The Best Gnome Making Supplies
Not all craft elements are created equal so I am sharing the best gnome making supplies. From fabric and feet to noses and accessories, we will talk about all things DIY gnome.
This article will share all kinds of gnomes: Scandinavian Christmas gnomes, Swedish tomte, nisse – there are many different styles, so there’s something for everyone. I’ll even share Dollar Tree gnomes, sock gnomes, how to make gnomes with cones, and gnome pattern styles.
RELATED READING: DIY Scandinavian Gnome – Mini Tomte for Christmas
What You'll Find On This Page
The Best Gnome Making Supplies
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I love to share Christmas gnomes tutorials, non-seasonal gnomes, gnome patterns, and well – just pretty much all things gnome. If you’re new here, get ready because I’ve been doing this a long time.
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You can translate that to read: I’ve made a lot of mistakes. It’s funny, but true – I can’t tell you how many times I went to use a fun fabric and it completely slid right off my gnome. Or, I went to hot glue something on and it melted right before my eyes! I’d like to avoid those mistakes, so let’s get started.
If you can’t leisurely read through this helpful DIY gnome resource right now, please save it to your favorite crafts pin board or share it to Facebook. Either way will make it easy to find when your’e ready to begin.
How to Make Gnomes: Gnome Beards and Braids
I am constantly asked about gnome beards and braids – and friends, I LOVE talking about them all! So I put together this resource on how to make gnome beards and braids, choosing fur, and even alternative materials to use.
How to Make a Gnome Hat (Free Patterns, Tips, and More)
Another question I’m asked often is how to make a gnome hat using felt, fabric, or even socks. I’ve shared hundreds of gnome DIY projects here, so I urge you to read through the “How to Make a Gnome Hat” resource.
How to Choose Fabric for Gnomes
I’m going to split this out because I feel this is dependent upon seasons. Now, I won’t bore you with all the seasons, but I would like to highlight one: Christmas.
How to Choose Fabric for Christmas Gnomes
Holiday gnomes are some of my favorite to make and they’re very popular. I make them lush, plush, soft, and people go wild for them!
Knowing what materials to buy did not come naturally – I have worked with some material which has made me want to PULL MY HAIR OUT! So, to avoid you doing the same to your luscious locks, here are a few tips.
Christmas gnomes look amazing in the following fabrics:
- fleece – this is SO forgiving, needs no hemming, and is available in so many colors
- minky fleece – this is one of my favorites because it’s so soft
- felt – not all felt is created equal, so always look for premium felt
- flannel – a quality flannel can be the perfect body or hat material
- knits – these are not for the beginner gnome maker as most have a lot of stretch
In the picture below, you can see I use premium felt, flannel, and minky fabrics in addition to a premium fur to create a soft, cozy set of DIY stacking gnomes.
How to Choose Fabric for Gnomes (Non-Christmas)
The same fabrics above apply to non-holiday gnomes, of course – buy those in non-Christmas colors and craft your heart out. Consider adding fabrics such as gauze, quilting cottons, and even specialty fabrics such as sequins, sheers, and more.
When you pair these with the right accessories, they can really make a gnome wow-worthy! Speaking of accessories…
How to Make a Gnome Nose
There is a lot of fun to be had here so I want to spark your imagination. But before we get to new ideas for gnome noses, here are a few classic and beloved options.
Clay Gnome Nose
It is ridiculously easy to make a TON of clay noses in a small period of time. I love sitting and listening to my books on Audible while whipping up noses and hands. The shapes I tend to make most are rounds but also love making ovals and squished little noses (just press them into the mat to fatten them).
A few creative ways I’ve used clay for noses are:
- as a show-stopping schnoz for this spooky witch gnome
- to add a lot of character with little effort for this easy Grinch gnome
Wood Bead or Wood Round Gnome Noses
Another staple in my gnome-making craft room are wood beads and rounds. You can find the ones I buy most often here.
One bit of advice: venture out beyond the craft stores for these. There are so many amazing sellers (and good prices) online.
RELATED READING: Gnome Wine Bottle Bag – This is Gorgeous
Gnome Noses made from Nylon (Pantyhose or Knitwear)
Whether you try buying pantyhose or peds (low-show or no-show socks), making your own nylon gnome noses is a fun experiment and can really change the look of your cutie. To make a gnome nose from a pantyhose material:
- cut nylon into a circle (it is recommended to double up on lighter colored nylons)
- stuff with polyfill
- tie off with string (or sew the circle in the round with a running stitch and pull tight)
- affix to gnome; optional: add blush or chalk pastels to add a light color to the nose
Other Materials and Ideas for Gnome Noses
As with anything creative, we don’t want to limit ourselves when. making gnomes. Here are a few more ideas for noses:
- pompoms (on the first version of this Mickey Mouse gnome)
- pony beads taken from your child’s art bin (used on these popular Christmas gnome ornaments)
- felt rounds (as used on this reindeer gnome)
- cork (on the original version of the Bob Ross gnome)
- small holiday ornaments and foam balls (used them on this set of Christmas gnomes)
- buttons
- beads (usually round or oval)
- doll faces (eyes and mouth covered by hat and beard)
- ping pong balls (for larger or outdoor gnomes)
- paper crafting brads accents
- faux fur – you can create a mini pompom out of this!
