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How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Introduction

The perfect Christmas craft that even a beginning seamstress can make, this sweet half-elf will be the perfect addition to your holiday décor.

Step 1

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Cutting pattern

Cut the pattern as indicated on the pattern pieces. You should have two pieces of lining fabric, two pieces of cotton or interfacing lining, two pieces of heel pattern, two pieces of upper sock, and two pieces of lower sock.

Step 2

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Pin Interface

Place a cotton/interfacing lining piece on the wrong side of the fabric lining piece. Foundation stitching around outer edges to secure. Repeat for the other liner and interface. Lay the lining pieces with the newly interlocked backings right sides together. Pin around the edges. Sew around the outside edges, leaving a 5" to 6" opening along the bottom of the foot. Do not sew the top of the stocking closed, just around the sides.

Step 3

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Sewing heel

Align the curved end of the heel piece along the heel of the outer lower storage piece. This is just to make sure we work with the correct side in the next step. Take the top curve (not lined up with the bottom of the middle) and sew a line of pickup stitches along the outside edge. Gently pull on the bobbin thread to pick up the fabric. This will give you a nice curved edge to press on. Turn the gathered edge to the wrong side and press. Align the heel piece with the bottom of the stocking and sew around the pressed edge to secure it in place. Repeat for the other bead and lower the storage piece.

Stage 4

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Add Pom-Pom Trim

Place the pom-pom embellishment along the top edge of the bottom of the stocking. Base seam to ensure 1/4" edge clearance.

Step 5

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Attach Top Piece

Attach the top storage piece to the right along with the bottom storage and pom-pom trim. Pin in place and sew. You may want to use a zipper foot on your sewing machine to get closer to the edge of the pom-pom. Press the seam up, and edge stitch. Repeat for other exterior storage pieces.

Step 6

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Sew together

Place the front and back outer stocking pieces together, matching the raw edges. Pin all around, and sew. Do not sew the top storage edge closed, just the sides.

Step 7

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Get a smooth finish

To ensure curves with a smooth finish, you may want to trim your seam allowance, especially in the curvy foot area. Simply cut a small notch in your seam allowance, getting as close to the seam line as possible without cutting it.

Step 8

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Flip inside out

Rotate the stocking clockwise and press. Using your hand or a pointed object to gently push all the edges out into the stocking.

Step 9

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Add lining

Slide the liner sock around the outside of your outer sock so they fit snugly together. Match the side seams along the top edge. Pin together, and sew around the top edge. Turn the stocking clockwise through the bottom opening of your liner stocking onto your foot. Sew the opening closed and push the lining inside the ruffle stocking. Once again, use a blunt-pointed object to poke out the edges.

Step 10

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

With bells on

Use a needle and thread to hand sew one of the bells to the pointed edge of the foot of the stocking.

Step 11

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Create loop

Cut three strands of embroidery floss, each about 7” long. Knot together at one end, then braid. When you reach the bottom, tie another knot to secure.

Step 12

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Add bell

Slide a bell into the braid, bringing it to the center.

Step 13

How to sew a Christmas elf stocking

Finishing Touches

Bring the ends of the braid together to create a loop. Secure with a pin at the inside back seam of your stocking. Sew a small straight line directly over your braided ends, securing them to the stocking. Go back and forth over this stitch line a few times to keep it in place.
Feel free to get fancy with your elf sock by personalizing it with embroidery, appliques, or fabric markers.