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If you're going to spend time making a gingerbread house that you'll never eat, let's make it more permanent... and less attractive to ants. This holiday structure evokes the spirit and whimsy of real gingerbread but only requires a little bit of plastic canvas and tapestry wool. Candy is recommended too, but just for your sustenance while stitching. We are pleased to bring you the first structure in our Gingerbread Needlepoint Village - the Gingerbread House!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 6-10 hours, depending on stitching method
Additional Supplies:
Gingerbread House Pattern (click to download)
Polyfil - optional
Bakers Twine - optional
Directions:
House
The Gingerbread House consists of components shown below which will be referenced during stitching. Each component can be stitched seperately or as a group on the plastic canvas. If stitching as a group, leave several rows of canvas between components so they can be cut out and assembled.
1. Download and print Gingerbread House Pattern above. With one strand of tapestry wool, cross stitch all Brown, Green and White areas. Alternatively, White on Roof sections can be ladder stitched.
A traditional half stitch can be used for Brown, Green and White areas, but a cross stitch is suggested for more complete coverage.
2. Use one strand of Green tapestry wool to backstitch wreaths on House Front and Back.
3. Use one strand of White tapestry wool to backstitch shutters and brick work on Sides A and B and House Front and Back.
4. Use one strand of Red tapestry wool to add accents to Sides A and B and House Front and Back. Use French knots (2 wraps) for the ornaments and backstitch for ribbons and bows.
5. Carefully cut around finished pieces without cutting into stitching.
6. Place Roof A and B together, right sides facing out. Using two strands of Brown tapestry wool, whipstitch along ridge to join. With two strands of White tapestry wool, whipstitch around outer edge. Set Roof aside.
If you'd like to make this a hanging ornament, add a hanging loop from center of Roof ridge with bakers twine.
7. With two strands of Brown tapestry wool, whipstitch remaining house pieces together. Whipstitch along all top edges as well, so no plastic canvas is visible.
8. As an optional step, add Polyfil to house base for extra structure.
9. Draw a line of glue along top edges of house base. Position roof (edges will overhang slightly) and hold for several minutes until glue sets. Allow to dry completely.
Set your finished Gingerbread House up in a wintery scene or hang it from the tree! However you display your project, we hope you've enjoyed yourself and will join us in making future additions to the Gingerbread Needlepoint Village!
Thanks to Camille for designing and writing this tutorial. You can follow her on Instagram @notsomodernmillie or visit her website. Stay tuned for upcoming projects. Merry Making!
