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“WIP” Up Some Holiday Cheer With This Free Gingerbread Man Crochet Pattern
Looking for the perfect project to add a personal touch to your Christmas decor, or give as a heartfelt gift? Look no further than this free gingerbread man crochet pattern.
Gumdrop the Gingerbread Man is a festive and fun amigurumi design, perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just dipping your toes into amigurumi, this low-sew pattern is perfect for making a holiday keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Gingerbread Man
I’ve thoughtfully designed this pattern to make your crocheting experience a breeze. I’ve included progress photos and helpful video tutorials throughout the pattern, so you’ll be able to crochet your amigurumi like a pro.
The standout feature of this pattern is the low-sew design, eliminating the need for tedious assembly.
The only sewing required involves securing the frosting drips, embroidering facial details like the eyebrows and smile, and adding decorative sprinkles. These quick finishing touches will bring your gingerbread man to life!
Plus, Gumdrop isn’t just a crochet project—it’s a skill-building opportunity. In this pattern, I’ve introduced a new technique for indenting the eyes.
Using my previous method, you had to create indents for the eyes while the head was still open, and before attaching your safety eyes. The new method can be used after adding your safety eyes or even after finishing the rest of the project!
In addition, this is my first amigurumi design to include eyebrows and a smile. I’ve included video tutorials showing how to embroider the various facial features. Be sure to bookmark the tutorials so you can use them for future amigurumi dolls!
Personalize Your Amigurumi Gingerbread Man
One of the joys of amigurumi is the endless customization possibilities, and Gumdrop is no exception.
While I was creating my gingerbread man, my son looked over my work with a critical eye and asked, “Mom, why did you use M&M buttons? Gingerbread men are supposed to have gumdrop buttons!” 😂
While my “M&Ms” aren’t traditional gumdrops, that’s the beauty of customization! Feel free to swap out the colored safety eye “buttons” for peppermint buttons or classic gumdrop buttons to suit your style.
I used gold receipt spikes to help my gingerbread man stand upright. Simply insert the spikes through the legs and into the body, and you’ll be able to display your gingerbread man in a standing position. Just be careful—the spikes are pretty sharp! It goes without saying, don’t leave these out where a child can reach them.
Add Gumdrop to Your Christmas Amigurumi Pattern Collection
Gumdrop the Gingerbread Man is a heartwarming addition to your collection of Christmas amigurumi patterns. Crocheting Gumdrop is a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit while practicing your skills and exploring new techniques.
With its friendly design and customizable features, this amigurumi gingerbread man is bound to become a favorite.
Happy crocheting, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of handmade treasures! Get started on Gumdrop today and explore the creative possibilities with this cheerful crochet gingerbread man.
Resources
Photo Tutorials
Video Tutorials
Gumdrop the Gingerbread Man
Height: 13 inches (33cm) standing Skill Level: Intermediate Crochet Terms: USCrochet, crochet, as fast as you can. Before you know it, you’ll have a gingerbread man!
Supplies
- 3.5mm (E-4) hook or size needed to obtain gauge
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Fiber fill
- Yarn needle
- Straight pins
- (2) 15mm safety eyes, black
- (1) 10mm safety eye, blue
- (1) 10mm safety eye, green
- (1) 10mm safety eye, red
- 6mm bugle beads, multicolor
- 0.6mm clear elastic bead cord
226 yards of acrylic (weight 4) yarn:
Notes
Steps to Complete Pattern
- Crochet the Legs
- Crochet the Arms
- Crochet the Head & Body
- Crochet the Frosting Drips
- Sew the Sprinkles to the Head
Abbreviations
- BLO – crochet in the back loop only
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- dec – combine two stitches into one with an invisible decrease
- hdc – half double crochet
- inc – complete two single crochets within the same stitch
- sc – single crochet
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- *sc x* – repeat the instructions between asterisks (*) the indicated number of times
- [sc x, *y* 2 times] – complete the stitches listed in the brackets the indicated number of times in order
- (sc x) – attach a body part while completing the stitches inside parentheses as instructed by the pattern
General Instructions
- This pattern is worked in continuous rounds without joining.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the end of each round. Move the marker up each round.
- Work all stitches in both loops unless the pattern instructs otherwise.
Pattern Gauge
30 sts by 5 rounds in sc = 2 inches (5cm)
Work rounds 01 – 05 of Arms and measure across the diameter of the circle. Piece should measure 2 inches (5cm) across.
Note: Using the same yarn brand for all colors will ensure that all parts of the pattern match gauge once gauge is obtained.
Video Tutorials
I’ve made lots of video tutorials that will be referenced throughout this pattern. They will be marked with a clickable play button symbol. A full list of tutorials can be found in the video tutorials section of the pattern.
