If you’re looking for a fun and festive project this holiday season, this oversized crochet gingerbread man pattern is perfect! Soft, squishy, and full of charm, this larger version makes a delightful centerpiece, a cozy pillow, or a playful toy for Christmas.
Designed as an enlarged twist on the classic gingerbread man, this pattern uses thicker yarn, a larger hook, and extra rounds to maintain perfect shape. Beginners and experienced crocheters alike will enjoy creating this cheerful holiday decoration.
Materials Needed for Oversized Crochet Gingerbread Man Pattern
Yarn: Bulky weight cotton or acrylic yarn (Category 5). Sample uses “Gingerbread” brown cotton blend.
Hook: 6.0 mm crochet hook (US J/10)
Buttons: Two small white buttons for eyes, 3 colorful buttons for the torso
Trim: Optional white zigzag ric rac lace for arms and legs
Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill or similar
Extras: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, fabric glue, scissors
Tip: Choose soft, squishy yarn for maximum cuddliness!
Stitch Abbreviations
- Abbrev Description
- MR – Magic Ring
- sc – Single Crochet (US)
- inc – Increase – 2 sc in the same stitch
- dec – Invisible Decrease – sc 2 stitches together
- st(s) – Stitch(es)
- sl st – Slip Stitch
- [ ] x n – Repeat section n times
- (N sts) – Stitch count at end of round
Keep stitches tight so the stuffing doesn’t peek through.
Notes
Finished Size: ~30 cm (12 inches)
Construction: Worked in continuous rounds (spirals)
Tip: Use a stitch marker to mark the start of each round
Assembly: Each piece is crocheted separately, then sewn together
Step-by-Step Pattern for Oversized Crochet Gingerbread Man
Arms (make 2)
Magic ring.
Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6 sts)
Round 2: inc in each st around (12 sts)
Round 3: [sc, inc] 6 times (18 sts)
Rounds 4–9: sc in each st around (18 sts)
Stuff lightly before finishing. Leave a long tail for sewing.
Legs (make 2)
Round 1: 6 sc in MR (6 sts)
Round 2: inc in each st around (12 sts)
Round 3: [sc, inc] 6 times (18 sts)
Rounds 4–9: sc around (18 sts)
Finish the first leg.
For the second leg, do not cut yarn — continue directly to body.
Body Instructions for Oversized Crochet Gingerbread Man
Join legs: sc 1 into first stitch of first leg (mark this stitch), 17 sc around first leg, then 18 sc around second leg → 36 sts total
Rounds 2–4: sc around (36 sts)
Round 5: [sc 7, dec] 4 times (32 sts)
Round 6: sc around (32 sts)
Round 7: [sc 6, dec] 4 times (28 sts)
Round 8: sc around (28 sts)
Round 9: [sc 5, dec] 4 times (24 sts)
Round 10: sc around (24 sts)
Round 11: [sc 4, dec] 4 times (20 sts)
Round 12: sc around (20 sts)
Stuff the lower body lightly before moving to the head.
Head Instructions for Oversized Crochet Gingerbread Man
Round 1: [sc, inc] 10 times (30 sts)
Round 2: [sc 2, inc] 10 times (40 sts)
Rounds 3–6: sc in each st around (40 sts)
Attach arms between rounds 8–12. Sew 3 colorful buttons on torso now.
Round 7: [sc 2, dec] 10 times (30 sts)
Round 8: sc around (30 sts)
Round 9: [sc, dec] 10 times (20 sts)
Round 10: dec around (10 sts)
Leave a 75 cm (2.5 ft) tail to close and make hanging loop.
Hanging Loop for Oversized Crochet Gingerbread Man
Chain 25–30 (adjust for desired length)
Sl st into top of head, fasten off, hide ends
Face & Decoration
Sew two small white buttons for eyes (between rounds 4–5)
Embroider smile with black/dark brown thread
Glue ric rac ribbon to arms and legs as icing
Optional: lightly blush cheeks with fabric paint
Allow glue/paint to dry completely before handling
Final Touch
Your oversized crochet gingerbread man is ready to display! Perfect for sofas, mantles, or gifting. For a playful scene, create a full gingerbread family in varying sizes and shades — ideal for festive décor and charming Christmas photos.
Pattern Summary
Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
Time: 4–5 hours
Size: ~30 cm (12 inches)
Yarn: Bulky cotton
Hook: 6 mm
Suggested Internal Links
- Delicate Crochet Snowflake Pattern — Free Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Quick & Charming Christmas Crochet Stars (Free, Easy Pattern)
- Adorable Crochet Cat Pattern – Free Amigurumi Tutorial
Call to Action
Love this oversized crochet gingerbread man pattern? Make a whole gingerbread family, share festive photos, and inspire your crochet friends this holiday season!
