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DIY Adorable No-Sew Spring Gnome Craft Ideas
Everyone should learn how to make a no-sew spring gnome!
It seems as if gnome crafts have taken over the internet. But what’s not to like?
These spring gnomes are adorable and add a fun, whimsical touch to any decor—whether you’re styling a sweet gnome display or looking for unique Easter party ideas.
Sure, Christmas gnomes are a hit, but gnomes have gone year-round—they’re showing up in every season now.
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So when Oriental Trading asked me to make a spring craft with their supplies I jumped at the chance to try my hand at making some cute gnomes.
There are lots of different ways to make a gnome. I especially saw a ton of instructions on how to make sock gnomes.
But I wanted an easy no-sew gnome so I chose a sturdy cardboard cone that would serve as both the hat and the gnome body.
Ready to make an adorable DIY gnome without a sewing machine? Read on for the supplies list and instructions.
DIY no-sew spring gnome materials:
Before we dive into the gnome-making magic, here’s what you’ll need to gather. Don’t worry—nothing fancy here, just some basic craft supplies (and yes, even a pair of old pantyhose makes the list!).
- Cardboard cone for the gnome’s body and hat
- Felt in 2 colors
- A pair of old pantyhose (this will be part of the gnome nose)
- A cotton ball
- 1 small elastic band, hair tie, zip tie, or piece of twine
- Craft Fur fabric for the gnome beard
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Cardstock to make a rough template.
- Cute felt flower embellishments (optional)
How to Make a No-Sew Gnome – Video
- To start, just wrap one piece of felt around the bottom of your cone for the body and secure it with a line of hot glue—easy peasy.
- Then it’s time to add that glorious beard and cute little nose.
- After that, cut a piece of felt for the hat, wrap it right over the top (beard and nose included), and glue it in place.
- Boom—your gnome is coming to life!
Check out the video tutorial below—it shows exactly how I made mine step by step. I didn’t snap photos along the way (because gluey fingers and cameras don’t mix), so don’t skip the video!
You’ll also notice I went a little wild with my gnome hat pattern at first—it was massive. I probably could’ve made a smaller pattern with a compass, but who has a compass lying around?
I just trimmed it down as I went, and honestly, that worked just fine.
You’ll also see I tried two different ways to attach the nose (check out the tips below)—one tucked under the hat edge, one glued right on top.
There are so many fun little tweaks you can make to change up the look! Make a whole village of spring gnomes, mini gnomes, or even gnome ornaments just by mixing it up a bit.
I’ve gotta say, I’m a little obsessed with the cone shape—it’s such a great base. I’m so happy with how my homemade gnomes turned out, and I think you’re going to love making yours too.
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A couple of cool gnome craft tricks:
Gnome Nose Ideas
I chose to make my gnome’s nose with an old pair of pantyhose, a cotton ball, and a small hair tie (or zip ties). I’ve seen wooden beads used but I love how the pantyhose looks and you don’t have to worry about hiding the bead hole.
You can also make the nose the size you want. You could make a gnome with an enormous nose… why not?
I love how using old pantyhose repurposed the fabric and gave the nose a fleshy color. But a wooden bead or pom pom will work just fine if you don’t have access to pantyhose.
I inserted the nose pantyhose “tail” in a small opening I made in the fur. That way, the nose was not just glued on top of the fur making a mess. It holds in place on its own.
Faux-Fur Trick
While cutting the faux fur, make sure to only cut the backing and not the fur.
Don’t use scissors, this step is best done with an Xacto knife or razor blade.
You’ll also love:
BONUS: Easter Bunny Gnome
After making my little spring gnomes, I figured I could use the cone as just a hat and a peanut butter jar as a body for a taller Easter bunny gnome.
That’s where you could also use a sock filled with rice as a body.
I wrapped the jar in grey felt and the cone in pink felt (Check the video on how to make a felt pattern for the cone hat) and cut the bunny ears out of a treat bag.
I added some wire inside the ears so they’d stand up.
Just like the little gnomes, I just used hot glue to make the whole thing. No needle or thread is needed.
I hope I’ve inspired you to make little gnomes of your own. Each took about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll love having them cheer up your space.
I’d love to see what other little gnome designs you come up with. Maybe a girl gnome or one with a hat covered in polka dots?
You’ll also love:
More Spring Craft Ideas
Ready to sprinkle some extra crafty sunshine into your spring? Whether you’re decorating eggs, wrangling Peeps, or just looking for fun projects for the kids, these ideas are cute, clever, and totally doable!
- DIY Easter Decorating Ideas – Fun and festive DIYs to brighten up your springtime space.
- Printable Spring Activities – Keep the kids busy and smiling with these spring-themed printables.
- Spring Crafts for Kids – A whole bunch of easy crafts that’ll have the kids hopping with joy.
- He Is Risen Easter Banner – A sweet and meaningful printable banner for your Easter celebration.
- 12 Fun Peeps Ideas – Hilarious and clever ways to play with those iconic marshmallow critters.
You’ll also love:
Don’t forget to pin this DIY no-sew spring gnome craft:
Picked for you:
Check out our Easter printables
These are adorable and the Spring colors are perfect for them. This post will be a feature this week. #HomeMattersParty
Aww. Thank you!
These are so cute!
Thank you!
These are so adorable. And I can’t believe how easy they are to make.
Natasha
Awh, your spring gnomes are just adorable. Thank you for joining us at Handmade Monday to share them 🙂
Many, many thanks! Finally a no-sew, gnome diy that delivers what was promised! I searched Pinterest to the point of frustration. Every no sew gnome diy brought me to a kit I needed to purchase or wasn’t completely a “no-sew” or the gnomes were atrocious. Yours are adorable with simple easy to follow directions and so affordable! Your a charm!
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Where did you find cardboard cones?
I got those from Oriental Trading. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/3qprMGQ
I’ve seen them at Dollar Tree or Michaels sometimes too.
Super cute gnomes!!! You make it look so easy.
I love that your gnome is a cone! So fun. I’ve got so many sock body ones that I need to make a few of these for variety.
Gnomes are sooo cute! Love this sweet project!
I love a project that is no sew! With all the time at home these next few weeks we might have to give this one a try!
I love gnomes!! Such a cute craft and I especially love the bunny ears!
I love this idea. My niece and nephew would love to make these Gnomes!
These gnomes are darling!!! I love that they are no sew!!