What do you know about gnomes? They are short and stocky, have beards, live underground, and guard treasure hoards. Riding the wave of Scandinavian style interior decorating, these little heroes of Nordic legends have found their way into many homes in the shape of soft toys. I, too, was enchanted by them, and created a photo tutorial to crochet these Amigurumi style “Treasure Keeper Gnomes”.

Why did I call my gnomes “Treasure Keeper Gnomes”? Because, according to legend, they always guard one lavish underground hoard of treasure or another. May they in your home, too, guard the most precious treasure of the family – the love and warmth of the family hearth.

Just look at this fabulous pair – the bearded Old Man and the woman of his life! These softies are smallish – just 14 cm 5.5 inches short, not counting the headdresses, which, when worn, increase the overall height to 22 cm 8.7 in. The bodies for both are the same – With tiny feet and long arms in mittens. Their faces are dominated by a large round nose. The male gnome features a fluffy, slightly disheveled white beard, which makes him somewhat looking like Santa Claus, while his female counterpart sports bangs, tiny curls at the back of the neck, and splendid long braids, tied with ribbons. Both wear pixie hats which hold their shape on their own.

The gnomes can be custom-decorated according to occasion, for instance, for Valentine’s Day, as inseparable pair, or for the Holidays – as Santa and Mrs Claus. As well-aged pair, they make a lovely Wedding anniversary present. These gnomes as hearth keepers can be an excellent housewarming gift for your loved ones, too! There are as many possible variations as you can find occasions to gift them.

When the gardening season starts in the spring, move them into the garden house – may they be gardening gnomes. Or what about putting them into the nursery, wearing stocking caps?… They’ll find themselves a spot in every room anytime, believe me.

The simple shapes on which these dolls are based do not require much experience in crocheting, making them accessible for beginning crafters, too, especially since the pattern instructions are very detailed and thus suitable for a beginning crocheter.

May this pair bring creative joy to your home, and fill it with warmth and coziness!

The 14-pages pattern contains instructions to make a Gnome and Gnome–grandma. Instructions are written out as row-by-row description with detailed explanations and helpful progress photos.

You need to know: sl st, sc, hdc, dc.

Materials and Tools needed:

For the toys, I used YarnArt Jeans yarn (55% cotton, 45% PAC; 50 g 1.76 oz – 160 m 174 yds) and a 2.25 mm crochet hook US 1, the gnome with cap will be 22 cm 8.7 in tall.

Yarn requirements for one gnome:
25 g 0.9 oz of blue color (№15)
8 g 0.3 oz of cream color (№73)
12 g 0.4 oz of white color (№62)
14 g 0.5 oz of red color (№90)
2 g 0.1 oz of brown color (№70)

Fiberfil – about 21 g for one toy.
8 mm 0.3 in safety eyes.
11 mm 0.55 in buttons and ribbon for ecorating.

Scissors, long needle, blunt needle, tailor pins with large head.