Easy Felt Christmas Stocking

Christmas will be upon us before you can say boo, and I am starting now to avoid my usual holiday frenzy.  I decided to make everyone quilts again this year because I have some new members in my family who have never had a quilt from me.  Although the quilts will not be their main gift (far from it!), I have some fun ideas for the themes.

As a rule, we do not do Christmas stockings, however, years ago I created a little stocking from one piece of felt.  At that time I didn't sew much, so I used glue or sewed them closed with a blanket stitch, which made them a super easy project.  If you find yourself in need of an easy little stocking, perhaps for a classroom project, or as a gift topper, this should fit the bill.  I used felt, but I think it would work just as well with paper.  Whether or not you choose to sew by machine or hand, or just glue it shut, is up to you.

1.  You will need one square of felt, ruler, scissors, and a pen.  







 

2.  Optional.  If you would like a hanger for your stocking, measure and cut a 1/2-inch strip from one of the short sides of the piece of felt.  Set strip aside.

 3.  Fold felt piece in half, short ends together.  At one end at both corners, measure about an inch from the side and bottom as shown. 

From the opposite end, measure about 3 inches down and mark on the open side. 

4.  Using the marks you made as your guide, draw the shape of a boot as shown, stopping at the mark you measured 3 inches from the top.

Sew on your line. 

Cut around shape of boot, leaving a 1/8 inch seam allowance.

You can turn stocking inside out if you prefer or if your markings show too prominently, but I like the raw-edge look.

5.  Fold the top portion of the boot down. 

For hanger:  Cut 5 inches from strip.  Fold in half and pin strip inside stocking approximately an inch down from folded cuff.  Sew in place. 

6.  Embellish your stocking as you like.  I chose to cut a couple of holly leaves and sew on red "berry" buttons.




These little stockings would make the perfect wrapping for a  gift card or a bag of homemade fudge.