How to Sew a Festive Christmas Stocking with Curly Ruffles: Expert Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Follow these clear, tested sewing instructions from experienced crafter Jess Abbott to create a charming Christmas stocking with playful curly ruffles. It's a quick project and an ideal handmade gift for ruffle fans.

Step 1

Jess Abbott

Cutting the Fabric

Cut out the pattern: two outer fabric pieces, two lining pieces, two interfacing or cotton batting pieces, and one hanging loop piece. Cut 3-inch strips selvage to selvage from the remaining fabric for ruffles—about six to seven strips.

Step 2

Jess Abbott

Baste Interfacing

Place interfacing or cotton batting on the wrong side of a lining piece. Baste around the outer edges to secure. Repeat for the second lining and interfacing pieces.

Step 3

Jess Abbott

Create the Hanging Loop

Fold the loop fabric right sides together along the long edges and sew the side seam to form a tube. Attach a safety pin to one end, turn right side out through it, and press flat with an iron.

Step 4

Jess Abbott

Attach the Loop

Fold the tube so raw edges meet, forming a small loop. Position raw ends along the top raw edge of one stocking lining (back side). Pin and baste in place.

Step 5

Jess Abbott

Sew the Lining

Place lining pieces right sides together. Sew outer edges, leaving a 4-5 inch opening at the foot bottom for turning. Do not sew the top.

Step 6

Jess Abbott

Ruffle Time

Time to make the ruffles. Here are two reliable methods.

Step 7

Jess Abbott

Using a Ruffle Foot

The simplest method uses a ruffle foot attachment, which gathers rows automatically (often sold separately). No ruffle foot? Move to the next step.

Step 8

Jess Abbott

Manual Ruffles

Sew basting stitches along the top long edge of each strip at maximum length (e.g., 5). Don't backstitch. Pull bobbin threads from both ends to gather evenly toward the center. Repeat for all strips.

Step 9

Layer the Ruffles

On one outer stocking piece, pin ruffles starting at the bottom, working up. Align gathered top edges along the right side.

Step 10

Jess Abbott

Sew the Ruffles

Zigzag stitch ruffles to the stocking, overlapping top gathered edges slightly.

Step 11

Jess Abbott

Continue Layering

Repeat until reaching the stocking top.

Step 12

Jess Abbott

Assemble Outer

Place second outer piece right sides together with ruffled piece. Sew outer edges (top open). Trim ruffles to seam allowance.

Step 13

Jess Abbott

Turn Right Side Out

Turn outer stocking right side out. Gently push edges out.

Step 14

Jess Abbott

Add the Lining

Slide lining over outer (right sides together), match seams and top edge. Sew top. Turn right side out via lining opening, close it, and tuck lining inside.
Done! This ruffled beauty shines in burlap, deep reds, greens, or with your DIY holiday decor.