Candle-Holding Christmas Gnome – Free Cross Stitch Pattern with Scandinavian Charm
Looking for a festive, joyful, and heartwarming Christmas Gnome Free Cross Stitch Pattern that brings light to your holiday crafting? This charming candle-holding gnome design is exactly what your stitching season needs. Inspired by Nordic winter folklore, this intermediate-level pattern blends cozy textures, glowing warmth, and decorative detail into a delightful project suitable for holiday décor or handmade gifts.
Design Description – A Holiday Gnome Glowing with Joy
This festive cross stitch pattern captures a beloved holiday character—a red-hatted Christmas gnome—holding candles in both hands and lighting up the snowy season. His oversized curved hat, decorated with snowflakes and chevron motifs, steals the spotlight. Atop the hat sits a large pom-pom, adding playful dimension and charm.
The gnome’s white beard flows gracefully in detailed gradients of gray and silver. His round pink nose peeks from beneath the brim, creating that unmistakable gnome silhouette. Red lanterns and a central glowing candle represent warmth and celebration, making this pattern a beautiful representation of holiday spirit.
Pattern Difficulty – Intermediate
This design is perfect for stitchers who enjoy a bit of detail work but don’t want to commit to an overly complex project. If you’re comfortable with:
👕 Because who says cross stitchers can’t have a sense of humor? Grab a mug or tee that proves them wrong:
🛒 Shop Now
- Multiple color blends
- Shading and layering tones
- Managing medium-sized patterns
…then this is the counted cross stitch pattern for you.
With its vibrant red tones and gentle gradients in the beard and accessories, this project offers both a relaxing stitching experience and impressive finished results.
Recommended Materials and Tools
To begin your glowing gnome project, gather the essentials:
- Fabric: 14-count Aida cloth in soft colors – buy on Amazon
- Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle – buy on Amazon
- Floss: DMC embroidery floss – buy on Amazon
Helpful Extras:
- Wooden Cross Stitch Stand Holder – buy on Amazon
- Thread organizer – buy on Amazon
- Beaditive Precision Craft Scissors – buy on Amazon
- Embroidery hoop or Q-snap – buy on Amazon
- Magnifying Glasses with Light – buy on Amazon
- Non Toxic, Fabric Pens – buy on Amazon
DMC Color Chart – Candle Gnome Pattern
| Symbol | DMC No. | Color Name | Stitches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Alizarin | 1015 |
| 2 | 159 | Gray Blue – Light | 438 |
| 3 | 168 | Pewter – Very Light | 644 |
| 4 | 221 | Shell Pink – Very Dark | 505 |
| 5 | 225 | Shell Pink – Ultra Very Light | 150 |
| 6 | 310 | Black | 408 |
| 7 | 318 | Steel Gray – Light | 495 |
| 8 | 414 | Steel Gray – Dark | 322 |
| 9 | 415 | Pearl Gray | 407 |
| 10 | 453 | Shell Gray – Light | 207 |
| 11 | 543 | Beige – Ultra Very Light | 183 |
| 12 | 645 | Beaver Gray – Very Dark | 306 |
| 13 | 754 | Peach – Light | 389 |
| 14 | 777 | Raspberry – Very Dark | 1142 |
| 15 | 814 | Garnet – Dark | 3244 |
| 16 | 816 | Garnet | 745 |
| 17 | 818 | Baby Pink | 252 |
| 18 | 819 | Baby Pink – Light | 264 |
| 19 | 921 | Copper | 792 |
| 20 | 3042 | Antique Violet – Light | 257 |
| 21 | 3328 | Salmon – Dark | 210 |
| 22 | 3726 | Antique Mauve – Dark | 402 |
| 23 | 3859 | Rosewood – Light | 593 |
| 24 | 3860 | Cocoa | 128 |
| 25 | 3865 | Winter White | 525 |
| 26 | 3866 | Mocha – Ultra Very Light | 581 |
| 27 | B5200 | Snow White | 9796 |
Christmas Gnome Free Cross Stitch Pattern Dimensions and Size Conversion
Design Size: 122 x 200 stitches
On 14-count Aida fabric:
- Width: 8.71 inches (22.12 cm)
- Height: 14.29 inches (36.30 cm)
The finished piece is perfectly suited for framing or pillow fronts.
How to Stitch the Christmas Gnome Free Cross Stitch Pattern
- Begin from the center of your fabric for balanced layout
- Keep your thread lengths short to avoid tangles
- Use a hoop for even tension, especially around the beard area
- Work gradually on the beard to ensure smooth shading
This free crossstitch pattern is all about enjoying the festive flow of each stitch!
Finishing and Personalization Ideas
Here are a few creative ways to finish this joyful gnome:
- Frame it in a wooden hoop or rustic Christmas frame
- Use it as a festive pillow cover centerpiece
- Add to a handmade stocking or banner
- Reduce using free cross stitch templates for tags or ornaments
- Include in a set of holiday cross stitch kits
A beautiful and versatile free cross stitch chart that works well alone or as part of a Scandinavian holiday sampler.
Extra Tools Worth Considering
If you’re looking to level up your cross-stitching setup, here are a few more handy tools and accessories that many stitchers swear by. These make great additions to your toolkit and also make thoughtful gifts for craft lovers.
- LED Desk or Clip-On Light – buy on Amazon
- Portable Embroidery Organizer Bag – buy on Amazon
- Water-Soluble Stabilizer Sheets – buy on Amazon
- Silicone Finger Protectors (Thimbles) – buy on Amazon
DOWNLOAD Christmas Gnome Free Cross Stitch Pattern HERE
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog and helping me keep the patterns free! Read the full Affiliate Disclosure & Transparency.