Wizard and Santa Gnomes

Wizard and Santa Gnomes by Phoenixknits

What is Being Made

These charming gnome dolls are small decorative figures standing 6 inches high, designed by Phoenixknits as beginner-friendly knitting projects. The pattern includes instructions for creating both Wizard and Santa Gnome variations, making them suitable for holiday decoration, gift-giving, or collection purposes. Each gnome features a distinct personality through color choices and embellishments.

Knitting Techniques Used

The gnomes are constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The pattern employs decreasing methods to shape the head and body, including k2tog (knit 2 together) and p2tog (purl 2 together) decreases that create the tapered form characteristic of gnome proportions. Increasing techniques are used in the beard and hair sections, with inc1 (increase by knitting into front and back of stitch) creating the fuller, fluffier areas. The pattern utilizes both knit and purl rows to construct three-dimensional forms, demonstrating basic shaping principles.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) — the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl stitch (p) — used for textural variation and shaping
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease for tapering body sections
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) — a decrease used in final shaping stages
• Increase (inc1) — increases worked into front and back of stitches for expanding beard and hair areas
• Slip stitch (ss) — used in beard and hair construction

Materials and Yarn

The gnomes are knitted using DK weight yarn in multiple colors: red, black, flesh tone, and light brown. This weight provides excellent stitch definition for small-scale projects while remaining beginner-accessible. The pattern calls for 3mm needles appropriate to DK yarn specifications.

Beyond yarn, the construction incorporates specialized materials for texture and structure. Faux fur in white and pale brown creates the distinctive gnome beard and hair, with an alternative option to use mohair or additional DK yarn that can be fluffed with a teasing brush for a similar effect. Eyelash yarn in white adds decorative detail, while metallic gold yarn or yellow DK provides accent colors. A medium-size crochet hook is included in the materials list, suggesting crochet techniques may be used for finishing elements.

Structural and stuffing materials include twig or bamboo skewer for internal support, stiff cardboard for base stability, and stuffing to create dimensional form. These materials work together to ensure the finished gnomes maintain their shape and stand securely.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Phoenixknits, presented in a multi-page format. The pattern includes clear abbreviations, finished size specifications, and organized material lists, making it accessible for knitters new to amigurumi-style doll construction.