While Christmas trees command the focal point during the holiday season, stockings hung by the chimney with care also command a critical place in most decor. Ornate, handmade stockings can become a treasured heirloom, and making one can be easier than you think.
Traditionally, we think of a plain red stocking or maybe a different color, but have you ever considered making one from leftover fabric? Use a festive Christmas pattern, or consider any remnant of plaids, polka-dots or unordinary Christmas colors that match your regular decor. Fleece, flannel, heavier cotton blends, metallics, burlap or pre-quilted fabric make excellent choices for this project. Perhaps you want to repurpose old sweatshirts and other clothing, or maybe old blankets. Feel free to engage your imagination.
For those daunted by sewing an original stocking, don’t fret. Instead, purchase an inexpensive pre-made stocking and create an extraordinary piece with it as your base. Apply one of the suggested embellishments below to make a spectacular creation.
Simple Fabric Stockings.
Fashion cute and comforting stockings from patterned fabric and upholstery webbing. Fold 1/2 yard of red, white or patterned fabric in half, right sides together. Trace a stocking shape onto the fabric and cut out two shapes. With right sides together, sew around the stocking shape with a running stitch, leaving the top open. Turn the top edge inside and hem, then turn the stocking inside out. Pin upholstery webbing around the top of the stocking and stitch in place. Create a loop with fabric, ribbon or lace and tack it in place with a stitch at the top. Add a bow or trim around the top with a strip of lace or ribbon and secure it with a running stitch or whipstitch.
Adding Snowflakes.
Purchase a snowflake stencil, white glitter paint and a brush or small sponge. Place paper inside of the stocking and position the stencil wherever you want a snowflake. Dab the paint until you have the desired effect. Move the stencil and repeat until you have as many snowflakes as you want. Remove the paper, and let it dry.
Repurposed PJs.
Have pajamas your child loved but outgrew? Cut off the legs at the desired length, leaving the footed part. Turn down the top and tack in place, or add a decorative cuff. Add a fabric loop for hanging, and you have instant new stockings.
Glittery Monogram Stocking.
Make or purchase the stocking of your choice, and add the special touch of a tiny, silver-bead monogram. Thread the beads onto a thin wire. Bend it to shape the desired letter, and secure it to the stocking with a few stitches.
Sensational No-Sew Stockings.
Transform inexpensive ready-made felt stockings. Glue on glittery sequins, pom-poms, fringe, fabric yo-yos, decorative buttons, rhinestone pins, small bells, fabric or silk flowers or anything you like. If preferred, use simple stitches to attach the objects. For a more unique design, use objects to create a scene on the stocking.
Snowy and Sophisticated.
Using cream cable-knit stockings, fill the top with baby’s breath, producing a snowy design throughout the season. Surprise your family by switching out the flowers for presents on Christmas morning.
Use one of these wonderful ideas to begin your project. As you work, let your imagination run wild, have fun and treasure the experience. With these simple instructions, enlist the help of a child and form a precious memory, too.
Sources:
1. Smith, H.C. (2020, Nov. 6). 37 Creative DIY Christmas Stocking Ideas. Retrieved from HGTV: https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/unique-handmade-christmas-stockings-pictures.
2. VanSchmus, E. (2021, June 9). 17 Pretty and Easy Handmade Christmas Stockings. Retrieved from Better Homes and Gardens: https://www.bhg.com/christmas/stockings/easy-christmas-stockings/.
Written by Lisa Bell
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