Hanging the Stockings

With Christmas nearly upon us, it was time to design some new stockings to hang on the mantle. So where to begin? With a template! Stockings come in many sizes, so I set out to draw a template that I could use over and over. After a few tries, I finally got it. About 7 1/2" wide at the top, and about 18" in length give or take.

Stockings are a staple at Christmastime, and they are on display for weeks. They add just the right feel to any decor. But they should be sturdy enough to hold a gift or two without collapsing. Quilted stockings are great for this! They are thick, and hold their shape beautifully. But this year I opted to use quilting cotton with interfacing. Since interfacing provides firmess and structure, it was a perfect way to create a sturdy stocking that still looks crisp and modern.

To make the stocking you will need two fat quarters of fabric (or a half yard) for the outside, the same for the interfacing, and another half yard for the lining. Truth be told, that is too much fabric. One could do with 1/3 yard if careful. I like to leave room for unexpected circumstances, so I plan for more.

These are the steps I use to make stockings:

Step 1 Trace

I trace the shape of the template onto the fabric. Usually I double the piece to get two identical pieces. You can situate them on the fabric as closely as you like as long as you leave enough room for cutting. There are fabric pens and pencils that will disappear with heat or air. I chose chalk because as a teacher, I have so much! But it does smudge, so only use it on the wrong side of the fabric.

Step 2 Cut

Keeping the fabric folded, cut out the shape(s) being mindful not to let them slip or separate. If you have pinking shears, this would be a good time to use them. If not, regular shears or a rotary cutter work beautifully. I have used all three! You will cut out the exterior, lining, and interfacing.

Step 3 Interfacing

Soft, drooping stockings can be so charming and homey. So if you prefer that look, skip the interfacing! I wanted something with structure, so I used fusible interfacing. Place the bumpy side against the wrong side of the fabric. The directions usually indicate to place a damp cloth over the fabric then press. I confess I used a light mist instead. Most pharmacies and grocery stores sell empty spray bottles. Just fill it with distilled water and you're ready to spritz! Use a medium heat setting on the iron to avoid scorching. Press and voila! a stiff stocking face! Repeat for the back of the stocking. The lining does not require interfacing.

Step 4 Sew

Place right sides together of the outer stocking. Sew about a 1/2" seam around the edge. The trickiest part is sewing around the curves, so I slow things down when I get there. As much as I love a crisp corner, a stocking toe is not where I want it! Clip around the toe and heel to ease the roundness. Repeat for the lining with one exception: leave an opening along the side of the stocking (about 3" or so) to pull the outer stocking through when we get to that step. After sewing the outer stocking, turn it right side out.

* You will need to cut a rectangle about 7" long and 1 1/2"-2" wide for the loop to hang the stocking. I fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew 1/4" seam down the side. Then turn inside out.

Step 5 Assemble

This is the awkward part. Even more awkard than waving at a stranger you thought was waving at you! You will stuff the exterior stocking into the lining. The lining is still wrong side out, but the stocking must be turned right side out before you stuff. It won't feel like it fits, and it doesn't. But it works. Line up the side seams of the lining with the stocking, and pin. Remember to make sure the toes face the same direction... just sayin'. Place the loop between the two layers with raw edges up at the top of the stocking. Pin. Take it to the machine! Sew about 1/2" around the top. Then pull the stocking through the opening left in the side of the lining. Pull it all out, and flip the lining right side out as well. You will have an opening there in the lining that can now be sewn closed. Topstitch close to the edge, and stuff the lining into the stocking. The loop should appear in the correct orientation, and the lining should fit nicely inside the stocking. You can press if you like a more crisp look.

A couple of variations I used were a cuff or cording. If making a cuff, pin it to the outer stocking before slipping it into the lining for sewing. You will sew the 3 layers together at this point. Oh, and remember to place the loop between the lining and the cuff. Otherwise it will be hidden under the cuff! For cording, cut a strip of fabric (on the bias if printed) the length of the distance around the stocking cuff. It should be wide enough to wrap around the cording strand with a half inch left after sewing with a zipper foot snugly along the cording edge. Additionally, you will have to cut your stocking where the cording will go. Add an extra 1/2" or more to the stocking length to make up for the fabric lost to the seams. Whichever variation you choose, you will have a Christmas stocking to use and admire for years to come!

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Thanks for stopping by!

~Astrid

Quilt Artisan