Instructions
Legs (make 2)
With brown yarn:
01. Chain 3 Start: inc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5 in last ch. Working on opposite side of chain base, sc 3 in last ch [10]
02. inc, sc 2, *inc* 3 times, sc 2, *inc* 2 times [16]
03. [inc, sc 4, *inc* 2 times, sc] 2 times [22]
04. [inc, sc 6, *inc, sc* 2 times] 2 times [28]
05. [inc, sc 8, inc, sc 2, inc, sc] 2 times [34]
06 – 07. sc in each st around [34]
08. sc 28, *dec* 3 times [31]
09. *dec* 3 times, sc 21, *dec* 2 times [26]
10. *dec* 2 times, sc 10, *switch to white yarn: sc, switch to brown yarn: sc* 6 times [24]
11. *switch to white yarn: sc, switch to brown yarn: sc* 6 times, switch to white yarn: sc 12 [24]
12. sc 12, switch to brown yarn: sc 12 [24]
13. sc 8, dec, sc 14 [23]
Fasten off white yarn.
14. sc 21, dec [22]
15. sc in each st around [22]
16. sc 10, dec, sc 10 [21]
17. sc in each st around [21]
18. sc 19, dec [20]
19. sc in each st around [20]
20. sc 9, dec, sc 9 [19]
21. sc 17, dec [18]
22. *sc 7, dec* 2 times [16]
23. *sc 2, dec* 4 times [12]
Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch (30cm) yarn tail. Stuff the leg. Press the final round together and Slip Stitch Closed, then hide the remaining yarn tail inside the work. The legs are now ready to attach as you crochet the body at a later step.
Arms (make 2)
With brown yarn:
01. start 6 sc into a Magic Ring [6]
02. inc in each st around [12]
03. *sc, inc* 6 times [18]
04. sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 5 times, sc [24]
05. *sc 3, inc* 6 times [30]
06 – 07. sc in each st around [30]
08. sc 4, dec, sc 2, dec, sc 3, dec, sc 2, dec, sc 11 [26]
09. sc 6, dec, sc 3, dec, sc 10, switch to white yarn: sc, switch to brown yarn: sc, switch to white yarn: sc [24]
10. *switch to brown yarn: sc, switch to white yarn: sc* 11 times, sc 2 [24]
11. sc 21, switch to brown yarn: sc 3 [24]
12. sc in each st around [24]
Fasten off white yarn.
13. sc 5, dec, sc 10, dec, sc 5 [22]
14. sc 10, dec, sc 10 [21]
15. sc in each st around [21]
16. sc 19, dec [20]
17. sc in each st around [20]
18. sc 9, dec, sc 9 [19]
19. sc in each st around [19]
20. sc 17, dec [18]
21. sc in each st around [18]
22. sc 8, dec, sc 8 [17]
23. sc in each st around [17]
24. sc 15, dec [16]
25. sc in each st around [16]
26. *sc 2, dec* 4 times [12]
Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch (30cm) yarn tail. Stuff the arm. Press the final round together and Slip Stitch Closed, then hide the remaining yarn tail inside the work. The arms are now ready to attach as you crochet the body at a later step.
Head & Body
With red yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15cm) yarn tail, create a Magic Ring. Yarn tail should be on the front of the work to create the cherry’s stem.
01. start 6 sc into a Magic Ring [6]
02. inc in each st around [12]
03. *sc, inc* 6 times [18]
04. sc in each st around [18]
05. *sc, dec* 6 times [12]
Stuff the cherry. In beginning yarn tail, tie a knot 1 inch (2.5cm) from top of cherry. Cut off excess tail above knot.
06. *dec* 6 times [6]
07. switch to white yarn: inc in each st around [12]
Fasten off red yarn.
08. *sc, inc* 6 times [18]
09. sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 5 times, sc [24]
10. *sc 3, inc* 6 times [30]
11. sc 2, inc, *sc 4, inc* 5 times, sc 2 [36]
12. *sc 5, inc* 6 times [42]
13. *sc 13, inc* 2 times, sc 11, inc, sc 2 [45]
Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch (15cm) yarn tail. Create an Invisible Finish. Secure with a knot on the inside of the work.
With brown yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15cm) yarn tail, create a slip knot on your hook. Start round 14 in the false stitch of the Invisible Finish.
14. with brown yarn, BLO: sc 2, inc, *sc 4, inc* 8 times, sc 2 [54]
15. sc 4, inc, *sc 8, inc* 5 times, sc 4 [60]
16 – 24. sc in each st around [60]
25. sc 4, dec, *sc 8, dec* 5 times, sc 4 [54]
26. *sc 7, dec* 6 times [48]
27. sc 3, dec, *sc 6, dec* 5 times, sc 3 [42]
28. *sc 5, dec* 6 times [36]
29. sc 2, dec, *sc 4, dec* 5 times, sc 2 [30]
30 – 31. sc in each st around [30]
Body:
Attaching the Arms: Attach the arms as you crochet the next round. To view a tutorial, watch my Attach Arms video.
