
Would love to see yours if you do have a go at making them!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
The gnomes look so cute! Thank you for sharing this lovely idea!
Glad you like them, they turned out great, didn’t they?
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
You’ve done a fantastic job writing simple directions with clear accompanying photos. Thank you!
Glad you find the instructions easy to follow…that is always my main aim to make the crafts accessible for all!
Thanks for commenting 🙂
Aimsy xoxo