Crafting Fun: How to Knit this Winter Cuddle Crew - Bear, Gingerbread Man, Frog

Introducing the Winter Cuddle Crew – a trio of snuggly, hand-knit friends ready to bring warmth and cheer to your holiday season! This delightful collection features a charming bear, a sweet gingerbread buddy, and a lovable frog, each lying down and perfectly sized for little hands or festive decor. With cozy winter accessories and a relaxed pose, these characters are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any room or gifting to loved ones. Whether they’re displayed together or separately, the Winter Cuddle Crew, especially knit gingerbread man, will make hearts melt and bring joy all season long.

This pattern is suitable for knitters of all levels, with step-by-step instructions to guide you in creating each unique friend. Get ready to spread some holiday magic with these adorable companions!

Special Knit Gingerbread Man Knitting Pattern

Skill Level

Beginner

Techniques

Knit in the round / Simple increase and decrease stitches

Finished Size

Approx. 11.5 cm / 4.5 in.

Needles

Double-pointed needles US 2 (3.00 mm)

Gauge

27 sts x 35 rows = 4 x 4 in / 10 x 10 cm

Notions

A tapestry needle, stitch holders or waste yarn, stitch marker

Yarn

(Sport) 100% Wool (50 g/ 175 m/ 191 yds)

Yarn Amount

Approx. 15 g each

Other Materials

A little bit of toy filling (cotton, wool or polyester)

Abbreviations

CO	cast on	k2tog	knit 2 stitches together
rnd(s)	round(s)	k	knit
st(s)	stitch(es)	p	purl
RS	right side	m1	make 1 stitch
WS	wrong side	pm	place marker

Head (for all 3 types)

Circular cast on 12 sts on 3 needles (always use a working needle to knit)

Rnd 1: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 2: *k2, m1*, repeat * (18 sts)

Rnd 3: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 4: *k3, m1*, repeat * (24 sts)

Rnd 5: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 6: *k4, m1*, repeat * (30 sts)

Rnd 7: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 8: *k5, m1*, repeat * (36 sts)

Rnd 9-17: knit 9 rnds

Rnd 18: *k2tog, k4*, repeat * (30 sts)

Rnd 19: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 20: *k2tog, k3*, repeat * (24 sts)

Rnd 21: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 22: *k2tog, k2*, repeat * (18 sts)

Rnd 23: knit 1 rnd

Stuff the head now.

Rnd 24: *k2tog, k1*, repeat * (12 sts)

Rnd 25: knit 1 rnd, gather bind-off.

Frog's Eyes / Bear's Ears

Circular cast on 8 sts

Rnd 1: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 2: *k2, m1*, repeat * (12 sts)

Rnd 3-4: knit 2 rnds, gather bind-off.

Bear's Mouth

(White color) Circular cast on 12 sts

Rnd 1: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 2: *k2, m1*, repeat * (18 sts)

Rnd 3-4: knit 2 rnds, gather bind-off.

Body (for all 3 types)

Start knitting from one hand, circular cast on 8 sts

Rnd 1: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 2: *k2, m1*, repeat * (12 sts)

Rnd 3: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 4: *k3, m1*, repeat * (16 sts)

Rnd 5-8: knit 4 rnds

Cut the yarn.

Repeat the above process to make another hand until rnd 8 (do not cut the yarn).

Rnd 9: CO3, knit the other hand 16 sts, m1, pick up 3 sts, m1, k16, pm (40 sts)

Knit until 9 cm measuring from the tip of the hand. Stop at the stitch marker.

Start knitting the legs.

Rnd 1: k1, m1L, CO2, keep the next 20 sts on stitch holder, m1R, k19 (24 sts)

Rnd 2-5: knit 4 rnds

Rnd 6: *k2tog, k2*, repeat * (18 sts)

Rnd 7: knit 1 rnd

Rnd 8: *k2tog, k1*, repeat * (12sts)

Rnd 9: knit 1 rnd, gather bind-off.

Stuff the body. Then knit another leg.

Rnd 1: Start from the 1st sts on the right side, k1, m1L, pick up and knit 2 sts, m1R, k19 (24 sts)

Repeat rnds 2-9.

Finishing

Stuff and sew the frog's eyes on top of its head. You can embroider the face now or after.

For the bear, fold the ears and sew onto the head. Stuff the mouth and sew it in the center of the head. Embroider its face.

Sew the head onto the body with an angle so the face looks up. Embroider the face, tie the yarn well, and weave it inside the head. Decor your animal toy as you desire. For the Gingerbread Man, use white yarn and embroider zig-zag lines on the hands and legs. Use red yarn for the button.