Create beautiful and functional crochet gingerbread items that bring warmth and charm to your holiday decor! This fun project allows you to craft adorable gingerbread men that can serve as coasters or delightful Christmas ornaments, perfect for adding a handmade touch to your festivities.
These crochet gingerbread items are versatile and practical. Use them as coasters to protect your surfaces or hang them as ornaments to beautify your Christmas tree. Crafted with durable materials, their appeal lies not only in their delicate and festive look but also in their usability and resilience.
Crochet Gingerbread Coasters
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this gingerbread project is perfect for you. With easy-to-follow steps, it offers ample opportunity for customization and creativity. Enjoy crafting these charming pieces that can be personalized to your style and holiday theme.
Credit from littlespot
Materials and Preparation
To crochet the gingerbread coaster and Christmas ornament, you’ll need the following:
Required Materials:
- Yarn Type: Medium-weight yarn in brown (for the gingerbread), white (for icing), red (for the bow/mouth and details), and optional black (for alternate eyes).
- Hook Size: 4.0 mm crochet hook.
- Safety Eyes: 8 mm safety eyes for the ornament version. (Optional: felt fabric if making a coaster version).
- Additional Tools:
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends and sewing).
- Scissors.
- Stitch marker (optional but useful for marking rounds).
- Yarn Weight Requirements: Medium-weight (4) or worsted-weight yarn.
Abbreviations and Notes
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- CH: Chain
- SC: Single Crochet
- HDC: Half Double Crochet
- DC: Double Crochet
- SLST: Slip Stitch
- YO: Yarn Over
Special Notes:
- This pattern begins with a magic ring and works in rounds.
- A gauge swatch is not necessarily required for this pattern since it’s a decorative project.
- Adjust hook size if you desire larger or smaller ornaments/coasters.
- Pay special attention to the increases and stitch patterns for a uniform round shape.
Gauge, Approximate Size, and Pattern Notes
Gauge: Not crucial for this pattern, but approximately 8 DC and 6 rows = 2 inches (5 cm) with medium-weight yarn and a 4.0 mm hook.
Finished Size:
- Coaster: Approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) across.
- Ornament: Same as coaster size, with an additional thread loop for hanging.
Pattern Notes:
- The pattern uses surface crochet to embroider the icing pattern around the gingerbread. Refer to the step-by-step instructions for guidance.
- Safety eyes should be attached before finishing if creating the ornament version.
Step-by-Step Pattern
Base Gingerbread Circle (Rounds):
Round 1:
- Begin with a magic ring: Wrap the yarn around your fingers, hook under the first loop, and grab the second loop. Complete with a CH to create the loop.
- CH 3 (counts as the first DC). Work 9 DC into the ring. (10 DC total).
- Pull the magic ring closed tightly and join with a SLST to the top of the first DC.
Round 2:
- CH 3. Work 1 DC into the same stitch (first increase).
- For each stitch around, work 2 DC (increase in every stitch). (20 DC total).
- SLST to join.
Round 3:
- CH 3. Work 1 DC in the same stitch.
- Continue the increase pattern: 2 DC in each stitch. (40 DC total).
- SLST to join.
Round 4:
- CH 3. Work 1 DC in the same stitch. In the next stitch, work 2 DC (increase).
- Repeat the pattern: 1 DC in the next stitch, then 2 DC in the next stitch (increase) around. (60 DC total).
- SLST to join.
Note: Stop here if you’re making the ornament. For a coaster, you may stop here or add an additional round with a straightforward DC for added size.
Ornament String:
- After completing the final round, instead of cutting the yarn, SLST to the next stitch.
- CH enough stitches to create the desired loop length (e.g., CH 30 for a 4-inch loop).
- SLST into the same stitch to secure. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Surface Crochet (Icing):
- Create a slip knot and attach white yarn along the outer edge of the gingerbread circle.
- Insert the hook between the stitches. YO and pull up; pull through the loop on your hook.
- Work this pattern evenly around the edge, creating the appearance of icing. Join with a SLST and fasten off.
Facial Features:
- Eyes: For the ornament version, secure 8 mm safety eyes evenly across the upper section of the gingerbread. For a coaster, you can cut small circles from felt fabric and glue them in place for the eyes.
- Mouth and Cheeks: With red yarn, use a tapestry needle to embroider a cheerful smile and small blush marks on either side.
Bow:
- Create a slip knot and CH 17.
- First Side of Bow: Skip the first chain. SLST in the next stitch, SC, then HDC. In the next two stitches, DC. Follow with an HDC, SC, and finally, a SLST.
- Repeat Pattern: Mirror the same sequence down the opposite side of the foundation CH, working into the base of the previous stitches.
- Fold your bow in the middle and secure by wrapping yarn around the center 5-6 times. Use the long tail to sew the bow securely.
Finishing Touches:
- Attach the bow to your preferred location: on the "neck" for an ornament, or on one side if making a coaster.
- If desired, you can back your gingerbread base with felt fabric (coaster version) or create a second gingerbread and sew the two together to hide the back.
Pattern Question:
Q: How do I adjust the size of the gingerbread man if I want it bigger or smaller?
A: To adjust the size, simply increase or decrease the number of stitches and rounds as needed. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dimensions to your preference.
Conclusion:
This crochet gingerbread project is not only enjoyable and easy to make but also adds an adorable and practical touch to your holiday decor. Make coasters or ornaments that showcase your crafting skills and bring festive cheer to your home.
