Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Turn a plain stocking into a festive keepsake with paint, felt appliqué, embroidery, trim, or reclaimed fabric. These 41 ideas range from quick surface decorations to projects that involve sewing a stocking from scratch; choose a base and method that suit the materials you have and the finish you want.
Paint and print ideas
Paint creates a drawn or printed look on a stocking. On canvas, a cut kitchen sponge can work as a simple stamp; place cardstock inside the stocking while painting to help prevent paint from bleeding through. Check that the paint is suitable for the fabric and follow its instructions. HGTV’s canvas stocking project demonstrates sponge stamping and a cardstock barrier.
- Sponge-stamp a geometric pattern across a plain canvas stocking.
- Repeat a snowflake stencil for an all-over winter pattern.
- Stamp stars in a loose, scattered arrangement.
- Paint simple dots in one color for a minimal look.
- Make clean stripes with fabric paint.
- Paint a small-check pattern for a cheerful, tailored effect.
- Paint a name or initial on the cuff or body of the stocking.
- Layer two or more paint colors in a repeating motif.
- Paint a simple character face, then add a felt or pom-pom detail.
- Add yarn pom-poms to the hanging loop after the paint has dried.
Felt appliqué ideas
Felt cutouts add raised shapes and contrasting color. Attach them by hand stitching or with an adhesive intended for the materials; follow the adhesive maker’s instructions. If you are making the stocking yourself, position and decorate the felt panels before sewing the front and back together, and leave the top open. KiwiCo’s hand-sewn stocking instructions describe that construction order.
- Layer felt trees in different sizes for a simple forest scene.
- Add a large felt star as a single focal point.
- