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If you’re looking for a quick festive make, you’re in the right place! This free Amigurumi pattern will show you how to crochet a gingerbread man ornament that’s perfect for adding a handmade touch to your Christmas decor.
This cute little gingerbread man makes a lovely Christmas tree decoration, he’d also make a lovely gift topper or a sweet little stocking filler. He’s quick to make, making him perfect for those cosy evenings with your crochet hook.
And as a little bonus, the frosting drips are crocheted directly onto the ornament, so there’s no need to sew them on afterwards. 🙂
If you’re on the hunt for more crochet Christmas ornament patterns or simply looking for fresh Christmas crochet ideas, I hope this little gingerbread man Amigurumi becomes one of your favourite festive makes.
Scroll down to view the full written pattern. Or purchase the ad-free printable PDF on Etsy or Ravelry.
How to Crochet a Christmas Ornament
- This crochet gingerbread man ornament pattern is worked in continuous rounds so no need to slip stitch to join the rounds. This way you will avoid having a visible seem on your crochet toy.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round.
- All stitches are worked in both loops unless stated otherwise.
- Always use a crochet hook at least one size smaller than the size recommended on the yarn label to avoid large gaps and the stuffing showing.
- The frosting drips are crocheted on so there is no need to sew them on separately
- Explore my YouTube channel for more Amigurumi tips and tricks
Before You Get Started with this Crochet Gingerbread Man Ornament
Pattern Notes
Skill level: beginner crocheter
Finished size – using 2.5 mm crochet hook (B/1) and Sport weight yarn (4ply #2):
- height: 5.5cm (2.25″)
- width: 5.5cm (2.25″)
Pattern Gauge
Flat crochet circle 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter:
- when using 2.5 mm hook (B/1) and Sport weight yarn (4ply #2)
- 7 rounds with 42 stitches in the last round
Yarn Requirements
This free crochet gingerbread man pattern will work great with the below yarns.
- 100% cotton yarn, 100% acrylic yarn or a blend of cotton and acrylic
- Sport weight yarn (4ply #2)
- Light worsted weight yarn (DK #3)
- Worsted weight yarn (Aran #4)
Yarn I used for this gingerbread man crochet pattern:
- Sport weight yarn (4ply #2)
- 55% cotton and 45% acrylic blend
- white yarn – YarnArt Jeans – color 01 – (50g/160m)
- beige yarn – YarnArt Jeans – color 07 – (50g/160m) or mustard yellow yarn – YarnArt Jeans – color 84 – (50g/160m)
- green yarn – YarnArt Jeans – color 52 – (50g/160m)
- red yarn – YarnArt Jeans – color 90 – (50g/160m)
Yarn Substitutes
US Suppliers:
Sport weight yarn (4ply #2):
- 100% cotton: Schachenmayr Pyramid Cotton
- blend of cotton/acrylic: WeCrochet Comfy
Light worsted weight yarn (DK #3):
- 100% cotton:: WeCrochet Animation DK
- blend of cotton/acrylic: Sirdar Stories DK
Worsted weight yarn (Aran #4):
- 100% acrylic: Universal Yarn Uptown
- 100% acrylic: WeCrochet Brava
UK Suppliers:
Sport weight yarn (4ply #2):
- 100% cotton: Scheepjes Catona
- 100% cotton: Paintbox Yarns Cotton
Light worsted weight yarn (DK #3):
- 100% cotton: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
- blend of cotton/acrylic: Paintbox Yarns Cotton Mix DK
Worsted weight yarn (Aran #4):
- 100% acrylic: Universal Yarn Uptown
- 100% acrylic: Scheepjes Chunky Monkey
If you would like to check some more substitutes for YarnArt Jeans then have a read of my Best Yarn for Amigurumi Crochet tutorial. You can find the substitutes towards the end of the article.
