Mossy Hollow Acorn Gnome Free Pattern – Forest Spirit Crochet Charm

Bring a touch of woodland magic to your home with this adorable crochet acorn gnome, complete with a soft mossy beard and a tiny acorn cap. Perfect for gifting or as a whimsical shelf companion, this beginner-friendly project works up quickly and uses simple stitches. Whether you're new to amigurumi or a seasoned maker looking for a quick weekend project, this little forest spirit is sure to steal your heart.

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds. The finished gnome stands about 3 inches tall, making it an ideal size for desk decor, Christmas ornaments, or a thoughtful handmade gift.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in brown, cream, and green (e.g., Lion Brand Vanna's Choice)
• Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
• Stitch marker (to track rounds)
• Fiberfill stuffing (for a firm, plump body)
• Yarn needle (for sewing and weaving in ends)
• Scissors

Gauge: 4 sc x 4 rows = 1 inch (not critical for this project, but keep your tension consistent for a neat finish).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Acorn Cap (Brown Yarn)

Start with the acorn cap, which will sit snugly on the gnome's head. Work in continuous rounds, using a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.

1. Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
3. Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
4. Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
5. Rounds 5-7: Sc in each st around. (24)
6. Round 8: (Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) around. (18)
7. Round 9: Sc in each st around. (18)
8. Round 10: (Sc in next st, sc2tog) around. (12)
9. Round 11: Sc in each st around. (12)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Set aside. The cap should have a slight taper, resembling a real acorn top.

Gnome Body (Cream Yarn)

Now create the gnome's plump, round body. This piece is worked from the bottom up and will be stuffed firmly.

1. Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
3. Round 3: (Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
4. Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
5. Rounds 5-8: Sc in each st around. (24)
6. Round 9: (Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) around. (18)
7. Round 10: (Sc in next st, sc2tog) around. (12)
8. Round 11: Sc in each st around. (12)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff firmly with fiberfill, shaping the body into a smooth, round ball. Make sure the stuffing is even and not lumpy.

Beard (Green Yarn)

This is where the gnome gets his character! The beard is made with simple looped strands that you'll trim for a fluffy, mossy texture.

1. Attach green yarn to the front of the gnome body, around round 8 (the area where the face will be).
2. Chain 6, then slip stitch into the same stitch. This creates a loop.
3. Repeat this process 5-6 times across the front of the body, spacing the loops evenly to create a bushy beard. You can adjust the number of loops based on how full you want the beard to be.
4. Once all loops are made, use scissors to carefully trim the loops open, creating a fringe-like, fluffy texture. Fluff and shape the beard with your fingers.

Tip: For a more natural look, trim the beard unevenly, with slightly longer strands at the bottom.

Nose (Brown Yarn)

The nose is a tiny sphere that gives the gnome his adorable face.

1. Round 1: Magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
2. Round 2: Sc in each st around. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the nose onto the center of the face, just above the beard. Position it so it sits naturally between the eyes (which you can add with embroidery thread if desired, though the pattern keeps it simple).

Assembly

Now it's time to bring all the pieces together.

1. Place the acorn cap on top of the gnome body, aligning the opening with the top of the body. The cap should fit snugly over the head area.
2. Sew the cap to the body using the long tail from the cap. Use a whip stitch or invisible seam, going through both layers to secure it firmly. Weave in all ends.
3. Optionally, add a small loop of yarn at the top of the cap for hanging. Simply chain 10-12 stitches, fasten off, and attach the ends to the top of the cap.

Final Touches

Your Mossy Hollow Acorn Gnome is now complete! Give it a gentle squeeze to ensure the stuffing is even, and fluff the beard one last time. This little forest spirit makes a wonderful gift, a charming addition to a shelf, or a festive ornament for the holidays. The pattern is easily customizable—try different beard colors or add a tiny scarf for extra personality.

Happy crocheting, and may your home be filled with woodland whimsy!