How to Make an Absolutely Adorable No-Sew Patriotic Gnome
This Patriotic Gnome is an easy-to-make 4th of July decoration.
The best part, you can make this cute craft DIY gnome in less than 30 minutes!
I have been wanting to make an adorable gnome for each holiday since my Christmas Gnome was so simple and cute but I wanted this one to be a bit different.
No mop head gnome beard to celebrate Independence Day. Instead, I used yarn I found on clearance at Michael's and I love how fluffy and full it turned out. I have a simple tutorial for the gnome beard in the directions below.
The supplies used were easy to find locally. I've included links for some of the products for ordering online.
If you want to save this tutorial for later, you can click here to Pin it Now!
Alternatives and Tips for Making this Patriotic Gnome
- I used both a foam cone and a sock for the gnome body but you can forgo the sock if you would like. Adding Poly-Pellets to the sock based will fill out the little gnome booty! Also, doll beads conform to the surface the gnome is sitting on and it stays in place a little better than just a plain foam cone does.
- Wide ribbon with wire edges were used for the arms and legs but you could use grosgrain ribbon as well. The stiffness of the wire edged ribbon makes posing the gnome easier. Floral wire could be placed in the center of a fabric ribbon tube as an alternative.
- A mop head can be used for the gnome beard instead of yarn and I have a tutorial for that here.
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How-To: The Gnome Making Process
Supplies Used to Make This Patriotic Gnome
White Floral Decorative Foam Cone - 6.9 inches x 2.9 inches from Dollar Tree
Patriotic Sock (only one of a pair needed) purchased from Walmart Men's Department
Wooden Ball with one flat side or a wooden bead - Hobby Lobby
Crafter's Twine or several strands of embroidery floss
Doll Beads i.e. Poly Pellets or dried rice
Red Striped Ribbon with wired edge (Michael's)
Blue Star Striped Ribbon with wired edge (Michael's)
Fluffy Yarn - Bernat Sheepy Yarn (available on at Michael's - I purchased it on clearance for $2.99)
Hot Glue Gun
Gather your supplies and let's get busy!
How to Make a Patriotic Gnome
First, cut the sock separating the foot part from the ankle covering.
Fill the bottom portion of the sock with approximately one cup of doll beads or dried rice. Place on bottom of cone pulling the stock up as high as it will go.
Glue sock in place onto foam cone. A thin line of hot glue along the top of the sock will do the trick.
Next, we'll make the yarn beard. We'll be using a technique very similar to the one I used to make this boho wall hanging.
Cut two lengths of twine long enough to go around the cone at it's widest point and add a few inches to allow for adjustments and to tie the ends together.
Cut at least 24 pieces of yarn each 14 inches long. The yarn will be too long but we are going to trim it up when we're all finished, so, longer works better than too short.
Attach 10 pieces of yarn to the twine using a Lark's head knot (an explanation of this technique can be found here).
Attach 14 pieces of yarn to the second piece of twine using the same technique as above.
The gnome beard will have two layers - this is what makes it so full!
Tie the bottom "beard" onto the gnome body (this is the twine with 14 pieces of yarn) and then attach the remaining string of yarn about 1 inch above the bottom beard.
Directly above the top row of beard, hot glue the gnome nose in place.
Add the remaining sock to the top of the cone pulling down to the nose.
Fold in the cut edge of the top of the sock and tie with twine. Arrange it to the side of the gnome head.
You could also add a pom pom or star to the tip of the gnome hat for an extra oomph of star spangled cheer!
Now, for the gnome legs, arms, and hands.
Cut two 7 inch pieces of the red and white striped ribbon.
Fold into thirds and glue in place. Bend the legs about ½ inch in from the bottom and use twine to create ankles.
Turn the gnome over and glue the legs to the bottom then glue the arms in place as shown in the photo.
Cut two 4 inch pieces of the blue star ribbon. Fold into thirds and glue in place.
Use a scrap piece of leather or felt to draw two small mittens and cut out.
Glue in place at the end of each arm.
Trim up the Patriotic Gnomes Beard either straight across or at a slight angle.
And there you have it! A simple to make Patriotic Sock Gnome.
And here's a quick view from behind...I love how he's "looking" at the American Flag Wreath on the front door! (You can get the tutorial for the Old Glory Wreath here.)
I don't have a large enough tiered tray but I think he would look super cute sitting on one along with some cute patriotic themed Knick knacks.
How To Make a Gnome
Equipment
- Hot Glue Gun
- Glue Sticks
- Scissors
Supplies
- Foam Cone - 6.9 inches x 2.9 inches from Dollar Tree
- Patriotic Sock only one of a pair needed purchased from Walmart Men's Department
- Wooden Ball with one flat side - Hobby Lobby
- Crafter's Twine
- Doll Beads i.e. Poly Pellets or dried rice
- Red Striped Ribbon with wired edges
- Blue Star Striped Ribbon with wired edges
- Fluffy Yarn - Bernat Sheepy
Instructions
- Gather your supplies and let's get busy!
- First, cut the sock separating the foot part from the ankle covering.
- Fill the bottom portion of the sock with approximately one cup of doll beads or dried rice. Place on bottom of cone pulling the stock up as high as it will go.
- Glue sock in place onto foam cone.
- Next, we'll make the yarn beard. We'll be using a technique very similar to the one I used to make this boho wall hanging.
- Cut two lengths of twine long enough to go around the cone at it's widest point and add a few inches to allow for adjustments and to tie the ends together.
- Cut at least 24 pieces of yarn each 14 inches long. The yarn will be too long but we are going to trim it up when we're all finished, so, longer works better than too short.
- Attach 10 pieces of yarn to the twine using a Lark's knot (an explanation of this technique can be found here).
- Attach 14 pieces of yarn to the second piece of twine using the same technique as above.
- The gnome beard will have two layers - this is what makes it so full!
- Tie the bottom "beard" onto the gnome body (this is the twine with 14 pieces of yarn) and then attach the remaining string of yarn about 1 inch above the bottom beard.
- Directly above the top row of bear, hot glue the gnome nose in place.
- Add the remaining sock to the top of the cone pulling down to the nose. Fold in the cut edge of the top of the sock and tie with twine. Arrange it to the side of the gnome head.
- Now, for the legs, arms, and hands.
- Cut two 7 inch pieces of the red and white striped ribbon. Fold into thirds and glue in place. Bend the legs about ½ inch in from the bottom and use twine to create ankles.
- Cut two 4 inch pieces of the blue star ribbon. Fold into thirds and glue in place.
- Turn the gnome over and glue the legs to the bottom then glue the arms in place as shown in the photo.
- Use a scrap piece of leather or felt to draw two small mittens and cut out. Glue in place at the end of each arm.
- Trim up the gnome's beard either straight across or at a slight angle.
- And there you have it! A simple to make Patriotic Sock Gnome.
As with any of my recipes, calorie counts and nutritional information varies greatly depending on which products you choose to use when cooking this dish.
Other Patriotic Crafts and Recipes You May Like:
Patriotic Poke Cake - An Irresistible Red, White, and Blue Dessert
