Craft

Quick Christmas stockings

Dec 03 05:00pm

Stockings are a universal symbol of Christmas giving. By the time Christmas morning comes, you'll have a stocking for every member of the family!

These in crystal organza cost very little in time and money and are sure to make a dramatic impact.

Indulge in the pleasure of lush fabrics and rich trims and decorate your home with extravagant-looking Christmas stockings.

You'll need
Paper; pencil
30cm crystal organza
50cm braid or cord for cuff decoration as desired
Buttons, charms or findings
20cm cord for hanger
Thread

Here's how
Step 1 Enlarge pattern to desired size. The cuff is a rectangle shape - for the dimensions, double the width of stocking pattern top for the long side and measure halfway down stocking pattern for the short side.

Step 2 Cut two stocking pieces and one cuff from organza.

Step 3 Fold cuff in half lengthways, wrong sides together. Press. Open out flat and position braids and decorations along length of one half only, stopping at fold line. Stitch in place.

Step 4 Fold cuff in half widthways, right sides facing. With raw edges even, stitch 1cm seam along raw edge. Press seam to one side. Fold cuff on previous fold line, wrong sides facing and baste raw edges together.

Step 5 Place stocking pieces together, wrong sides facing and stitch around stocking shape, excluding top, with a 5mm seam. Trim, turn through and press.

Step 6 Stitch around stocking shape, excluding top, 5mm from edge. Turn through. Press.

Step 7 Place right side of cuff to wrong side of stocking, raw edges even, seams matched at back. Insert cons loop, for hanging at back seam. Stitch cuff to stocking wig a 5mm seam. Trim, overcast edge with zigzag stitch, turn cuff to right side of stocking and press.

Other ideas

Damask and velveteen are a regal combination of colour and texture. Make stockings longer and leaner with heavier materials such as these.
Organza, velvet and lace is very pretty. Why not embroider and bead them by hand or machine.