The Mossy Glen Gnome Home: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Whimsical Doorstop
Bring a Touch of Forest Magic to Your Home
Imagine a cozy, whimsical gnome home nestled against your door, adding a sprinkle of woodland charm to your everyday space. The Mossy Glen Gnome Home is a delightful crochet project that combines the practicality of a doorstop with the enchantment of a tiny, textured cottage. Using rich mossy greens and earthy browns, this pattern creates a weighted, sturdy piece that looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a beginner looking for a rewarding challenge, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a unique, functional decoration that brings a touch of forest magic to any room.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will ensure your gnome home has the perfect texture and weight.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
- Moss Green (MC) – for the walls and roof
- Bark Brown (CC1) – for the base
- Cream (CC2) – for the window
- Rust Orange – small amount for the door
- Hook: 5.0 mm crochet hook (US size H-8)
- Fiberfill: Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
- Weight: 1 cup of dried beans or rice (for the weighted bottom)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors
- Optional: Small piece of cardboard for the base (to add stability)
Gauge: 14 single crochet stitches x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). Matching gauge is important for the correct size and shape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: magic ring
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec: decrease (sc 2 together)
- sl st: slip stitch
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd: round
Part 1: The Base (Make 2 with Bark Brown - CC1)
The base is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join at the end of each round; use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch.
- Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 stitches)
- Rnd 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
- Rnd 3: *Sc in next stitch, inc in next stitch* repeat around. (18 stitches)
- Rnd 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, inc* repeat around. (24 stitches)
- Rnd 5: *Sc in next 3 stitches, inc* repeat around. (30 stitches)
- Rnd 6: *Sc in next 4 stitches, inc* repeat around. (36 stitches)
- Rnd 7: *Sc in next 5 stitches, inc* repeat around. (42 stitches)
- Rnd 8: *Sc in next 6 stitches, inc* repeat around. (48 stitches)
- Rnd 9: *Sc in next 7 stitches, inc* repeat around. (54 stitches)
- Rnd 10: *Sc in next 8 stitches, inc* repeat around. (60 stitches)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 18 inches) for sewing. Repeat to make a second identical base piece.
Part 2: The Walls (Moss Green - MC)
Work in continuous rounds. The walls start with a flat circle, then go up straight.
- Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
- Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around. (18)
- Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around. (24)
- Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around. (30)
- Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) around. (36)
- Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) around. (42)
- Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) around. (48)
- Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) around. (54)
- Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) around. (60)
- Rnd 11-20: Sc in each stitch around. (60) – Work 10 rounds even, without any increases. This creates the height of the walls.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Part 3: The Roof (Moss Green - MC)
The roof is a larger circle that will be gathered or shaped into a cone. Work in continuous rounds.
- Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Rnd 2: Inc around. (12)
- Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around. (18)
- Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) around. (24)
- Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) around. (30)
- Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) around. (36)
- Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) around. (42)
- Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) around. (48)
- Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) around. (54)
- Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) around. (60)
- Rnd 11: (9 sc, inc) around. (66)
- Rnd 12: (10 sc, inc) around. (72)
- Rnd 13: (11 sc, inc) around. (78)
- Rnd 14: (12 sc, inc) around. (84)
- Rnd 15: (13 sc, inc) around. (90)
- Rnd 16: (14 sc, inc) around. (96)
- Rnd 17: (15 sc, inc) around. (102)
- Rnd 18: (16 sc, inc) around. (108)
- Rnd 19: (17 sc, inc) around. (114)
- Rnd 20: (18 sc, inc) around. (120)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Part 4: The Door (Rust Orange)
This is worked in rows, not rounds.
- Ch 8.
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (7 stitches)
- Row 2-8: Ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch across. (7 stitches each row)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Part 5: The Window (Cream - CC2)
- Ch 6.
- Row 1: Sc in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. (5 stitches)
- Row 2-4: Ch 1, turn, sc in each stitch across. (5 stitches each row)
Fasten off, leaving a tail.
Assembly: Bringing Your Gnome Home to Life
Follow these steps carefully to create a sturdy, beautiful doorstop.
- Prepare the weight: Place the dried beans or rice into a small fabric bag (like a sock or a piece of cloth tied with a string) or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents them from spilling out and keeps the fiberfill clean.
- Stuff the Walls: Insert the weighted bag into the Walls piece. Surround it with polyester fiberfill, stuffing firmly but not too tightly. The walls should hold their shape without being lumpy.
- Attach the first Base: Using the long tail from one Base piece, sew it to the bottom of the Walls. Align the edges carefully and use a whip stitch or mattress stitch to join them securely. Make sure the base is centered.
- Attach the second Base: Sew the second Base piece to the first Base piece using its long tail. This creates a flat, stable bottom that won't tip over. Weave in the ends securely.
- Attach the Roof: Position the Roof on top of the Walls. The roof is larger than the walls, so you will need to gather it slightly as you sew. Use the long tail from the Roof to sew it to the top edge of the Walls. As you sew, stuff the roof lightly with fiberfill to give it a soft, rounded shape. Continue sewing all the way around, adjusting the gathers evenly.
- Add the Door: Sew the Rust Orange door onto the front of the Walls. Center it about 2 inches from the bottom edge. Use a whip stitch around all four sides.
- Add the Window: Sew the Cream window above the door, centered. Position it about 1 inch above the door.
- Optional Details: Using Bark Brown yarn (CC1), embroider a small cross or a tiny handle on the door for extra charm.
- Finish: Weave in all remaining ends with a tapestry needle. Trim any excess yarn.
Your Mossy Glen Gnome Home is Complete!
Congratulations! You've created a whimsical, textured gnome home that's both a functional doorstop and a delightful piece of decor. Place it by your front door, on a shelf, or in a cozy corner to enjoy a little bit of forest magic every day. Happy crocheting!