How to Make Quilted Christmas Stockings

By Brittni • posted on 08/20/2023

A modern upgrade to Granny’s quilted Christmas stockings. This DIY version feels modern and traditional all at once.

Single quilted Christmas stocking in mustard yellow, lilac, and peach.

Last year, we made these quilted Christmas stockings and I ran out of time to share the tutorial before Christmas. So here they are!

If you’ve been following along on stories, you know that I have entirely to many Christmas stockings. Like, WAY too many, considering there are only three people in our family.

But you know what, I like stockings, and I especially like DIY stockings. So here we are!

Let’s make the most of it, with this one.

Click through for the quilted Christmas stockings (which you can make from scratch with just a handful of fabrics – no pre-made quilt required.

Step by step photos that show how to make a quilted Christmas stocking.

Quilted Stocking Materials

  • 1/2 yard of cotton quilting fabric*
  • 1/2 yard of muslin (for backing)
  • batting
  • iron
  • ironing board
  • thread
  • sewing machine
  • fabric scissors
  • rotary cutter
  • cutting mat
  • *optional (but VERY useful) triangle trimmers

Note about fabric colors and yardage: We used 5 different colors. If you only want to make one stocking and want to use 5 colors, I suggest getting 1/6 yard of each color.

Can I just make a Christmas stocking out of an existing quilt?

YES! And actually, that would be much faster and easier.

BUT then, you’d have to cut up a quilt, and that might be kind of sad. This is why we didn’t go that route.

But if you’re not sure you have the time to tackle this project from scratch, there is another option that will help save time.

You can buy quilt pieces / quilt sections on Etsy that are unfinished, and use those to piece together your stockings if you don’t want to start from scratch.

That cut the time in half for making these stockings. So I thought I would mention it, in case that’s appealing to anyone.

Cutting quilting triangles out of fabric into a pattern.

How to Make Quilted Christmas Stocking

Step 1: Prep your patchwork.

The first step is to prep all the cuttings for your patchwork.

We used the Triangle Trimmer for a lot of the pieces, but you don’t have to make triangles if you don’t want to.

Another option would be to cut strips and blocks of fabric out and piece them together in a fun formation.

Your finished layout should be at least 3 inches taller and wider than the stocking template.

Sewing triangle pieces of fabric together to make quilted stockings for Christmas.

Step 2: Start sewing your patchwork together.

Before taking all your pieces to your sewing machine, snap a photo of your layout (so you don’t forget) and sew all the pieces together 1/4″ from the edge.

Cutting quilting fabrics for DIY quilted Christmas stockings.

Step 3: Cut your stocking pieces

Now that your patchwork piece is all sewn together, its time to cut all your stocking pieces out.

Start by measuring and cutting 3 pieces of the muslin in the same size as your patchwork piece.

Then, cut 2 pieces of batting in the same size. Line them all up together with the patchwork piece on top.

Place your template on top of the stack and cut 1/4″ from the template’s edge.

Before sewing, you need to trim your batting just a tad. So take your 2 pieces of batting and trim them about 1/2″ all the way around.

Step 4: Create a loop for your stocking

The last piece you’ll need to be able to assemble your stocking is the loop.

Take a piece of any fabric you used in your patchwork and cut it to be 4″ by 2″.

Take it to the ironing board and fold and press the 2 long edges in 1/4″.

Then, fold the entire piece in half and press with the iron.

Take that piece back to the sewing machine and sew along the long open end as close to the edge as you can.

Sewing a quilted Christmas stocking on a sewing machine.

Step 5: Sew your stocking

Now, take 1 of the 3 cut muslin pieces, a cut piece of batting, and your patchwork piece, and lay them on top of each other in that order.

Your patchwork piece should be right side up. Fold all the pieces of the stocking down at the top about 1″ in and press with an iron. Sew 1/2″ from the top edge.

Do the same with the remaining pieces of muslin, but with the foot of the stocking facing the opposite way as the patchwork piece.

Fold all the pieces of the stocking down at the top about 1″ in and press with an iron. Sew 1/2″ from the top edge.

Now, with outsides facing each other, place your loop piece at the top corner with the loop facing inward and upward.

It should be poking out of the top with the ends near the edges of the stocking pieces.

Pin your pieces together and then sew all the way around your stocking about 1/4″ from the edge. Don’t forget to back stitch at either end.

Step 6: Flip it inside out

Once your sewing is completed, you can flip your stocking inside out and reveal the final quilted stocking.

The End Result

The finished pieces aren’t perfect…we’re not professional quilters over here.

But I love the quirkiness and individuality of each one.

It would be really cute to let your kids do a couple little drawings or doodle on some of the quilting fabric before it gets all sewn together too.

It would make it more special to see year after year, as a keepsake stocking. Don’t you think?

Earth-toned Christmas stockings in various quilted patterns.

Looking for more DIY Stocking ideas?

I have some other DIY stocking ideas to check out if this one isn’t your thing (or even if it is).

