Let’s dig into the area of no sew Christmas stockings and free patterns. I understand it might seem early to discuss this festive topic, but it’s never too soon to start planning ahead for Christmas. Today, I want to share some inspiring ideas for Christmas stockings in this blog post.
What’s even better is that these stocking designs are not only simple to create, but they are also budget-friendly and require no sewing machine!
Jump to DIY CardWith the arrival of a new Christmas season, it was time for me to replace our old stockings. As someone who enjoys crafting personalized home décor items, I devised a plan to make my own stockings.
During my thought process, a memory resurfaced, I recalled owning an old tablecloth that had unfortunately shrunk over time. It occurred to me that this could be the perfect opportunity to repurpose it as a foundation for my stockings.
What Fabric is Best for this Project
Best Fabric to Use
When it comes to selecting the ideal fabric for your Christmas stockings, I recommend considering cotton, linen, or brushed cotton. Take a moment to browse your fabric collection and see what options are available for your family stockings.
Additionally, fat quarters of fabric work wonderfully for creating these adorable stockings.
Now, let me walk you through a detailed tutorial on how to make Christmas stockings and provide you with a complimentary Christmas stocking pattern!
To begin, start by cutting square pieces of fabric for the stockings. As a lover of vintage and weathered aesthetics, I opted to tea-stain the fabric pieces for this DIY project.
Tea Staining The Pieces For The Holiday Craft DIY
Step 1: Gathering The Items For Tea Staining
Tea staining is a fantastic technique to add a vintage touch to your DIY Christmas stockings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tea stain the fabric pieces:
- A pot of water
- Tea bags
Tea staining the fabric for your DIY Christmas stockings is a relatively straightforward process.
Start by filling a large pot with water and placing it on the stove to heat.
Add tea bags to the water and use a wooden spoon to stir, allowing the tea to infuse into the water. It’s important to heat the water until it becomes warm but not boiling. Once the water reaches a warm temperature, turn off the flame.
Now, carefully place your stocking fabric pieces into the pot. Stir the fabric in the tea mixture, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Move the pieces around gently to promote uniform staining.
After a few moments of tea staining, move the pot near the sink to make the process less messy when removing the fabric.
Here’s What To Do Next:
One piece at a time, carefully remove the fabric from the pot and give it a good squeeze to eliminate the excess tea water. Take your time with this step to ensure you achieve the desired level of staining.
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 For This Christmas Craft
Step 2: Trace The Pattern For The Project
Start by using the free printable stocking pattern and begin tracing the body of the stocking onto your tea-stained fabric.
If you’re using the free pattern and wish to have a larger size, consider taking it to a copy center where they can enlarge it very little cost.
Once you’ve finished tracing the pattern onto the stocking fabric, it’s time to hang the pieces up to dry. The good news is that they won’t take too long to dry, so you’ll be able to proceed with the next steps of the project relatively quickly.
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Iron Fabric Squares Before Tracing
Step 3: Ironing Cut Squares Flat
Before tracing the pattern onto the fabric squares, it’s important to iron them to ensure they are flat and free of wrinkles.
Here’s Step 3 Of The Process:
Since the fabric squares may have become wrinkled from squeezing out the excess water, use a hot iron without steam to remove the wrinkles. Carefully iron each fabric square, taking your time to achieve a smooth and wrinkle-free surface. This step will help prepare the fabric for tracing the stocking pattern and ensure you have a neat appearance.
Once you have your stocking pattern, it’s time to trace it onto each piece of fabric to create mirror images for your stocking shapes.
Tracing The Pattern
Step 4: Tracing The Pattern Onto The Fabric
Using a pen is the recommended tool for tracing the pattern onto the fabric, as it provides the best results. Carefully trace the pattern onto each fabric piece, ensuring that you have mirror images for the stocking shapes. Take your time during this step to achieve accurate and symmetrical outlines for your stockings.
Now, it’s time to grab a good pair of scissors and cut out your stocking pattern pieces.
Using your trusty scissors, carefully cut along the traced lines to separate each pattern piece. Since we are making four stockings, you will need a total of eight pieces to create mirror images for each stocking. Take your time and ensure precise cuts to maintain the integrity of the pattern and fabric.
Add Images For The Homemade Craft
Step 4: Adding The Images To Stockings
If you plan to add images to your handmade stockings, now is the perfect time to do so.
