Hello friends! Today I'm sharing an easy quilted Christmas Stocking tutorial. This method is quick and super easy (I promise!) You can finish multiple stockings in one afternoon. This project is also a great way to use your favorite fabrics or scraps. Fat quarters work perfectly for the back and lining. These stockings finish at 17" high x 10" wide (toe to heel), but you could enlarge or reduce the pattern and make the stockings any size you like, using the same method.
Using batting as a foundation for the piecing, this quilt-as-you-go technique will give the stocking some nice weight and texture as well. And the added lining gives the project a professional finish.
This has been a popular tutorial for years, and this year I've updated the post to include a new "log-cabin" variation. Still super easy and addicting. This project is sponsored by Baby Lock sewing machines. Go HERE for tips for choosing the right sewing machine for you.
I used my Baby Lock Crescendo to piece and quilt these stockings. It was extra fun to get to use the variety of decorative stitches for added detail and embellishment.
The fabrics I used for this project are mostly from the Holly Holiday collection by Christopher Thompson for Riley Blake Designs. The red lining fabric is Melissa Mortenson's Sparkler in Cayenne. (I love the little bits of gold sparkle bling.)
Quilted Stocking Tutorial Assembly Instructions:
First I'll share the how-to instructions for the basic striped quilt-as-you-go stocking.
Stocking Fabric requirements (per stocking):
- Lining - 1 Fat Quarter
- Backing - 11" x 18" piece (half of 1 Fat Quarter)
- Front - assorted fabric strips
- Batting scrap 9" x 20"
Stocking template here (part 1) and here (part 2).
Cut out pattern and trace two lining pieces (*facing opposite directions* important!) from one fat quarter. (The lining will create a contrasting trim on this stocking method, so pick something you want to show at the top of the stocking.)
Gather 15-18 fabric strips at least 8"- 9" long and various widths.
Trim a batting scrap to slightly larger than the stocking pattern.
"Audition" fabric strips in the order you like before you start sewing. Stack strips (except middle two) and keep them in the planned order, and set aside.
Christmas Stocking Tutorial - Sewing
Place middle strip in place face-up on the batting at desired angle and pin adjacent strip right sides together.
Sew strips together through batting foundation using a ¼" seam allowance.
Open up strip and press flat. Continue adding fabric strips using the same method of sewing right sides together. Open new strips and press seams flat. (Pressing will help keep your fabric strips neat.) If you have a walking foot, I suggest using it as it will keep layers running uniformly through the machine and prevent tucks.
When all strips are sewn to batting you can quilt by stitching over the fabric strips at whatever density you prefer. I eyeball the lines using the strips as my guide. Straight line quilting will give you a classic look + some nice texture to the pieced stocking.
Another fun option is to use decorative stitches, if your machine has them, to add extra quilting and texture.
Stocking Assembly
After all of the piecing and quilting is finished, lay stocking pattern over quilted piece and cut stocking front. Trim off 1" at the top. Cut a backing piece facing the opposite direction from the front also trimming 1" off the top. (This will allow for the trim to show at the top of the stocking. If you'd prefer not to have the trim, you can leave the front and back pieces the same height as the lining.)
You will now have a front, back and two lining pieces.
Match up the pieced front with a lining right sides together (toes pointing the same direction) and a back and lining piece right sides together. Sew top edges together using ¼" seam allowance. Press seams open.
Match up two pieced units with lining pieces right sides together and front/back right sides together. Sew all the way around the edges of the matched pieces using a ¼" seam allowance and leaving a 4" opening in the lining.
Before turning right sides out, trim fabric close to seam allowance on the lining pieces and clip curves of the outside portion of the stocking. Turn right side out using the opening in the lining. Topstitch lining gap closed.
Tuck stocking lining inside the stocking, leaving the top of the lining sticking up ¼" to create contrasting trim. Carefully shape and press the stocking, esp the top edge.
Top stitch around the top edge trim to give the stocking a clean, finished look. I top stitch seams at the top and bottom of the 'trim'.
Finishing Stocking Assembly
To create a hanging loop, cut a scrap 1.5" x 6". Fold in half and crease. Open and fold sides into the crease. Press. Fold in half again for about a ¼" width and top stitch both sides closed. I sewed my topstitching with a matching thread color.
Fold loop in half and pin to the inside of the back seam of the stocking. Sew it in place over the same top-stitched edges of the stocking.
Et Voila! You have a finished, lined and quilted stocking. Easy peasy! You could easily make a bunch of stockings using a variety of scraps and this simple quilt-as-you-go method.
Log Cabin Quilt-As-You-Go variation
For more visual interest another variation of this method can easily be made using a log-cabin style technique. While the stockings look slightly more complex than simple stripes, the assembly is just as simple and easy.
Use the steps above to cut a batting foundation. Cut a 'cornerstone' piece - in this case it's the heel of the stocking but you could also make it the toe or anywhere else on the stocking.
Layout the cornerstone and 'audition' more scraps, alternating 'log' directions horizontal then vertical to create a braid-type design.
Use your cornerstone piece as your starting point for the piecing and pin in place. Start with one strip and sew to the top of the cornerstone, leaving a straight edge lined up with the side of the cornerstone for building your 'logs'. Sew first strip in place with ¼" seam allowance. Flip open and press seam flat.
Repeat the process with a strip along the side - pin in place, stitch down with a ¼" seam allowance. Flip open, press and continue the process adding logs and additional strips, using the batting as the foundation. (It's totally okay if these aren't perfect - you just don't want any exposed edges.)
Once the batting foundation is covered, add quilting and any stitching embellishment. Trim to stocking shape using the paper pattern.
Use finishing process under Stocking Assembly to finish sewing stockings together.
Last step: hang by the chimney with care (or any other favorite spot in the house).
And that's it! You're done. You could even do the same pattern and just make 'solid' fronts for your stockings.
Here's another color version:
Don't have time to make stockings this year? Pin this image so you can easily find the tutorial again.
Looking for other ideas for handmade Christmas Stocking tutorials?
Here's another stocking tutorial that's even faster and more simple. All you need are two pieces of contrasting fabric and you're ready to go!
And there are more stocking shapes, sizes and complexity. Check out this list of some of my favorites!
Catskill Quilter
I follow Art Gsllery Fabrics blog, and also on Facebook. I loved the stocking tutorial!
Somerset 163
Made these. Super cute! Went together in an evening. Took longer to pick out the fabrics I wanted.
Amy
Oh, that's so great!
Carolyn S.
Amy, cute stocking! I might have to make one or ten. <br />I follow the AGF on their blog and by facebook. <br />Thanks for the chance to win.
Dresden Quilter
I subscribe to their blog. Thanks for the tutorial and giveaway.
Lynn Osborne
My favorite way to follow AGT is through my google Reader.
Sallie
I subscribe through Google reader. Thanks!
Funky Kim
I follow everything in Google Reader. It's embarrassing how long my list is in there!
Tiara
I follow through Google reader
Kristy
I like keeping up on facebook best, but also use many of the other options too. Thanks for a great tutorial! It's perfect for the sewing project at Hopeful Threads this month!
Becky S.
Cute stockings!!! I love non-traditional colors for Christmas.<br />I subscribe to the AGF blog and follow them on Twitter. Thanks for the stocking tutorial and the chance to win.
Courtneysews
Very cute! I follow their blog through google reader! Thanks for the chance to win!
Archie the wonder dog
I follow AGF on Twitter. <br />P.S. I love the stockings!
AngieSue
I like the contrasting trim! Thanks -- this looks like a quick and pretty project. I subscribe to Art Gallery Fabrics via google reader.
petra
Wonderful fabrics! Thanks for the tutorial.<br /><br />Greetings<br />Petra
Cille
Great stocking -thanks for the tutorial. I subscribe in my Reader and on Facebook. Much prefer the reader though 🙂
Jodi
I follow you and them thru Google Reader. Thanks for the chance and the tute!
mary mahoo
Great stocking tutorial! My favourite way to follow is with bloglovin', but I follow with twitter, facebook & google too. Bloglovin' just makes it so easy. Thanks for the chance to win.
maureen
Love these stockings! I follow the AFG blog.
Samantha
This is such a lovely combo! I follow the AFG blog and love all the projects 🙂
Mev_Lohman
What gorgeous fabric! I follow them on Facebook.
Missy Shay
I follow them through FB, I love the material choices! [email protected]
Rachelle
I like following their blog on Google Reader best, Facebook isn't my favourite medium
Cecilia
I follow on FB 🙂
lindsey
I'm certainly going to make some Christmas stockings and follow them on Facebook.
