Step 1
To create the pattern for your stocking, either use one you already have as a template or draw out a rectangle measuring 20cm by 55cm and use a small plate or an embroidery hoop to round off the bottom left corner, then place the plate on the bottom right and draw around it to make the toe. Join the toe to the main body of the stocking with some gentle curves to create the stocking shape. For the initial, either draw it freehand or print one off from your computer and cut it out.
Top tip: To create a letter template, type in the initial and choose a font – avoid ones with thin lines – and enlarge it. We used Rockwell sized at 500 points. Then print the letter and cut it out.
Step 2
Fold the hessian fabric and the green cotton fabric in half with the wrong sides (WS) together and use your pattern to cut two mirror-image stocking shapes out of both the hessian fabric and the green cotton fabric
Step 3
Pair up a hessian stocking piece with a corresponding green cotton stocking piece, and place them right sides (RS) together, ensuring the toes are going in the same direction. Then sew a 1.5cm seam along the top edge. Open out and press the seam open. Repeat for the other hessian and green cotton stocking pieces.
Step 4
Press Bondaweb onto the WS of the appliqué fabric, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Cut out your letter template and use it to mark out the letter onto the RS of this fabric. Cut out the fabric letter and peel the backing paper off the fabric before ironing it into place on the front of the stocking, again following manufacturer’s instructions.
Hand or machinestitch all the way around the edge of the letter to keep it in place.
Step 5
Place the front and back stocking pieces with RS together, aligning the seams, and pin together all the way around, but leaving a 10cm gap along the long edge of the green cotton lining. Pin and sew together with a 1.5cm seam allowance, leaving the 10cm turning gap along the long edge of the lining unsewn.
Step 6
Before you turn the stocking RS out, cut notches into the curves around the toes and heels, being careful not to clip through the stitching. This will help the stocking to lie flat when it is turned RS out.
Step 7
Next, pull the stocking RS out through the turning gap. Carefully push the curves out with your hand or with a knitting needle, and press in place. Sew the opening in the lining closed with a slip stitch by hand, then tuck the lining inside the stocking. Fold the cuff down and press it in place.
Step 8
To make a hanging loop, cut a 20cm by 3cm strip of fabric and fold the long edges into the centre, then fold it again so the raw edges are inside. Stitch along the edge to make the hanging loop. Fold the loop in half so the short edges meet and pin it in place on the inside of the stocking, about 3cm down from the cuff fold.
Unfold the cuff and stitch back and forth multiple times over the ends of the loop to secure it in place, then refold the cuff to finish.