Needles the Christmas Tree Gnome

Needles the Christmas Tree Gnome

What Is Being Made

Needles the Christmas Tree Gnome is a knitted decorative holiday figure designed by Phoenixknits. This intermediate-level knitting project creates an 8-inch-high gnome character suitable for festive display or gift-giving. The gnome features a textured body with characteristic gnome proportions and can be customized with optional embellishments.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a knitting project that uses fundamental knitting techniques combined with shaping methods to create a three-dimensional figure. The pattern employs decreasing techniques throughout the body to form the gnome's tapered silhouette, transitioning from a wider base to a narrower top. The construction method builds the gnome as a single piece or coordinated pieces that are assembled together.

Stitches and Shaping Methods Used

The pattern utilizes several core knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch (k) – The foundational stitch used throughout the body
• Purl stitch (p) – Used in specific rows for texture variation
• Knit two together (k2tog) – A decrease stitch used strategically to shape the gnome's form, appearing in rows 7, 11, 15, 21, and 27 to gradually reduce stitch counts
• Purl two together (p2tog) – A decrease stitch used in the final shaping rows
• Stockinette stitch (Ss) – Used in multiple rows to create smooth fabric sections between shaping rows

The decreasing pattern follows a deliberate sequence: starting at 43 stitches and progressively reducing through k2tog decreases to create the gnome's tapered body shape, ultimately finishing with 4 stitches that are drawn closed.

Materials and Yarn

The gnome requires several yarn types and materials:

• Green fun fur yarn – Approximately 16 grams, used for the main body. Suggested yarns include Lion Brand Lime and Stylecraft Eskimo, which provide the characteristic fuzzy texture
• Dark Brown yarn – DK weight or equivalent, used for specific body components
• Flesh-colored yarn – DK weight or equivalent, used for the gnome's face or head area
• Silver, gold, and red yarn scraps – Optional materials for creating a decorative tassel
• Needles – Size 3mm and 4mm knitting needles are required for working the various sections

Additional Materials and Embellishments

Beyond yarn and needles, the project incorporates several craft materials:

• Twig or small bamboo cane – Used as a structural element, likely for the gnome's arms or support
• Pipe cleaners – Two 6-inch-long pipe cleaners provide flexible limbs or poseable elements
• Polystyrene or empty matchbox with wrapping paper – Optional materials for creating a small present accessory
• Stiff card – Used for the base to help the gnome stand upright

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it uses basic knitting stitches, the project requires understanding of decreasing techniques, stitch count management, and assembly of multiple components. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern abbreviations and following row-by-row instructions with consistent shaping decreases.

Pattern Format

Needles the Christmas Tree Gnome is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it convenient for digital access and printing. The pattern is designed by independent designer Phoenixknits and is available through the Ravelry platform.