St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! Let’s embrace all things lucky and green with a cute new craft: Macrame Gnomes! These adorable leprechaun gnomes feature charming knit hats and fluffy orange beards that will bring festive cheer to your home. Whether you’re new to macrame craft projects or an experienced crafter, this beginner-friendly tutorial makes creating handmade gnome decorations simple and fun.
Macrame gnomes have become increasingly popular for seasonal decor, and once you learn the basic macrame knotting techniques, you can customize these charming creatures for any holiday throughout the year. Read on for our complete step-by-step instructions, video tutorial, and creative variations for this easy macrame project.
Related: Popsicle Stick Leprechaun Craft
What Are Macrame Gnomes?
Macrame gnomes are decorative crafts made using macrame cord attached to wooden rings with simple lark’s head knots. These whimsical gnome craft ideas typically feature a fluffy beard, mustache, wooden bead nose, and miniature yarn hat. They’re perfect for beginners because they only require one basic knotting technique and take about 30 minutes to complete.
Many thanks to It’s Always Autumn and her Valentine’s Day Macrame Gnomes for inspiring our St. Patrick’s Day version!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Macrame Gnome Craft
This project checks all the boxes for a perfect craft: quick, affordable, beginner-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
- Perfect group activity – Ideal for craft parties or workshops.
- Beginner-friendly – Only requires one simple knot.
- Quick to make – Complete this craft 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable supplies.
- Customizable – Adapt for any season or holiday.
- Great for gifting – Makes thoughtful handmade presents.
Craft Supplies Needed
This craft is perfect for gnome lovers! Before you start, make sure you have all the right supplies:
- 40mm wooden rings
- 4mm macrame cord, orange and forest green
- 19mm wooden beads
- Toilet paper tube
- Macrame fringe comb
- Hot glue gun and hot glue
- Scissors
- Wooden shamrock buttons
Cord measurements:
- Green cord: 15 pieces at 12 inches each
- Orange cord: 11 pieces at 12 inches each
Tip: You can substitute yarn for a different texture, or try natural jute cord for a boho-style gnome.
Watch the Video Tutorial
Watch the video below to be walked through every step of this macrame gnomes craft. Seeing the lark’s head knot demonstrated makes this beginner macrame project even easier to follow!
How to Make Macrame Gnomes: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow along with these clear, detailed instructions to create your own adorable leprechaun gnome from start to finish.
Part 1: Mini Yarn Hat Directions
All gnomes need a floppy hat! Follow these directions to create the perfect miniature hat for your macrame gnomes.
STEP 1: Cut the toilet paper tube. Cut a 3/4 inch wide piece of toilet paper roll using scissors or a paper cutter.
STEP 2: Prepare the green cording. Cut 15 pieces of green macrame cord, each 12 inches long. Use the first piece as a template for the rest.
STEP 3: Make the gnome’s hat using lark’s head knots. Attach each cord to the tube using a lark’s head knot (also called a cow hitch):
- Fold the cord in half to make a loop.
- Bring the loop under and over the tube.
- Push both tail ends through the loop.
- Tighten by pulling both ends gently.
- Repeat 14 more times.
STEP 4: Tie the hat. Tie off the top with scrap cord using a square knot. Push the tail ends through the hat and trim.
STEP 5: Finish the hat! Trim and shape the pom pom into a rounded shape. Use the fringe comb to fluff it out. Hot glue a wooden shamrock button in the center.
Part 2: Leprechaun Gnome Beard and Assembly
Follow these steps to complete your macrame gnomes with their signature fluffy beards!
STEP 1: Prepare the orange cording. Cut 11 pieces of orange macrame cord, each 12 inches long.
STEP 2: Make the gnome’s beard. Attach 7 pieces of orange cord to the wooden ring using lark’s head knots. Position evenly around the lower half.
STEP 3: Make the mustache! Thread 4 pieces of orange cord through a wooden bead, centering it with equal lengths on each side. Add a drop of hot glue inside the bead to secure.
STEP 4: Fluff the mustache and beard. Comb out the beard and mustache with your fringe comb, working from bottom to top.
STEP 5: Make the gnome’s face. Apply hot glue to the wooden bead (the mustache piece) and attach it to the inside of the wooden ring. Position it in the center of the gnome’s beard to serve as a nose.
When the glue is completely dry, use scissors to trim and shape the mustache and beard to your desired length and style. For extra charm, you can braid small sections of the mustache—tie off each tiny braid with a single strand of cord using a double knot.
STEP 6: Attach the hat. Hot glue the miniature yarn hat onto the top of the wooden ring. Make sure the hat slides all the way down to partially cover the top of the gnome’s nose, creating an adorable profile.
STEP 7: Enjoy your macrame gnomes! Your St. Patrick’s Day Macrame Gnome is complete! Display it on a shelf, mantel, or table. Once you’ve mastered these leprechaun gnomes, try making them in different colors for other holidays and seasons!
Common Mistakes When Making Macrame Gnomes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with this beginner-friendly macrame project, a few common issues can pop up. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Cutting cord too short – Always cut your cord pieces at least 12 inches long. It’s better to have extra length that you can trim later than to run short and have sparse-looking beards or hats.
- Not combing enough – The key to fluffy, professional-looking macrame gnomes is thorough combing. Take your time with the fringe comb, working from bottom to top. Your beard and hat should look soft and full, not stringy.
- Lark’s head knots too loose – If your knots are too loose, the cord will slide around on the ring or tube. Pull each knot snug as you create it to keep everything in place.
