Sock Gnomes

 Every year I decorate the house around the second week in November.  This year is no different and actually, because of the lockdown, I was more excited than ever to get some cheerful decorations up.  There are a lot of patterns and ideas out there and some are free.  Here is a Gnome decoration I modified slightly.  You can use any supplies you have on hand.  I don't like to spend a lot of money on homemade decorations.  Use up some left over yarn or wool scrap for his beard and hat.  

Start by raiding your husband's (clean) sock drawer, somewhere in there he's hoarding a holey pair that would be a perfect Gnome.  Tube socks are the longest and would make the tallest Gnomes.  You can also use dress socks, maybe an old holiday pair with a print.  Don't use shorter socks.  I used a mid-calf pair that had holes in the toes.  By the way, you can make 2 Gnomes from one sock. 

Cut one sock about 7", save the rest for a slightly smaller Gnome.  Now you'll have an open ended tube.

Sew the non-ribbed end shut by turning inside out and hand stitched or machine stitch closed.  Turn right side out.  Stuff the bottom with about a cup or so of crushed nut shells, rice (freeze for a couple hours to kill any bugs) or poly pellets.  Stuff the remainder with poly-fill stuffing or I used leftover batting scrap.  

You don't have to stuff too firmly as it may be hard to fit the hat on and the hat may sit too tall and pointed.  I like the slouchy look.  Using kitchen string, carpet thread or yarn; tie the top of the sock tightly.  

For the beard, I used bits of sheep wool from a farm I lived next to for years.  You can use fake fur, white cotton batting bits, wool felt, yarn or craft stores sell Santa beard fiber.  Using a hot melt glue gun, carefully start gluing your beard bits on.  I use a pencil to hold it on a few seconds to avoid burnt fingers.  Apply your hat with hot glue up to the beard and slightly angled to the back.  

I used an old pair of crocheted socks for 2 of the hats and holiday print cotton fabric for the other two.   If you're using a knitted or crocheted pair of socks for the hats remember if you cut them into a shape, they will unravel like crazy and probably not be useable.  I just turned them inside out and machine stitched a triangle by laying the sock flat measure by eye how tall you want the hat to be and sew from the right edge angling as you sew to the left edge.  Do not cut away the rest, even if it's tempting.  Turn right side out, poking around to make the tip of the hat a little pointed and the extra is not too bunched up.  This will add a little weight to the hat and make it slouch nicely.   

For the nose, you can use a large bead, wood ball, pompom, make a stuffed round piece from cotton or knit fabric.  I have loads of buttons, some have shanks which work really well.  You can tack the button in place with thread, but my glue gun was still hot, so I glued them.  

This is the other half of the sock.  Examine for holes and repair them before stuffing with pellets and scrap. 

Tie the top and trim off the excess sock as this will be hidden within the hat, but the excess may make the hat sit too tall.  Or try it if you want that look.  Make them your own, add some embellishments like buttons, beads or cinnamon sticks.   I think this was such an easy fast (literally took minutes) project/craft for the holiday and one more plus...I would say kids could join in making these.   Enjoy!