Francis Paul
I follow Art Gallery Fabrics on Facebook :-)<br />wowie what a lovely color range is that bundle!!!
Johanna
I follow their blog through Google reader.
B Greene
I love following the AGF blog - thanks for the great tutorial!
Joelle
I follow AGF blog on Google reader.
Swedish Scrapper
I just took a break from Using Up my full bundle of Rhapsodia and Elements, which I love! I sure would love a similar refill of art gallery fabrics! I follow agf in blogger and by email subscription. My birthday is on the 16'th so I hope my number comes up :^D
Val
I've been looking for a pattern like this since having 2 more grand babies--thanks! I follow you through google reader and FB.
Melissa Corry
I saw these over at Art Gallery. They are so adorable!! I just love them!!
memmens
This is gorgeous and in theory I still have time to make a few! I follow AGF on facebook but it doesn't always show up so I follow their blog too
Julie
What a beautiful range of colours. I follow through pinterest and am a regular blog reader.
Emily
I'm following on Facebook. I really need to make some stockings!
Sonia B
I follow their blog. Those are awesome stockings and beautiful fabric. Thanks for the chance.
Sarah
I follow on facebook.
Rosa
Soo beautiful.Great job!!
Michelle T
Follow AFG on Facebook (easiest)!! Beautiful color combo for the Fat Quarter Bundle!!!
Rosa
I Subscribe to their newsletter.Thanks for the chance!
Quiltjane
I follow AGF everywhere. A bit of a social media stalker. I get a good laugh out of their videos they post on You tube. Love your little stocking and the palette of colours you chose.
Pat V.
I follow on Facebook. I don't have twitter, and I refuse to get sucked in to Pinterest...I spend way too much time online as it is!
Mary on Lake Pulaski
I follow Art Gallery on Facebook, their blog & get their newsletter.
pkrueger
I follow AGF on facebook. Love the fabric and the stocking tutorial! I was just cutting some pieces for some christmas stockings last night.
Carla Bynum
Hi!!! Your stockings are very pretty!!!! I love the fabric!!! I subscribe AGF!!! Thanks for the fun!!!!
Lena
I follow on google reader.<br />I love the stockings
Linda
Hi! I like to keep up with AGF via Blog Lovin'!<br />But do follow them on FB too!<br />https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1711336606<br /><br />[email protected]
Mimi
I love your stockings... especially because they are in non-traditional colour scheme!! I think that I need to update some stockings in our home and will follow your tute... thanks!!
Colleen
I follow their blog and of course many of their FQ Gang!
linynp
Great tutorial! Those sticking are fabulous. Thanks!
natski
Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway. I follow art gallery fabrics on their blog and facebook as stitched by Miss N<br />:)
Cecilia
I follow Art Gallery on Facebook. Thanks for the tutorial, I want to make new stockings for everybody this year. I love the fabrics you used.
Jen
I follow Art Gallery fabrics on FB. Love this tutorial, thanks!
Erin McSweeney
I follow AG on FB....great stockings, we love our stockings around here.
Gina
I follow Art Gallery's blog. Lovin' those scrappy stockings. Thanks for the tutorial.
Denny1600
These stockings look good and reasonably easy. Cute! Thanks for the tutorial amd the giveaway! I subscribe via email.
Kristi Krebs
I follow though Pinterest, so many great ideas!!<br />
Allison C
I follow through Google Reader. I also follow via FB.
Marcia W.
I follow AGF on Pinterest, liked on FB, and subscribe to blog. Thanks for the great tutorial for stockings. Very pretty.
barb
I follow her blog via email. What adorable stockings! When kids see them they would want the stockings and not worry about what is in them, especially girls. Boys would probably like blue or camoflage. [email protected]
Lisa in Port Hope
I follow the AGF blog. I love all their projects from the Fat Quarter Gang!
tubilinha tiacarminha
Sigo GFC e me inscrevi para E-mail.<br />Obrigada.<br /><br />[email protected]
ritainalaska
i follow agf along on fb, their blog by email. that's a nice, easy and fast stocking pattern. thanx for the chance to win a fantastic bundle to make it with.