- Hot glue mistakes – Apply hot glue sparingly because too much will seep out and look messy. Hold pieces firmly in place for 10–15 seconds after gluing to ensure a strong bond. Keep a damp cloth nearby to quickly wipe away any stray glue strings.
- Uneven mustache – When threading cord through the nose bead, measure carefully to ensure equal lengths hang on both sides. Center the bead before gluing to maintain symmetry.
- Hat positioned incorrectly – The hat should sit low enough to partially cover the nose. This creates the classic gnome look. Test the positioning before applying glue.
Tips for Perfect Macrame Gnomes
These expert tips will help you achieve professional-looking results and make the crafting process even smoother.
- Choose quality cord – 4mm cotton cord works best and creates the fluffiest results when combed out.
- Work on a flat surface – This helps keep your gnome’s features symmetrical and makes gluing easier.
- Customize colors – While orange and green are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, try red and white for Christmas macrame gnomes, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day.
- Make it a kit – Pre-cut all your cord pieces and package them with the other supplies to create DIY macrame gnome kits for gifts or craft parties.
- Practice your knots – If you’re new to macrame craft projects, practice the lark’s head knot a few times on a spare ring before starting your gnome.
Macrame Gnomes for Every Season
One of the best things about learning to make macrame gnomes is how easily you can adapt them for different holidays and occasions:
- Christmas Macrame Gnomes: Red or green hat, white beard, and tiny jingle bells!
- Valentine Macrame Gnomes: Pink or red hat, white or pink beard, and heart buttons.
- Halloween Macrame Gnomes: Orange and black colors, and tiny felt witch hats.
- Fall Macrame Gnomes: Burgundy, rust, and cream colors with leaf embellishments.
- Winter Macrame Gnomes: Blue and white with snowflake buttons.
- Easter Macrame Gnomes: Pastel colors with bunny ears or egg decorations.
Take it Further: Creative Ideas for Your Macrame Gnomes
Looking for extension or gifting ideas? We’ve got you covered:
- Create Macrame Santa Christmas ornaments with jingle bells to hang from your Christmas tree.
- Make a boho style gnome with natural jute cording.
- Pair this craft with a book about St. Patrick’s Day.
- Create a garland of mini gnome hats for festive bunting.
- Make macrame gnome kits to gift as party favors.
- Offer this craft as a make-and-take at your library or school program.
- Use thinner cord or yarn for the hat to change the texture.
- Tie a loop of string to the back of the hat so it can be used as an ornament.
- Glue a magnet to the back of the gnome and hang it on the refrigerator.
- Hang the gnome from a bottle of Irish wine as a gift topper for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Create festive gnomes to use as gift toppers throughout the year.
- Host a macrame gnome crafting party with friends.
- Sell them at craft fairs as handmade seasonal decorations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macrame Gnomes
Get answers to the most common questions about making, customizing, and storing your macrame gnomes.
Most people complete one macrame gnome in about 30 minutes. Your first might take 45 minutes as you learn the lark’s head knot, but they go much faster after that!
Yes! While 4mm cord is recommended for fluffy beards, you can use 3mm for delicate gnomes or 5mm for chunkier ones. Just keep all cord the same size within one gnome.
Absolutely! Children ages 8 and up can make these with adult supervision for hot glue steps. The lark’s head knot is simple enough for kids to master, making it perfect for parties or family craft nights.
All supplies are available on Amazon (see links above), at your local craft store, or from online specialty shops. Look for wooden rings and beads in the wood crafts section, and macrame cord with yarn.
Store your macrame gnomes in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Place them gently in a Store in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Place gently in a container with tissue paper to maintain fluffiness. Avoid compressing the beard and hat.
More St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids
Looking for more great ideas? These easy crafts are fun for kids of all ages and pair perfectly with your macrame gnomes:
- St. Patrick’s Day Hedgehog Craft
- Popsicle Stick Leprechaun Hat
- Fused Bead Rainbow Suncatcher
- Tissue Paper Shamrock Craft
- Rainbow Paper Craft for Kids
- Shamrock Wreath
- Rainbow Tissue Paper Craft
- Rainbow Suncatcher Craft
- Pot of Gold Craft for Kids
Save This Craft
Save this great project on Pinterest using the image below and make sure you are following along for more fun craft ideas!
How to Make Macrame Gnomes
Ingredients
- 3/4" piece of toilet paper tube
- 40mm wooden ring
- 19mm wooden bead
- 4mm macrame cord: 15 green pieces (12" each), 11 orange pieces (12" each)
- Macrame fringe comb
- Wooden shamrock button
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Instructions
Make the hat:
- Cut a 3/4" wide piece from a toilet paper tube.
- Attach 15 green cord pieces to the tube using lark's head knots. Fold each cord in half, loop under and over the tube, then pull the ends through the loop.
- Tie off the top with scrap cord. Trim the ends.
- Shape the pom pom with scissors and fluff with the comb.
- Hot glue a shamrock button to the center.
Make the beard:
- Attach 7 orange cord pieces to the wooden ring using lark's head knots.
- Thread 4 orange cord pieces through the wooden bead. Center the bead and glue inside to secure.
- Comb out the beard and mustache from bottom to top.
- Hot glue the bead (nose) to the center of the ring.
- Trim and shape the beard. Optional: braid small sections of the mustache.
Assemble:
- Hot glue the hat to the top of the ring, covering part of the nose.
- Display your finished gnome!
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