Handmade Stockings

Just in time for Christmas! Jerry and I have never had matching Christmas stockings. It's just one of those things we always forgot about until Christmas. And then we would immediately forget again for another year. This year, with my holiday antennae on high alert because it's Oscar's first Christmas, I decided we needed family stockings! I started to look around in a few stores but they aren't cheap. At least the ones I like aren't :-). So I decided to make some!

I scoured the internet for patterns and ideas and decided it looked simple enough. I had a lone stocking from years past that I used to trace the pattern and decided to add some embellishments. It was VERY simple! So easy that you still have time to whip some up for yourself. Read on for the how to.

Step 1 - Go Thrifting

I decided to use men's cotton shirts to make our stockings. They don't stretch but I am still a bit of a beginner and stretchy fabric is harder to sew (at least for me). I found 3 plaid shirts for a total of $8. This was more than enough for our 3 family stockings plus one for Krusty!

Step 2 - Make a Pattern

Like I said, I just traced an old stocking for the pattern, but really, you could probably freehand this. I also drew the cuff and patches and then cut them all out of poster board. I like using poster board instead of paper because it's easier to trace.

Step 3 - Cut your fabric

I decided to make 3 stockings using different contrasting colors. Get creative. This is the part where you make it your own! Don't forget to cut the mirror image of the stocking for the back - you want the right sides to match up hehe.

Step 4 - Attach patches/cuff

On the front side of the stocking, I used fusible bonding web to iron on the patches and cuff. I didn't use alot, just enough to make it stick. The point of this is to keep the patches in place for sewing. Are you seeing a pattern here? i'm ALL about the ease....

Step 5 - Sew Patches

I used a zig-zag stitch directly over the part where the 2 pieces come together. This hides the unfinished edge and gives a fun little decorative touch. Contrasting thread is really fun here!

Step 6 - Join Front/back

Again I used a contrasting color for the backs of the stockings. You want to lay the two pieces flat - right sides together - and stitch along the edge ( I gave about a 1/4 inch seam allowance). leave the top open. Before you turn it right side out, fold the unfinished edges of the top over and sew along the inside, attach ribbon loop to heel side of opening.

Step 7 - Turn right side out and Press

All done - Tada!

I still plan to add our names to each stocking but that is going to take some more cutting and stitching. I haven't decided exactly how I want to do it yet either. Anyway, this was so much fun and SO easy. I promise. I made all 4 stockings in under 3 hours! Happy Sewing!