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

Cuff Fabric

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.

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