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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

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We all know the tradition of hanging your stockings by the fire and getting some wonderful gifts from Santa or your Parents. It’s a family tradition and I know I still celebrate this way with my parents as a wonderful little ‘extra’ gift exchange. It’s fun, and it adds festivity to any room! Well, why not learn how to make your own customizable stocking to either decorate or be the perfect wrapping to some fun little gifts.
Tools & Materials:
1) 25-30cm of fabric (the main body of the stocking. Any stable fabric will do. We used upholstery fabric to add stability to the stocking and allow it to last longer. But cotton works as well! We suggest double layering your fabric if it is lighter)
2) 10-20cm of faux fur for the cuff (depending on the direction of the fur grain, and how long you’d like your overlay. A contrasting cotton can be used for this too, we suggest doubling it up as well.)
3) Matching or contrasting machine thread
4) Any extra decoration like ribbons, buttons, felt letters, etc. (We used rhinestones to create a fun pattern on our stockings!)
5) Tissue paper, or pattern paper
6) Measuring tape, or ruler
7) Fabric scissors (Exacto blade can be used for cutting fur)
8) Straight pins
Instructions:
Step 1: Measure out the length of your fabric and draw your stocking shape onto your tissue or pattern paper.
Our stocking is 23”x12”. The best way to create a stocking pattern is to measure out the ‘opening’ of your stocking (for us it is 9” including seam allowance) first. Then measure from each corner down approximately 12” in a straight line. On the far right line create a gradual curve to be about 7” long. On the left line measure down another 3.5” and create a sharp curve about 1” across. Then lead into a gentle curve upwards approximately 4-4.5” long, before gently curving downwards for another 4-4.5”. The end of each line should end roughly at the same point before creating a dramatic curve about 7” long to connect the two lines, closing off the end of your stocking.
Step 2: Lay your pattern on the WRONG side of your fabric folded in half, pin and cut out your stocking. You should have 2 fabric cuts for 1 stocking. If you are using quilter’s cotton or a lighter weight fabric, cut 4 pieces of fabric. You can back the stocking with a plain cotton/broadcloth or use the same base fabric for your stocking. This will add stability to your stocking and allow it to last longer.
Step 3: Measure out the “tab” for your stocking using the same fabric as the body. The Tab should be 11” long and 2.5” wide. You can either draw it out on the WRONG side of your fabric with a fabric pen or create a pattern piece using your tissue/pattern paper. Draw a line directly down the middle of this tab.
Step 4: Sew your tab together by folding the two sides of your rectangle inwards towards the ‘middle’ line you’ve indicated on your pattern. Iron flat and then fold completely in half like you would for creating bias tape. You should now have two clean edges.
Topstitch the tab across both sides of the 11” long seam to hold it securely together.
Step 5: Take your sewn together tab and lay it between the two layers of the stocking against the RIGHT side of the fabric. Be sure to layer your tab with the two ends beside one another, not on top. (Laying them directly on top of one another will create a large bulk and be difficult to sew over.)
Step 6: Sew the stocking together with WRONG sides facing out, from one side to another, taking care around the corners. Use a ¾” seam allowance. Make sure to leave the top of your stocking open.
If you’re using a light fabric and have cut an extra set of 2 layers, sew this “extra” stocking together without a tab. Sew this stocking with the RIGHT sides together and put aside.
Step 7: Clip the curves of your stocking at the toes and the heels in the seam allowance, taking care to clip close to your stitching line without cutting any of your stitch work. Cutting the corners will allow for your stocking to lay flatter along the curves.
Turn your stocking right side out and be sure you didn’t miss any seams!
Step 8: Measure out your faux fur or contrasting binding to suit the size of the opening of your stocking. Ours was 14” long and 8” wide and because of the direction of our fur, we made sure the 8” was facing downwards so the fur lay flat when we finished.
If you’re not sure how to cut or sew faux fur be sure to watch our video on cutting and sewing faux fur. 
Fold your faux fur together WRONG sides facing out and sew it together on the 1 joining side. It should look like you’ve created a tube with an opening on the top and bottom.
Step 9: Take your Faux fur tube and insert it into the opening of the stocking. Be sure the fur is facing IN and the WRONG side of the faux fur fabric is facing out.
Pin in place and sew around the entire opening of your stocking like you would a sleeve or waistband. Sew using a ½” seam allowance.
If you are using the “extra” stocking for a lighter fabric insert the stocking into the other stocking so the raw edge of the seams are facing each other. Sew together around the opening of the stocking. THEN follow the step above the same way for inserting the faux fur.
Step 10: Pull your faux fur tube out of the stocking, it should look something like this all sewn together.
Fold the fur over like you’re rolling a sock and the fur should lay flat, fur side out, against your stocking. Faux Fur does not need to be hemmed, but if you are using a different fabric check to make sure the fabric will not fray. Hem if necessary.
Step 11: Now for the fun decoration part! We used rhinestones to create a fun pattern on top of our stocking, but feel free to do whatever you’d like.
To make our pattern we printed an image of a Christmas tree and traced it onto our stocking using a fabric-safe pen/chalk pen. Then using a rhinestone tool we applied the rhinestones around the shape.
We also added a little flare on the bottom and toe of the stocking.
And just like that our stocking was done! Super easy, fun and looking beautiful! Share with us the stockings you’ve created; new or old. Spread that Christmas cheer!

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