Graduation is a time for celebrating our accomplishments and what better way to say “You did Great!” than with a cute little crochet graduation gnome. This gnome makes a wonderful graduation gift.
Below you will find the complete pattern and instructional photos for this crochet graduation gnome. You will also find all the materials, stitches, gauge, and sizing information. If you would like all of this in a nicely formatted printable format, you can purchase the Ad-Free Large Print PDF Pattern.
Making the Graduation Gnome
The graduation gnome has a simple design based on the garden gnome couple. This gnome is so proud of himself for all the years of study. He confidently holds his diploma and shows off his graduation robes and gnome styled graduation hat.
Personalize this Gnome in several Ways
This crochet graduation gnome pattern can be customized in a variety of ways. You can make the gnome a woman by adding braids instead of the beard. The instructions for both styles are provided below.
Change the hat and robe colors to match a school’s colors and change the hair or beard to match the person you are giving this gnome too.
You can also customize the skin tone as well. I like to use Red Heart Super Saver Aran, Buff, Cafe Latte, and Coffee for skin tones. Check out all the other gnome patterns to see other ways to style the beard or braids.
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Purchase the Premium Ad-Free PDF Pattern
Below you will find the free pattern with all the instructional photos and videos needed to complete the pattern, but I am also aware that several of us like to crochet on the couch, in the car, or in bed with a print out of the pattern. This is why I also offer a nicely formatted ad-free large font PDF version of the pattern. You can print the pattern and take it on the go with you or tuck it into your project bag or basket.
I moved all the photos to the end of the PDF so you can reference them as you need them and print just the pattern without using up as much ink. The Premium PDF version of the pattern can be purchased on Etsy or Ravelry.
More Crochet Gnomes you may Love
Don’t forget to check out all the free patterns at Winding Road Crochet. You may just find a new favorite project. Here are some great patterns you will love.
Crochet Graduation Gnome
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Materials Needed
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115 yds of Red Heart Super Saver, Black
3 yds of Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, Buff (Skin tone)
1 yd of Red Heart Super Saver, Yellow
10 yd of Red Heart Super Saver, Grey
Crochet Hook, Size E, 3.5mm
A small amount of White Paper
Polyfil
Yarn Needle
Scissors
Locking Stitch Markers
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Stitches and Abbreviations
CH – Chain
SC – Single Crochet
SC2TOG – Single Crochet 2 stitches together
SLST – Slip Stitch
MC – Magic Circle (Video Tutorial)
Gauge and Size
Gauge – 5SC x 6 Rows = 1 inch
Size – Final Gnome is about 7 inches tall.
Special Stitches
SC2TOG – Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together – Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull the loop through the hook (2 loops on hook), insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull the loop through the hook, (3 loops on the hook) yarn over and pull the first loop through all the loops on the hook. Your decrease is complete.
Helpful Video Tutorials
I have completed video series that will walk you through how to crochet the basic gnome from start to finish.
Episode 1: Gnome Body (Plus Amigurumi Basics)
Episode 2: Nose, Arms, Feet
Episode 3: Beard and Braids
Episode 4: Gnome Hat
Episode 5: Assembling your Gnome
Other Helpful Videos
Easy way to make a Magic Circle
How to Change Colors in Crochet
Crochet Graduation Gnome Pattern
Notes:
-The pattern will be worked in a continuous round.
-The pattern is in US terms.
-Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rows.
Crochet Graduation Gnome Body
With Black.
Row 1: Work 6 SC in a MC. (6)
Row 2: *2SC in the next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (12)
Row 3: *SC in the next ST, 2SC in the next ST,* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (18)
Row 4: *SC in the next 2 STs, 2SC in the next ST,* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (24)
Row 5: *SC in the next 3 STs, 2SC in the next ST,* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (30)
Row 6: *SC in the next 4 STs, 2SC in the next ST,* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (36)
Row 7: *SC in the next 5 STs, 2Sc in the next ST,* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (42)
Row 8: *SC in the next 6 STs, 2SC in the next ST,* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (48)
Row 9-20: SC in the next STs. (48)
Row 21: *SC in the next 6 STs, SC2TOG,* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (42)
Row 22: *SC in the next 5 STs, SC2TOG,* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (36)
Row 23: SLST to the next 2 STs.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Crochet Graduation Gnome Hat
With Black.
CH 34
Row 1: SC in the 2nd CH from the hook, SC in the next 32 CH. (33)
Note: From this point, we will continue working in the round. So the first stitch of row 2 is worked in the first stitch of row 1. You can use your starting yarn tail to sew down the beginning edge.
Row 2: *SC in the next 10 Sts, 2SC in the next St,* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (36)
Row 3: SC in the next 36 Sts. (36)
Row 4: *SC in the next 11 Sts, 2SC in the next St,* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (39)
Row 5: SC in the next 39 Sts. (39)
Row 6: *SC in the next 12 Sts, 2SC in the next St,* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (42)
Row 7: SC in the next 42 Sts. (42)
Row 8: *SC in the next 13 St, 2SC in the next St,* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (45)
Row 9: SC in the next 45 Sts. (45)
Row 10: *SC in the next 14 Sts, 2Sc in the next St,* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (48)
Row 11: SC in the next 48 Sts. (48)
Row 12: *SC in the next 15 Sts, 2SC in the next St,* repeat from *to* a total of 3 times. (51)
Row 13: SLST to the next 2 STs. Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Graduation Gnome Hat Top
CH 17
Row 1: SC in the 2nd CH from the hook, SC in the next 15 CH. (16)
Row 2- 16: CH1, turn, SC into the next 16 STs.
