Simply Christmas Stockings
Simple Christmas Stockings In-the-Hoop
This tutorial is for an in-the-hoop embroidery project. Please note that the gingham print shown is part of the embroidery design itself.
Materials Needed
Any fabric type is suitable for the larger stockings, but for smaller sizes, a thinner fabric is recommended.
- Two fabric cuts for the stocking front and back
- One fabric piece for the cuff
- Ribbon for the hanging loop
- Tear-away stabilizer, tape, scissors, and optional batting
Fabric Cutting Guide by Size
Design for 5x7 Hoop:
- Two fabric cuts: approx. 6 inches wide by 16 inches high
- Cuff: 5 inches wide by 3 inches high
Design for 6x10 Hoop:
- Two fabric cuts: approx. 7.5 inches wide by 21 inches high
- Cuff: 6 inches wide by 3.5 inches high
Design for 8x12 Hoop:
- Two fabric cuts: approx. 9.5 inches wide by 25 inches high
- Cuff: 7 inches wide by 4.5 inches high
Design for 12x14 Hoop:
- Two fabric cuts: approx. 10.5 inches wide by 30 inches high
- Cuff: 9 inches wide by 5 inches high
Stitching Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Stitch the Front
Hoop only the tear-away stabilizer. Lay the first piece of stocking fabric inside the hoop.
Position the fabric so the bottom part is exactly in the hoop and the rest of the fabric extends out from the top for later use, as shown in the example image below.
It is helpful to use tape to ensure the fabric stays flat while stitching.
Embroider the stocking outline. Depending on the design you purchased, stitch the decorative elements and add a monogram if desired.
Step 2: Attach the Cuff
Now it's time to make the cuff.
Place the cuff piece with its cut edge along the upper edge of the stocking, right side down, covering it with a seam allowance of approximately ⅓ inch.
Use tape to keep the fabric flat while stitching.
Stitch the straight seam to tack down the cuff.
Fold the cuff down (so it is right side up) and stitch the tack-down seam to hold it in place.
Trim the bottom edge of the cuff and finish it with a satin stitch and any other decorations, depending on your selected stocking design.
Step 3: Prepare for Assembly
Tape the hanging ribbon in place. An optional length is 3 inches, folded in half.
Creating the Opening to Turn the Stocking
Take the long side of the front fabric that is outside the hoop and fold it down to cover the stocking.
This fabric piece will be longer than needed, so we will trim it a little. Identify the bottom of the stocking and mark a line about ⅔ to 1 inch higher than the stocking bottom, as shown in the photo below.
Trim the fabric along your marked line.
You will need this hole to turn the stocking right side out. Don't worry, this will be hidden inside the finished stocking.
Step 4: Final Assembly
Unfold your front piece again to lay down the second fabric piece.
Take the second large piece of fabric and fold it in half.
Lay the folded edge along the upper part of the stocking.
The tack-down seam will be next. I do not have a photo of this step, but I have an example below.
Take the long side of the front fabric from outside the hoop again and cover the entire stocking.
Stitch the final stocking outline.
Step 5: Finishing
Cut out the shape with a seam allowance of approximately ⅓ inch.
Clip into the seam allowances along the curves and at the corners. Make the cuts as close as possible to the seam.
Be careful not to cut the seam!
Turn the stocking right side out in two steps. First, turn it via the opening at the bottom.
Then, turn it completely right side out through the upper part of the stocking.
Kids will be excited to get these cute Christmas Stockings!
Please feel free to ask any questions.