Elfish Stocking Pattern

I keep making my own stocking pattern, a little different every year because I always lose the pattern I make. So this year I decided to make an official pattern and offer it to you all for FREE!!! I got pretty picky with how the pattern looks. But you can tell by the time I finish the stocking for the tutorial that I am running out of steam.....not so perfect 🤣

I apologize in advance for the blog post in general. I find blogger to be a pain, and haven't written a blog post in a while ;) 

Get the Elfish Stocking PDF Pattern here!

Welcome, "The Elfish Stocking"! I am full of sarcasm, and it bleeds through into my pattern. 

This stocking pattern was designed so I could fit it on a wide FQ.  So 56" wide fabric not less.  You can most certainly use it with quilting cotton but you will need more fabric than a fat quarter. 

I ordered a bunch of Spoonflower fabrics while they were 50% off.  I must say I am in love with the Celosia Velvet and Performance Velvet for the stockings. I also ordered Minky which is incredibly soft but doesn't have the structure I like for my stockings. You are welcome to use whatever fabric floats your boat, just make sure seams are finished in a manner that prevents fraying. The stocking I am using in my tutorial is made from Celosia Velvet and the design is by Ninola Design. https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/10958434?fabric=celosia_velvet  

💰Right now Spoonflower is having a 25% off sale through 11:59 PM 11/21/21! 

If you are using a lighter weight fabric you can also use a fusible interfacing to give your stocking more structure. The type will be dependent on how structured you want your stocking. You will cut 2 mirror images of the interfacing, fuse it to the wrong size of of your fabric and then continue with instructions. 

The pattern is also not a Jumbo stocking like seems to be the trend these days. You can fit Santa and his sleigh in some of them.  So if that is what you want, this is not for you. I feel it is a reasonable size for a stocking though. Feel free to trace it bigger or smaller too. The measurements shown on the pattern give you an idea on size, but finished size depends on the actual seam allowance you use. 17"x13" with a roughly 7.6" opening.

Very basic instructions are on the pattern but I will add some photos and tips here in case you get stuck. If you have an issue please feel free to reach out to  me :)  

1. Print out the pattern. Make sure your settings are set to DO NOT SCALE.  4 sheets of paper are required. Cut off the edge sections with the scissors on them then overlap over the glue stick sections. Adhere with glue or tape. Cut out the stocking pattern. 

 

2. Cut out 2 mirror image's from your fabric. The easy way to do this is to fold the fabric. This view here will be the front of your stocking so make sure the print is how you want it visible on the stocking. With a wide FQ you are not going to have much room to adjust for fussy cutting so keep that in mind when you purchase your fabric. When in doubt just purchase a yard ;)

*Note the 1/2" x 8" strip that will be my hanging loop. You can also use ribbon, adjust size or whatever you would like. I actually use ribbon a lot as it can add a fun touch to the stocking. You can also make the strip wider to fold in the raw edges if your fabric frays. It is a busy time of year so I generally don't take time for that business 😂

3. Hem the top of the stocking. If you are using a fabric that will fray, then you will want to fold twice so your edge is sealed. So fold 1/2" down, then fold again at 1/2". Decorative stitch or topstitch. 

4. Fold your hanging loop wrong sides together.

5. Layer one stocking right side up, the hanging loop with raw edges lined up with the HEEL side of the stocking raw edge just below the hem and top with the other stocking piece right side down. Pin or clip where the hanging loop is so it doesn't shift and you can pin the rest of the stocking if you would like.

6. Using your preferred seam allowance (3/8" is included) stitch around the stocking. Make sure to go over the toe of your stocking well. I will often switch directions and go back over it just to make sure. I used the overlock stitch and foot on my sewing machine. I often use my serger but was too lazy to switch my needles and thread ;)  I also often add additional stitching at the top of the stocking to make sure when excited hands go diving into the stocking on Christmas morning it doesn't get torn out. Alternately you can turn your stocking and top stitch either just the top inch or the whole stocking (but lets be honest, who has time for this business!).

7. Turn the stocking right side out. I have this great little tool that I use to help turn. It is actually an elastic threader but I found it works great for turning things and well. My friend Becka has them in her shop <3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/536222180/drawstring-needles-elastic-threader?ref=yr_purchases

Poof your stocking is done. I just love how the Celosia velvet hangs so nicely and keeps it shape 😍

****The fine print.... Don't be a grinch and steal my stocking design to sell.  You are more than welcome to sell stockings made from the pattern though. I always appreciated a shout out if you use my pattern but it's not required. I am on Instagram and Facebook. You can get there from here. Or use your smart phone to scan this ;)