If you love playful and textured crochet projects, this whimsical gnome wall hanging will brighten any space in your home. Inspired by classic folk motifs and spring garden scenes, this gnome features a tall navy blue hat embellished with a white star, a rounded nose, and a lush spiral beard that cascades in bouncy, plushy tendrils. Delicate crocheted bluebell flowers and leafy stems add a botanical flourish, making it equally delightful as nursery decor, an entryway accent, or a seasonal wall hanging. The piece is a creative blend of simple motifs and 3D texture, offering satisfaction for crafters who enjoy assembling unique crochet art.
This crochet project uses a four-color palette—navy blue for the hat, soft cream/white for the beard, pale beige for the nose, sky blue for the floral accents, and light green for the stems and leaves. The expressive shape, fun spiral curls, and gentle colors make it perfect for anyone craving a joyful, tactile crochet project. The design adapts well into gifts, wall art, or whimsical soft sculpture—and it’s the little details like the appliqué star and bluebells that make it truly delightful to create.
Project Overview
This gnome wall hanging is constructed using several separate crocheted motifs, which are assembled and sewn together at the end. The main components are:
- The spiral curly beard (worked in rows and then attached vertically)
- The rounded nose (worked in joined rounds)
- The pointed hat (worked in joined rounds from the tip down, finished with a ribbed band)
- The appliqué star decoration (worked in rounds)
- The bluebell flowers, leafy stems, and leaves (small separate motifs)
After crocheting all motifs, they are arranged and sewn in place for a sturdy, finished piece. The project is assembled onto a stiff backing or left floppy, depending on your desired effect.
Skill Level
Intermediate: This project involves shaping in the round, textured stitches for the beard, small-scale flower motifs, and assembly of multiple pieces. Experience with basic amigurumi (like the nose), changing colors, and seaming is helpful, but the instructions offer step-by-step guidance for every part.
Materials
- Worsted weight (medium/4) acrylic or cotton yarn in these approximate amounts:
- Navy blue (hat): 80g (120m/130yds)
- Cream/white (beard): 100g (140m/153yds)
- Pale beige/peach (nose): 15g (20m/22yds)
- Sky blue (flowers): 20g (28m/31yds)
- Soft green (stems/leaves): 20g (28m/31yds)
- Cream or white (star): Small scrap
- Crochet hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm)
- Tapestry needle for sewing pieces together
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
- Polyfill or yarn scraps (for stuffing the nose, optional for hat tip)
- Optional: Fabric stiffener for the finished piece, wooden dowel or stick for hanging
Finished Size
Approximate completed size:
Height: 40 cm (16 in)
Width: 22 cm (8.5 in)
To adjust the size, increase/decrease the number or length of spiral beard curls, or use thicker/thinner yarn and a corresponding hook size.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical for this piece. For reference:
16 sc x 18 rows = 4″ (10 cm) square, worked in single crochet with 4.0 mm hook.
Minor differences in gauge may affect finished dimensions slightly. Consistent tension is most important for motif assembly.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- inc – increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – decrease (sc 2 together)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- MR – magic ring
Important Pattern Notes
- Chains at the start of rows do not count as stitches unless specified.
- Begin rounds with a MR unless otherwise noted.
- Use a stitch marker to keep track of the starting point of each round, especially for amigurumi components (nose, hat).
- Change colors as needed at the final yarn-over of the last stitch of the previous color.
- Stuff the nose and, if desired, the hat tip before closing.
- Separate motifs are seamed together at the end. Lay pieces out before sewing for best placement.
- The beard is made up of individual spiral curls sewn closely together for fullness.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Spiral Beard Curls
The beard is made up of 16–18 individual spirals. You can make more or fewer to adjust the fullness and width.
With cream/white yarn and 4.0mm hook:
- Ch 26 (for a medium-length curl; adjust as desired).
- Starting in the second ch from hook, work 3 sc in each ch across (this creates a tight, springy spiral).
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Repeat steps 1–3 for a total of 16–18 curls. Vary the starting chain (between 24–28) for a more natural, layered beard look. Set aside.
Part 2: Gnome Nose (Amigurumi)
With beige or peach yarn and 4.0mm hook:
- MR, 6 sc in ring (6)
- 2 sc in each st around (12)
- [1 sc, inc] around (18)
- [2 sc, inc] around (24)
- [3 sc, inc] around (30)
- Sc in each st around for 3 more rounds (30 x 3 = 90 sc total over 3 rounds)
- [3 sc, dec] around (24)
- [2 sc, dec] around (18)
- Stuff nose firmly with polyfill.
