Mossy Glen Gnome Keychain Free Pattern – Knit a Tiny Forest Guardian

Mossy Glen Gnome Keychain Free Pattern – Knit a Tiny Forest Guardian

Carry a whisper of the woodland with you—this knitted gnome keychain is a pocket-sized charm of mossy greens and earthy browns. A quick, satisfying project that brings a touch of enchanted forest to your keys or bag. Perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike, this little forest guardian comes together in just a few hours and makes a delightful handmade gift.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

This amigurumi-style gnome is worked flat in simple stockinette stitch, making it accessible even if you're new to knitted toys. The pieces are small, portable, and require minimal yarn—a great stash-buster project. With just basic knit, purl, increase, and decrease stitches, you'll create a charming character with personality and rustic appeal.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in:
  • Moss green (body)
  • Warm brown (hat)
  • Cream (head and beard)
  • Small amount of orange (nose)
• Needles: US Size 3 (3.25 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to achieve gauge)
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, fiberfill stuffing, keychain ring

Gauge: 5.5 stitches and 7 rows per inch in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency helps achieve the right proportions.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
• Kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch (increase)
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• R = row

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Make 1, in Moss Green)

The body forms the rounded base of your gnome. Work flat in stockinette stitch with shaping at the edges.

1. Cast on 10 sts.
2. R1 (RS): K all.
3. R2: P all.
4. R3: Kfb, K8, Kfb (12 sts)
5. R4: P all.
6. R5: K all.
7. R6: P all.
8. R7: Kfb, K10, Kfb (14 sts)
9. R8-12: Work in stockinette (K on RS, P on WS) for 5 rows.
10. R13: K2tog, K10, K2tog (12 sts)
11. R14: P all.
12. R15: K2tog, K8, K2tog (10 sts)
13. R16: P all.
14. R17: K2tog, K6, K2tog (8 sts)
15. R18: P all.
16. Bind off all sts. Leave a long tail for seaming.

Head (Make 1, in Cream)

The head is slightly smaller than the body, creating a cute proportion for your gnome.

1. Cast on 8 sts.
2. R1 (RS): K all.
3. R2: P all.
4. R3: Kfb, K6, Kfb (10 sts)
5. R4: P all.
6. R5: K all.
7. R6: P all.
8. R7: Kfb, K8, Kfb (12 sts)
9. R8-10: Work in stockinette for 3 rows.
10. R11: K2tog, K8, K2tog (10 sts)
11. R12: P all.
12. R13: K2tog, K6, K2tog (8 sts)
13. R14: P all.
14. Bind off all sts. Leave a long tail.

Hat (Make 1, in Warm Brown)

The hat is a simple triangle that will be folded and seamed to create the classic gnome point.

1. Cast on 12 sts.
2. R1 (RS): K all.
3. R2: P all.
4. R3: K2tog, K8, K2tog (10 sts)
5. R4: P all.
6. R5: K all.
7. R6: P all.
8. R7: K2tog, K6, K2tog (8 sts)
9. R8: P all.
10. R9: K2tog, K4, K2tog (6 sts)
11. R10: P all.
12. R11: K2tog, K2, K2tog (4 sts)
13. R12: P all.
14. R13: K2tog, K2tog (2 sts)
15. R14: P2tog (1 st). Cut yarn, pull through remaining loop. Leave a long tail.

Beard (Make 1, in Cream)

The beard adds that classic gnome charm and covers the lower face.

1. Cast on 6 sts.
2. R1 (RS): K all.
3. R2: P all.
4. R3: Kfb, K4, Kfb (8 sts)
5. R4: P all.
6. R5: K all.
7. R6: P all.
8. Bind off all sts. Leave a long tail.

Nose (Make 1, in Orange)

A tiny nose gives your gnome personality.

1. Cast on 4 sts.
2. R1 (RS): K all.
3. R2: P all.
4. R3: K2tog, K2tog (2 sts)
5. R4: P2tog (1 st). Cut yarn, pull through. Leave a tail.

Assembly

Now it's time to bring your gnome to life! Follow these steps carefully for a polished finish.

Step 1: Body Assembly

1. Fold the body piece in half lengthwise (right sides together) and sew the side seam using the long tail.
2. Turn right side out.
3. Stuff lightly with fiberfill—you want it squishy, not rock-hard.
4. Sew the bottom closed with a whip stitch.

Step 2: Head Assembly

1. Fold the head piece in half lengthwise and sew the side seam.
2. Turn right side out.
3. Stuff lightly.
4. Sew the head to the top of the body, aligning the seam to the back.

Step 3: Hat Assembly

1. Fold the hat piece in half lengthwise (right sides together) and sew the side seam.
2. Turn right side out. Do not stuff—the hat should remain flat and floppy.
3. Place the hat on the head, with the pointy end leaning jauntily to one side.
4. Sew the hat edge to the head, covering the top of the head completely.

Step 4: Beard Attachment

1. Fold the beard piece in half lengthwise and sew the side seam.
2. Turn right side out. Do not stuff.
3. Sew the beard to the front of the head, just below the hat, so it covers the lower half of the face.

Step 5: Nose Placement

1. Sew the nose to the center of the face, just above the beard.
2. Use a few firm stitches to secure it well—this is a focal point of your gnome.

Step 6: Keychain Loop

1. Using a small piece of brown yarn, create a loop at the top of the hat.
2. Thread the yarn through the hat tip, tie a secure knot.
3. Attach a keychain ring to the loop.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all loose ends carefully with your tapestry needle.
2. Optionally, add a small embroidered smile with brown yarn below the nose for extra charm.
3. Give your gnome a gentle squeeze to shape him perfectly.

Tips for Success

• Consistent tension: Try to keep your knitting even throughout—this ensures your gnome's pieces fit together neatly.
• Light stuffing: Amigurumi looks best when slightly under-stuffed, allowing the fabric to drape naturally.
• Secure seams: Take your time with assembly; neat seaming makes a huge difference in the final look.
• Customize: Feel free to experiment with different color combinations or add a tiny scarf for extra personality!

Your Mossy Glen Gnome Keychain is now complete! This little forest guardian is ready to accompany you on all your adventures. Whether you keep him for yourself or gift him to a fellow woodland enthusiast, this handmade charm is sure to bring smiles. Happy knitting!