The Grumpy Grotto Gnome Ornament: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Whimsical Holiday Decoration

Bring a Touch of Mischief to Your Tree: The Grumpy Grotto Gnome Ornament

This holiday season, add a dash of personality to your decorations with the Grumpy Grotto Gnome Ornament. Inspired by the classic curmudgeon, this quick and charming project is perfect for knitters looking to create a whimsical, handmade ornament. Knitted in the round with soft, chunky yarn, this little gnome features a textured, fluffy beard and a pointed red hat, making it a cozy and delightful addition to any tree. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner eager to try amigurumi, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a unique, grumpy-yet-lovable holiday friend.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will ensure your gnome looks just like the pattern, but feel free to substitute with similar chunky yarns and appropriate needle sizes.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% acrylic, 20% wool; 106 yds / 97 m per 170 g skein) in the following colors:
  • Forest Green (MC) – for the body and head
  • White (CC1) – for the beard
  • Red (CC2) – for the hat
  • Small amount of black yarn – for embroidering the eyes
• Needles: US size 10 (6 mm) double-pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors
• Gauge: 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (in the round). Gauge is important for achieving the correct size, but slight variations are okay for a soft ornament.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This ornament is knitted in the round from the bottom up. The body and head are worked as one piece, with the hat and beard added separately. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have your grumpy gnome ready in no time.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (decrease)
• m1 = make one (increase) – pick up the bar between stitches and knit it through the back loop
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• Rnd = round

Body and Head (worked in one piece, starting at the bottom)

With MC (Forest Green), cast on 6 stitches. Distribute these stitches evenly over 3 double-pointed needles (2 stitches per needle). Join for working in the round, being very careful not to twist the stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

• Rnd 1: *K1, m1* repeat around. You will now have 12 stitches.
• Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 3: *K2, m1* repeat around. You will now have 18 stitches.
• Rnd 4: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 5: *K3, m1* repeat around. You will now have 24 stitches.
• Rnd 6: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 7: *K4, m1* repeat around. You will now have 30 stitches.
• Rnd 8-12: Knit all stitches for 5 rounds. This forms the body.
• Rnd 13: *K3, k2tog* repeat around. You will now have 24 stitches.
• Rnd 14: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 15: *K2, k2tog* repeat around. You will now have 18 stitches.
• Rnd 16: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 17: *K1, k2tog* repeat around. You will now have 12 stitches.
• Rnd 18: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 19: *K2tog* repeat around. You will now have 6 stitches.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread this tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tight to close the top of the head securely. Weave in the end on the inside of the piece.

Beard

The beard is knitted flat and then gathered to create a fluffy, textured look.

• With CC1 (White), cast on 15 stitches.
• Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 2 (RS): K1, *k1, p1* repeat to last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 3: P1, *k1, p1* repeat to last 2 stitches, p1, k1.
• Row 4: Knit all stitches.
• Row 5: Purl all stitches.
• Row 6: K1, *k1, p1* repeat to last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 7: P1, *k1, p1* repeat to last 2 stitches, p1, k1.
• Row 8: Knit all stitches.
• Row 9: Purl all stitches.

Bind off loosely. Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise (so the short edges meet) and sew the short edges together to form a tube. Gather one end of the tube tightly by running a thread through the stitches and pulling, then secure it with a knot. This creates a fluffy, textured beard. Attach the gathered end to the front of the head, just below the top (where the head starts to curve). Use the tapestry needle and matching white yarn to sew it securely in place.

Hat

The hat is worked in the round from the brim up.

• With CC2 (Red), cast on 18 stitches. Distribute over 3 double-pointed needles (6 stitches per needle). Join for working in the round.
• Rnd 1-6: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 7: *K4, k2tog* repeat around. You will now have 15 stitches.
• Rnd 8-9: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 10: *K3, k2tog* repeat around. You will now have 12 stitches.
• Rnd 11-12: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 13: *K2, k2tog* repeat around. You will now have 9 stitches.
• Rnd 14-15: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 16: *K1, k2tog* repeat around. You will now have 6 stitches.
• Rnd 17: Knit all stitches.
• Rnd 18: *K2tog* repeat around. You will now have 3 stitches.

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail. Thread it through the remaining 3 stitches and pull tight to close the top of the hat. Weave in the end. Fold the bottom edge of the hat (the cast-on edge) up slightly to create a brim. Sew the hat to the top of the head, covering the gathered top of the body. Make sure the hat is centered and secure.

Eyes

Using the black yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider two small French knots or satin stitches for the eyes. Position them just above the beard, about 1-2 stitches apart, to give the gnome a grumpy, mischievous expression. For a French knot, bring the needle up from the back, wrap the yarn around the needle twice, and insert it back down close to where it came up.

Hanger

Cut a 6-inch length of green yarn. Thread it through the top of the hat (through the gathered point) and tie a knot to form a loop for hanging. Trim the ends if necessary.

Finishing

Weave in all remaining ends using the tapestry needle. Gently shape the ornament by hand, fluffing the beard and adjusting the hat. Your Grumpy Grotto Gnome Ornament is now ready to hang on your tree or give as a thoughtful handmade gift!