Incorporating images into your stockings is a simple and easy process. As a recommendation, consider using Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image Iron Transfer paper in white, especially if you’re working with light-colored fabrics. This transfer paper is also available for use with darker colors.
To proceed, follow the instructions provided with the transfer paper to print your desired images onto the iron transfer sheets. Once printed, carefully cut out the images, leaving a small border around each one.
Now, position the images onto your fabric pieces, ensuring they are arranged to your liking. Make sure to follow the specific instructions provided with the transfer paper to iron the images onto the fabric effectively.
Adding images to your stockings adds a personal touch and enhances their overall appearance. Get creative and enjoy this step of the process!
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.
Print images 4×6 which is a perfect fit for my Christmas stockings-free pattern.
Ironing The Images On
Step 5: Iron On Images Of Your Choice
When ironing the images, it’s essential 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 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. You 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 Stockings Together And Adding the Top Trim
Step 1: Begin Putting Each Stocking 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 it’s an option.
This glue 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 the stocking 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 Adding 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.
Options for Your New Stockings:
Lastly, slide each stocking bottom into each stocking top and add fabric glue to the outside of each cuff piece. After these are glued and dried, simply fold over the trim to have a top for this easy project.
Also add a hanging loop using leftover fabric from this simple Christmas stocking tutorial.
FREE PRINTABLE
I hope you enjoyed learning how to make no sew Christmas stockings and a free pattern: DIY card. 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. If you have any questions, please send me an email and I will help in any way I can with the stockings for your home.
Christmas Stockings & Free Pattern
Equipment
- 1 Pair of Scissors
- 1 hot iron with no steam
- 1 large pot with warm water
- 1 wood cutting board or a piece of wood
- 10 tea bags
- 1 pair of rubber gloves optional
- 1 bolttle of washable fabric glue
- 1 Jolee Iron on Transfer Sheets
- 1 old tablecloth, cotton, or muslin fabric
- 1 lace, cotton, or fur for the stocking trim
- 1 Pen to trace the pattern
Instructions
- Step 1: Gathering the Items for Tea StainingTea staining is a fantastic technique to add a vintage touch to your DIY Christmas stockings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tea stain the fabric pieces:Tea staining the fabric for your DIY Christmas stockings is a relatively straightforward process.Start by filling a large pot with water and placing it on the stove to heat.Next, add tea bags to the water and use a wooden spoon to stir, allowing the tea to infuse into the water. It’s important to heat the water until it becomes warm but not boiling. Once the water reaches a warm temperature, turn off the flame.Now, carefully place your stocking fabric pieces into the pot. Stir the fabric in the tea mixture, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Move the pieces around gently to promote uniform staining.A pot of water for the tea bagsAfter a few moments of tea staining, move the pot near the sink to make the process less messy when removing the fabric. Here’s what you should do next:One piece at a time, carefully remove the fabric from the pot and give it a good squeeze to eliminate the excess tea water. Take your time with this step to ensure you achieve the desired level of staining.Next, hang them to dry.
- Step 2: Trace the Pattern for the ProjectStart by using the free printable stocking pattern and begin tracing the body of the stocking onto your tea-stained fabric.If you’re using the free pattern and wish to have a larger size, consider taking it to a copy center where they can enlarge it for a little cost.Once you’ve finished tracing the pattern onto the stocking fabric, it’s time to hang the pieces up to dry. The good news is that they won’t take too long to dry, so you’ll be able to proceed with the next steps of the project relatively quickly.
- Step 3: Ironing the Cut Squares FlatBefore tracing the pattern onto the fabric squares, it’s important to iron them to ensure they are flat and free of wrinkles. Here’s step 3 of the process:Since the fabric squares may have become wrinkled from squeezing out the excess water, use a hot iron without steam to remove the wrinkles. Carefully iron each fabric square, taking your time to achieve a smooth and wrinkle-free surface. This step will help prepare the fabric for tracing the stocking pattern and ensure you have a neat appearance.
- Step 4: Tracing the Pattern onto the FabricUsing a pen is the recommended tool for tracing the pattern onto the fabric, as it provides the best results. Carefully trace the pattern onto each fabric piece, ensuring you have mirror images for the stocking shapes. Take your time during this step to achieve accurate and symmetrical lines for your stockings.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, it’s time to grab a good pair of scissors and cut out your stocking pattern pieces.Using your trusty scissors, carefully cut along the traced lines to separate each pattern piece. Since we are making four stockings, you will need eight pieces to create mirror images for each stocking. Take your time and ensure precise cuts to maintain the integrity of the pattern and fabric.