Materials and Equipment
Materials needed:
- longer piece of string for hanging loop
- strand of black thread embroidery yarn for mouth embroidery – about 30cm/12 inches
- strand of pink yarn for cheeks embroidery – about 30 cm/12 inches
- polyester fibre fill
Crochet hook size:
- 2.5 mm crochet hook (B-1) for Sport weight yarn (4ply #2)
- 3 mm crochet hook (C-2) for Light worsted weight yarn (DK #3)
- 3.5 mm crochet hook (E-4) for Worsted weight yarn (Aran #4)
- if using a different weight of yarn then refer to the hook size recommendations on the yarn label but go at least one size smaller
I highly recommend this ergonomic crochet hooks set from Amazon as it comes in a stylish case and with other handy accessories such as stitch markers etc.
Other equipment needed:
- scissors
- tapestry needle/yarn needle
- stitch marker
- 6 mm safety eyes when using Sport weight yarn (4ply #2)
- 7 mm safety eyes when using Light worsted weight yarn (DK #3)
- 8 mm safety eyes when using Worsted weight yarn (Aran #4)
Pattern Abbreviations
This crochet gingerbread man free pattern is written using US terms.
MR: magic ring/magic circle
CH: chain
ST: stitch
SL ST: slip stitch
SC: single crochet stitch
INC: increase = two single crochet stitches in the same stitch
INV DEC: invisible decrease (refer to the ‘Special stitches’ section)
BLO: crochet into back loop only
FL ST: front loop stitch
FO: fasten off
(…..) x 6: repeat the pattern inside the brackets by the given number (in this example, repeat the pattern in the brackets 6 times)
{…}: number shown inside these brackets equals the number of stitches at the end of each round
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Special Stitches
INV DEC = invisible decrease:
- insert hook into the front loop of the next stitch
- then insert your hook into the front loop of the following stitch
- yarn over and draw through the first two loops on the hook (two loops left on the hook)
- yarn over and draw through the remaining two loops on the hook to finish your invisible decrease
Video Tutorials
If it is your first time dipping your toes in the world of Amigurumi, then you may find these Amigurumi tutorials handy before you get started with this crochet Xmas ornament pattern.
And don’t forget to watch my step-by-step video tutorials for extra help with my Amigurumi patterns. Many of my videos also have a left handed version available.
Need Help with this Crochet Gingerbread Man Decoration?
The fastest way to get help with this free crochet pattern is to leave your question in the comment box at the bottom of this post.
Or join our Cuddly Stitches Community Facebook group to ask for support with this pattern. Many of the members have experience with my free crochet patterns and will be more than happy to help. You can also share your creations, chat to fellow Amigurumi makers or exchange tips and tricks.
Cuddly Stitches Community
Join thousands of other Amigurumi crocheters in our Facebook group. Get help with your projects, show off your creations and share helpful tips and tricks.
How to Download My Amigurumi Patterns
My free Amigurumi patterns are supported by ads on this website and are not downloadable or printable. But you can download the ad-free PDF pattern for a small fee from my Etsy store or Ravelry shop.
Your generous contribution will help towards the cost of materials and running this website. So I can continue to publish my free online patterns on this blog for everyone to enjoy.
Printable Crochet Gingerbread Man Ornament Pattern
Purchase the ad-free PDF pattern with easy to follow instructions and extra photos.
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Crochet Gingerbread Man Ornament: Step by Step Instructions
You can find the crochet gingerbread man ornament pattern below. I have included lots of photos to make it easier for you to follow the detailed instructions. Some sections of the pattern also include step-by-step video tutorials needed for that specific part of the pattern.
Head with Frosting
Yarn color: white for the frosting and beige for the head
Construction: crochet as a ball starting from the top towards the bottom
Start with white color
R1: MR – 6 x SC into the ring {6} – watch this video tutorial on How to crochet a magic ring
R2: INC in each ST around {12}
R3: (SC in next ST, INC) x 6 {18}
R4: SC in next ST, INC, (SC in next 2 STs, INC) x 5, SC in next ST {24}
R5: (SC in next 3 STs, INC) x 6 {30}
R6: SC in next 2 STs, INC, (SC in next 4 STs, INC) x 5, SC in next 2 STs {36}
R7: (SC in next 5 STs, INC) x 6 {42}
If you wish, you can attach a hanging loop at this stage. Use a string or crochet a chain, pull it through the middle of the magic ring and secure it to the inside of the piece so it can’t be pulled out.
