Let’s talk about Christmas stockings and free patterns, yes, I know it’s early, however, it’s a great time to have a plan. So, I’m sharing inspiration for Christmas stockings in this blog post.
Additionally, the best part these stockings are easy, budget-friendly, and have no sewing machine!
It was time for new Christmas stockings this year. Because I enjoy making pieces for my home décor myself, I came up with a plan.
After giving this project some thought, I remembered having an old tablecloth, that unfortunately shrank. This is when I began thinking it may be a great way to use this for the base of my stockings.
What Fabric is Best for this Project
Best Fabric to Use
For the most part, for your fabric choice, I suggest using cotton, linen, or brushed cotton. Make sure to check your fabric collection to see what’s available for your family stockings.
Fat quarters of fabric are also great for these cute stockings.
So, I am going to share a tutorial on how to make Christmas stockings and a free Christmas stocking pattern too!
First thing, I cut square pieces of fabric for my stockings. Because I enjoy old, time-worn pieces, I decided to tea-stain the fabric pieces for this DIY.
Tea Stain for Tea Staining the Pieces to the Holiday Craft DIY
Step 1: Staining the Pieces with Tea
Items Needed for Tea Staining:
- pot of water
- tea bags
For the most part, tea staining fabric is easy for this DIY Christmas stocking project.
To begin, add water to a large pot and begin heating the water on the stove.
Next, add tea bags to the water and stir with a wooden spoon to release the tea. Let the water get warm, not boiling. After the water is warm, turn the flame off.
Now, begin adding your fabric pieces to the pot. Stir the fabric in the tea mixture moving the pieces around. Additionally, move the pieces around to evenly coat.
After a few moments move the pot near the sink. This makes it less messy when removing the fabric. Next, remove one piece at a time and squeeze well to remove the excess tea water.
Next, hang them to dry.
Items Needed to Make Family Stockings
- free stocking pattern
- fabric
- scissors
- iron
- pen
- Jolee’s transfer sheets – white for light fabrics, dark fabrics
- fabric glue
Tracing the Pattern to Make This Christmas Craft
Step 2: Trace the Pattern for the Project
Here using the free printable stocking pattern, begin tracing the body of the stocking.
By the way, if you are using the free pattern, take it to a copy center for a larger size for a little cost.
Next hang to dry. By the way, these will not take too long to dry.
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Iron the Fabric Squares Before Tracing
Step 3: Ironing the Cut Squares to Make Flat
Because the squares get wrinkled from squeezing the excess water out iron them with a hot iron and no steam to take the wrinkles out.
After you have your pattern, trace it onto each piece of fabric to make mirror images for your stocking shapes. I suggest using a pen to trace the pattern because it works best.
Now, using a good pair of scissors cut your pattern pieces. By the way, I’m making four stockings so I have eight pieces for my own Christmas stockings.
Preparing the Iron to Add the Images for the Homemade Craft
Step 4: Prep the Iron to Adhere Graphics
Incidentally, if you are going to add images to your handmade stockings as I did, now is the time to do this step.
Adding images to these is very easy. As a rule, I use Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image Iron Transfer paper in white, especially for light-color fabrics. This is also available when using darker colors.
Having used transfers many times for projects, for example, this simple canvas project may be of interest, I mention I purchase mine from Etsy. I do this because they have the best images available for only a few dollars.
Because the transfers will be getting ironed on the stocking pieces, they need to be printed in reverse. Again, as I mention in the link above Etsy sends them in reverse.
I also like adding images to add a personal touch to my stocking designs.
Below, you will notice I have a piece of wood under my stocking to iron my image. The wood keeps it stiff and allows it to be added as the instructions on the package state.
Incidentally, I printed my images 4×6 which is a perfect fit for my Christmas stockings free pattern.
Ironing the Images On
Step 5: Carefully Iron on Images of Your Choice
Now, when ironing the images, it’s important to use a piece of wood underneath the fabric as I mentioned above. This is important because the fabric needs to be smooth. Also, set the iron on high with NO steam.
First, go over the outer piece of fabric where you want the image, and lightly add heat. Next, place your image face down and press the iron firmly. This is important because this is when the ink transfers to your stocking fabric. It’s also necessary to press firmly when moving the iron. I suggest counting to 60. Also will notice the ink pulling from the paper. Look at the packaging for instructions for your specific fabric.
After you finish ironing, carefully begin to remove the backing.
Putting Them Together and Adding the Top Trim
Step 1: Let’s Begin Putting These Together
Because I don’t sew, I am using fabric glue to put the bottom of the stocking together. I am using this particular fabric glue because it allows me to have the option to wash them in cold water if needed. I have seen this done with hot glue. So, if you aren’t concerned with washing these stockings then that is an option.
