The Gingerbread
A Knitted Friend for Children

If you prefer, there is a 24-page printed booklet of this pattern available at Click Here.

Materials:

• 125 yards worsted weight in appropriate gingerbread color
• 2 sets #5 dpn’s (Or size needed to attain gauge)
• 2 yds. black worsted weight yarn
• 12” red yarn
• 24” narrow red ribbon (optional to tie around neck)
• Crochet hook # F or O
• Tapestry needle
• Polyester fill
• 4 stitch holders (optional)
• Gauge: 5 sts = 1”

In just one evening you can complete this little 8” friend. Beginning at the top of his head, you’ll finish this seamless project at his feet. He’s a perfect gift or bazaar item and an opportunity to experiment with other yarns!

By 1985 I’d become the grandmother of three—Skyler, Anja and Hans. Though the grands did not live next door, they were all in Wisconsin. Preschoolers need and relish being read to, and the story of the Gingerbread running and shouting its mantra, “Run, run, as fast as you can…You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread man,” certainly a favorite.

Designing the little fellow was great fun, and when my daughter Kari suggested writing a personalized child’s version to accompany the pattern we knew we had a winner. The download has an option that you may print, or you may go to my website for “store copies!”

Carol Anderson