- [1 sc, dec] around (12)
- Dec around (6)
- Fasten off, use yarn tail and tapestry needle to weave end through last 6 sts and pull tight to close. Hide end inside.
Part 3: Hat
With navy blue yarn and 4.0mm hook:
- MR, 6 sc in ring (6)
- Inc in each st around (12)
- *1 sc, inc* around (18)
- *2 sc, inc* around (24)
- *3 sc, inc* around (30)
- *4 sc, inc* around (36)
- Continue increasing by +6 stitches per round, following established pattern, until you have 54 stitches (or desired circumference for the bottom of the hat).
(Example: Round 7 – 5 sc, inc around = 42; Round 8 – 6 sc, inc around = 48; Round 9 – 7 sc, inc around = 54) - Work even (sc in each st) for 8 more rounds, or until hat is tall enough (about 16–18 rounds in total from beginning of hat to brim).
Try the hat over the beard spirals and nose to check proportion. - Brim: For a slightly ribbed brim, switch to working in BLO (back loops only) for the next 2 rounds – sc in each st around.
- Fasten off and weave in ends. If brim is floppy, single crochet one additional round tightly.
*Optional: Lightly stuff tip of hat for a more 3D look*
Part 4: Star Appliqué
With cream/white yarn and hook:
- MR, ch 1, 10 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc (10)
- Ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, sl st into same st as join—first star point made.
- *(sl st into next sc, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch, sc in next ch, sl st into same sc as starting point)*, repeat from * to * around for 4 more points (5 star points total).
- Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing.
Part 5: Bluebell Flowers (Make several)
With sky blue yarn and hook:
- MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring, join (6)
- Ch 1, [sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc] in each st around, join with sl st.
- Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing. Optional: Lightly pinch the “bell” shape for curl and sew with yarn tail.
Repeat to make at least 7–9 blossoms.
Part 6: Stems and Leaves
With green yarn and hook:
For each motif (make several):
- Ch 18–20 (adjust for desired length).
Turn, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (stem complete). - For leaves (at one or both ends): Ch 5 more, turn, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in last ch, sl st back into stem. Fasten off.
Vary stem and leaf placement for a natural look. Optional: embroider veins on leaves with a strand of green yarn.
Assembly and Finishing
- Lay out all spiral beard curls side by side. Position tightly so they touch/overlap at the top, arranging longer curls in the center and shorter at the sides for a beard shape.
- Sew spirals together along their top edge using whip stitch and long yarn tails. Lay piece on a table and shape as you sew for symmetry.
- Attach the nose at the upper center of the beard, sewing securely in place.
- Position the hat so it overlaps slightly over the top of the nose and beard. Sew hat in place around the edges, leaving the mouth area free. Lightly stuff hat tip if desired.
- Sew star appliqué to the upper side of the hat.
- Arrange bluebell flowers, stems, and leaves on and around the beard, sewing them or using invisible thread/tiny yarn stitches to secure. Vary angles and grouping for a natural, scattered look.
- If desired, attach the top/back of the hat to a wooden dowel or cord to hang
- Weave in all ends securely.
- If curling occurs, gently block with steam (avoid heavy flattening). Shape beard spirals with fingers to maintain spring.
Customization Ideas
- Change flower colors for different seasons (yellow, pink, purple, etc.).
- Use a multicolor or ombré yarn for the beard.
- Add tiny jingle bells, embroidered details, or sequins for extra sparkle.
- Swap the star motif for a heart or sun for other themes.
- Reduce motif size and use as a pillow front, blanket square, or pocket applique.
- Attach the gnome to a wreath as a festive door decoration.
- Use super bulky yarn for an oversized statement piece.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If beard spirals curl too tightly, use a longer starting chain or slightly reduce stitch increases per chain.
- For loose/uneven beard, whipstitch spirals closer together at the base.
- If edges appear wavy, block the finished motif gently in shape.
- Loose color changes: Always change colors in the last yarn-over of the previous stitch for clean transitions.
- If motif is shrinking or growing, check your yarn weight and hook size for gauge consistency.
- If hat or nose is too floppy, consider light stuffing or adding a touch of interfacing inside the hat.
Care Instructions
- Hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap if needed.
- Reshape gently and lay flat to dry.
- Avoid wringing or machine washing to preserve shape and details.
Final Notes
Double-check stitch counts often and adjust tension as needed for consistent appearance. Arrange and pin the motifs before final sewing to visualize placement. Use the image as a guide for spacing and fullness, but don’t be afraid to add your own flair with extra flowers or decorative touches. With careful attention to assembly and finishing, your gnome will boast cheerful charm and personality for years to come!
