How to Finish Your Cross-Stitch Christmas Stocking and Turn It Into a Real Stocking

How to Finish Your Cross-Stitch Christmas Stocking and Turn It Into a Real Stocking.

You’ve completed the cross-stitch design for your Christmas stocking — congrats! 🎉 Now comes the part that can feel a little tricky: turning that beautiful stitched piece into a functional stocking. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Below is a step-by-step guide on how to finish your stocking, making it perfect for hanging by the fireplace. Let’s get started! 🧵🎅

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies 🧰

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:

Your finished cross-stitch piece
A piece of backing fabric (this could be felt, cotton, or another fabric that complements your design)
Padding (optional, but it adds some nice thickness!)
Scissors, pins, and a sewing machine (or a needle and thread for hand-sewing)
Cording or ribbon for the hanging loop

Step 2: Cut Out the Stocking Shape ✂️

Place your cross-stitch piece face down on a flat surface. This means the pretty side with your cross-stitch design should be facing down, so it touches the table. 🔄🧵

Now take the fabric for the back of the stocking. If this fabric has a “good” side (like a printed or textured surface), place it face down as well, with the good side facing the table. 🪡✨

If you are using lining (two pieces), here’s how to place them:
The first piece of lining goes on top of the cross-stitch piece, and it should be placed face up, with the nice side facing you. 👀🧶
The second piece of lining goes on top of the backing fabric, and it should also be face up. 📏🧵

Now, draw the shape of the stocking around all the fabrics using a pencil or fabric marker. Make sure to leave a ½-inch seam allowance (about 1 cm) around the edges for sewing later. ✏️👟✂️

Once the shape is drawn, carefully cut out all the layers — your cross-stitch piece, the backing fabric, and the lining. ✂️🧵🎄

Step 3: Pin It Together 📌

Now we need to pin everything together! First, lay your cross-stitch piece face up (so you can see the pretty side of your stitching). 🎨🧵

Place the first piece of lining on top of the cross-stitch. The lining should be placed face down, meaning the nice side of the lining is facing the cross-stitch. This way, when we turn the stocking inside out, the nice side of the lining will be on the inside of the stocking. 👀🧶

Next, add the fabric for the back of the stocking. Place it face down, so the nice side is facing the cross-stitch piece. 📏✨

Now place the second piece of lining on top of the backing fabric. This piece should also be placed face down, just like the first piece of lining. 🔄🧵

Once all the layers are stacked, pin them together around the edges to keep everything in place. Start at the top of the stocking and pin all the way around, making sure the fabric doesn’t move while you sew. 📌✂️

Step 4: Sew the Edges 🧵

Now it’s time to sew! Place the pinned layers under the sewing machine (or you can sew by hand). 🧵✂️
Sew all the way around the edge of the stocking, but make sure to leave the top open. This is where we will put presents later! 🎁
Be sure to sew slowly and carefully, following the outline of the stocking you drew. Keep about a ½-inch seam allowance to make sure there’s enough room to turn the stocking inside out. 📏

Step 5: Clip the Corners ✂️

Carefully clip the corners of your stocking. This means cutting off a little bit of fabric at the points and curves, but don’t cut through your stitches! This helps the stocking look smooth when you turn it inside out. ✂️🧵
Trim any extra fabric along the seams to reduce the bulk. This will make your stocking look neater when finished. 👌

Step 6: Turn It Inside Out 🔄

Now for the fun part! Reach into the stocking and gently turn it inside out. This means the nice side of your cross-stitch design and the backing fabric will be on the outside. 🎨
Use your fingers or a pencil to carefully push out the corners and curves, making sure the shape of the stocking looks right. 🖊️👌

Step 7: Add the Hanging Loop 🎀

Take a small piece of ribbon or cording (about 6 inches long). Fold it in half to make a loop. 🎀
Sew the loop to the inside top corner of the stocking (where the opening is) to create a hanger. This will allow you to hang your stocking by the fireplace! 🧵🔥

🎄✨ Congratulations! You’ve now mastered how to make your very own cross-stitch Christmas stocking! ✨🎄

If you’re feeling inspired and ready to take on more projects, we’ve got you covered! 🧵💖 We offer over 150 simple cross-stitch Christmas stocking patterns in digital format, ready for instant download! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, you can find the perfect pattern to fit your style and get started right away. 📲💻

Check it out or buy it here!

Plus, we also have stamped cross-stitch kits for Christmas stockings, complete with everything you need: fabric, pre-sorted thread, needle, and clear instructions. These kits are perfect if you prefer to have everything in one place and ready to go! 🎁✨

Check it out or buy it here!

Why you’ll love our digital patterns and kits:

Instant access: Download and start stitching immediately! 🏃‍♀️💻
Easy to follow: Simple and clear instructions that anyone can follow.
Perfect for gifts: Create unique, personalized stockings for your loved ones. 🎁💖
Complete kits: Everything you need in one package — no need to search for supplies!

Ready to start your next project? Visit our shop now to explore our collection of digital patterns and cross-stitch kits. 🎨🧵 Don’t wait — your perfect holiday stocking is just a stitch away! 🌟

Here you can find other cross-stitch tutorials and masterclasses for beginners and beyond.

Discover a world of elegant, modern cross-stitch patterns, including charming Christmas stockings and more, designed to inspire both beginners and seasoned crafters alike.