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    Home » DIY » Crafts

    Handmade Gingerbread Boys and Girls

    BY: Jane PUBLISHED: 3 Dec, '15 UPDATED: 20 Jan, '18 16 Comments

    Today I'm sharing how to make these adorable handmade gingerbread boys and girls! I have been wanting to make some of these for several years ever since I saw a basket full of some at my friend Sherry's house.

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    These must be the cutest gingerbread boys and girls I've ever made.

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    She told me that she remembered her mother making them when she was young. And now she puts them out every year as part of her Christmas decorations. So I took the time to make two of them this year, and when the grandgirls are here for Christmas, we're going to make some together. They are just the right age to learn how to sew, and this project will make it fun to learn a few basic skills such as threading a needle, sewing a straight stitch, and attaching a button. 

    What you need:

    To make 2 gingerbread boy and girl, you will need the following supplies:

    • pattern for a gingerbread boy and girl-Click to download
    • 2 pieces of tan colored felt (9 inches x 12 inches) 
    • light brown marker 
    • scissors
    • a few straight pins
    • a needle
    • 4 small black buttons
    • 2 small heart shaped buttons
    • 2 small flower shaped buttons
    • black, white, and red thread
    • pink, white, and tan DMC embroidery thread
    • package of polyester fiberfill 
    • green and pink rick-rack
    • fabric glue  
    • thin green checked ribbon
    • tiny red bow
    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    The first thing you will need to do is to trace the pattern for the gingerbread boy twice using a light brown marker and then do the same for the gingerbread girl. I used a brown marker so that they would have a "toasty" edge. 

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    Cut them out with scissors and then place one on top of another (back to back) and use straight pins to keep them together. (Don't worry if they don't totally match because you can always trim them later.)

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    At this point, you are ready to sew on the buttons for eyes. When I made the first one, I didn't have any black buttons so I used a permanent marker to create some. Worked just fine until I could get to the store to buy some more! Thread a needle with some black thread, doubled and knotted at the end. Be sure to put the knot on the inside of the boy or girl so that it won't be visible. 

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    After attaching the eyes, stitch a mouth using some pink DMC embroidery thread (the color I used was #776.) Once again, keep the knot on the inside. If your smile turns out a little crooked, that just lends to the charm, right?

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    My stitching looked a little messy on the inside, but no one is going to see it (except all of you who are reading this post!!!)

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    Now you're ready to give your boy or girl a heart by sewing it on with red thread. And I added these flower shaped buttons onto the girl, but for the boy, I used some white DMC embroidery thread to make 3 x's on his chest. 

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    Here comes the fun part! You are ready to attach the front to the back using some tan colored DMC embroidery thread (I used #436.) I doubled and knotted the thread, starting by pulling the needle through the front so that the knot would be on the inside.

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    Once you get the head stitched, stop and stuff it with a little fiberfill. 

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    This is the kind I used. 

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    As you stitch each arm or leg, stop and fill those as you go along. And as you re-thread your needle, just remember to bring the knot up on the inside to hide it. 

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    Once you get your gingerbread boy or girl stitched together, you are ready to attach some rick rack with some fabric glue. (I use Aleene's No-Sew Fabric Glue)  To finish off the boy, I tied some very thin ribbon around his neck to resemble a bow tie, and for the girl, I put a bow on her head and added some little beads for earrings! 

    Handmade gingerbread boys and girls | cottage at the crossroads

    I just adore them and I can't wait to make some with our granddaughters! Not only will we be making gingerbread boys and girls, we will be making memories-at home! 

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    1. Pamela

      December 05, 2015 at 10:02 am

      Jane I love these! Will have to buy the supplies to make some with the boys.

      Reply
    2. [email protected] manor farm

      December 05, 2015 at 6:18 am

      oh Jane, those are precious. my lily would probably love to make some of them. thanks for sharing the details. i hope you are enjoying this wonderful holiday season.

      Reply
    3. Meredith @ unOriginalMom

      December 04, 2015 at 9:17 am

      So stinkin' cute! My daugher would love these. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    4. Leanne

      December 04, 2015 at 1:23 am

      I love your gingerbread boys and girls and all the details on them. What a fun project! Pinning for later!

      Reply
    5. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking

      December 03, 2015 at 10:09 pm

      So cute... I have a couple nieces who would love these!

      Reply
    6. Lynne

      December 03, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      Precious!!! Pinned

      Reply
    7. sarah @ {Home-ology} modern vintage

      December 03, 2015 at 4:32 pm

      These little guys are just too cute and so perfect for the little g'babies!

      Reply
    8. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage

      December 03, 2015 at 9:52 am

      Jane,
      These are so adorable.
      Kris

      Reply
    9. Lisa Huff

      December 03, 2015 at 9:26 am

      These are adorable!! And since I'm clueless with a sewing machine I think I can actually make these, yay!!

      Reply
    10. Lindsay Eidahl

      December 03, 2015 at 7:54 am

      These are so sweet! My kids would love them! It has been fun touring with you this week! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
    11. Vicki and Jennifer 2 Bees in a Pod

      December 03, 2015 at 7:47 am

      Oh my goodness Jane - these gingerbread peeps are adorable!!! We can't thank you enough for sharing your pattern and tutorial. We too have been wanting to make some of these but didn't have a pattern. Your grandgirls are going to love this! So much fun sharing tour week with you. Merry Christmas!

      Reply

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