The Tomten gnome and the Fox

The Tomten Gnome and the Fox Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern by designer Sachiyo Ishii features two charming amigurumi-style toys: a Tomten gnome standing 14cm tall and a fox measuring 10cm. Both projects are crafted using the knitting technique at an intermediate skill level, making them suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle small, structured toy construction.

What is Being Made

The pattern creates two distinct stuffed toy figures designed to be worked in the round using knitting needles. The Tomten gnome is the larger of the two pieces, while the fox is a smaller companion piece. Both toys are constructed as three-dimensional forms using traditional amigurumi principles adapted for knitting rather than crochet, resulting in tightly-knit fabric suitable for holding toy stuffing securely.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques essential for toy-making. Stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch) forms the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, dense surface ideal for stuffed toys. The pattern utilizes increases through the knit-front-and-back method (Kfb) to shape the pieces as they are worked. Knitters will need to work in the round using 3mm knitting needles, maintaining tension to create fabric suitable for stuffing without gaps. The construction involves sewing seams together using mattress stitch with right sides facing, a technique that creates nearly invisible joins when executed properly. Additional embellishment involves attaching beaded eyes and creating pompom details using either a 20mm pompom maker or a fork as an alternative tool.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The primary stitch creating the smooth face of stocking stitch fabric
• Purl (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create stocking stitch when working flat or to add textural variation
• Kfb (knit front and back): An increase technique that creates two stitches from one, essential for shaping the three-dimensional toy forms
• Stocking stitch (St st): The primary fabric pattern combining knit and purl rows to create a smooth, finished appearance

Materials and Supplies

Yarn: The pattern calls for DK weight (8-ply) yarn in multiple colors. Specific yarn recommendations include Jamieson's of Shetland Chunky Bouclé (100% wool, 25m per 75g) for grey, brown, light brown, and smokey blue sections. Sirdar Snuggly Replay (50% cotton, 50% acrylic, 150m per 50g) provides the red yarn, while Rowan Kid Classic (70% wool, 22% mohair, 8% polyamide, 140m per 50g) supplies orange and dark brown. Rowan Boucle (45% cotton, 23% alpaca, 22% wool, 10% polyamide) is used for white and pink accents. Each color component requires no more than 10g of yarn.

Tools: Knitters will need 3mm knitting needles as the primary tool. A chenille needle facilitates sewing seams and attaching components. A 20mm pompom maker creates the characteristic fluffy details, though a fork serves as an acceptable alternative. Additional supplies include brown eye beads for facial features, a 4mm mushroom-shaped amigurumi embellishment, a 30cm craft pipe cleaner for internal structure and posability, cotton thread for assembly, and toy stuffing to fill the completed pieces.

Pattern Difficulty and Skill Requirements

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with basic stitches and can work in the round. The primary challenge involves maintaining consistent tension while creating small, tightly-knit pieces and executing neat seaming to join components invisibly. Familiarity with increasing stitches and following written abbreviations is essential. The pattern includes practical tips such as leaving long yarn ends at the beginning and end of sections for easier sewing, and instructions to work seams with right sides facing using mattress stitch unless otherwise specified.