- Step 5: Adding The Images to StockingsIf you plan to add images to your handmade stockings, now is the perfect time to do so.Incorporating images into your stockings is a simple and easy process. As a recommendation, consider using Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image Iron Transfer paper in white, especially if you’re working with light-colored fabrics. This transfer paper is also available for use with darker colors.To proceed, follow the instructions provided with the transfer paper to print your desired images onto the iron transfer sheets. Once printed, carefully cut out the images, leaving a small border around each one.Now, position the images onto your fabric pieces, ensuring they are arranged to your liking. Make sure to follow the specific instructions provided with the transfer paper to iron the images onto the fabric effectively.Adding images to your stockings adds a personal touch and enhances their overall appearance. Get creative and enjoy this step of the process!
- Step 6: Carefully Iron on Images of Your ChoiceWhen ironing the images, it’s essential to use a piece of wood underneath the fabric 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 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.
- Putting Them Together and Adding the Top TrimStep 1: Let’s Begin Putting These TogetherBecause I don’t sew, add 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.This glue also dries quickly.Lay down the piece with the image facing up. Next, 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.
- Step 2: Cutting and Add the CuffGlue the body of the stockings together and 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 is the solution.
- Slide a cuff into each stocking top and add fabric glue to the outside of each cuff piece. After glued and dried, simply folded over the trim to have a tt.Add a hanging loop using leftover fabric from my simple Christmas stocking tutorial.
Notes
Christmas Stockings and Free Pattern
Items Needed:- old cotton tablecloth, cotton fabric, or cotton muslin fabric
- stocking trim, plain 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 – Etsy – a variety of images not just French images available
- washable fabric glue
- free stocking pattern, 1 copy needed from any copy store
Step 1: Gathering the Items for Tea Staining
Tea staining is a technique to add a vintage touch to your DIY Christmas stockings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to tea stain the fabric pieces:- A pot of water
- Tea bags
Step 2: Trace the Pattern for the Project
Start by using the free printable stocking pattern and begin tracing the body of the stocking onto your tea-stained fabric. If you’re using the free pattern get a larger size made at a copy center where they can enlarge it for a little cost. Once you’ve finished tracing the pattern onto the stocking fabric, it’s time to hang the pieces up to dry.Step 3: Ironing the Cut Squares Flat
Before tracing the pattern onto the fabric squares, iron them to ensure they are flat. Here’s step 3 of the process: Since the fabric squares may have become wrinkled from squeezing out the excess water, use a hot iron without steam to remove the wrinkles. Carefully iron each fabric square, taking your time to achieve a smooth and wrinkle-free surface. This step will help prepare the fabric for tracing the stocking pattern and ensure you have a neat appearance.Step 4: Tracing the Pattern onto the Fabric
Using a pen is recommended for tracing the pattern onto the fabric, it provides the best results. Carefully trace the pattern onto each fabric piece, ensuring that you have mirror images for the stocking shapes. Take your time during this step to achieve accurate and symmetrical outlines for your stockings.Step 5: Adding The Images to Stockings
If you plan to add images to your handmade stockings, now is the perfect time to do so. Incorporating images into your stockings is a simple and easy process. As a recommendation, consider using Jolee’s Boutique Easy Image Iron Transfer paper in white, especially if you’re working with light-colored fabrics. This transfer paper is also available for use with darker colors. Follow the instructions provided with the transfer paper to print your desired images onto the iron transfer sheets. Once printed, carefully cut out the images, leaving a small border around each one. Position the images onto your fabric pieces, ensuring they are arranged to your liking. Make sure to follow the specific instructions provided with the transfer paper to iron the images onto the fabric effectively. Adding images to your stockings adds a personal touch and enhances their overall appearance. Get creative and enjoy this step of the process!Step 6: Carefully Iron on Images of Your Choice
Iron the images, it’s essential 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 fabric where you want the image, and 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. You will notice the ink pulling from the paper. Look at the packaging for instructions for your specific fabric.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 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.Step 2: Cutting and Add the Trim
Glue the body of the stockings together and 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.
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