Crochet Gingerbread Man Ornament – Free Christmas Pattern 🎁

Hi, I’m Amy, and could this little fellow be any sweeter? This flat gingerbread man is quick, beginner-friendly, and just made for Christmas – hang him on the tree, string a few together as a garland, or use him as a cheerful appliqué.

He is worked in separate pieces – a round head, a simple body, and a tiny bow tie – and then sewn together. The cream edging is my favourite part because it looks just like piped icing.

Grab your brown, cream, and red yarn and let’s make a batch. They work up so fast that they are perfect for last-minute handmade gifts and decorations.

Materials

• Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in brown
• Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in cream
• Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn in red
• 4.0 mm (G) crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle for sewing ends and assembling pieces

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• sl st = slip stitch
• inc = increase (2 stitches in the same stitch)

Gauge & Size

• Hook: 4.0 mm (G)
• Yarn: worsted weight
• The gingerbread man is worked in separate pieces (head, body, bow tie) and then sewn together
• For a flat appliqué look, block it lightly when done

Gingerbread Man Pattern

Head Round 1: Start with a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 11 dc in the ring, join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 sts)

Head Round 2: Ch 3, work 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (24 sts)

Fasten off the brown yarn and join cream yarn for the edging.

Head Round 3: Ch 1, sc around the entire circle for a smooth border. Fasten off.

Body Row 1: Ch 13. Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and in each ch across. (10 dc + ch-3 = 11 dc total)

Body Row 2: Ch 3, turn, dc in each stitch across.

Fold the body piece in half lengthwise and sew the sides to create the legs and arms, attaching the arms and legs symmetrically.

Bow Tie Step 1: Ch 5, and working all into a magic ring, work 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc, ch 2.

Bow Tie Step 2: Tighten the ring and wrap yarn around the centre several times to shape a bow.

Bow Tie Step 3: Sew the bow to the neck area of your gingerbread man.

Finishing & Assembly

Sew the head to the top of the body.

Add small details like eyes, a mouth, or buttons with embroidery or tiny beads if you wish.

Edge the entire gingerbread man with cream yarn in single crochet to mimic icing.

Add a hanging loop at the top if you would like to use him as an ornament.

Tips

Block the finished piece lightly for a neat, flat appliqué finish.

Try sparkly yarn for a festive touch, or make a few in different sizes for garlands and gifts.

Hand wash gently in cool water, reshape while damp, and air dry flat.