Bring Your Own Stocking with Heartstring Samplery

For years, I avoided full-size stitched Christmas stockings out of sheer terror; the idea of finishing something with so much potential for being handed down as an heirloom stopped me from making one. If I’m being honest, I was afraid my finishing would be sub-par and an embarrassment to myself from my (future) grave. I finally decided I was long overdue, and designed, stitched, and finished one within a few weeks from beginning to end. Lo, and behold, It wasn’t that bad! As I worked the process out for myself, I was also keeping YOU in mind, and created a process that I think anyone can manage regardless of skills going in.

In class, I will show you each step of the process of turning your stitches into a holiday heirloom that is sure to become a keepsake for your family for generations to come (and not an embarrassing one!). We won’t have time to finish the entire piece during class, but by the end, we will have thoroughly explored all aspects of the finishing so you can easily get it wrapped up on your own time.

Although the model is stitched on linen, this design is appropriate for any type or count of cross stitch fabric.

Skills needed to complete this project:

Ability to read and stitch from a standard cross stitch chart.

Hand sewing (no previous experience needed; if you can cross stitch, you can hand sew!)

Machine sewing is optional. I will demonstrate both ways in class.

What you will receive:

1x welcome letter with suggestions and supply list (finishing instructions will not be made available until class)

Basic outline of what you’ll need for this project (full details with class welcome letter):

1x stitched stocking of your choice, any size, any count, any designer; you can also make this stocking completely out of cotton quilting fabric to practice the process, or because you prefer to use printed fabrics instead of doing all that stitching!

Stocking outline template that fits your chosen design (if yours didn’t come with a template, we’ll go over how to draw your own in class)

Your favorite stitching needle or a sewing machine

All-purpose and fabric scissors

Regular sewing pins, ball head or flat head, whatever you have on hand

Backing and lining fabrics of your choice; good quality quilting cotton preferred

Thread for finishing that matches your fabrics

Trim such as lace, ricrac, or pompoms (optional)