A miniature home made entirely of sweets: the very idea is magical.

They have their origin in the very grimmest of fairy tales, but their charm is so strong that nobody minds. Centuries before Hansel and Gretel first trudged into the forest, fanciful, highly decorated gingerbread was already a staple of holiday feasts. Gingerbread was so important during mediaeval times that its production was controlled by guilds with strict rules and standards. Master gingerbread bakers would work the rich, spicy dough into fantastical shapes, studded with cloves and gilded with pure gold leaf, then display their finest creations at seasonal “Gingerbread Fairs.”

These days, gingerbread is a more humble, homely affair, with so many cosy associations and memories attached. My girls love baking gingerbread cookies at Christmastime, but every time we attempted houses they were always very wonky. I think it adds to the charm!

The Gingerbread House Socks are a much easier project. Cosy DK weight yarn means they’re extra snuggly and extra speedy to knit. A sweet lace motif in the shape of a tiny house adds interest to the leg, and then the rest of the sock is plain, relaxing knitting. I’ve finished them with a simple heel flap and
round toe. For a bit of extra fun, and a wink to the wonkiness of our own gingerbread house memories, I used two different contrast colours for “mismatched” toes and heels, but they’d be just as adorable in all one yarn. The pattern includes four sizes.

size
Extra Small, (Small, Medium, Large)

finished measurements
Leg length:
10.5cm/4.125” (13cm/5.125”, 15.5cm/6.125”, 15.5cm/6.125”)
from cuff to the start of the heel
Circumference:
15cm/6” (18cm/7”, 20cm/8”, 23cm/9”)

yarn
NNK DK 8ply Sock Set
75% superwash merino, 25% nylon; 225m/246yds per 100g skein,
Set consists of:
1 x 100g skein – Main Colour (MC)
2 x 20g mini skein – Contrast Colour (CC)
Colour: Gingerbread House

Yarn requirements will vary slightly for each size depending on the length knit but to give an indication:
A small sample (knit in size EUR40 length) used approximately:
85g or 192m/209yds of DK weight yarn;
17g of CC and 68g of MC
The medium sample pictured (knit in size EUR42 length) used approximately:
100g or 225m/246yds of DK weight yarn;
20g total of CC and 80g of MC

needles
3.25mm (US 3), 100cm (40”) long circular needles (or size to obtain gauge) for magic loop method or DPNs if preferred

notions
Tapestry needle 1 stitch marker

gauge
24 sts/32 rounds = 10cm (4”) in stockinette stitch