32. sc 8, attach the first arm: (sc 6), sc 9, attach the second arm: (sc 6), sc [30]
33. sc 2, inc, *sc 4, inc* 5 times, sc 2 [36]
34. sc in each st around [36]
35. *sc 5, inc* 6 times [42]
36. sc in each st around [42]
Stuff the head.
Adding the Safety Eyes: Using straight pins, mark location of eyes 14 stitches apart between rounds 21 & 22, centered above the arms (see Figure 1).
Replace straight pins with safety eyes, then secure backings (see Figure 2).
Indenting the Eyes: Using an 18-inch (46cm) strand of brown yarn and a yarn needle, indent the eyes by adding tension between them (see Figure 3).
To view a tutorial, watch my Indent Eyes 2.0 video.
Embroidering the Nose: Using straight pins, mark each end of the nose four stitches apart between rounds 23 & 24 (see Figure 4).
Using a 36-inch (90cm) strand of brown yarn and a yarn needle, embroider the nose. Secure with a knot, then hide the remaining yarn tails inside the work (see Figure 5).
To view a tutorial, watch my Embroider Oval Nose video.
Embroidering the Mouth: Using straight pins, mark the top corners of the mouth 14 stitches apart between rounds 25 & 26.
Then mark the center of mouth between rounds 28 & 29, centered with the nose (see Figure 6).
Using a 24-inch (60cm) strand of black yarn and a yarn needle, embroider the mouth. Secure each end with a knot, then hide the remaining yarn tails inside the work (see Figure 7).
To view a tutorial, watch my Embroider Mouth video.
Embroidering the Eyebrows: Using straight pins, mark the top corners of the eyebrows 10 stitches apart between rounds 17 & 18.
Then mark the bottom corners of the eyebrows 16 stitches apart between rounds 18 & 19 (see Figure 8).
Using (2) 12-inch (30cm) strands of black yarn and a yarn needle, embroider each eyebrow. Secure with a knot, then hide the remaining yarn tails inside the work (see Figure 9).
To view a tutorial, watch my Embroider Eyebrows video.
37. sc 3, inc, *sc 6, inc* 5 times, sc 3 [48]
38. sc in each st around [48]
39. *sc 7, inc* 6 times [54]
40. sc in each st around [54]
41. sc 4, inc, *sc 8, inc* 5 times, sc 4 [60]
42 – 48. sc in each st around [60]
49. sc 4, dec, *sc 8, dec* 5 times, sc 4 [54]
50. *sc 7, dec* 6 times [48]
51. sc 3, dec, *sc 6, dec* 5 times, sc 3 [42]
Attaching the Legs: Attach the legs as you crochet the next round. To view a tutorial, watch my Attach Legs video.
52. sc 20, attach the first leg: (sc 6), sc 6, attach the second leg: (sc 6), sc 4 [42]
At the end of round 52, the legs should appear centered below the arms. If your legs appear off center, redo the round and adjust the placement of the legs as necessary.
53. dec, *sc 3, dec* 8 times [33]
Stuff the body.
Adding the Buttons: Use (1 each) blue, green, and red 10mm safety eyes for buttons.
Centered vertically on body, insert blue button between rounds 36 & 37, green button between rounds 40 & 41, and red button between rounds 44 & 45 (see Figure 10). Secure backings.
54. sc 2, *sc, dec, sc 2, dec* 4 times, dec, sc [24]
55. sc, dec, *sc 2, dec* 5 times, sc [18]
56. *sc, dec* 6 times [12]
57. *dec* 6 times [6]
Close with an Ultimate Finish.
Frosting Drips
With white yarn, leaving a 6-inch (15cm) yarn tail, create a slip knot on your hook. With top of head facing you, start the round centered on back of head, in the false stitch created by the Invisible Finish at the end of round 13 of Head & Body (see Figure 11).
Inserting your hook bottom-to-top through each loop, crochet into exposed front loops from round 14 of Head & Body:
01. *sc, hdc, work into same st: (dc, ch, dc, ch, dc), hdc, sc* 9 times [81]
Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch (15cm) yarn tail. Create an Invisible Finish. Secure with a knot, then hide the remaining yarn tails inside the work. To view a tutorial, watch my Frosting Drips video.
To secure Frosting Drips to head, back stitch in place. To view a tutorial, watch my Invisible Stitching video.
Sprinkles
Set aside (15) 6mm multicolor bugle beads. Cut (15) 8-inch strands of clear elastic bead cord. Thread one bugle bead onto one strand of bead cord, then thread bead cord through a yarn needle.
Sew each bugle bead to head, randomly placed. Secure with a double knot and hide the remaining cord tails inside the work.