This is my variation on a traditional knitted doll. In my example, I am using sock yarn scraps and number 2 or 3mm double pointed needles. Gauge is up to you, so you can utilize a thicker yarn and this will create a larger gnome. Be sure to have five colors in small amounts.
The gnome is worked in the round using double pointed needles.
With the chosen foot color, cast on 32 stitches on 3 needles.
Join round being careful not to twist stitches and work 4 rounds.
Now it's time to begin the trouser section. Switch colors and if you want to avoid a jog in the change, slip first stitch of round and knit the rest. This is only necessary when you change colors and isn't absolutely necessary if you find it confusing.
The trouser color continues for 14 rounds.
Change to shirt color and knit 12 rounds. (Remember to slip the first stitch on each color change as described above.)
Change color and knit 10 rounds for head.
Change color for gnome cap and knit 8 rounds.
Now, we will put first 16 stitches on one needle which we'll call needle A. Put the remaining 16 stitches on another needle. We'll call this one needle B. (We will be knitting in the round on these 2 needles.)
PLEASE NOTE: the photos do not show the gnome body. I chose just to work the hat section for clarity..
Knit across stitches on needle A.
Slip first stitch purl-wise on needle B. Wrap yarn between slipped stitch and the rest of the stitches on needle B. Then replace slipped stitch back on needle B.
Turn work and purl back on needle A.
When you reach the end, do the same thing on this end. Slip one stitch off this end of needle B, place the yarn in between the slipped stitch and the rest of the stitches on needle B. Slip the stitch back on needle B and change direction again by knitting 14 stitches on needle A. Two stitches remain on needle A. We will now do a ssk. Slip these 2 stitches knit-wise onto right needle, then slide the left hand needle into the front of both stitches and knit them together.
Now, we are going to knit on needle B. The first 2 stitches are knitted together as one. That's called K2tog. We will continue to the last 2 stitches of needle B and execute another ssk.
Moving on to first 2 stitches on needle A, we K2tog and continue to the end of needle A. It's time to slip the stitch off the end of needle B and place the yarn between the stitches. Slip the slipped stitch back on needle B and purl back to the end of needle A. Now, we're going to slip the end stitch on needle B again and wrap the yarn between stitches. Put slipped stitch back and turn work.
Continue from * to * (above) until there are only 4 stitches left. Work 3 or 4 rounds on these 4 stitches. Break yarn and thread the end through stitches and remove from needles. Pull tight.
Weave in loose ends and stuff with wool, cotton or whatever you like. Sew up bottom.
Embroider 2 eyes. Then create legs, neck and arms by putting running stitches in the areas shown in the picture. I use strong thread.
I hope you find my instructions easy to follow. I'll be sure to check the comments to see if anyone needs helps. It's helpful to note when working the gnome hat on 2 needles, that for every 3 rows knitted on needle A, there is only one worked on needle B. That's what creates the forward peak of the top.
