Spellbinders Fergus — 3D Felt Gnome Die Collection by Sandi McIver (Tutorial & Project Guide)
- Bonnie Crane
- 15 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Fergus is the kind of little character who’s happy dressing up for Halloween, snuggling into Autumn colours, or sparkling for the holidays. This 3D Felt Decor Die Set collection (by Sandi McIver) builds adorable, weighted felt gnomes you can style for seasons and holidays. Below is a tutorial-style guide that walks you through supplies, construction steps, finishing touches, and seasonal variation ideas so you can make your own Fergus trio!
Materials & Tools
Acrylic rods & nylon thread (for floating elements or mobiles)
Polyester stuffing (fiberfill) — for body/top half
Weighted stuffing beads — add to base for stability
Mini hot glue gun (for quick bonds)
Small feathers, half pearls, seed beads, rhinestones
Sharp scissors, tweezers, needle & sewing supplies
If you want the step-by-step video tutorials from Spellbinders, check the official Fergus collection page: https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/en-ca/pages/3d-felt-decor
Overview of Construction
Fergus is built in three main assemblies: hat, coat, and body base. Each of those assemblies is die cut from Felt, hand-stitched, then assembled and the body base stuffed and weighted so he stands nicely. Glitter Tulle was used for different elements depending on the gnome. It holds very well to the felt when stitching.
Difficulty level
Intermediate — requires basic hand stitching, glue work, and stuffing/weighting techniques. The official tutorial from Spellbinders is very helpful; https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/en-ca/pages/3d-felt-decor
Step-by-Step
1. Die cut all pieces
Run your Felt, and Glitter Tulle if using, through your die cutting machine using the Fergus dies. Cut multiple tiny appliqué shapes (leaves, flowers, stars) in seasonal colors from the Winter & Christmas and Autumn & Halloween Embellishments die sets.
Also cut beard, nose, arm/hands, hat panels, coat panels, and any decorative trims.
TIP: To get clean cuts, add a shim of cardstock and run the platform back and forth 2 -3 times. Don’t try to cut too many elements at once.
2. Build the hat
Stitch the cone first using a back stitch. To give the hat character, do a running stitch, t halfway up the seam, pull it tight and tie it off. Turn the cone inside out; using the eraser end of a pencil is helpful.
Two brims are cut for the hat. Stitch one of them to the cone using a back stitch. Follow the same procedure to attach the second brim. The outside edge of the doubled brim will be blanket stitched.
Add appliqués (flowers for spring/Christmas poinsettias; tiny felt leaves or bats for Fall/Halloween). For wizardly elements, add a felt spider on nylon thread attached to an acrylic rod!
3. Stitch the coat
Stitch the coat and arm panels using a back stitch. and add decorative hand stitching using Embroidery floss. Blanket stitching around edges looks charming and hides raw edges.
Glitter Tulle adds a touch of whimsy and sparkle! The tulle die cuts will sit securely to the felt die cut naturally while you stitch!
Attach applique die cuts and other accents.
4. Construct the body
Backstitch the body panels, leaving a stuffing opening. Fill the top half with polyester fiberfill until slightly firm.
For the base, add a few tablespoons of Weighted stuffing beads before finishing the bottom. This gives Fergus a stable, slightly bottom-heavy stance.
Close the body by continuing the backstitch.
5. Attach beard, nose & hands
Glue or stitch the felt beard to the front of the body.
The three circle cuts are used for the nose and hands. Use a running stitch around the perimeter, pull it tight and tie it off. For the nose before tying it off, insert a small amount of stuffing.
Attach the nose with stitches. The hands will be inserted into the sleeves of the coat and secured with hot glue.
6. Final assembly
Place the hat on the gnome’s head and secure lightly with hot glue (optional).
If making a mobile or floating accent (spiders, bats, snowflakes), anchor the nylon thread nylon to a thin Acrylic rod with hot glue. A Mini hot glue gun helps to control the flow! I tucked the rod into the hat and and stabilized it with more hot glue.
Seasonal Customization Ideas
Autumn Fergus: earth-tone coat (truffle, fawn), layered felt leaves and tiny acorns, gold confetti, English Mustard Nuvo drops for dots, embroidery in warm yellow/gold.
Halloween Wizard Fergus: purple or black coat, felt bats suspended on clear nylon strands, tiny stitched stars, glittery black accents and tiny sequins.
Winter/Christmas Fergus: deep berry or pine coat, poinsettia appliqués, faux fur trim (optional), star sequins, pearlescent beads, and a small jingle bell.
Mix and match: a neutral base gnome can be swapped hats/cloaks for seasonal displays.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Glue vs stitch: use glue for small appliqués; stitch functional seams and high-stress joints. Use hot glue for floating elements and mobiles.
Weighting: spread weighted beads evenly filling about the bottom third of the body base.
Clean stitches: keep thread tails short and knot inside the seam to avoid visible knots.
Display & Care
Fergus makes a great seasonal tabletop or mantle vignette. If you’re hanging any acrylic elements, avoid direct heat and keep away from curious pets!
Store in a breathable box or container with tissue between pieces to protect beads and embroidery.
Spot clean with a damp cloth if needed.
Final Thoughts
Fergus is an endlessly customizable decor piece — the same base build can become very different characters depending on felt colors, stitching, and tiny embellishments. The combination of hand stitching, felt appliqué, and careful weighting makes each gnome feel lovingly homemade and heirloom-worthy.
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