Optional Row: Now we will work around the edge to create a clean edge.
Row 17: CH1, turn so you are working down the side of Rows 1-16, Work a SC into the side of each row. CH2, turn, SC into the opposite side of the turning CH, CH2, turn, Work a SC into the side of each row. CH2, turn, SC into each ST of Row 16. CH2, SLST to the first SC.
Fasten off and weave in your ends.
Create a small tassel with two long strands of yarn at the top. Attach it to the center of the square by pushing the strands into the center of the hat in two spot and knotting them on the back side.
Arms (Make 2)
With Skin Color
Row 1: Work 6 SC in a MC. (6)
Row 2: SC in the next 6 Sts. (6)
Change to Black
Row 3-8: SC in the next 6 Sts. (6)
Fasten off leaving a 10 inch tail to sew the arm to the body.
Tiny Diploma
Take a piece of paper and cut out a rectangle that is 1 inch by 1.5 inches. Carefully roll it up and use a piece of yellow yarn to tie around the center. Your diploma is complete.
Feet (Make 2)
With Black
Row 1: Work 6 SC in a MC. (6)
Row 2: *2SC in the next ST* repeat from *to* a total of 6 times. (12)
Row 3-5: SC in the next 12 STs. (12)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Lightly stuff the feet and sew them to the front of the gnome body.
Nose
With Skin Color
Row 1: Work 6 SC in a MC. (6)
Row 2-3: SC in the next 6 STs. (6)
Fasten off leaving a 10 inch tail to sew the nose to the body.
Crochet Gnome Beard (Male Gnome)
CH12 with Grey.
Row 1: SC in the 2nd CH from hook and each CH across. Fasten off. (11)
Cut 21 eight-inch strands of yarn for the beard. Group three strands together and attach them to the 7 center single crochet like you would add fringe to a scarf. (See Photo Below)
Before stuffing your gnome, sew your beard on to you gnome in a U shape. Make sure to leave room for the nose and keep the ends close to the edge of the top of the body to be able to hide them with the hat.
If you choose, braid your beard and secure with a small piece of yarn.
Give your beard a little trim to shape and lightly mist it with some water, style the beard and let it dry that way to hold that shape.
Braids (Make 2) (For Female Gnome)
CH7 with Gold
Row 1: Sc in the 2nd Ch from hook and each Ch across. Fasten off. (6)
Cut 12 10 inch strands of gold yarn for the two braids. Attach one strand of yarn to each Single Crochet like you would attach fringe to a scarf. Grab 3 groups of four strands and braid the hair together. Use a piece of yarn to secure the braids at the bottom. Sew the braids onto the body of the gnome before stuffing the gnome.
Graduation Gnome Assembly Instructions
You can use a yarn needle and yarn to sew each piece together in the order listed below or you can hot glue the pieces together (this is what I did) if they are not going to be played with by kids.
1. Stuff and Sew Feet to the front of the gnome.
2. Sew the braids or beard onto the gnome. The beard will have the crocheted row shaped like a U. Style the beard and trim it.
3. Sew the nose on top of the beard or between the braids.
4. Sew arms onto the body. Glue the diploma onto one of the gnome’s hands.
5. Stuff the body and sew the main hat onto the body.
6. Attach your tassel to the hat square. Stuff the main hat and sew the top hat portion on the top.
7. Enjoy your gnome!
I truly hope you enjoyed the crochet graduation gnome pattern and will check back for more fun crochet gnome patterns.
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I think there’s errors…arms- you go from r 2-4 then 6-8 where’s r5?
you have change to light blue on body…but no blue in material list &
say on felt write on it & sew on hat part… but not in assembly instructions nor a pic!!
maybe from cut & paste from other gnomes??? but I was trying to make but won’t do it until I know for sure the answers to these questions!
thanks! 🙂
All errors have been corrected.
I’m making the graduation gnome, it’s so cute! I don’t understand what “SLST to the next 2 STs” means. Could you please explain? Thanks so much.
Make a slip stitch into each of the next two stitches. This just smoothes out the edge of your work.
I’m making one for my son and I just finished the hat. To me, the top looked a bit flimsy and it didn’t sit right on the bottom part. So I crocheted another top, cut out a piece of cereal box board, just a bit smaller than the crocheted squares. I slip stitched the two tops together on 3 sides, slid the cardboard in between and slipped stitched the 4th side shut. The top looks a bit thicker but it’s more sturdy and will keep it’s shape. If you try this, remember to add the tassel before stitching the tops together.
can you tell me please how the main part of the hat fits onto the body
If just sits on top of the body. The hat should be a little bit wider than the body. This gnome does not have an assembly photo but most of the other gnomes do. Or you can check out the assembly video.