This glue also dries quickly so don’t make that a concern.
Now first lay down the piece with the image facing up. Next step, add glue around the long edges and place the blank piece on top.
Begin to press on the long sides to bond together and let dry. Meanwhile, I did the same steps to my other stockings.
After all the pieces were dry, I turned them right side out and it gave me a finished look for my Christmas project.
Step 2: Cutting and Add the Trim
After gluing the body of the stockings together it’s time to add the top of the stocking. I saved the tops of old stockings from years ago, perfect for two stockings. However, I am making four. So, having a runner I don’t use anymore, is the solution.
Now an Option for Your New Stockings:
Faux fur is a great idea
Wide Ruffle Trim

Lastly, I slid each into each stocking top and added fabric glue to the outside of each cuff piece. After these are glued and dried, I simply folded over the trim to have a top for my easy project.
I also added a hanging loop using leftover fabric from my simple Christmas stocking tutorial.
FREE PRINTABLE
I hope you enjoyed learning how to make Christmas stockings and a free pattern. And I’m sharing links for your shopping needs to purchase supplies. I’m so happy with the end result and think these are perfect for Christmas morning overflowing with little presents!
By the way, this quick Christmas sign may be of interest, and it makes a wonderful gift idea for any home décor!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you will be thinking about making these to suit your home for the holiday season.
Christmas Stockings & Free Pattern
Equipment
- scissors, iron, large pot, wood cutting board
Notes
- old cotton tablecloth, cotton fabric or cotton muslin fabric
- stocking trim, fabric or faux fur
- 10 tea bags
- pot of simmering warm water
- Jolees iron fabric transfer sheets light for light fabric, buy dark for dark fabrics
- wood cutting board
- iron
- large pot
- transfer of your choice – i.e. French Paper Moon – Etsy – variety of images not just French images availableÂ
- washable fabric glue
- free stocking pattern, 1 copy needed from any copy store
Other Holiday Posts
These are so great Cindy. Thanks for sharing the pattern. You my friend are so creative. xoxo Kris
Thanks so much. You are one to talk about creative. You’re a superstar
Great tutorial and free pattern. Love the transfers – so unique!
Thanks Jayne
I love these stockings, Cindy!
Thank you Paula!
Oh Cindy, these stockings are absolutely adorable. I just love them.
Thanks so much Tammy
These stockings are just adorable and so fun! I love the vintage vibe and your attention to detail. Thanks for sharing the whole tutorial-from the tea staining to the iron-on and ruffles, these are gorgeous!
Thanks so much Meegan. I really wanted to get the vintage look
These are adorable!! I love the vintage look and the tea-stained fabric. How many tea bags did you use to get your fabric that color?
Thanks Michelle. I think I used about 10
Thank you! I’ve had some fabric I’ve wanted to stain for awhile but I wasn’t sure how many tea bags to use. 🙂
No problem. Let the water be warm too
Such a great project! I love how the stockings turned out! Now it’s time to deck the halls!
Happy day!
KariAnne
I love your stocking, Cindy. xo Laura
Thanks so much!
Beautiful stockings, Cindy! You’re all set for the holidays with your pretty pattern.
Thanks Kim!
Cindy your stocking are perfect for your home. Thanks for the tutorial and free pattern. Great Christmas hop!
Thank you
The ruffle detail is very pretty. My auntie would love the Victorian little girl. So sweet.
These vintage style stockings are so sweet, Cindy! I love the ruffle trim at the top. It’s great that you don’t need any sewing skills to make them, either. Thanks for sharing. Pinned!
Such beautiful vintage Christmas stockings. I love your techniques. This is a great tutorial.
Thanks so much Janet
OMG, I love your idea to cut off the ruffle from a table runner you are no longer using. These gorgeous stockings are one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Merry Christmas,
Kippi
Thank you Kippi. I can’t wait to hang them at Christmas
I love your stockings Cindy! The tea staining adds a nice vintage feeling to them! pinned 🙂
I love how you tea stained the fabric, such a nice touch! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Olivia
Cindy! Adorable!!! I am just seeing your post here early this morning and I love how your stockings turned out. <3 I worked with some transfer paper this summer for a project my mother-in-law was working on. Might have to make a few new stockings this year! 😉
Enjoy yours,
Barb 🙂
Thanks Barbara. I love them!
These look like they could be sold in a French market, Cindy! Wow – they are amazing – super pretty and so creative too. Can’t wait to see what your up to this holiday season. I’m in love already, CoCo
So pretty; I love the vintage look!
Brilliant. Swooning over these beauties.
Thank you, they were fun to make
Thanks so much Rebecca
Love these stockings, Cindy! Thanks for sharing them at Celebrate Your Story! Link Party. You’ve been featured this week 🙂
I saw and thank you. Hope you saw it