Where to Find Gnome Accessories (or Make)
If you are new to Ruffles and Rain Boots, you might not know this but I make a LOT of my gnome extras from polymer clay (like the coffee and cocoa tutorials you find on my YouTube channel here). I just love getting creative when I’m drawing up a new gnome.
- Etsy – I am addicted to hunting down cool shops who make the most creative accessories. They don’t advertise them for gnomes, but they are pretty easy to find with a quick search for miniatures.
- Craft Stores – A few places within the stores to look: floral add-on section, doll area, wreath pick bins, the fairy garden area, jewelry-making, and the buttons section.
- DIY – No matter what size gnomes I make, I can whip up a little bit of extra decoration using polymer clay or my Cricut cutting machine. The sky is the limit!
- Doll Accessories – A lot of the 18″ doll accessories make perfectly-sized add-ons for my larger cozy gnomes (sewing pattern).
Gnome Feet, Gnome Shoes, and Gnome Boots
I have an entire gnome shoes and boots series (I’m working on the videos, but the gnome shoes and boots patterns are here). Now, to get started…
There are quite a few ways to make gnome feet and I am still exploring them all. So far, I’ve placed gnomes on plaques, used Christmas ornaments for sock gnomes, created tall standing gnomes with weighted shoes, and even made clay and fleece little gnome feet.
Whew – that’s a lot, right? Here are a few ideas to get you thinking how you might want to make your gnome feet and whether or not you’d like to make your own shoes.
- BIG Gnome Feet DIY – If you want to really show off the footsies, this tutorial is for you.
- Bigfoot Gnome – This easy sitting gnome has the most bubbly toes you’ve ever wanted to tickle.
- Standing Gnome – These peek-a-boo feet are just the thing to get started with clay.
- DIY Mummy Gnome – If you are interested in learning how to make toes with fleece, you should start here.
You Might Also Be Interested in These Gnome Tips
Now that you’ve read about the best gnome making supplies to keep on hand, try these reads:
- how to make gnomes (series 1): gnome beards and gnome braids
- how to make sock gnomes – Give me three minutes and you can make the cutest little gnomes using inexpensive items.
- how to make a pool noodle gnome –
- how to make a cone noodle gnome –
Please Share This Gnome Ideas Resource
Are you in any of the amazing gnome groups on Facebook? If so, please give articles like this a share in them. If saving these ideas for later is more your thing, go ahead and save this article to a crafts pin board so you (and others) can find it. I really am so very grateful when you share.
What is the best thing to use to stuff gnomes?
I prefer to use poly pellets (weighted fill for stuffed animals). My recommendation is always non-food products but some people like using play sand (clean sand), clean kitty litter, or aquarium gravel. If you opt for the any of the latter, pre-bag it inside the gnome body.
I’ve been struggling with a gnome nose so I appreciate the hosiery tip. How can you apply a wooden bead? Should I sew in or just use a glue gun? This is my first one and I’ve spent hours reviewing YouTube videos as this will be a present.
Sorry, just seeing this now, Julie. You can either sew it on or glue it on. If gluing, be sure to split the fur to the fabric-backing so that it has a better grip and hold.
My girlfriend just loves gnomes. I started looking just to make her a couple here and there then I found so many that I fell in love with them. I bought a few supplies and can’t wait to get started. Love your ideas.
Oh, thank you for letting me know, Trish. If you ever have any questions when you’re making anything, just reach out. And I hope she loves the gnomes you’re making!
How do you use your Cricut with your patterns? Is it to cut material like felt or is it to cut out the paper pattern? I have a Cricut Explore 2.
You can cut the fabric or the paper pattern, I use it both ways with the Maker. With the EA2, however, you would have to bond the felt (if using), so I would likely just use it cut the patterns.
I’m not on facebook but I would really like to know where I can buy accessories for chef gnomes and other gnomes. If you would take the time to email me I would appreciate it so very much.
Thank you.
[email protected]
I make items like rolling pins, trays, and tiny food from polymer clay. If you don’t want to go that route, you can look on Etsy for miniatures and most of the time they work as long as they aren’t for dollhouses.