Ladybug gnome- free crochet pattern

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The newest free crochet pattern on the blog is – the Ladybug gnome! Make yourself a lucky ladybug to make you smile whenever you see it. Below you will find the free pattern or you can buy the ad-free, printable PDF pattern here!

More crochet tutorials by Passionatecrafter

Ladybug gnome free crochet pattern

The latest addition to our crochet gnome-along is the Ladybug gnome pattern. Get ready to add a new whimsical pattern to your gnome collection! After releasing all the spring flower gnomes in April it is time for some cute bugs, don’t you think?

Why you’ll love the Ladybug gnome pattern

  • EASY AND FUN – Beginner-friendly pattern with basic crochet stitches.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE – You can create your own gnome.
  • SCRAP BUSTER– Great way to use all the odd small balls in your stash.

How to crochet a gnome?

Over the last few years, crochet gnomes become pretty popular among crocheters, especially the ones enjoying crochet toys. Nevertheless, crochet gnomes are no different than crocheting an amigurumi.

We can even say that they are perfect beginner-friendly crochet patterns for those who have never made a crochet toy before.

Simple steps to crochet a gnome

  1. The body– First we will crochet the body in one piece starting from the bottom up to the hat.
  2. Additional pieces– When we are done with the body it is time to crochet the gnome’s hands, nose, braids, or beard.
  3. Finishing decoration– Once the gnome is ready we will add different add-ons and create our unique crochet gnome.

Crochet gnome along (gnome CAL)

What is a CAL?

A Crochet a Long basically is a fun project in which different people from all over the world work on the same crochet project as you at the same time. 

In this crochet gnome along we share with you a new crochet gnome pattern each month. Moreover, each gnome represents the month of its release.

When we design the new gnome we make sure to add new crochet techniques or stitches to help you level up your skills and learn new things each time. All of the patterns are beginner-friendly and everyone can crochet them. Whether you are a newbie crocheter or an advanced one you will definitely enjoy this CAL.

Join the crochet gnome-along!
Get a new free gnome pattern each month!
Don’t forget that there will also be surprise bonuses in some of the months!

Buy the limited offer of 20 patterns for 20 USD today and save 99.80 USD. Buy the bundle on Etsy here or buy the bundle on Ravelry here.

Crochet gnome pattern bundle with 20 different gnome patterns

Is the Ladybug gnome for beginners?

Yes, it is. Crochet gnomes are another type of amigurumi. As you know crochet toys are worked mainly with single crochet stitch. If you know how to make the basic crochet stitches you will nail it.

But before you try the crochet Ladybug gnome it will be better for you to check out the first gnome from the series- The January Winter gnome.

Tips for beginners:

A few ideas on how to turn this crochet Ladybug gnome pattern extra beginner-friendly.

  • Use light worsted-weight yarn or worsted-weight acrylic yarn for your first crochet gnome. It is easier to use acrylic yarn than cotton yarn. Some cotton yarn tend to split and it will make it harder for you.
  • Crochet the body in one color instead of changing colors as we did. It might be frustrating if you will do it for the first time.
  • If you can’t decide what hook to use choose a smaller hook than the hook suggested in your yarn’s label. It will prevent the stuffing from showing. As a newbie, you may have inconsistent stitch tension.
  • Read the pattern instruction carefully first and check out the photo tutorials provided before you start crocheting.
Crochet red ladybug gnome with white daisy appliques and mini ladybug appliques

Print this pattern for later

Below you will find the free crochet pattern of the crochet Ladybug gnome. But I know some of you prefer a hard copy instead of using a screen.

If so the Premium PDF pattern is just for you!

You can buy the ad-free, beautifully formatted, print-friendly PDF pattern from our Ravelry shop here or our Etsy shop here!

We are grateful to those of you who support our small business by buying the Premium printable PDFs. The PDF pattern includes all the instructions and photo tutorials from this post without the ads!

More crochet gnome patterns

How to Crochet the Ladybug Gnome free pattern

Crochet ladybug gnome pattern with wings and mini crochet ladybug appliques
Crochet Ladybug gnome pattern with daisy appliques

The Ladybug gnome pattern overview

The gnome is worked in one piece which means we start from the base and work it up to the hat.

We will work in continuous rounds throughout the pattern. But in the first part of the body we will change colors every 2-3 rounds and to avoid the joining line you can join your rounds with a slip stitch. Keep in mind that if you start with joined rounds you need to finish the crochet gnome with it till the end.

Crochet wings for a ladybug

If you are crocheting loosely, use a smaller hook so your work will be tighter and the stuffing won’t be visible. When you stuff the body- stuff it well, so it will stay in shape, but don’t overdo it!

