DIY: Make Your Own Christmas Stockings

In keeping green (both environmentally and monetarily, I mean this is JulieBGreen right?) I made my families Christmas Stockings from a set of old curtains I had made for our last house.  They were a chocolate brown corduroy and since I had made them especially for that house they were just taking up closet space.  I used McCall's pattern M4990.  You certainly don't have to have a pattern though, if you have old stockings use them as a pattern!  I picked this pattern up a few years ago for really cheap and it is one of my favorites.  I made different stockings for the kids and bigger ones for Dale and I.  It pays to be an adult!  For embellishments I used old and broken jewelry and ribbon.  The kids love their stockings and I love that they were basically free.  I also love the contrast of the sparkly jewelry and the durability of the corduroy, making it gender friendly.  Either that or boys just really don't care what is on their stocking, just what's in it!

For the kids stockings I made the pattern which has an overlap, which can be tricky if you aren't a "sewer" but for the adults I used the top of the fabric that had already been sewn down for a curtain rod, thus eliminating that step.  The adult ones were so easy.  I made both adult ones (the ones with ribbon) in less than an hour, including cut time.  Don't forget to add the loop to hang it with.  I almost forgot on the adult ones and caught myself just in time!  If you are embellishing with ribbon make sure that you put the ribbon on before you sew the two sides together.

I haven't decided what to do on the top of the stocking holders yet, maybe little frames with everyone's picture in them?  I want something cool and hip and totally awesome.  That probably won't happen until next year, or after Christmas when all the stuff goes on sale ;).

How to make a new stocking using an old one:


Get a large piece of paper, any will do and place your old stocking on top.  Trace around the old stocking making sure to leave about 1/2 inch for seam allowance.  Next cut a strip of fabric for your loop, 8 inches by 2 inches, or however long you want yours to be.  Sew it closed making sure to tuck the raw edges inside.  Sew on any embellishments to your stocking now.  Place the wrong sides together and pin the end of each end of the loop onto the inside of each side of the stocking.  Sew each loop side on and then pin the stocking together with wrong sides facing out.  Make sure that the top is even when you start to sew or your stocking will look wonky.  Stitch along the edge and make sure that the top on the other side is even as well.   Trim along your seam.  Turn out and admire your work.

I hate the lighting in my living room.  It is absolutely horrible for getting a natural light shot of anything and I just don't have the time to fiddle in Picnik to get them the way I want them.  Oh well.  I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and if you're celebrating Hanukkah, Happy Hanukkah!  I'll see you all next week after the crazy dies down.