DIY Christmas stockings are a great beginning sewing project that will make you feel like you accomplished something big right away! This year, I wanted to change things up a bit with our stockings. Instead of the traditional red or white stockings I looked all over for polka dot and striped. And to my surprise, I was unable to find exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to make my own. Never making more than a pillowcase or simple cloth napkins, I wasn't sure where to start. I called my mom {who is an expert in sewing} I looked at several patterns, but I did not like any of the styles. I have a few white fur stockings that I love the look of, so I decided to use one of those for my template.
Here is what you will need to make 4 stockings:
2 yards fabric {I used 1 yard per design}for the stocking
1 yard fabric for the cuff {I used cream colored linen}
2 yards fabric for lining {I used an old twin sheet I had on hand}
8 yards decorative trim for the cuff **Optional
Thread to match fabric and cuff
Sewing machine
Pattern or template
I have to tell you, I wasn't sure what the outcome would be, then I made one and it was so EASY! Yes, easy! I knew then I had the confidence to go forward to make 3 more.
Let me show you how:
1) If you aren't using a pattern, cut out a template. I used my pretty white fur stockings from last year. I simply traced around it and cut it out.
2) Now I was ready to cut my fabric. I placed the template on my fabric {if you have printed fabric make sure you fold over the fabric so it is facing right side in}. Pin the template in place and allow a seam allowance of at least 1/4".
3) Here is my stocking cut with a seam allowance.
5) Once the stocking is cut out, I decided to line mine, using an old white twin sheet I had on hand. So placing the cut stocking on top of the sheet I cut it out, this time with no seam allowance since I had already allowed for that for my stocking.
6) I sewed around the stocking edges and turned the stocking right side out to make sure it had the shape I wanted. I was so excited, it looked perfect!!! {insert happy dance}
7) Now comes the cuff! This step intimidated me more than the stocking did, however I was determined to do it! A cuff with at least 3 rows of pleats is what I wanted. I first had to figure out how big I wanted the cuff. 4" is what I decided was a good width. And the circumference of my stocking was 17" with a 1/4" seam allowance.
8) After cutting the linen to 4" wide by 17" long, I was ready to start placing my pleated trim.
If using trim, it is really easy to place straight. After sewing the first row on I had a guide to help with the others. I simply aligned the trim edges together and continued sewing all three rows.
9) After the trim was completely sewn on my cuff, it was time to attach the cuff to my stocking ~ now I'm getting really excited because I couldn't wait to see the finished project! I was in love with how the cuff turned out!
10) I attached the cuff by turning the stocking right side out and placing the cuff where I wanted it, taking great care to make sure it was straight and lined up with the back stocking seam. I pinned it in place to complete my sewing.
11) Turning the stocking inside out again, I finished pinning the cuff and made sure it was a perfect fit and wasn't bunching up anywhere. I placed the stocking on the arm of my machine and turned as I sewed.
12) It's Done!!! I'm so thrilled how they all turned out!!
13) Don't forget to add your hanger. I had some pretty red grosgrain ribbon on hand, but if you use grosgrain it does like to fray. You can either use Fray Check or a long lighter like the one I used to fuse the ends of the ribbon. Simply run the ribbon edges through the flame quickly a few times.
14) Fold the ribbon in half and secure it with a few stitches. Then place the loop where you want it to be, I wanted mine in the corner instead of on the side. I stitched it to the inside seam and hung it on my mantel.
With a few of the leftover fabric scraps, I made mini tree skirts for the white mantel trees. I love the look of polka dot and stripes together, don't you?
Super easy Christmas stockings you made are so much better than store bought! Let me know if you decide to make your own and need any additional help or pointers.
Happy Holidays Friends!
xo,
Jennifer
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