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Friday, December 14, 2012

Hung by the chimney with care... (tutorial)

The stockings, that is!



If making stockings is one of the unchecked things on your to-do list, we're here to help! 
Today's tutorial is a basic stocking design with a fold over cuff, and then we'll show you a few alternatives for adding a bit more detail. (Finished stocking size: approximately 10" across toe x 22")

Click here to download the stocking template. It will print out on three pieces of paper, and you'll need to cut it out and tape the pieces together as directed on the template itself. If you have a stocking around the house, you can just trace that if you prefer. 

1. Basic Stocking Pattern 
You will need:
3/4 yard each of two different Christmas themed prints (1 for outer stocking; 1 for lining)
Prints shown here are from the Santa's Workshop and Christmas 2012 collections.
Interfacing or batting (optional)
Basic sewing supplies


To make the stocking:
Fold the outer stocking print piece in half, wrong sides together. If the fabric features a directional print (this one does), make sure it is oriented correctly. Position the stocking template on top and pin in place. Cut out around the shape, leaving a 1/4" (or slightly more) seam allowance to create a generous stocking. **Note: If you choose to cut the front and back stocking pieces separately, make sure they are mirror images of each other.**

Repeat for the lining fabric. **Note: If your lining fabric is directional, orient the template so that the fabric design is upside down. This will make the fabric on the cuff right side up when you fold it over.**

**Note: To create a sturdier stocking, you can also cut two stocking shapes out of interfacing or batting. Pin or baste to the wrong side of each outer stocking piece and continue with the next step.**
Place the two outer stocking pieces right sides together and stitch along the sides and bottom with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving the top edge open. 

Repeat with the two lining pieces, but leave a 4" opening at the bottom for turning.

Clip the seam allowance in curved areas to help create a smooth curve after turning.

Turn the outer stocking right side out. Stuff the outer stocking inside the lining, right sides facing. Line up the top raw edges, and align the side seams. 

Pin the raw edges together.

Stitch around the top edge using a 1/4" seam allowance. 


Turn the stocking right side out through the opening in the lining and sew the opening closed. 


Press the top seam of the stocking, letting a tiny bit of the lining fabric show on the outside (this will ensure that the under side of the cuff doesn't peek through after you fold the cuff down). If desired, topstitch the top edge of the stocking. Fold the cuff down as much as desired. (See how the print is right side up?!) Press the fold. You can topstitch this folded edge as well, if you like. 


To make the hanging loop, cut a 3" x 14" strip of fabric. Fold in half lengthwise and press. Open the fold back up, and fold each lengthwise edge in again to the center fold.


Fold the strip along the center fold again to create a long, narrow strip with finished edges.


Topstitch along the open edge of the strip to secure. 


Decide how long you want your loop to be and trim strip accordingly. Hand or machine stitch the raw edges to the inside top of the stocking along the heel-side seam. 

Fill with goodies, hang by the fireplace, and enjoy!

Check back again soon for a tutorial showing variations to this basic stocking.

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