The Jolly Jingle Gnome: A Free Knitted Santa Ornament Pattern with a Hidden Bell

Add a touch of whimsical, handmade charm to your holiday tree this year with the Jolly Jingle Gnome! This adorable knitted amigurumi ornament is not only a festive Santa decoration but also features a delightful secret: a tiny jingle bell tucked inside his plush red body. When he shakes, he chimes, making him a favorite for kids and adults alike. This free pattern is perfect for beginners looking to try their hand at knitted amigurumi, using simple knit, purl, and increase/decrease stitches to create a cozy, rustic holiday keepsake.

With his fluffy white beard, cream-colored face, and striped red hat, this little gnome brings a classic, storybook feel to your holiday decor. Whether you're making a batch for gift-giving or adding to your own collection, this pattern is quick to knit and endlessly charming. Let's get started!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses simple, readily available materials, making it an ideal weekend craft.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors: Red (for the body and hat), Cream (for the head and nose), and White (for the beard). A great choice is Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, which is soft, durable, and comes in a wide range of classic colors.
• Knitting Needles: US Size 5 (3.75 mm) knitting needles. If you knit tightly or loosely, adjust your needle size to match the gauge for the best results.
• Gauge: 5 stitches and 7 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch. This gauge ensures your gnome is the perfect size for a tree ornament—not too big, not too small.
• Jingle Bell: One small jingle bell (approximately 1/2 inch in diameter) to hide inside the body.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or any soft stuffing material for the head and nose.
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming the pieces together and weaving in ends.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is knitted flat in pieces and then seamed together. Don't worry if you're new to this—each step is broken down clearly. The most important part is to keep your tension even and count your stitches carefully. Let's knit!

Head (Make 1, in Cream)

The head is a small, stuffed sphere that forms the gnome's face. Work this piece first so you can set it aside.

1. Cast on 6 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches. (6 sts)
3. Row 2 (Increase row): Increase in every stitch. To do this, knit into the front and back of the same stitch. You should now have 12 stitches.
4. Row 3: Knit all stitches. (12 sts)
5. Row 4 (Increase row): *K1, increase in next stitch*; repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (18 sts)
6. Rows 5-8: Knit all stitches even. (18 sts) This creates the height of the head.
7. Row 9 (Decrease row): *K1, knit 2 together (k2tog)*; repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (12 sts)
8. Row 10: Knit all stitches. (12 sts)
9. Row 11 (Decrease row): Knit 2 together across the row. (6 sts)
10. Finishing: Cut the yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 6 stitches on your knitting needle. Slide the stitches off the needle and pull the yarn tight to close the top of the head. Do not cut the yarn—you'll use this tail to seam the back of the head.
11. Seaming and Stuffing: Fold the head piece in half with the right sides together. Use the yarn tail to whip stitch the back seam closed, starting from the top and working down. Leave a small opening at the bottom. Turn the head right side out and stuff it lightly with fiberfill. The head should be soft and squishy, not overstuffed. Once stuffed, sew the bottom opening closed and weave in the end.

Body (Make 1, in Red)

The body is a plump red sphere that will hold the jingle bell. This is the heart of the ornament!

1. Cast on 10 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches. (10 sts)
3. Row 2 (Increase row): Increase in every stitch. (20 sts)
4. Rows 3-6: Knit all stitches even. (20 sts) This creates the roundness of the body.
5. Row 7 (Decrease row): *K2, knit 2 together (k2tog)*; repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (15 sts)
6. Rows 8-10: Knit all stitches even. (15 sts)
7. Row 11 (Decrease row): *K1, knit 2 together (k2tog)*; repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (10 sts)
8. Row 12: Knit all stitches. (10 sts)
9. Row 13 (Decrease row): Knit 2 together across the row. (5 sts)
10. Finishing: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 18 inches). Thread the tail through the remaining 5 stitches and pull tight to close the bottom of the body. Do not cut the yarn.
11. Insert the Bell: Before seaming the side, insert the small jingle bell into the body through the open side. Make sure it sits comfortably in the center.
12. Seaming: With the right sides together, use the yarn tail to whip stitch the side seam closed. Leave the top of the body open for now—this is where you'll attach the head.

Hat (Make 1, in Red)

The hat is a classic conical gnome hat with a slight fold at the brim. It's knitted flat and then seamed.

1. Cast on 12 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches. (12 sts)
3. Row 2 (Decrease row): *K2, knit 2 together (k2tog)*; repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (9 sts)
4. Rows 3-4: Knit all stitches even. (9 sts)
5. Row 5 (Decrease row): *K1, knit 2 together (k2tog)*; repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (6 sts)
6. Rows 6-7: Knit all stitches even. (6 sts)
7. Row 8 (Decrease row): Knit 2 together across the row. (3 sts)
8. Finishing: Cut the yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 3 stitches, pull tight, and seam the back of the hat closed. Fold the bottom edge up slightly to create a brim, and set aside.

Beard (Make 1, in White)

The beard is a triangular shape that gives the gnome his jolly, fluffy look. It's knitted flat and bound off loosely.

1. Cast on 8 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches. (8 sts)
3. Row 2 (Increase row): Increase in every stitch. (16 sts)
4. Rows 3-5: Knit all stitches even. (16 sts)
5. Row 6 (Decrease row): *K2, knit 2 together (k2tog)*; repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (12 sts)
6. Row 7: Knit all stitches. (12 sts)
7. Row 8 (Decrease row): *K1, knit 2 together (k2tog)*; repeat from * to * to the end of the row. (8 sts)
8. Bind off loosely: Bind off all stitches. This will naturally create a triangular shape. Weave in the ends.

Nose (Make 1, in Cream)

The nose is a tiny, stuffed ball that sits at the center of the beard.

1. Cast on 4 stitches.
2. Row 1: Knit all stitches. (4 sts)
3. Row 2 (Increase row): Increase in every stitch. (8 sts)
4. Row 3: Knit all stitches. (8 sts)
5. Row 4 (Decrease row): Knit 2 together across the row. (4 sts)
6. Finishing: Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 4 stitches, pull tight, and seam the piece into a small ball. Stuff lightly with fiberfill before closing completely. Weave in the end.

Assembly

Now for the fun part—bringing your gnome to life! Follow these steps to assemble all the pieces into a finished ornament.

1. Attach the Head to the Body: Position the head on top of the open end of the body, aligning the seams. Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, whip stitch the head to the body securely. Make sure the seam is hidden and the head sits straight.
2. Attach the Beard: Place the beard over the lower half of the head, covering the seam where the head meets the body. The point of the triangular beard should face downward. Sew the beard in place along its top edge, securing it to the head.
3. Sew on the Nose: Position the nose at the center of the beard, slightly above the point. Sew it in place with a few small stitches, making sure it's secure.
4. Attach the Hat: Place the hat on top of the head, slightly angled for a jaunty look. Sew the hat in place around the bottom edge, just above the beard. Make sure the brim fold is facing outward.
5. Create a Hanging Loop: Cut a 6-inch piece of red or cream yarn. Fold it in half to form a loop. Using a tapestry needle, sew the two loose ends securely to the top of the hat. Tie a knot and weave in the ends to hide them.
6. Weave in All Ends: Use your tapestry needle to carefully weave in any remaining yarn ends on the inside of the gnome or along the seams. Trim any excess yarn.

Your Jolly Jingle Gnome is complete! Give him a gentle shake to hear the hidden bell chime. Hang him on your tree, attach him to a gift, or display him on a mantel for a touch of handmade holiday magic. This pattern is so quick and satisfying that you'll want to make a whole family of gnomes in different colors. Happy knitting, and happy holidays!