In our previous crochet gnomes, we used cardboard for the base, but The Spring gnomes and the Easter gnomes are crocheted without it. So it is up to you if you will use cardboard or not. We didn’t use one.

how to crochet a circle

Materials you’ll need:

  • Worsted weight yarn -Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek 100% Acrylic, 5.0 oz/142 g, 232 yds/ 213 m solid
    colors- red 40-50 gr, white 10 gr, black 20 gr, a small amount of beige for the nose.
  • crochet hook size 3.5mm/ US crochet hook size E
  • Poly fiber fill for stuffing
  • tapestry needle
  • cardboard (not necessary)

Abbreviation:

SC- single crochet

DC- double crochet

SS- slip stitch

CH- chain

Rep- repeat

Dec- decrease

MR- magic ring

HDC- half double crochet

– repeat the stitches in the ** indicated times

FO- fasten off BLO- back loop only

SIZE– The finished size of the gnome is 24cm/ 9.5 inches

TERMS: The pattern is written in US crochet terms

Ladybug gnome pattern:

Black polka dots (Make at least 10):

-with black color yarn

Start with a MR and make 5 SC into it. SS to join. FO. (5)

Ladybug gnome’s body:

-with black color yarn

Rnd 1: Start with a MR, and make 6 SC into it, (6)

Rnd 2: 2 SC in each around, (12)

Rnd 3: *SC in first, inc 1* 6 times, (18)

Rnd 4: *SC in next, inc 1, SC in next* 6 times, (24)

Rnd 5: *SC in next 3, inc 1* 6 times, (30)

Rnd 6: *SC in next 2, inc 1, Sc in next 2* 6 times, (36)

Rnd 7: *SC in next 5, inc 1* 6 times, (42)

If you will insert cardboard for the base take your piece and place your base on it. Use a pen and mark a circle. Cut it into the size of your body’s base.

The next round is worked in BLO. Only the next round!

Rnd 8: SC in each stitch around (42)

Rnd 9: *SC in next 13, inc 1* 3 times (45)

Rnd 10: *inc 1, SC in next 14* 3 times (48)

After this round, we will start with the striped section of the ladybug gnome’s body

Switch to white color yarn. Do not fasten off the black color!

Rnd 11-12: SC in each stitch around (48)

Switch to black color. Do not fasten off the white color yarn.

Rnd 13-15: SC in each stitch around (48)

Switch to white color yarn

Rnd 16-17: SC in each stitch around (48)

Switch to black color yarn

Rnd 18-20: SC in each stitch around (48)

Switch to white color yarn

Rnd 21-22: SC in each stitch around (48)

Switch to black color yarn. Fasten off the white color yarn.

Rnd 23: *SC in next 14, dec 1* 3 times (45)

Rnd 24: *dec 1, SC in next 13* 3 times (42)

Switch to red color yarn

Rnd 25: SC in each stitch around (42)

After this round, we will start making the ladybug gnome’s hat

The next round is worked in BLO. Only round 26!

Rnd 26: SC in each stitch around (42)

Rnd 27: SC in each stitch around (42)

Rnd 28: *dec 1, SC in next 12* 3 times (39)

Rnd 29: SC in each stitch around (39)

Rnd 30: *SC in next 11, dec 1* 3 times (36)

Rnd 31: SC in each stitch around (36)

It will be easier if you sew the polka dots while you are crocheting the body. Start sewing them now. If you will use a hot glue gun to attach them you can do it after you have finished the body.

How to crochet a gnome body for ladybug

Rnd 32: *dec 1, SC in next 10* 3 times (33)

Rnd 33: SC in each stitch around (33)

Rnd 34: *SC in next 9, dec 1* 3 times (30)

Rnd 35: SC in each stitch around (30)

Rnd 36: *dec 1, SC in next 8* 3 times (27)

Rnd 37: SC in each stitch around (27)

Rnd 38: *SC in next 7, dec 1* 3 times (24)

Rnd 39: SC in each stitch around (24)

Rnd 40: * dec 1, SC in next 6* 3 times (21)

Rnd 41: SC in each stitch around (21)

Rnd 42: *SC in next 5, dec 1* 3 times (18)

Rnd 43: SC in each stitch around (18)

Rnd 44: *dec 1, SC in next 4* 3 times (15)

Rnd 45: SC in each stitch around (15)

Rnd 46: *SC in next 3, dec 1* 3 times (12)

Rnd 47: SC in each stitch around (12)

Rnd 48: *SC in next 4, dec 1* 2 times (10)

Rnd 49: *SC in next, dec 1* 3 times, SC in last (7)

Rnd 50-60: SC in each stitch around. FO. (7)

Buy the limited offer of 20 patterns for 20 USD today and save 99.80 USD. Buy the bundle on Etsy here or buy the bundle on Ravelry here.

