Welcome to the first installment of the Sew DIY Stocking sewalong. Today, we’re going to be talking about fabric and notions. We’ll discuss the kinds of fabric that are best for each size and ideas for what you can use for the hanging loop. Plus, we’ll share the types of fabric used in our samples (with photos!) and share ideas for other fabrics to try.
EXTERIOR FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS
For the exterior fabric, we recommend medium-weight cotton, linen, flannel, wool, velvet, velveteen, or pre-quilted fabric. We’ve also had success using medium-weight wool coating and polyester fleece (for the cuff).
Fabrics shown above:
Flannel from Blackbird Fabrics (This is the same flannel that I used in some of my samples. I bought it from Maker Mountain Fabrics before they closed earlier this year. This fabric is super soft and I’m planning to make myself a shacket from it this fall.)
Sea-wool from Sewing Studio (Sea-wool is made from recycled oyster shells and recycled plastic. I’ve heard that it’s super soft and I love that it’s made from recycled products. The Sewing Studio has a lot of great plaid flannels in stock right now. Definitely, check them out.)
Herringbone Wool Coating from Blackbird Fabrics (Medium weight wools work well for all but the mini size. If you have some leftover from a coat project, those scraps could make great stockings!)
Fleece from Etsy (Fleece makes a great cuff for the small to large sizes. I think it would also work for the body of the stocking in the medium and large sizes.)
On left: A large stocking with a quilted linen body and flannel cuff, On right: A medium stocking in velvet.
Additional fabric ideas:
Quilted fabric works well for the large size (shown above on left). I think it would also work for the medium and small stockings, although I have not tested it with those sizes. In the photo above, I made quilted fabric using a lightweight linen and cotton batting. Check out my tutorial for making your own quilted fabric.
Fleece also works well in the larger sizes. I used it for the cuff on a large size and the body of a small size. I think a white fleece would work especially well for the cuff, to create a classic stocking look. Although I haven’t tried it, I think fleece would likely be too thick for the mini stocking.
Sweater knit I haven’t tried sweater knit but I think it would be a great way to add cozy texture to your stockings. I would probably use a lightweight woven fabric as a lining to give it structure and prevent the stocking from getting stretched out when things are put inside.
Faux fur I haven’t tried faux fur but I think it would make a really fun cuff. (If I can find the scraps I think are somewhere in my sewing room, I will try it.) I would make it one layer and have the raw edge at the bottom, instead of the folded edge. With faux fur, just be careful not to cut the fur when you’re cutting the fabric. Use scissors or a utility blade to cut only the base layer and not the fur. Then, the fur can hang down at the bottom of the cuff.
Sequins would totally work for a glam, sparkly Christmas. Again, I wouldn’t recommend it for the mini size but I think it would be really fun. I’m imagining a champagne colored sequin body with a faux white fur cuff. So fun!
This is a medium stocking in red velvet and a small stocking in yellow wool coating fabric.
This is a large stocking in the plaid flannel linked above with a gray fleece cuff.
LINING FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS
For the lining, I recommend lighter weight fabrics such as cotton, silk, satin or light-weight flannel or linen. One thing to be aware of is that sometimes flannel lining can be kind of hard to push down inside the stocking because the texture will grab onto the exterior stocking. It’s not a big deal in my book but if you’re choosing between fabrics, something more slippery would be easier to push into the toe of the exterior stocking.
In the photos above, I used a light-weight cotton plaid that was leftover from a shirt I made. I like that I can see a little peek of plaid on the inside and it’s a great way to use up scraps.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MINI STOCKING
The mini stocking is very tiny and, honestly, a bit tricky to sew just because it’s so small. For that reason, I do not recommend using a lining with the mini stocking. I also recommend using lighter weight fabrics, like quilting cotton. Lighter weight flannel works too, I’d just stay away from heavier velvet, wool, fleece or coating material.
For this set of mini stockings, I used quilting cotton from Joann fabrics. It was fun to pick out a little collection of fabrics that could be mixed and matched. One thing to consider is that because there isn’t a lining, you may be able to see the wrong side of the fabric peeking out. To avoid this, use a fabric that looks the same on both sides.
IDEAS FOR THE HANGING LOOP
For the hanging loop, you can use a variety of materials. Personally, I like to use whatever I have on hand that matches fairly closely. You can also make your own hanging loop with fabric and the instructions include a section on how to do that.
One thing to consider is the width of the hanging loop. You may want a wider loop for larger stockings and a thinner loop for the smaller stockings.
Materials to use for a hanging loop:
Twill tape (This is probably my favorite. I have a long standing love affair with cotton twill tape.)
Cording (I used 1/4” macrame cord for many of my stocking samples)
Bias tape
Ribbon
Elastic cording (one of my testers used elastic leftover from mask making)
About the Sew DIY Stocking pattern:
The Sew DIY Stocking is a beginner-friendly holiday stocking, perfect for personalizing your holiday decor. The stocking is available in four sizes—mini, small, medium and large—that can be used in a variety of ways. The small, medium and large sizes work well for the classic stocking usage. Use a mix of sizes and fabrics on your mantel, or pick one for a more uniform look. The mini size can be used for Christmas tree ornaments, an advent calendar, a fun garland, in place of a bow on gifts or even as a gift card holder.
The stockings feature a classic design with a rounded toe and heel, a hanging loop and a fold-over cuff. The stockings are quick to sew and, if desired, the small, medium and large sizes can be sewn with a lining. Make it in velvet for a classic, luxurious feel or sew up a set in plaid cotton flannel for a cozy, homespun vibe.
