For me, another upcycled denim project is like sliding on a perfectly fitting, well-worn favorite pair of jeans. So naturally, I had to make these denim gnomes out of pieces from the denim bin.
Old jeans already come with so many great details built in: pockets, waistbands, zippers, seams, rivets, and tattered denim. For these Cone Gnomes, I used those pieces as mini garment components to give each gnome its own denim jacket with all the jean jacket details a full-sized person would wear.
PATTERN: Get the Cone Gnome sewing pattern here.
And yes, of course I already have more of these pieces cut because the ideas for making more denim gnomes won’t stop. Plus, I have a whole collection of denim bits ready for new ways to upcycle old jeans. No pieces go to waste in my studio!
A Gnome-Sized Denim Jacket Made from Old Jeans
When I first created the Cone Gnome sewing pattern, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I made one from an old pair of jeans.
For the hat, I kept one of the original side seams running right across it. The rest of the body is made from the same classic blue denim.
The tiny denim jacket was created using back pockets that already had a lot going for them. The extra details and stitching really give this little jean jacket an authentic look, and the pointed bottoms of the pockets made the perfect front panels.
I added an upcycled zipper fly to the front of the jacket to mimic the zipper on a full-sized denim jacket.
The collar around the top of the jacket was created using the waistband from the same pair of jeans. This waistband had a double-button closure that added even more fun detail to the tiny jean jacket. Since the waistband was wider than the circumference of the denim gnome, I cut it in half and sewed it back together at the correct length.
The back of the jacket and ends of the arms got a little extra detail using pieces from the side seams of the old jeans to pull everything together.
While the entire gnome and jean jacket are made from denim and required a little extra prep and construction, the rest of the gnome is made just like the original Cone Gnome sewing pattern.
Plush Cone Gnomes Sewing Pattern
A simple cone-shaped gnome that’s soft and squishy with a weighted bottom to help it stand.
The Denim Wizard Gnome
I’m not saying I like this denim gnome better, but there’s something about the addition of the hat brim and fuzzy white beard that really brings it all together for me. This one might have to sit out all year long because he just makes me smile.
The construction of the Denim Wizard mostly follows the Cone Gnome sewing pattern as far as size and construction method. Just like the other denim gnome, adding the tiny denim jacket took a little more creative consideration.
He got his own version of a denim jacket using back pockets and pieces of the original side seams on the back.
His hat is where the major upgrade happened. I added a brim using the pattern piece from the Witch Cone Gnome, then used the waistband from an old pair of jeans to create a band around the base of the hat. I kept the belt loops intact, and I just love how the ends of the loops landed above the hat band.
This guy also got the full gnome treatment with the addition of a fuzzy white beard right under the hat and nose. The beard isn’t part of the Cone Gnome pattern. I simply cut a scrap of white faux fur into a rounded beard shape with a flat top, then hand stitched it in place to keep it from flopping around.
RELATED: Check out the Witch Cone Gnome Sewing Pattern with Witch Hat.
Using the Best Parts of Old Jeans
It’s projects like this that remind me why I continue to save the best parts of old jeans. While I will toss tiny, oddly shaped scraps, I always keep and organize the unique details and construction pieces that can be reused in future upcycled denim projects.
Here’s my list of must-keep denim parts:
- Waistbands
- Pockets, especially back pockets and fifth pockets
- Zippers and zipper flies
- Button flies
- Belt loops
- Flat-felled seams
- Labels, patches, and tags
- Interesting faded or worn areas
RELATED: Check out this list of 30 Upcycled Denim Projects.
Behind the Scenes: Making the Denim Gnome Wizard
Want to see how this little Denim Wizard came together? This behind-the-scenes video shows the process from cutting up old denim to stitching the tiny jacket details, hat, and faux-fur beard.
There’s no music in this one, just the real sounds of cutting, sewing, trimming, and making in the studio. Turn the sound on for a little sewing-room ASMR and watch the Denim Gnome Wizard take shape.
Make Your Own Cone Gnomes
Start with the Cone Gnome Sewing Pattern
The basic Cone Gnome pattern is the starting point, but different fabrics, clothing details, beards, hats, and upcycled materials can completely change the personality of the finished gnome.
Want to add the brimmed hat? Find that variation in the Halloween Cone Gnomes, or email me with your Cone Gnome order number and I’ll send you the hat brim template for free!
More Upcycled Denim Projects
I’ve almost completed my collection of making all of my sewing patterns in upcycled denim from old jeans. Here are a few more projects to spark some inspiration.
Denim Chain Snake
A custom variation of the ever-popular Felt Chain Snake, the denim version turns this sewing pattern into an extra-durable plush with plenty of personality.
Denim Minnesota Flag Headline Tote
For another variation on an existing sewing pattern, I turned the Headline Tote into a Minnesota flag-inspired design using several different shades of upcycled denim.
Denim Sidecar Crossbody Bag
The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to customizing the Sidecar Crossbody Bag. I’ve already made several denim versions using different washes, patchwork, and even an old leather belt as a strap.
Denim Paw Print Pattern Weights
This simple, scrap-friendly sewing pattern makes a useful addition to your sewing toolbox. Fill the pattern weights and use them to help keep fabric and pattern pieces in place on your cutting table.
Always Sewing with Old Denim Jeans
These upcycled denim gnomes aren’t just another project made from old jeans. They’re an excuse to experiment with all the details already built into denim clothing and find new ways to use them.
These small characters have so much more personality because of the pockets, waistbands, seams, zippers, and other bits and pieces that originally made up a pair of jeans.
And I’m definitely not done. Stay tuned for the next upcycled denim project to come out of the Scratch and Stitch studio.