  • I used my favorite Jenny Pennywood tea towels for these DIY stockings.
  • And these handmade Christmas stockings look like a piece of furry pop art. Which sounds kind of weird, but they were pretty popular.

And what about stocking stuffer ideas?

While we’re here, we might as well talk about stocking stuffer ideas.

I mean, you’re gonna need to put something in these quilted Christmas stockings for the holiday, after all.

I recently put together a huge list of cheap stocking stuffer ideas that also happen to be really cute and cool.

There are sections for everyone on your list too – men, women, baby, toddlers, and kids.

Everything on that stocking stuffer gift guide is $25 or under and there are 50 items on the list!

So head over and check that one out if you’re looking for a way to stuff these cute handmade stockings with…well… more cute stuff.

Quilted Christmas stockings in neutral, earthy colors.

Three quilted Christmas stockings laid out on a white background.

How to Make a Quilted Christmas Stockings

Brittni
Last year, we made these quilted Christmas stockings and I ran out of time to share the tutorial before Christmas. So here they are! If you've been following along on stories, you know that I have entirely to many Christmas stockings. Like, WAY too many, considering there are only three people in our family. But you know what, I like stockings, and I especially like DIY stockings. So here we are! Let's make the most of it, with this one. Click through for the quilted Christmas stockings (which you can make from scratch with just a handful of fabrics - no pre-made quilt required.
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Equipment

  • sewing machine
  • iron
  • ironing board
  • fabric scissors
  • rotary cutter
  • cutting mat
  • *optional (but VERY useful) triangle trimmers

Ingredients
  

  • ½ yard of cotton quilting fabric *We used 5 different colors. If you only want to make one stocking and want to use 5 colors, I suggest getting 1/6 yard of each color.
  • ½ yard of muslin for backing
  • batting
  • thread

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep your patchwork.

  • The first step is to prep all the cuttings for your patchwork. We used the Triangle Trimmer for a lot of the pieces, but you don't have to make triangles if you don't want to.
  • Another option would be to cut strips and blocks of fabric out and piece them together in a fun formation. Your finished layout should be at least 3 inches taller and wider than the stocking template.

Step 2: Start sewing your patchwork together.

  • Before taking all your pieces to your sewing machine, snap a photo of your layout (so you don't forget) and sew all the pieces together 1/4" from the edge.

Step 3: Cut your stocking pieces

  • Now that your patchwork piece is all sewn together, its time to cut all your stocking pieces out. Start by measuring and cutting 3 pieces of the muslin in the same size as your patchwork piece.
  • Then, cut 2 pieces of batting in the same size. Line them all up together with the patchwork piece on top. Place your template on top of the stack and cut 1/4" from the template's edge.
  • Before sewing, you need to trim your batting just a tad. So take your 2 pieces of batting and trim them about 1/2" all the way around.

Step 4: Create a loop for your stocking

  • The last piece you'll need to be able to assemble your stocking is the loop. Take a piece of any fabric you used in your patchwork and cut it to be 4" by 2".
  • Take it to the ironing board and fold and press the 2 long edges in 1/4". Then, fold the entire piece in half and press with the iron.
  • Take that piece back to the sewing machine and sew along the long open end as close to the edge as you can.

Step 5: Sew your stocking

  • Now, take 1 of the 3 cut muslin pieces, a cut piece of batting, and your patchwork piece, and lay them on top of each other in that order. Your patchwork piece should be right side up. Fold all the pieces of the stocking down at the top about 1" in and press with an iron. Sew 1/2" from the top edge.
  • Do the same with the remaining pieces of muslin, but with the foot of the stocking facing the opposite way as the patchwork piece. Fold all the pieces of the stocking down at the top about 1" in and press with an iron. Sew 1/2" from the top edge.
  • Now, with outsides facing each other, place your loop piece at the top corner with the loop facing inward and upward. It should be poking out of the top with the ends near the edges of the stocking pieces.
  • Pin your pieces together and then sew all the way around your stocking about 1/4" from the edge. Don't forget to back stitch at either end.

Step 6: Flip it inside out

  • Once your sewing is completed, you can flip your stocking inside out and reveal the final quilted stocking.

Notes

The finished pieces aren't perfect...we're not professional quilters over here. But I love the quirkiness and individuality of each one.
It would be really cute to let your kids do a couple little drawings or doodle on some of the quilting fabric before it gets all sewn together too. It would make it more special to see year after year, as a keepsake stocking. Don't you think?
Did you make this?Mention @paperandstitch or tag #paperandstitch!

Sewing by Casey Harper
Photos by Amelia Lawrence

That’s it for this quilted Christmas stocking. I’d love to know what you think.

P.S. I’m toying around with the idea of dyeing these stockings a solid color (you would still see variations of color within it, but it would be more muted) for something a little different. I’ll update this post again if I decide to do that.

1 comment | Click here to reply

Cool stockings. The colors are soothing.

robert
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