Change yarn to beige color
R8: BLO – SC in each ST around {42}
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R9: SC in each ST around {42}
R10: SC in next 7 STs, SC in next ST in BLO, SC in next 9 STs, SC in next ST in BLO, SC in next 8 STs, SC in next ST in BLO, SC in next 9 STs, SC in next ST in BLO, SC in next 5 STs {42}
R11: SC in next 2 STs, SC in next ST in BLO, SC in next 8 STs, SC in next ST in BLO, SC in next 10 STs, SC in next ST in BLO, SC in next 8 STs, SC in next ST in BLO, SC in next 8 STs, SC in next ST in BLO, SC in next ST {42} – leave a stitch marker in at the beginning of R11 as you will need to refer to it when placing the eyes
You should now have two rounds with randomly distributed unworked front loop stitches – 4 of them in R10 and 5 of them in R11. You will secure the frosting drips to these later on.
R12-R15 (4 rounds): SC in each ST around {42}
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You can now place the safety eyes between rounds R11 and R12 leaving 7 stitches between them:
– it helps to use pins with large heads to first mark the spots where the eyes will be placed – decide if you are happy with the placement before you insert the safety eyes (Pic 1)
– 1st eye – count first 20 STs from the beginning of R11 and place the eye between ST20 and ST21
– 2nd eye – count first 27 STs from the beginning of R11 and place the eye between ST27 and ST28
– check if you are happy with the look and adjust the placement of the eyes if necessary (Pic 2)
– place the safety backs on and continue to crochet R16
R16: (SC in next 5 STs, INV DEC) x 6 {36} – watch this video tutorial on How to crochet an invisible decrease
R17: SC in next 2 STs, INV DEC, (SC in next 4 STs, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next 2 STs {30}
R18: (SC in next 3 STs, INV DEC) x 6 {24}
Start stuffing the ornament
R19: SC in next ST, INV DEC, (SC in next 2 STs, INV DEC) x 5, SC in next ST {18}
R20: (SC in next ST, INV DEC) x 6 {12}
R21: SC in each ST around {12}
Stuff well, FO closing the hole using a yarn needle and weave the yarn tail in – watch this video tutorial on How to close Amigurumi
Frosting Drips
Yarn color: white
Construction: slip stitch into the unworked front loops in R8 while crocheting chains to create the drips
Step 1: hold the ornament upside down and insert your hook into the 1st FL ST of R8
Step 2: wrap a new strand of white yarn around the hook, pull it through the FL ST and CH 1x – Pic 3
Step 3 – you will now crochet the first drip:
- SL ST into next FL ST in R8 and CH 3x – Pic 4
- SL ST into the first unworked FL ST in R11 to secure the drip – insert your hook into the front loop from above pointing it towards the top of the head – Pic 5 & 6
- SL ST into the 2nd and then 1st CH (Pic 7) and then SL ST into the next FL ST in R8 to complete the drip – Pic 8
Step 4: SL ST in next 3 FL STs in R8
Step 5 – you will now crochet the second drip:
- SL ST into next FL ST in R8 and CH 2x
- SL ST into the first unworked FL ST in R10 – insert your hook into the front loop from above pointing it towards the top of the head
- SL ST into the 1st CH and then SL ST into the next FL ST in R8 to complete the drip
Step 6: SL ST in next 2 FL STs in R8
Crochet Christmas Ornaments Free Patterns
If you’re loving making this crochet ornament, why not create a whole festive collection? Check out my other crochet ornaments patterns below and mix and match to make your Christmas tree extra special.
