Creating a Merry Little Gnomie: Step-by-Step Instructions and a Back-of-a-U-haul Video Guide

# Create Your Merry Little Gnomie: A Step-by-Step Guide

## Introduction to the Merry Little Gnomie Kit

Note: This post is for Pinners Conference and Expo attendees who took my class and did not have time to finish their Merry Little Gnomies. If you would like a kit, please contact me at suziesewssunshine@gmail.com. I was able to piece a few extras together after the conference.

As promised! Here is the video a customer made of me giving a quick rundown of how to make the gnomes. She completed the gnome the next day and said that the video helped a lot. I'm so glad they were able to figure it out with my quick tutorial. Below is the step-by-step written version of how to create your Merry Little Gnomie, and I'll attach the video at the end of this blog post.

Merry Little Gnomie Kit by Suzie Sews Sunshine

Contents

• 2 sewn feet

• 1 half sewn body

• 1 sewn hat

• 1 oval fabric piece for the nose

• 1 piece of faux fur

• 1 bag of polyfill

• 1 bag of pinto beans

• 2 rubber bands

• 1 wooden skewer

• Needle, thread, and 4 pins

• Accessories packet

  
  

Note: I have directions here for both hot glue and sewing. I highly recommend sewing it as you’ll have a more finished look, and the glue tends to be stringy and get all over.

Instructions for Creating Your Gnomie

1. Prepare the Feet

Use the wooden skewer and your fingers to turn each sewn foot right side out. Gently push the seams out with the skewer. Fill each foot with a handful of polyfill.

Tip: Add small amounts at a time so the stuffing can reach all the way down to the boot section.

2. Attach the Legs to the Body

Leave the body inside out. Insert the stuffed feet into the body from the top. Reach through the unstitched bottom opening and pull the tops of the legs through so they are side by side with the toes pointing upward.

Choose leg length:

• Short legs: Pull the legs fully through until the boots reach the opening.

• Longer legs: Pull the leg tops out only slightly.

• Crossed legs: Lay one leg over the other before pinning.

  
  

Pin the legs in place between the bottom piece and the front panel.

3. Stitch or Glue the Bottom Closed

Thread your needle with about 18 inches of thread. Sew the opening closed securely.

Optional: Use a hot glue gun instead of sewing. Apply glue on both sides of the legs and along the seam where the body meets the bottom. Let the glue cool completely.

4. Turn the Body and Hat Right Side Out

Turn the gnomie body right-side out and set it aside. Snip the very top of the hat if there is extra fabric; do not cut the stitching. This removes some of the bulk when you turn it right-side out. Turn the hat right side out using the skewer, poking gently at the tip to shape the point.

5. Make the Nose

Find the oval-nose fabric piece. Thread your needle with about 18 inches of thread, but do not tie a knot. Sew a loose running stitch around the entire edge, leaving thread tails at the beginning and end. Place a walnut-sized ball of polyfill in the center. Pull the thread ends to gather the fabric into a closed oval. Tie securely.

Optional: Place the walnut-sized ball of polyfill in the center of the nose and pull the sides of the oval around it and secure with a rubber band.

Optional reinforcement for Sewing Method: Add a rubber band around the gathered end and sew over it with a fresh piece of thread. Set the finished nose aside.

6. Shape the Beard

Use the faux fur to cut beard and mustache pieces, if desired. Use your own creativity for size and shape. Set the pieces aside.

Pro Tip: Only cut the fabric backing. Slip your scissors under the fur so you don’t cut harsh lines into the beard.

7. Fill the Body

Pour the pinto beans into the body cavity. Add a little more than half of the remaining polyfill on top of the beans. Gather the top of the body into a circle and wrap securely with a rubber band. Insert the wooden skewer down into the stuffing and beans, pointed end upward, to help stabilize your gnomie.

8. Attach the Beard

Place the beard about 1 to 1 ½ inches below the rubber band. Sew it in place with thread. I like to gather it slightly by pulling gently on the thread so that it looks more natural. Add mustache pieces if desired.

Optional: Use hot glue instead of sewing.

9. Attach the Nose

Position the nose centered above the beard (it should be touching the beard) and sew it in place with a fresh threaded needle.

Optional: Glue the nose above the beard.

10. Finish the Hat

Lightly fill the hat with polyfill. Add small amounts so it can still flop in that classic gnome style. Place the hat on the gnome. Fold the raw edge of the hat under and position it close to the nose and beard so no fur edges show. Pin in place. Use a long thread and a hidden stitch to secure the hat around the entire rim.

Optional: Hot glue may be used in place of stitching.

11. Add Accessories

Use the trimmings in your accessory packet to decorate your gnomie. Sew or glue each piece into place.

12. Enjoy Your Gnomie

Display your Merry Little Gnomie or gift it to brighten someone’s day and bring a little sunshine into their life.

Conclusion

Creating a Merry Little Gnomie is a fun and rewarding project. Whether you choose to sew or use glue, the final product will surely bring joy. Don't forget to check out the video tutorial for additional guidance!