How to Make a Gnome Family in 15 Minutes with a Cone Gnome

You can learn how to make a gnome the easiest way using this no-sew cone gnome tutorial. I’ve made it simple, fast, and most of all fun to make a family of coordinating Christmas gnomes for your home or for others.

How to Make a Cone Gnome – No-Sew Tutorial 

Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I love to share gnome tutorials. No really. If you’re new here, this is site is a black hole of a million different ways to make gnomes, tomten, nisser, gonks, or any other name you have for these cuties. 

RELATED READING: More Christmas Gnome Tutorials – A Lot More!

Christmas gnomes are some of the most popular here on ‘the Boots and if you’d like to learn how to make a gnome for the holidays, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Let’s get started.

DIY Christmas Gnome Tutorials

If you’re looking for the best DIY Christmas gnome tutorials, you have come to the right place. Check out all of my favorite tomte tutorials for the holidays!

No Time to Make This Now? 

Need supplies? Click here for everything you need and all of it will be to you in no time! Until then, pin this to your favorite Christmas crafts project board on Pinterest. 

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Tips When Learning How to Make Gnomes

If you describe yourself as “not too crafty,” don’t worry – these are easy! Below, I’m answering your gnome-making questions: 

How Can I Make a No-Sew Gnome? 

There are a few options to create a no-sew gnome. First, you can make a sock gnome – learn how to make a sock gnome here. A second no-sew gnome is made using a pattern specifically designed for the glue gun (coming soon). Another way to make a gnome with no sewing is with paper maché cones like I use in this tutorial.  

How Do I Make a Gnome Hat? 

Although there are many ways to make a gnome hat (patterns for tall, decorative hats, bendy gnome hats, and floppy hats), the easiest is to roll a cone shape from a rounded off triangle. We will use this method in this tutorial twice, so you’ll be sure to get the hang of it before you leave. 

How Do I Cut Faux Fur to Make a Gnome Beard? 

I get this question about 5 times a day between this site, social media, and our fast-growing YouTube channel. And I’ll let you in on a secret: it’s super easy, just put down the scissors. :) Pick up a razor blade or an Exacto knife and you’re more than halfway done making a beard for your gnomes. You can watch my “How to make a gnome beard” video tutorial here.

Can I Use Faux Fur to Make Braids for Gnomes? 

You likely know that you can use fur, wool fiber, and fabric for gnome beards, but can you use faux fur to make gnome braids? Yes! I was nervous to try it because I didn’t want to waste any fur, but let me tell you – it’s not difficult as long as you go slow. I’ll show you how to make gnome braids from faux fur. If you want to make braids from felted yarn or wool, see this gnome with braids tutorial. If you’d like to see gnome braids made with wool fiber, click here.

How to Make a No-Sew Cone Gnome 

If you are a visual learner like I am, you can follow the DIY cone gnome full video tutorial here. If you’d like to read it, the steps are below. 

Yield: 3-4 Gnomes

15 Minute Cone Gnome Tutorial

Print

Learn how to make a Christmas gnome without sewing and without using socks. By the end, you will also know how to properly cut faux fur to make beards, mustaches, and braids.

Active Time per Gnome 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $10

Materials

• Paper Mache Cones (I used two 13.75 inch and 1 4 inch) found here
• Christmas fabric in coordinating colors and styles (1/2 yard light gray minky, 1/4 yard plaid) 
• Felt (I used a dark gray craft felt sheet 12x18 inches)
• High-quality faux fur (either 12" square, 20" square, or 1/4 yard (this is my favorite for small cuts)
• Items for the noses (I made clay noses, but wood beads, buttons, or anything else will work)
• Tie for Braids (I used embroidery thread)

Tools

• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors and Exacto knife or razor blade
• Clip (for braids)
• Tape to hold down braids

Instructions

1. Lay out the fabric for the body of the gnome and measure just more than halfway up from the bottom of the gnome. Add an inch to an inch and a half to the bottom and a half inch to the edge and cut. For more detail, please watch the full video tutorial.
2. Position the fabric in place on the front of the gnome body and tack only the front in place with a couple of drops of hot glue.
3. Glue the fabric around the gnome, rolling and smoothing.
4. Once the fabric has been wrapped, fold over the edge to create a hem and adhere to the body with hot glue.
5. Cut off all but an inch and a half of fabric around the bottom of the cone. It doesn't have to be straight or perfect. Snip the fabric every inch or so almost to the cone edge.
6. Add drops of glue to each flap and fold into the center of the cone. Complete all flaps.
7. To make the braids, cut three strips of faux fur (see video if you've never cut faux fur before). Each strip should be half an inch.
8. Clip all strands together at one end and tape it down so it is stable (you can also use a clipboard). Begin braiding, pulling gently on each strand as you go. Remember, the top of the braid is thicker than the bottom.
9. Braid until about one and a half inches from the bottom and secure with tape. Use string or rubber bands to secure the bottom of the braid. Repeat steps 7-9 for the other braid.
10. To make the braids even, cut only the fur backing in short amounts measuring them against each other often.
11. Hot glue the braids to the sides of the cone. Take note of where the braids fall before securing.
12. Cut a rounded triangle for the hat, allowing for a small hem from hot glue.
13. Glue the long sides of the hat piece together to form the gnome hat.
14. Attach the nose with glue to the middle of the gnome body AFTER fitting the hat to your desired position (do not glue until the nose is on). Once the nose is on, glue the hat down to the body.
15. Repeat all steps to make the male and children gnomes.
16. To make the beard, cut a small triangle of faux fur and glue to the front of the cone gnome after covering.
17. To make the child's braids, cut a small, thin rectangle of faux fur and tie it off just under the fabric backing before placing on the body.

Notes

1. If you want a tall hat which stands up, use felt or use fabric stuffed with poly fill.
2. Be sure to only cut the backing when working with faux fur. This is why a knife or razor blade is best.
3. Watch the video tutorial if this is your first time working with faux fur or making gnomes.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Mongolian Fabric by the Yard
• 
  Paper Mache Craft Cones 

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