Turn an ordinary toilet paper roll into a charming leprechaun gnome! Grab the free pattern and follow the video tutorial for this fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day craft.
Did you know that leprechauns are actually a type of gnome in Irish folklore? 🍀 That’s right! These tiny tricksters are said to bring luck, but only if you can catch them! While finding a real leprechaun might be tricky, you can easily make your own lucky toilet paper gnome with just a few simple craft supplies.
Today, we’re bringing this adorable St. Patrick’s Day gnome to life using a toilet paper tube, felt, and yarn. With his tall green hat, fluffy orange beard, and signature buckle belt, he’s the perfect festive decoration! This craft is budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and comes with a free printable pattern to make it even easier.
And if you’re looking for a mess-free alternative, check out our Origami Shamrock and Origami Leprechaun tutorials—both are quick, fun, and just as festive!
All you need is a toilet paper gnome base, some felt, yarn, and a little creativity. To make things even simpler, I’ve included a step-by-step video tutorial so you can follow along effortlessly!
So, grab your supplies, download the free pattern, and let’s craft a little leprechaun magic! ☘️
Supplies Required to Make Leprechaun Gnome
Things You’ll Need
Materials
- Cardboard tube
- Yarn
- Felt
- Round wood bead
Tools
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Pencil
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Step by Step Instructions: Cardboard Tube Leprechaun Gnome
Making this gnome is easier than it looks! I recommend watching the video from start to finish first, then following the step-by-step tutorial.
Step 1: Preparing the Patterns
Select felt fabrics for the gnome’s hat, belt, and shoe patterns. Download the template folder and trace the patterns on the selected felt fabrics. Cut out the traced patterns using scissors.
Step 2: Preparing the Beard Strands
Measure and cut out a long strand of yarn (base strand, 16cm). Cut out a bunch of 9 cm yarn strands from the same colored yarn. These will be used to make the beard.
Step 3: Attaching the Short Standards to the Base
Take any one of the short strands and fold it in half. Place the closed end of the short strand under the base strand. Hold the open ends of the strand; draw them over the base strand and bring it closer to the loop (closed-end).
Step 4: Securing the Short Strand with the Base
Insert the open ends of the strand through the loop and pull the open ends evenly. Pull, close, and secure the strand to the base.
Step 5: Attach All Short Strands to the Base
One by one attach more short strands to the base strands to make the beard. Once you’ve attached enough strands to make the beard, push all the attached strands together to bring them closer; making sure there are no gaps between them.
Step 6: Attaching the Wood Nose
Select a 2 cm round wood beard and cut it in half to make the nose. Attach the plain side of the half-cut bead on the small hole (gap) of the yarn beard.
Step 7: Preparing the Tube Body
Select an empty cardboard tube and cut it short. You can keep the whole tube, but the gnome looks cuter if it’s shorter. Cover the prepared cardboard tube with the rectangle-shaped felt cutout. Use hot glue to attach the felt cover to the tube.
Step 8: Attaching the Shoes to the Tube
Again, use hot glue to attach the show cutout to the bottom end of the felt-covered tube. Keep the round ends of the shoe cutouts facing out.
Step 9: Crafting the Felt Hat
Take the semi-circle felt cutout and join its straight sides to form a cone shape. Use hot glue to attach and se3ucre the sides. Attach small clover cutouts to the felt cone hat.
Step 10: Attaching the Felt Belt
Cut 2 parallel slits on the buckle cutout and insert the belt cutout through the slits from the top. Attach the felt belt pattern around the felt-covered cardboard tube. Attach the beard-nose pattern near the top side of the cardboard tube base, right above the belt.
Step 11: Attaching the Felt Hat
Place the felt cone hat on the top open end of the tube base. Cover the top side of the nose and beard with the bottom side of the hat and apply hot glue to attach them nicely.
Tips for Beginners
- Choose the Right Tube Size – A standard toilet paper roll works great, but you can also use a paper towel roll cut to size. Avoid flimsy tubes as they may not hold their shape well.
- Choose the Right Felt – Use thick and soft felt for this craft. You can use stiff felts for all the patterns, but try to use soft felt for the hat.
- Use Hot Glue – Use hot glue for this craft instead of regular craft glue. Craft glue would take too long to join the felt parts and it might not work. Hot glue is the best option for this carft.
- Use Medium Yarn for the Beard – Use thick or medium yarn for the beard. You can use thinner yarns but it will take too long to craft the beard and won’t give the fluffy look as the medium or thick yarn.
- Wood Bead for Nose – Use wood beads for the nose. We used a 2cm round wood bead cut in half for the nose.
- Customize Your Gnome – Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and decorations! Add tiny shamrocks, gold coins, or even a mini buckle on the hat for an extra festive touch.
By keeping these tips in mind, your St. Patrick’s Day gnome will turn out sturdy, adorable, and ready to spread some luck!✨
Did you enjoy this cardboard tube gnome craft? Here are a few gnome projects from our website that you may also like,
We hope you had a blast making this adorable St. Patrick’s Day cardboard tube gnome! ✨ These little gnomes are perfect for decorating your space, adding a festive touch to your desk, or even as a fun DIY gift. If you recreate this craft, we’d love to see your version!
Tag us on Facebook or Instagram (@thecraftaholicwitch) and use #thecraftaholicwitch to share your cute gnome creations. Happy crafting, and may a little luck and creativity always be with you!
