Gingerbread Swag

Equipment: Paper for pattern. Pencil. Ruler. Scissors. Straight pins.

Materials: Red and green calico cotton fabrics: approximately 8" x 16" for each of twelve dolls; 1/2 yd. of each for end loops. Red, green, and white sewing thread. White rickrack, 3/8 yd. each. White shank buttons, 3/8", 3 each for eyes and noses. Polyester fiberfill for stuffing.

Directions: Enlarge pattern (below) by copying on paper ruled in 1" squares; complete half-pattern indicated by dash lines. From double fabric, cut two dolls for each doll. Pin rickrack to right side of one doll piece as indicated by dash lines on pattern, and down center front of body. With white thread, stitch rickrack to doll piece.

With right sides facing, pin two doll pieces together. Stitch all around, 1/4" in from edges, leaving an opening at inner part of leg. Clip into seam allowance at curves. Turn to right side. Push out corners and curves smoothly. For eyes and nose, tack on buttons to front of doll as indicated by dots on pattern. Through opening, stuff doll fully. Turn in edges of opening; slip-stitch closed.

With matching thread, stitch dolls together at arm ends, alternating red and green fabrics.

For loops, cut two pieces of red and two pieces of green calico, 7" wide, 28" long each. With right sides facing, fold each strip in half lengthwise; cut off one end slightly at an angle. Stitch together along edges and diagonal end, 1/4" in from edges, leaving straight end open to turn fabric. Turn to right side.

Turn in open edge and slip-stitch a red and a green strip together at ends. Place the red and green halves together by folding about 1" from joining making uneven ends. Bend folded end down to form loops about 6" long; wrap end around the two halves tightly and tack together. Tack arm of each end doll to each looped piece.

Pattern