Rachel Booth
Cute tutorial! 🙂 I follow AGF through their blog! They have the softest fabrics! 🙂
Mischelle
I followed through facebook.
scottylover
I follow them in my Google reader. That way I am sure not to miss a post. I also love to read their post on Facebook, but don't always see them. <br /><br />Great stocking! Love the fabrics.<br />Sandy A
JoyceLM
I follow the AGF blog - receiving posts by email. Love the stocking tutorial. Thanks for the chance to win.
DianeLoves2Quilt
I am really liking the introduction of aqua as a Christmas color. I have a pattern with presents and some fat quarters in red, aqua and green that I am itching to stitch up into a large lap size quilt. These stockings may be just the ticket to do a smaller project and still slake my color combo thirst!
Lisa
I follow on Pinterest, facebook, and by email! I love all the great projects! I am going to make stockings!
Alyce @ Blossom Heart Quilts
I follow them everywhere, but I love their blog as a way of seeing different uses for the fabric!
supersara20
I follow the blog.
LJ
Oh, my favorite way is with Pinterest. I love Organize It! I do follow their blog with Google Reader and I'm a follower of yours, too. 🙂
Maureen
Thank you so much for a chance at the give-away! I love AGF & subscribe to their newsletter. I have their site bookmarked & that's how I'm sure to follow!<br />mgw070 at shaw dot ca
Addibrae
I follow AGF on facebook
Erica
I so enjoy making Christmas stockings and I really like the Oval Elements - they are so great to have in my stash!
pizzaeater
I follow AGF's blog.
Carla G
I follow AGF on facebook & their blog! I love your stockings! very cool! And the fabric you used is awesome! 🙂
Angie
I follow all things Art Gallery! 🙂 Love those stockings...a fun take on Christmas colors!<br />amhalverson(at)gmail(dot)com
Deborah
I follow AGF on Facebook (jdgunthorpe at yahoo dot co dot uk) and receive their blog updates via email. Love their fabric!
Fran
Your stockings are gorgeous! Thanks for the tutorial. I follow Art Gallery fabrics on Twitter & via email subscription, thanks!
Toni
I follow on facebook and email. Love the stocking colors do non traditional.
notqnot
I follow on email. Love your Christmas stockings!
The Görnandts
I follow on Facebook. Thanks so much for this tutorial! I am SO doing this for my children - today! I live in Germany and they don't have the whole stocking thing at Christmas - so only my hubby and myself have stockings! My little ones MUST have some of these! I'm smitten! Thanks also for the giveaway!
Thimbleanna
Those are adorable Amy. You always come up with such fun fabric combinations!
Jo
I discover AGF today with your blog, thank you for this and the funny tutorial!
Sowing Stitches
I 'connect' best with creative elements and minds on Pinterest @ sowing stitches. Sometimes I've been known to get lost on Twitter and Facebook before I ever arrive at my destination. <br /><br />sowingstitches [at] gmail [dot] com
Nancy
I follow you via email!
Ida
I Love those fabrics. Just found them on Facebook and am now a follower.
cherylj
Wonderful tutorial. I follow both you and Art Gallery.
Angela Bullard
I follow them in Google Reader. Beautiful fabrics! Thanks for the tutorial.
ConnieO
I follow AGF on Facebook and Pinterest. I love the stocking tutorial!! I had a brand new great niece born yesterday and I'm definitely using this to make her a cute stocking for Christmas!
JLVerde
I folow on facebook. Great tutorial!
Jennifer
I subscribe to their blog by email. Love the stockings!
Sharon
I follow Agf on google reader
Cheryl
My favorite way to follow AGF is on Pinterest - love the inspiring ideas.
Mindelicious
I love AGF. I follow them on Pinterest, the blog and FB. Thank you for the cute tute!
Lindsay_Loris
Now following AGF on Facebook - loving the stockings:)
Coffee Break Whatever
I want some christmas stockings! The kids have grown and gone, so the decorations have been gone for a few years, but this year I want it back since I just moved into my first house ever! I want to expand my "likes" in colors and design as I tend to be very "tailored" in what I do...nothing out of the box...so I'd love to start with these fat quarters!<br />quiltingnanny@
Coffee Break Whatever
I forgot...I don't Tweet or Facebook or any of that...so I subscribed to her newsletter..and saved her blog...lot of info there I want to read!<br />[email protected]
Karen P.
I follow on facebook!!!
Dee
I love & follow their pinterest boards.
