Project introduction
This is an overview of a crochet gnome ornament designed to hold a candy cane. A loop attached to the hat lets the finished piece hang on a Christmas tree. The small components and layered body create the familiar gnome shape, and the construction involves shaping and sewing separate pieces together.
The original designer pattern and instructions provide the full stitch directions and photo guidance. The designer rates the project easy and estimates that making and assembling it takes a couple of hours. Besides a candy cane, the holder can accommodate slim alternatives mentioned in the source, including a Christmas-themed pencil, a thin metal bookmark, or an individually wrapped Twizzler.
The project uses small amounts of yarn, making leftover seasonal colors a possible choice. For another small holiday project, see our Crochet Present Ornament: Pattern for Beginners: Pattern Overview.
How to Crochet a Candy Cane Holder Ornament
The gnome is assembled from several separate crocheted pieces. Two head and body layers make the base; the hat, nose, and candy cane holder mittens are made separately. Cut yarn strands form the beard, and a hanging loop is added after the main pieces are joined.
Make the components before beginning assembly so they are ready to position and sew. The original designer’s photos can help clarify where the nose, beard, mittens, and hat sit. This article describes the construction but does not provide the full stitch-by-stitch pattern.
Gnome Candy Cane Holder Ornament Pattern Overview
The pattern is available free by scrolling to it in the designer blog post. The designer also sells an ad-free printable PDF with photo tutorials through shops including Ravelry and Etsy. Check the linked pattern page for current access details and available formats.
Best Yarn for Crochet Holder Ornaments
The sample uses mercerized cotton. The designer notes that cotton can help an ornament hold its shape and is easy to wash if it gets dirty while hanging. Stash yarn is another option. The source says other worsted weight yarns may be substituted, and cotton is available in a range of colors.
The source also describes the character holders as suitable for Christmas gift tags. Other characters named there are a gingerbread boy and girl, a reindeer, a snowman, Santa, and an elf. Those are separate designs; this overview focuses on the gnome.
Yarn
Worsted weight yarn, category 4, is the weight used for the sample. The designer avoided bulky yarn because it could be too thick for the small pieces, and notes that lighter yarn might not hold the candy cane as well. The sample uses Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, a smooth-textured cotton yarn available in solid colors, including neutral shades.
Materials
Gather the following supplies listed for the project. The sample yarn is 100% mercerized cotton, with 186 yd (170 m) per 100 g (3.5 oz). The source lists yardage as 9 to 22 yards depending on the part, and the pattern notes break that down by component below.
- Worsted weight, category 4 yarn. The pattern notes list 22 yards for the head and body, 15 yards for the hat, 8 yards for the nose and hands or mittens, and 9 yards for the beard.
- Crochet hooks: I/9/5.50 mm, H/8/5.00 mm, and G/6/4.00 mm, or a size needed to obtain gauge.
- Measuring tape, scissors, yarn needle, and locking stitch markers. Yarn scraps can be used in place of markers.
- A candy cane, or a Christmas pencil as an alternative suggested for children.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
The pattern uses US crochet notation. This reference lists the shorthand in a different order for quick checking.
| Short form | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FLO | front loop only |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| invsc2tog | invisible single crochet decrease |
| Rnd | round |
| RS / WS | right side / wrong side |
| sc | single crochet |
| SM | stitch marker |
| sl st(s) | slip stitch or slip stitches |
| st(s) | stitch or stitches |
| ch(s) | chain or chains |
| yo | yarn over |
Experience Level
The project is rated easy. Basic crochet familiarity and comfort sewing separate pieces together will be helpful. The full source includes photos and construction notes for additional reference.
Gauge
The source gauge section states only that measurements are given throughout the pattern. The hat section separately lists a gauge in single crochet with a 5.00 mm hook of 4.5 stitches and 4.5 rows per 1.25 inches. Consult the pattern for the measurements associated with individual components.
Sizes
The design is one size. The finished ornament is listed as 3.25 inches wide by 6.5 inches high, excluding the beard and hanging loop. These are the source’s measurements; yarn and hook choices can affect the result.
Special Stitches
The hat uses an invisible single crochet decrease, abbreviated invsc2tog. It combines the front loops of two neighboring stitches into one decrease. The linked instructions explain the exact method for completing it.
Pattern Notes
The sample was made with Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, and the source allows other worsted weight yarns. A striped hat is optional: use one color for the setup and odd-numbered rounds, and another for even-numbered rounds. Decreases shape the hat toward its tip. The two head and body pieces are joined after the smaller details are attached, allowing their ends to sit between the layers.
Candy Cane Holder Ornament - Written Pattern Overview
Gnome’s Head / Body
Make two matching egg-shaped pieces, one for the front and one for the back. They are shaped with single crochet and half double crochet. The early rounds are worked continuously, with a scrap of yarn marking the beginning of each round; the last round is joined. The source gives approximate measurements as the pieces take shape, including a finished head and body of about 3 inches wide at its widest point and 3.5 inches high.
Once the two layers are joined, small yarn ends from attached details can be hidden between them. Complete both pieces before assembly, and use the full pattern for the stitch sequence and shaping details.
Gnome Hat
The hat starts with a joined foundation chain and is worked in rounds, narrowing toward a pointed tip. The setup uses a 5.50 mm hook, then the hat rounds use a 5.00 mm hook. The optional stripe treatment alternates colors by round. The source lists the laid-flat hat as approximately 3-1/8 inches wide by 4-1/2 inches high and describes closing the tip with the yarn tail.
Candy Cane Holder Mittens
The mitten-shaped holder uses a 4.00 mm hook and has two chain loops as part of its shape. Single crochet and half double crochet form the remaining details. The source specifies leaving a 12-inch yarn tail for later use, so keep that tail rather than trimming it. The approximate finished size is 2-3/4 inches long by 1-1/4 inches wide at the widest points.
Gnome’s Nose
The compact oval nose is worked in ecru yarn with a 4.00 mm hook. Its early rounds are continuous and tracked with a scrap-yarn marker; the final round is joined. The approximate size is 1 inch wide by 3/4 inch high. Keep the yarn tail for sewing the nose onto the front body piece.
Gnome’s Beard
Cut 18 pieces of white yarn, each 6 inches long. These strands become fringe around the edge of the nose. The source notes that separating the yarn plies can make the beard look fuller.
Assembly
The assembly sequence attaches the beard to the nose, then secures the nose and mittens to one head and body layer. Next, place the two layers with their wrong sides together and join around the edge. Locking stitch markers can help keep the layers aligned while they are joined. Position the hat last, with a slight slouch over the nose and its sides extending farther down the head.
As a practical checklist, the source’s assembly notes call for:
- Attaching the 18 beard strands around the nose edge, then separating the plies if a fuller look is desired.
- Sewing the nose and holder mittens onto one body layer before joining the two layers.
- Using a yarn length four times the body perimeter to join the layers, then sewing the hat in place with an 18-inch piece of yarn.
The original page includes photos showing the assembly and placement. Refer to it for the specific sewing method and visual details.
Hanging Loop
For a crocheted hanger, the source specifies a 6-inch chain made with a 4.00 mm hook and yarn in any color. Join the chain, fasten off with a tail, and sew the loop to the back of the hat. Weave in the ends.
Hanging Loop Alternative
A 6-inch piece of ribbon can replace the crocheted loop. Attach it to the back of the hat with a needle and thread.
Join us in the Facebook Community Group!
The designer describes a crochet community where members can share completed projects, ask questions, seek advice, and take part in crochet conversations and events. For project-specific construction details, use the linked pattern page as the reference.
