Candy Cane Gonk Gnomes

Candy Cane Gonk Gnomes by Tanya Oakley

What is Being Made

The Candy Cane Gonk Gnomes are knitted toy decorations designed by Tanya Oakley. These charming gnome figures measure 8 inches from the top of the hat to the toe, making them ideal decorative pieces or gifts. The design features festive candy cane-inspired coloring that captures a holiday aesthetic. These are soft, stuffed toys suitable for display or play.

Skill Level and Craft Technique

This is an intermediate-level knitting project, appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction. The pattern employs traditional knitting techniques including the cable cast-on method for starting stitches and mattress stitch for seaming pieces together. The designer specifically recommends these methods as they produce excellent results for this toy construction.

Stitches and Construction Details

While the pattern abbreviations section begins in the provided materials, the specific stitches are referenced through standard knitting abbreviations (such as "Alt" for alternate). The construction involves knitting multiple pieces that are then sewn together using mattress stitch, a technique that creates nearly invisible seams ideal for toy making. The pattern spans 12 pages of detailed instructions.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

• Yarn Weight: DK (8 Ply) weight yarn
• Yarn Quantities: 60g Red, 60g Ginger, 50g White, 30g Skin tone, and 10g King Cole Moments for the beard
• Needles: UK No 10 (3.25mm / US 3) for main knitting and UK No 8 (4mm / US 6) for ribbing or other sections
• Gauge: 7 stitches by 9 rows equals 1 inch, essential for achieving proper sizing
• Additional Materials: Toy stuffing, tapestry or darning needle for sewing seams, two pairs of 10mm safety eyes, and optional 30cm pipe cleaners (two pieces)

Stuffing and Finishing Guidance

The designer provides important stuffing advice for achieving the best finished appearance. Knitted soft toys require careful stuffing due to the fabric's stretchy nature. The recommendation is to avoid overstuffing arms and legs, as this affects the final shape. Bodies can be stuffed more firmly than limbs, while heads should be stuffed gradually in small amounts, shaping as you go. This technique ensures the gnomes maintain their intended proportions and aesthetic appeal.