Christmas stockings are the quintessential yuletide holiday decoration, as cozy and inviting as any hearth they brighten. But why are these trinket-bearing footies so cherished? The Christmas stocking tradition started with socks — perhaps midwinter comfort is sewn into its DNA? Or is it that just about anything associated with childhood and chocolate goodies will wind up being prized throughout the years?
When it comes to sewing a Christmas stocking, you can easily create a basic pattern in your head: the bulbous end, the sleeve with enough room for King Henry VIII's hefty calf and a rolled cuff to top the pocket. Yet variations on the standard-issue red felt are what thrill an inventive crafter. Polka dots, glitter-coated candy and quilting are just a few ideas for creating an easy and unique Christmas decoration.
Confident beginners can tackle this
personalized knitted stocking pattern. The pattern includes layouts for each letter of the alphabet so that you can always make the perfect gift for a loved one. The stocking is designed as two pieces, knitted on straight needles, and requires basic sewing skills including cast on, cast off, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and sewing seams. The pattern can be altered by more experienced knitters to be sewn in the round.
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This adorable
no-sew felt stocking is constructed using hot glue and decorated with candies and glitter. Colored beads would make a lovely alternative for greater longevity. Of course, you can always turn this in to a dewing pattern, just add a quarter inch seam allowance around the pattern.
If you like things a little bit on the fancy side, this
frilled stocking with ric rac accents might just be the place to start. The frill, toe, and heel are all option extras, so you can dial this down for a faster to make stocking that wonderfully displays your favorite fabrics. This pattern is suitable for a confident beginner, who's comfortable with gathering and appliqué; the plain stocking is a great beginners project.
Instructables User scoochmaroo
This
expandable Christmas stocking is the perfect way of letting Santa know just how naughty or nice you've been this year. At it's shortest length this stocking looks standard, but it opens up to accommodate longer gifts, such as golf clubs. This would be suitable for a confident beginner comfortable with inserting zippers.
This
quilt-as-you-go stocking tutorial is beginner friendly, and requires only basic sewing skills, and comfort with a walking foot. Don't let the tutorial constrain you. This would work wonderfully with improvisational piecing, or used as a base for a small foundation pieced pattern.
This
simple stocking pattern is perfect for beginners. The tutorial includes instructions for making your own appliqué letters from your favorite fonts, to personalize each one. This clearly illustrated, step-by-step tutorial will walk the most hesitant sewist through every step.