Mom2RyandSis
I like them on Facebook! Thanks for the chance to win!
Becki
I Lke them on Facebook and I subscribe to their blog. That's how I found you.
Katy Cameron
I've been thrown ever since that rather long holiday! I'd better get my backside in gear soon though...
Amanda May
So cute. My favorite way to follow is my subscription.
Jess
I love your color palette. It's like citrus Christmas. My favorite way to follow AGF is via Pinterest. Thanks!
There was finally time...
My favorite way is subscribing to their blog. (I am otherwise social media challenged...-_-)
Amber @ fromtheseeds
I follow Art Gallery on twitter - and follow their blog and yours through google reader 😀
Leila
I follow on Pintrest! Great stockings!
DEAN FAMILY
I love following them on Pintrest because they have some neat ideas! Thanks the pattern looks easy to follow and I love the top finish.<br /><br />
quantumemily
Those stockings look great! Facebook for me.
sandyb
I love these stockings. AFG is awesome and the fabric is superior. Thank you for sharing. I follow them in all places but my favorite is facebook.<br /><br />Thank you<br /><br />sandyb720 at gmail dot com
Melzie Belle
I am a follower of AFG on facebook :)<br />xoxo melzie
luggenlinda
<br />Needed that easy stocking project for 11 grandchildren! I follow on pinterest.
Homemakermummy
Hi their : )<br />What a great idea! Love the stockings to bits!<br />Thanks for sharing!
Gunilla
I follow AGF on Twitter, easy! Love the stockings!!!
hueisei
I love follow AGF on FB.
MellieWo
The stockings are adorable and the fabric is fantastic! Thanks for the chance to win. I follow on FB :)<br />mjwolanin at gmail dot com
nikki
thanks so much for the pattern. And thanks for letting us see your whole post in Google Reader!
Linda
Since I don't Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest, it's great that I can follow AGF with RSS Owl. Thanks for the chance to win! And I love your stocking tutorial. How did you know I need to make three stockings before Christmas?!
blondie19012k
Love these 🙂 I follow AGF's blog in google reader, as well as on facebook 🙂
tesuque
Catching the blog on Google Reader works best for me.
TJM wanna be quilt artist
the stockings look great can't wait to try the tutorial,thanks for giveaway
debbiekl
I follow AGF on twitter (drainl)<br />
Irene
Nice stocking pattern! I follow AGF on Pinterest. It's easy to save patterns and ideas.
Irene
Nice stocking pattern! I follow AGF on Pinterest. It's easy to save patterns and ideas.
kitty
Thanks for the tutorial! I follow AGF on FB and their blog. My favorite is FB.
justacraftymom
I follow AGF on their blog and on FB. Thank you for the giveaway!
Jeni Key
I follow AGF on facebook. Love this fabric!
Stephanie
I follow them on pinterest. What a lovely collection of fabrics! I've never purchased any Art Gallery fabrics, but I admire them constantly. Right now I'm not allowed to buy fabric until Jan so winning this bundle would be fantastic!
Messy Mouse
I follow the Art Gallery Fabrics facebook page. <br />Thanks for the give-away!<br />[email protected]
fenna
I follow their blog and facebook as FAbulous Home Sewn Products 🙂
Sally Evans
I'm not entering the competition, but just wanted to say what a lovely day me, my sister and my 5 month old niece have had making this Christmas stocking. Feeling so happy and festive. Ho Ho Ho!
Ruth K
Thanks for the giveaway. I follow AGF on FB and blog.
Rachel S
I follow AGF on facebook. They have such fun post.
Lindsay
I follow AGF on Pinterest.
jemfl
What great colors, would work well for hot pads I'm making for Christmas gifts!<br />Love AGF so out-of-the-box! Thanks
Leah
Those stockings are super cute and that fabric is amazing! I follow AGF on facebook 🙂
Maegan
Thanks! I'm following on Pinterest!
Jennifer
So fun! I follow AGF on Facebook & Pinterest
Bloggymom
Cute stocking. Want to give these a try for next years gifts.
Sarah
These are so cute! And they would be cute in miniature too for gift card holders, small presents, or ornaments!
Amy
Ooo! Yes! A mini version would be so cute. I think I'm going to try one today!
Sabrina
Those are sooooo cute!!! Thanks for sharing this nice Christmas idea! They are also a great idea for small presents 🙂