Add a dash of holiday cheer to your table with the Crochet Gingerbread Man Coaster, a festive little project that’s as sweet as it looks! 🍪🧶 With its classic cookie shape, icing-inspired trim, and cheerful face, this coaster brings cozy charm to every cup of cocoa or tea. Whether you’re crafting for a seasonal gift, decking out your kitchen, or making a merry set for your holiday gatherings, this gingerbread cutie is sure to spread smiles.
Perfect for crocheters who love playful shapes and quick, satisfying makes, this pattern invites you to explore warm tones, simple stitches, and delightful details. Add a bow tie, stitch on rosy cheeks, or personalize each one for a full gingerbread family. The Crochet Gingerbread Man Coaster is a joyful way to stitch up warmth, whimsy, and a sprinkle of handmade magic—one loop at a time! 🧵🎄
🍪 Crochet Gingerbread Man Pattern
Nothing says Christmas coziness like a warm cup of hot cocoa and a handmade gingerbread buddy by your side! This sweet crochet gingerbread man is quick to make, beginner-friendly, and absolutely adorable with his icing details, red smile, and little button belly. Whether you use him as a festive ornament, coaster, or stocking stuffer, he’s guaranteed to bring holiday cheer.
✨ Skill Level
Beginner – single crochet stitches, basic increases/decreases, embroidery, and sewing on details.
📏 Finished Size
Approx. 5–6 in (12–15 cm) tall when using DK yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.
🧶 Materials (with amounts)
- Light Brown yarn (main body) – ~20 g
- White yarn (icing details) – scrap amount
- Red yarn (smile) – scrap amount
- 3 small black buttons for torso
- 2 black safety eyes (6 mm) OR black yarn for embroidery
- 3.0 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle & scissors
- Optional: Thin cardboard, cork, or felt for backing (if using as coaster)
- Optional: A little stuffing (if making it plump like in the photo)
🔤 Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR = Magic Ring
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = decrease (sc2tog)
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
🧵 Pattern Instructions
This gingerbread man is worked as one flat piece, with optional light stuffing if you want him to look plumper.
Head
- MR, 6 sc (6)
- Inc in each st (12)
- (Sc, inc) around (18)
- (2 sc, inc) around (24)
- (3 sc, inc) around (30) → slightly bigger, matches photo’s head size
6–7. Sc around (30)
Right Arm
- From side of head, ch 7.
- Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (6), sl st back into head.
- Work sc evenly around arm outline, sl st to head.
- (Optional) Add 1 extra row of sc for a thicker arm.
Left Arm
- Repeat on opposite side.
Body
- From bottom of head, sc 12 evenly across.
- Ch 1, turn, sc in each st for 4 rows (torso).
Right Leg
- From bottom corner of torso, ch 8.
- Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (7), sl st to torso edge.
- Work sc evenly around leg outline.
- (Optional) Add 1 row for chunkier legs.
Left Leg
- Repeat on opposite side.
Border
- Work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire outline to smooth out edges.
- If making plump: crochet a second identical panel, lightly stuff, and slip stitch both pieces together.
🎀 Decoration
- Eyes – Place safety eyes between R3–R4 of head, ~6 sts apart.
- Smile – Embroider with red yarn below the eyes.
- Buttons – Sew 3 black buttons vertically on torso.
- Icing – With white yarn, embroider zigzag lines across both arms and legs.
🪄 Optional Stiffening
If using as a coaster:
- Cut cardboard, felt, or cork in gingerbread shape.
- Glue to the back OR sandwich between two panels before slip-stitching closed.
🍫 Finishing Touch
And that’s it! Your crochet gingerbread man is ready to spread holiday cheer. Use him as a mug buddy, Christmas tree ornament, or make a whole batch as stocking stuffers. These sweet little cookies are quick, festive, and oh-so-giftable.
✨ Handmade with love, he’s the perfect treat that lasts year after year.
