Nothing says “cozy winter” quite like the charm of high-end Nordic decor. If you love that Pottery Barn look but hate the price tag, these DIY sock gnomes no sew projects are going to save your holiday budget. Best of all, they look incredibly expensive despite costing just a few dollars to make.
As a busy mom of three, I rarely have time for complicated sewing projects. I need holiday craft ideas for adults that I can actually finish while the baby naps. That is why I love this specific style of Nordic Christmas decor. It is fast, mess-free, and instantly gratifying.
You might be asking, “How to keep rice gnomes from getting bugs?” or “How do I cut the fur without it looking choppy?” Don’t worry, I have simple tricks for all of that. Let’s grab some supplies and make these adorable Dollar Tree Christmas gnomes together!
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished Dollar Store Sock Gnomes, styled on a mantle or tree with twinkle lights.]
Key Materials Snapshot
Before we dive into the full supply list, here are the heavy hitters you need to grab.
📝 Key Materials: Patterned/Fuzzy Socks, Uncooked Rice (cheap brand), Faux Fur Fabric Square, Wooden Beads (1 inch), Hot Glue Gun, Clear Rubber Bands.
Supplies & Tools List
Consumables:
- 1 Men’s or Women’s Crew Sock (Solid color for body)
- 1 Patterned/Fuzzy Sock (For the hat)
- 2-3 cups Uncooked Rice (or dried beans)
- Poly-fil stuffing (optional, for smoothing bumps)
- Essential oil (Peppermint or Lavender to repel bugs)
- Heavy-duty thread or clear hair elastics
Tools:
- Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
- Sharp Fabric Scissors
- Razor blade or Box Cutter (Crucial for the beard!)
- A tall drinking glass (To hold the sock)
Step 1: Construct the Body
First, prepare your work station. Place your solid crew sock inside a tall drinking glass and fold the cuff over the rim. This holds the sock open and keeps your hands free.
Pour your uncooked rice into the sock until you reach your desired height. Usually, 2 to 3 cups works perfectly for a standard mantle gnome. Add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil to the rice now to keep pests away.
📸 [Image-2: A photo of a white crew sock stretched over a drinking glass, half-filled with white rice.]
Pro-Tip: If you hate the lumpy texture of rice, stuff a layer of poly-fil between the sock and the rice. This smooths out the “cellulite” and makes the gnome look soft and plush.
Once filled, secure the top tightly with a clear rubber band or heavy thread. Trim off the excess sock fabric above the band, but leave about an inch to ensure it doesn’t slip.
Step 2: The Critical Beard Cut
This is where most people mess up! Lay your faux fur fabric face down on a cutting mat. You want to cut the backing only, not the actual hair.
Use a razor blade or X-Acto knife to score the fabric in a V-shape or U-shape. Gently pull the cut piece away. If you use scissors and cut straight through, you will give your gnome a terrible blunt haircut.
📸 [Image-3: Close-up shot of a hand using a razor blade to cut the back of the faux fur fabric, showing the long hair intact.]
Step 3: Attach the Beard and Nose
Apply a generous amount of hot glue to the back of your fur piece. Press it firmly onto the body of the gnome, positioned slightly higher than the middle. Hold it for 30 seconds to let the glue set.
Next, take your wooden bead. Part the fur in the center top of the beard to expose the fabric backing. Glue the wooden bead directly onto the fabric edge so it looks like it is peeking out from the fur.
Step 4: The Hat Assembly
Take your patterned or fuzzy sock and cut it right at the heel. You will use the toe section for the hat.
Stuff a small ball of poly-fil into the toe of the patterned sock to give the hat a perky shape. Pull the sock hat over the top of the gnome body. Pull it down until the brim touches the top of the wooden nose.
📸 [Image-4: A shot of the patterned sock being pulled down over the gnome body, sitting snugly on top of the wooden nose.]
Secure the hat with a few dabs of hot glue around the rim. Ensure the hat covers the top edge of the beard for a seamless finish. Fluff the beard with your fingers or a comb.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you cut faux fur without making a mess?
A: The secret is to cut from the back. Use a razor blade to slice only the fabric backing. Never use scissors to chop through the hair, or you will end up with confetti everywhere and a blunt beard.
Q: What is the best filling for sock gnomes?
A: Uncooked rice is the most popular choice because it is cheap and heavy. However, you can also use clean kitty litter or aquarium gravel. If you use rice, seal it well or add essential oils.
Q: Where to buy gnome noses?
A: I prefer using 1-inch unfinished wooden beads found on Amazon or craft stores. In a pinch, you can use a small ball of beige pantyhose stuffed with poly-fil.
Q: How to keep rice gnomes from getting bugs?
A: Rice can attract pests over time. To prevent this, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil into the rice before sealing. When storing them for next year, place them in a sealed plastic bin with a cedar ball.
These easy homemade Swedish Tomte are the perfect addition to your tiered tray or mantle this year. They are simple enough to make in bulk for gifts but stylish enough to keep for yourself. Now that you know how to make gnomes with socks, I hope you fill your home with these cozy little guardians!
Happy Crafting!
Nancy