Crochet gnome pattern bundle with 20 different gnome patterns

Hat’s brim:

-with red color yarn

Insert your hook in any stitch of rnd 26, pull a loop, ch 1, SC in same st, SC in next st, *SC in next 3, inc 1* 10 times (52)

Rnd 2: SC in each stitch around (52)

Rnd 3: SC in next 2, *SC in next 4, inc 1*10 times (62)

Rnd 4: SC in each stitch around. FO. (62)

how to crochet a flower gnome
The picture above shows how to insert your hook to start the brim!

Ladybug gnome’s nose

-with beige color

Rnd 1: Start with a MR and make 6 SC into it (6)

Rnd 2: *inc 1 * 6 times (12)

Rnd 3: *SC 1, inc 1 * 6 times (18)

Rnd 4-5: SC in each stitch around (18)

Rnd 6: * SC 4, dec 1 * 3 times. FO. (15)

Ladybug gnome’s hands:

-start with white

Rnd 1: Start with a MR and make 5 SC into it (5)

Rnd 2: *inc 1* 5 times (10)

Rnd 3-5: SC in each stitch around (10)

-switch to black color.

Rnd 6-12: SC in each stitch around (10) FO.

Crochet mini ladybug applique pattern

Mini ladybug applique:

Start with a MR and make 12 DC into it, SS to join, switch to black color, CH 5, SS in 7th stitch of the circle. Don’t fasten off. Pull the loop on your hook a bit to make it longer and take it off from your hook. Take the end of your black yarn tail and tie the loop with a knot.

Take a pair of scissors and cut the loop to form the antlers. Use the black tail to make small dots on the ladybug.

How to crochet a mini ladybug applique
How to crochet a mini ladybug applique
How to crochet a mini ladybug applique

Ladybug gnome’s braids (make 2 pieces- one for each side)

-with yellow color yarn

We will make a base and then attach the braids to the base.

Ch 7, SC in 2nd from your hook, SC across. FO. (6)

Take the white yarn and cut 15-18cm long strands. Cut at least 12 for each braid.

Take 2 of the strands and fold them in the middle. Insert your hook in the first stitch of your base and pull the strands through it(Don’t pull them all the way!). Insert the ends of the strand through the loop and pull to tie them. SEE the photo tutorial below.

Then braid your hair and secure it with the ladybug applique.

Ladybugs elytra (wings)

-with red color yarn

The initial CH 1 and CH 3 is not counted as a stitch

Rnd 1: Start with a MR and make 12 DC into it. SS to join (12)

Rnd 2: CH 3, 2 DC in each stitch around. SS to join (24)

Rnd 3: CH 1, *SC in first, inc 1* rep around (36)

Do not fasten off your yarn.

Take 2 polka dots and sew them onto the first half of your circle.

After that fold the circle from the middle and join both sides with SC. See the pictures below.

More free crochet patterns you might like:

Ladybug gnome’s antlers

-with black color yarn

Ch 7, SC in 2nd from your hook, SC in each across, CH 2, 5 DC into the last chain. Take the loop of your hook and go back to the first DC.

Insert your hook into the first DC and pull the loop through that stitch.

CH 1, to secure it and fasten it off.

how to crochet antlers for a ladybug

How to assembly the Ladybug gnome:

  1. Use safety pins to secure your pieces first then sew them when you are sure you like your placement.
  2. First, start with sewing the nose. Sew the nose onto the body right below the hat’s brim.
  3. Secondly, sew the braids on both sides right next to the nose.
  4. Place the hands on either side. Leave 1-3 stitches between the hair and the hands.
  5. Take the antlers and sew them onto the hat. Place them above the nose, but over the brim!
  6. Take the wings and sew them onto the back. I sew only the upper part of the wings to the body.
  7. Sew the mini flower appliques onto the hat and or onto the end of your gnome’s hat. You can also not use any flowers.
  8. Place a mini ladybug applique hanging from the hat’s top.

Share your work! Mention @passionatecrafterr or tag #gnomecal2023 and show off your unique gnome with us!

Invitation to our Facebook group

You are welcome to share your projects made by our patterns with the community and us. We will be thrilled to see your creations, and you are very welcome to share them on our FACEBOOK PAGE HERE or our FACEBOOK GROUP or on INSTAGRAM by using the hashtag #passionatecrafterr.

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2 Comments

  1. Good Morning to you generous sharing ladies. Each time you post these adorable gnomes it brings a smile to my face. I will eventually make all of the gnomes. My husband of 50 years has been diagnosed with untreatable cancer and he may see the year out. So we are very much in shock. I have not crocheted much since hearing this news, but my husband has made me pro ise that I will not give up my craft,as I might need it later. Thank you for having the CALS,as it means I can pick up these patterns later.
    Regard Pam.

    1. Hello Pam, we are so sorry to hear that news. We lost our uncle in February. He was diagnosed with cancer as well. Hope you can make the most valuable moments together. I hope we can help you get pass through all. If you need a friend we are always here. Thanks for the kind words.

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