Free Crochet Robin Ornament Pattern
Crochet Reindeer Ornament Free Pattern
You will now continue crocheting the drips all the way round using the same technique
Step 7: SL ST into next FL ST in R8, CH 3x, SL ST into the corresponding unworked FL ST in R11, SL ST into the 2nd and then 1st CH, SL ST into the next FL ST in R8
Step 8: SL ST in next 4 FL STs in R8
Step 9: SL ST into next FL ST in R8, CH 2x, SL ST into the corresponding unworked FL ST in R10, SL ST into the 1st CH, SL ST into the next FL ST in R8
Step 10: SL ST in next 3 FL STs in R8
Step 11: SL ST into next FL ST in R8, CH 3x, SL ST into the corresponding unworked FL ST in R11, SL ST into the 2nd and then 1st CH, SL ST into the next FL ST in R8
Step 12: SL ST in next 2 FL STs in R8
Step 13: SL ST into next FL ST in R8, CH 2x, SL ST into the corresponding unworked FL ST in R10, SL ST into the 1st CH, SL ST into the next FL ST in R8
Step 14: SL ST in next 3 FL STs in R8
Step 15: SL ST into next FL ST in R8, CH 3x, SL ST into the corresponding unworked FL ST in R11, SL ST into the 2nd and then 1st CH, SL ST into the next FL ST in R8
Step 16: SL ST in next 3 FL STs in R8
Step 17: SL ST into next FL ST in R8, CH 2x, SL ST into the corresponding unworked FL ST in R10, SL ST into the 1st CH, SL ST into the next FL ST in R8
Step 18: SL ST in next 2 FL STs in R8
Step 19: SL ST into next FL ST in R8, CH 3x, SL ST into the corresponding unworked FL ST in R11, SL ST into the 2nd and then 1st CH, SL ST into the next FL ST in R8
Step 20: SL ST in last FL ST in R8
Step 21: SL ST into 1st ST of this round to connect the round, FO and weave the tails in
Sprinkles
Yarn: yarn weight of your choice
Yarn color: green, red, (yellow is optional)
- To add the sprinkles to the frosting, use long strands of red and green yarn (around 50cm/20 inches each).
- Thread your yarn needle and embroider small straight stitches randomly across the frosting part of the head. Vary the direction and spacing so they look scattered and natural rather than evenly placed.
- You can use a mix of shorter and slightly longer stitches to mimic sprinkles of different sizes. Continue with the next color until you’re happy with the look and weave the yarn tails in. (Pic 9 & 10)
Facial Features
Mouth embroidery: to embroider the mouth, use black embroidery thread yarn (around 30cm/12 inches) and stitch a small curved smile between R13 and R15. The top corners of the mouth should be spaced about 4 stitches apart. (Pic 11)
Cheeks embroidery: for the cheeks, use pink yarn (around 30cm/12 inches) and embroider a small cross stitch on top of a single stitch in R13, placing one on each side of the face. (Pic 12)
Congratulations on completing your crochet Christmas bauble! I hope you enjoyed making this DIY gingerbread man ornament as much as I enjoyed designing it! Whether you keep it for your own Xmas tree or gift it to someone special, I hope it brings plenty of festive joy. 🙂
Explore More of My Free Amigurumi Patterns
If you like this crochet gingerbread man ornament, you may also love these patterns. Why don’t you give them a try?!
Crochet reindeer ornament free pattern
Free snowman ornament crochet pattern
Free crochet bunny lovey pattern
Free crochet dinosaur pattern
For more ideas, explore my quick Amigurumi patterns. Whether you are stash-busting or squeezing in a last-minute gift, these easy and fun crochet patterns have you covered.
Happy crocheting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Why don’t you search for the answer in the FAQ below.
Yes, absolutely. My crochet animal patterns work great with a variety of different yarns including worsted weight yarn. Your crochet toy will just be a bit bigger than specified.
However, I wouldn’t use worsted weight yarn for making my loveys as they could feel a bit bulky. I prefer using thinner yarn such as Sport yarn #2 of Light worsted yarn #3 for a nice cuddly feel.
Having said that, my lovey patterns will absolutely work with worsted weight yarn if that’s the type of yarn you prefer using. But bear in mind that your loveys will be a bit bigger than specified in this pattern.
To find out more about the best yarn for making crochet toys have a read of my Best Yarn for Amigurumi Crochet tutorial.
I am very happy to help and provide support with any of my patterns. Visit my Contact page for different options on how to get in touch with me.
I would be very grateful if you could link to my patterns and tutorials on social media. But sharing of my actual written patterns on social media is strictly prohibited. For more details, have a read of my Copyright Policy.
You may sell finished items that you made using my Amigurumi patterns, provided you credit me as the original designer and provide a link back to my blog.
My free patterns are only available online on my blog and are not printable. If you would like to download a PDF version of my patterns then you can purchase them for a small fee from my Etsy store or Ravelry store.
