Kids all over the world hang the Christmas stocking the night before Christmas in the hope of a visit from Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus, the father of Christmas in anticipation that he will fill it with Christmas gifts. It is another matter that usually the mother of the household end up being the father of Christmas and fill the stockings with gifts.
I was that mama too; And then my kids got wised up and started making a list and pointedly hinted at what they wanted one week beforehand rather than wait for the Santa Claus surprise. But the stocking will still be up there this Christmas too, as a symbol of hope, innocence and a wonderful tradition.
How to make a Christmas stocking
First, take two red color fabric pieces of dimension 11 inches by 15 inches. Stack one on top of the other. If you are using thin fabric take two pieces and treat as one as interfacing.
Mark the pattern given below on the top piece and cut the two fabric pieces as one.
Cut out two cuff pieces in white or green as well. I have used the bottom edge of an old white T-shirt for this. If you are taking a fabric piece with the edge already finished, like this, cut the fabric as 4.5 inches by 8.5 inches. If the edge is not finished take 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches. Cut two such pieces
Hem one long edge of each piece ( I did not have to do that because I had the t-shirt hem). Sew the cuff into a tube by joining the two pieces together at the sides
Sew the two pieces of the stocking right sides together. Turn right side out. Press
Now insert the cuff (right side out) into the stocking top edge so that the hem is to the inside and cut edges are together. Stitch them together
Turn the cuff outside; Attach a ribbon or twine to hang the Christmas stocking.
Your basic Christmas stocking is here
You can change the appearance of your stocking in a number of ways
Other styles in christmas stockings
1. Add Christmas motifs as applique
2. Make a patchworked or quilted Christmas stocking
3. Add a Monogram/name to the cuff
4. Make a handstitched Christmas stocking
You can cut out the stocking pattern in felt and then use blanket stitch along the edge to join the fabric pieces together
5. Make one out of old jeans
6. Do hand painting on your Christmas stocking
Use fabric paint to paint cute Christmas motifs on your Christmas stocking. Check out tips on How to paint on fabric
7. Make an elf stocking with scalloped edges
8. Use an oversized white sock as Christmas Stockings
9. Cover an old boot and add ruffles
10. Knit a Christmas Stocking
If you can knit make Christmas stockings in your favorite Christmas colors
Have you made a Christmas stocking? Which of these appeal to you ?
