Magic is sweeping through the land with this cute cross stitch gnome, designed by Rhona Norrie, which can be made into a bookmark, to protect your favourite novels. With their cute round noses, tall towering caps, and big bushy beards, the tomte are gnome-like creatures from Swedish folklore (also known as nisse in Norway and tonttu in Finland). These Scandinavian mythological characters are domestic sprites who act as secret guardians for the household, protecting them from misfortune… and now here they’ll be defending your books from losing your place.
All four of these beautiful gnomes have been designed by the talented Rhona Norrie. The blue gnome with the bushy beard can be downloaded for free, plus, the backstitch alphabet so you can personalise your bookmark or add your own friendly greeting. If you can't get enough of these gnomes you can get the other 3 gnomes in issue 286 of The World of Cross Stitching, where a digital copy can be purchased via our app.
If you are new to cross stitching or want to refresh your skills, check out our how to cross stitch and our useful guide to cross stitch needle sizes, for everything you need to get started on your next project.
Gnome cross stitch fact box:
- Stitching Time - Approx. 8-10 hours
- Type of Stitches - Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch
- Ease of Stitching - Beginner/advanced beginner
Free Gnome cross stitch template
Click the link to download the free gnome cross stitch template. The download is an A4 PDF containing one design.
If you adore the gnome cross stitch and want to get stuck into more festive cross stitch, try these amazing 150 cross stitch patterns, we promise you won't be short of inspiration. Not ready to let Autumn go? Get spooky with these Halloween cross stitch ideas and inspiration. If you are thinking of getting someone you love a gift this Christmas, get them started on this lovely craft with these beautiful modern cross stitch kits, or the amazing Christmas cross stitch kits, which make excellent stocking stuffers. If you are new to cross stitch and Gathered, we have plenty of free cross stitch patterns to get you started.
