Knit Christmas Stockings

From LoveToKnow Crafts

Begin a family tradition this holiday season by decorating your mantel with old-fashioned knit Christmas stockings.

Benefits of Knit Christmas Stockings

Heirloom Quality

Handmade knit stockings are structured to withstand the test of time better than most felt Christmas stockings. Knit stockings made from resilient worsted wool are often passed down from one generation to the next. Imagine crafting a knit stocking today and knowing it will be around long enough for Santa to fill it for your great grandchildren.

Charm

When it comes to decorating your home for Christmas, it’s hard to top the old-fashioned charm of knit stockings. Classic homemade decorations made from warm wool and personalized with embroidered names lend an authenticity to a season known for being over commercialized.

Variety of Designs

Knitted Christmas stockings come in a variety of colors and patterns. In addition, knit stockings can be made with different types of yarns. You can choose from durable worsted wool or opt for a lighter, more festive sparkle thread.

Popular knit stocking designs include:

Reindeer

Santa Claus

Snowman

Angels

Rocking Horse

Stripes

Christmas Tree

Holly

Teddy Bear

Candy Cane

Making Your Own Knitted Christmas Stockings

If you are particular about the type of design you want on your Christmas stocking, then crafting your own knitted heirloom is your best bet. In fact, in some clans, knitting Christmas stockings is a family tradition.

Making your own stockings allows you to mix and match yarn types and colors. It also affords you the opportunity to create a matching line of stockings for your entire family. By crafting your own stockings, it is easy to add on to the collection when a new family member is introduced.

An added bonus to knitting your own Christmas stocking is the savings. It is much cheaper to make your own knit stocking than it is to purchase one from the store, especially if you are planning to personalize it with a loved one’s name. What’s more, affordable handmade stockings crafted with love make ideal Christmas gifts for family and friends.

Stocking Patterns

If you are new to knitting, you might consider using a pattern. A variety of festive holiday stocking patterns can be purchased in stores and online. Others can be downloaded for free from the Internet and come with detailed instructions and step-by-step demonstration methods, including the following:

Basic Christmas Stocking: This simple pattern allows you to create a traditional no-frills knit stocking.
Striped Stocking: This pattern allows you to craft handsome striped stockings with cuffs.
Owl Design: This stocking is ideal for family members or friends who are wise beyond their years.
Christmas Mini Stockings: This pattern is perfect if you are creating a slew of stockings but are short on time and yarn. These mini stockings can also be used for the pets in your family or as gifts to other pet owners.

Selecting the Right Yarn

To ensure your knitted Christmas stocking can withstand yanking from excited children, it is a good idea to choose your yarn carefully. Look for high quality yarn that features nylon content suitable for durability. Most patterns call for a specific gauge of yarn; however substitutions can be made. The trick is to find yarn that has a similar weight, gauge and fiber and test it with your desired pattern. If your pattern calls for weaker material such as 100% wool, then consider adding a sock thread to the heel and toe areas of your Christmas stocking. Doing so will allow your handcrafted heirloom to withstand years of pulling and tugging from anxious tots.

Store Bought Knit Stockings

If you don’t have the skill or patience to make your own knit Christmas stockings, you can purchase them from retail stores and online. They are readily available during the months of November and December and range in price from $20 to $80 depending on size and design.

Retrieved from "http://crafts.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Knit_Christmas_Stockings"