Project: Gnomes and Where to Find Materials for them

If you haven’t noticed the popularity of Gnomes – you must be living under a rock. Because these cuties are everywhere!

I was recently asked to provide sources of materials for those making gnomes. So all my secrets for gnome fabrics and fur are below.

You can make gnomes out of socks for a quick project. Or purchase my Barefoot Gnome pattern for Embroidery Machines or Sewing Machines below and use your own CUSTOM fabrics.

The bare feet are what make this pattern unique to Ballyhoo Creations. Everybody loves those toes!

Gnome Video Tutorials

If you’re looking for in-depth instructions on making gnomes like these, I have a video tutorial for the Embroidery Machine Version. The assembly process is the same whether you use a sewing or embroidery machine so this video will help no matter what machine you stitch it with.

Want to learn more about fabric choices by watching a video?? I’ve made the video below just for you!

And if you’re a member at SkillShare or Creative Fabrica, check out the Gnome classes I’ve published on those fantastic learning platforms…

3 DIY sock gnomes — Skillshare Class: Handstitching Sock Gnomes. Get a free trial of SkillShare Classes with my Teachers Link.

3 gnomes sewing pattern — Creative Fabrica Class: Sewing Pattern and Sock Gnomes – including feet

Photo Gallery

Hover over the gnome pictures below to see which materials were used. Then find shopping links in the table under the photos.

gnome from sewing pattern,
body & hat -grey lux fleece
beard, mustache & brows – grey fleck mongolian fur
feet & nose from women’s camisole
gnome from sewing pattern with machine embroidered ITH feet.
body & hat – grey lux fleece or “minky”
Beard – pink mongolian fur
skin fabric – cotton jersey
gnome from sewing pattern with machine embroidered ITH feet.
body & hat – pink fleece
Beard – black & white fur
skin fabric – cotton jersey
sock gnome
body – striped sock
hat – grey stretch fabric (t-shirt)
nose – from ladies camisole
beard – pink mongolian fur
gnome from sewing pattern with machine embroidered ITH feet.
body & hat – stretch fabrics
Beard – black & white fur
skin fabric – cotton spandex
sock gnome
body & hat -grey socks
nose – from ladies camisole
fur trim –
Gnome made In the Hoop on Embroidery machine, using green quilting cotton, tan cotton stretch jersey, and mongolian fur for beard. Also has fur yarn trim on hat.
Teacup gnome made In the Hoop, with grey lux fleece, sherpa beard, fur yarn hat trim, and honey cotton jersey feet/nose

Some of the links in the table below are affiliate links to Amazon or other online marketplaces. If you purchase after clicking one of the links, I will earn a small commission. This doesn’t change the price you pay. But it helps me to continue creating awesome content. And I only suggest products I have personally used and was satisfied with.

Furs	Fabrics
curly Mongolian fur makes the MOST luxurious gnome beards! Joanne Fabrics call this Crinkle Fur. Most online sellers call it curly Mongolian fur.	cotton jersey in 5 skin tones lovely fabric to work with, but not as stretchy as camisoles
grey frost curly fur I bought this from a local fabric store – but it’s on Amazon too	ladies camisole for “skin” fabric is super stretchy and can usually be found in a few skin tones.
black fleck shag fur – purchased at a local fabric store – but might still be available from local or online fabric shops – especially around Halloween	Fleece comes in so many colors and is easy to glue or hand stitch.
NOTE! Faux furs are seasonal and trendy. What you buy today – may be discontinued and no longer available a month later.	Lux fleece has more “furry” pile and more shine than regular fleece for a more luxurious gnome.
fur blankets, pillows, or throws	Minky similar to lux fleece but often has textures like dots, stripes or swirls – has a baby-ish look to it because it’s used in infant blankets and such.
small amounts of fur from Etsy – look for gnome beards or baby photography props. Baby Maddie Prop Shop is a favorite	socks- any sock. I’m going to assume everyone knows where to buy socks, but don’t forget the dollar store for bargains.
You might get lucky and find faux fur at thrift shops. Look at vests, jackets, scarves, pillows and throw blankets.	recycled garments – thrift stores or your own closet are a great place to find high-quality fabrics that look great when turned into gnomes. You can usually find skin-tone camisoles for gnome noses, or try sweaters or sweatshirts for bodies and hats.
MORE useful tools and materials:
Tear-away Stabilizer makes it easy to trace and stitch the feet on stretchy fabrics. I prefer Sulky Tear-Easy for small items like doll hands and feet because it tears away cleanly.	Hemostats are SUPER useful for turning and stuffing the toes. You can find these at sewing and craft stores. I also sell a comfy pair in my Etsy shop.