Making a decorated gingerbread house is a tradition dating back to the early 1800s. The classic Grimm's fairy tale Hansel and Gretel contributes to our knowledge of this popular holiday decoration. Sew rather than bake one to use as an ornament, gift card holder, or package decoration! Use a favorite gingerbread cookie template for house shapes to make your own paper pattern templates or use the following for a guide:

For roof draw one shape 4 1/2-inches by 4-inches (cut 2 of fabric).

For front and back of house draw a rectangle 3-inches by 4-inches, and then re-draw one of the short ends into a triangle peak shape.

It is possible to simplify the total number of pieces needed for the gingerbread house as the house sides and bottom can actually be made as one piece. Draw a template for the combined sides and bottom to use to cut out two fabric pieces 9-inches by 4-inches and one batting piece the same size. Layer those fabric pieces wrong-sides together with batting on top. Stitch close to the edges leaving an opening to turn right-sides out, trim, turn, press and slip-stitch opening closed. Just top-stitch across the width in two places, approximately 3-inches in from each short edge to allow the house to easily bend and shape to form the sides and bottom of the house.

For an optional chimney draw a rectangle template 2-inches by 4-inches (will be folded in half then short ends stitched together to form chimney shape).

Cut out all paper pattern templates and then place on brown or tan fabric, cutting out the necessary number of fabric pieces.

Cut out polyester batting: one piece from roof template, one piece for combined house sides and bottom and two for the house front and back. One small piece if using an optional chimney however the tiny chimney can do without if desired.

Layer two roof fabrics wrong-sides together with one batting piece on top. Stitch in a 1/8-inch seam around all sides leaving a small opening for turning. Trim corners and excess batting from seam allowance, turn right-side out, press and slip-stitch opening closed. Fold roof in half along 4-inch length and press; the pressed fold will become the roof peak.

The gingerbread house pieces - front and back, combined house sides and bottom, and roof of house can have trim added before assembly. Add tiny white rick-rack trim on house sides and front and back to form windows and doors attaching with fabric glue or hand-stitch. Add a button for a door knob. Add small holiday trims if desired to make a wreath or holly berry sprig.

Finally, hand-stitch all pieces together at finished edges to form the house.

Add the optional chimney if desired and attach by hand-stitching to roof.

Add a length of cord or ribbon to middle of roof peak to hang as an ornament.

Sew happy, sew inspired