How to make a Christmas Stocking

Everyone needs a Christmas stocking, regardless of their age. It’s a tradition in our house that the stockings get put out on Christmas Eve. When the children were little, it was a real ceremony making sure that Father Christmas knew exactly where each individual stocking was to be found at the end of their beds. As they have got older, the stockings are now hung on their bedroom door handles waiting to be filled with an assortment of edible treats to be consumed before breakfast. Decadence is a feature of Christmas celebrations, after all. 

I do enjoy a sense of ritual at certain times of the year. They are reassuring and remind us of people and places that are dear to us and that we want to remember. It allows us to feel gratitude for what we have and who we can count within our inner circle to give us succour and support. 

Making and giving away what we make is an act of love, and this project is a wonderful way to show your love for someone. You can personalise the stocking by adding an appliqué letter or particular shape for that special person. 

Download and print off your Stocking pattern below.

Christmas Stocking PDF pattern

You will need:

• Main fabric about 50cm of fabric 
• Contrast fabric (for the toe and stocking top) just scraps
• Lining fabric (I used calico but you can use whatever you have to hand.
• Contrasting fabrics or felt for the appliqué shapes
• Scrap of fusible bonding web
• Ribbon for the hanging loop
• Basic sewing kit

All seam allowances are 1.5cm unless otherwise stated. 

To Make up Your Stocking

Cut out the pattern pieces, following the instruction on the pattern pieces to tell you which fabrics to use.

Transfer the pattern markings to your fabric 

Lay the toe section over each main fabric stocking piece and sew in place with a zig-zag stitch over the top edge. Machine baste around the toe itself to hold both layers together.

Match up the stocking and stocking top, then flip the stocking top down so the right sides are together and the raw edges are level. Sew across the seam, then fold the stocking top back up again. Press the seam open.

Adding the decoration

Sew a fancy ribbon or tape across the stocking top seam and add any other trimmings you like. 

Trace the appliqué shape onto the smooth, paper side of a piece of fusible bonding web. 

Top Tip - If you are using a letter or shape that has a particular direction, trace it off in reverse so the letter or shape will be the right way round when you apply it to the stocking.

Place the rough, glue side of the bonding web on the back of the appliqué fabric, cover with a pressing cloth to diffuse some of the heat, and fix in place with a hot iron.

Carefully cut around the appliqué design and use a pin to scrape the back of the paper to release it. Peel off the paper backing, leaving the glue attached to the appliqué shape.

Place the appliqué shape in the correct position on your main stocking, cover with a pressing cloth and fix in place with a hot iron.

Once your shape is firmly attached, you can outline it by hand or machine with some decorative stitching.

Assembling the stocking

Place the front and back stockings with the right sides together. Starting at the top edge, sew all round the stocking shape leaving the top open. Clip and notch the seams, turn the stocking right side out and press. 

Repeat with the front and back linings, leaving an 8cm (3in) gap along the back edge so that you can turn the stocking right side out at the end.

Place the stocking inside the lining, right sides together. Fold the ribbon for the hanging loop in half and tuck it down in between the stocking and the lining at the back seam.

Pin and stitch around the top edge of the stocking, catching in the hanging loop.

 

Pull the whole stocking through the gap in the lining seam.

Slipstitch the gap in the lining closed, and tuck the lining back down into the stocking. Give everything a good press.

Hopefully if you've been good you'll find your stocking full of wonderful goodies on Christmas morning. 

Enjoy making giving and receiving your Christmas Stockings. 

Jules x