Sew an Easy Christmas Stocking

Sewing your own Christmas stocking is a fun holiday project and a great way for kids to practice basic sewing skills. This simple stocking uses just two pieces of fabric and can be sewn on a machine or by hand. Customize it with felt shapes, names, buttons, ribbon, or trim!

Sewing Materials Available

Supplies You'll Need

Stocking template (or trace an existing stocking)
2 pieces of cotton or fleece fabric (front + back)
Optional: lining fabric (2 pieces)
Pins or clips
Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
Thread
Fabric scissors
Ribbon or felt strip for the hanging loop
Optional: pom-poms, buttons, felt shapes, trim, fabric markers

Easy Christmas Stocking Sewing Tutorial for Kids

1. Make or Print a Stocking Template

You can: Print a stocking template from online, or Trace around a stocking you already have. Cut out your paper pattern.
Tip: Keep your stocking around 15-18 inches tall so it's easy to fill with treats.

2. Cut Out Your Fabric

Fold your fabric in half. Pin the template on top and cut out two matching stocking shapes - a front and a back. If using a lining, cut two more lining pieces the same size. Make sure the toe points the same direction on both pieces!

3. Add Decorations Before Sewing

It's much easier for kids to decorate the stocking while it's flat.
Ideas to add now:

Felt name letters
Stars, trees, snowflakes
Buttons
Ribbon stripes
Fabric paint or glitter glue

Sew or glue decorations to the front piece only.

4. Sew the Stocking Pieces Together

Place the two stocking pieces right sides together. Pin or clip all around the edges. Sew around the stocking with a ¼" - ½" seam allowance, starting at the top of the cuff area and going all the way around the toe and heel.
Do NOT sew across the top- this stays open!
If hand sewing: use a running stitch or backstitch.

5. Clip Curves and Turn Right Side Out

To make the curves smooth, gently clip little triangles around the toe and heel areas (don't cut through stitching). Turn the stocking right side out and push out the toe using a pencil or chopstick.

6. Make the Hanging Loop

Cut a 5-6" strip of ribbon or a small fabric strip. Fold into a loop. Pin the loop inside the stocking at the upper back edge (the loop should be pointing inward while sewing).

7. Hem or Finish the Top Edge

You can choose one of two methods:

Easy Method (No Lining)

Fold the top edge inside about ½".
Press and sew around the opening.

Lined Method (More polished)

Sew the two lining pieces together the same way as the stocking (leave a small hole in the side for turning).
Put the lining inside the stocking with right sides together.
Insert the hanging loop between layers.
Sew around the top edge.
Turn right side out through the lining opening and stitch the hole closed.
Push lining down into stocking.

8. Final Touches

Add bows, pom-poms, trim, jingle bells, or extra stitching. Hang the stocking and enjoy your handmade holiday creation!

Fun Ideas for Kids

Make mini stockings for gift cards or treats.
Sew matching stockings for the whole family.
Use fleece, felt, flannel, or Christmas-themed fabric.
Let kids design their own pattern shapes to sew on.

Need a fun hand sewing project?
Felt Sewing Patterns!

Mini Stocking Decorations

The first step to sew an easy Christmas stocking is to draw a pattern. On a piece of cardstock draw a mini stocking. Use a pencil and experiment until you get the size you'd like. Don't make it too small or skinny or it will be hard to sew. Use your Christmas stocking pattern to cut out your fabric. You'll need two for each stocking.

Place two stockings right sides together. Sew around edges leaving top open.

stocking sew sides

Turn edge ½ inch down and hem in place.

stocking hem

Turn right side out. Cut a strip of ribbon and pin in place. Sew to make a ribbon loop for hanging.

stocking ribbon

Now your mini stockings are sewn and you are ready to decorate. Decorate with pom poms, jingle bells, ribbon, buttons, whatever embellishments you can find or want to use.

mini Christmas stockings project

Use these as tree decorations, gift card presents or fill with candy.
Another Christmas decoration idea: Make a garland of stockings by using 4 or 5 mini stockings and attaching them to a ribbon.

Sew an Easy Christmas Stocking

by Mrs Johnson (Ysgol Pwll Coch (school), Cardiff, Wales)

Our school sewing club started in September 2010 with 14 children, all aged 7, attending for one hour per week. We made this simple project for Christmas.

1. Using a template we cut out two stocking shapes from good quality felt and pinned them together.

2. I had previously cut out various Christmasy shapes for the children(very fiddly and time consuming)and they glued them on to the front of their stocking and decorated them as they wanted.

3. Then they sewed up all around the sides of the stocking using running or back stitch.

4. We then tacked a strip of white fluff around the top. Very effective but it did get up your nose and made you itch!!

5. Last thing - fill with sweets and small prezzies and send home with delighted children.

Need more homemade Christmas sewing ideas.