Mrs. Gnome Stocking

Mrs. Gnome Stocking by Darlene Swaim

Project Overview

The Mrs. Gnome Stocking is a decorative knitted stocking designed by Darlene Swaim, perfect for holiday displays and seasonal décor. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a festive stocking measuring 6½ inches wide when laid flat, with a 13-inch circumference and an 18-inch length from cuff to toe. The finished piece showcases charming gnome-themed design elements worked in multiple coordinating colors.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a complete decorative Christmas stocking featuring a gnome design. The stocking is constructed as a three-dimensional tubular garment with a defined cuff, leg section, heel, foot, and toe. The design incorporates color work and decorative embellishment to create a whimsical holiday decoration suitable for hanging or display.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Circular knitting – The stocking is worked in the round using double-pointed needles to create seamless tubular fabric
• Heel construction – A traditional heel turn is incorporated, likely using short rows or a heel flap technique to create the angled heel section
• Toe shaping – Decreases are worked to close the toe end of the stocking
• Duplicate stitch – A surface embroidery technique used to add color and design details after the main knitting is complete, allowing for intricate color work without managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously
• Short-row shaping – The wrap stitch and turn (W&T) technique is employed for shaping sections of the stocking
• Color work – Multiple yarn colors are incorporated throughout the design for visual interest

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Mrs. Gnome Stocking pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate crafters:

• Knit (K) – The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (P) – Purl stitches are used to create textural variation
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping the toe and other sections
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – A left-leaning decrease that provides balanced shaping
• Duplicate Stitch – An embroidery stitch worked with a tapestry needle over completed knit stitches to add design details and color without stranding yarn
• Wrap stitch and turn (W&T) – A short-row technique that creates smooth transitions in shaped sections
• Stitch markers (SM) – Used to mark pattern repeats and important sections

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is designed for worsted weight yarn, offering a medium weight that creates a sturdy, durable stocking. The sample shown was knitted using Cascade 220 yarn in the following color palette:

• Natural (#8010) – 95 yards, used as a primary color
• Highland Green (#9430) – 25 yards, providing accent color
• Ruby (#9404) – 125 yards, used for the hanger, heel, and toe sections
• Black (#8555) – 5 yards, used for small detail work

The project requires Size 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working in the round. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for duplicate stitch embellishment, a stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and optional stitch markers to track pattern placement.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 24 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. This gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions: a 6½-inch width when the stocking is laid flat, a 13-inch circumference, and an 18-inch total length from cuff to toe. Maintaining accurate gauge ensures proper fit and proportion of the gnome design elements.

Difficulty Level

Rated as