All Instructions

Christmas ornaments

In-the-Hoop Gingerbread Man Tutorial

A finished felt gingerbread man ornament with embroidered details and yarn limbs.

Important Note

You may need to pause the machine and take the hoop out during this project, but please do not unhoop your work! The backing fabric is taped behind the hoop.

Stitching Instructions

Step 1: Stitch the Outline

Hoop only a piece of tear-away stabilizer and attach the hoop to your machine.

Tear-away stabilizer secured in an embroidery hoop.

Embroider the first color stop, which is the placement outline, directly onto the stabilizer.

The placement outline for the gingerbread man stitched onto the stabilizer.

Step 2: Add Limbs and Front Felt

Prepare the arms and legs by cutting four pieces of ribbon or yarn to a length of 2.5 to 3 inches.

Four pieces of yarn cut to size for the gingerbread man's arms and legs.

Tape the yarn or ribbon pieces in place for the hands and legs, then lay a piece of felt over the entire outline.

The yarn limbs taped in position and a piece of brown felt laid over the top.

It is helpful to use tape to ensure the felt stays flat while stitching. Continue stitching the decorative elements of the design.

Step 3: Add the Backing

Before the final outline stitch, remove the hoop from the machine (but do not unhoop the project) and turn it over to see the back side.

Embroidery hoop removed from the machine to work on the back.

Attach the lining or backing felt behind the hoop, as shown in the example photo below.

An example photo showing how to tape a backing fabric to the back of the hoop.

Ensure there is plenty of excess fabric around the perimeter. I am securing the lining with tape.

The backing felt for the gingerbread man taped securely in place.

Step 4: Final Stitch and Finishing

Return the hoop to the machine and stitch the final seam, which is the outline that will tack down the lining.

The front of the project after the final outline has been stitched.

The back of the project showing the final outline stitched through all layers.

Unhoop the project and carefully cut out the shape. Be careful not to cut the yarn or ribbon limbs!

The finished gingerbread man cut out from the excess felt.

Related Designs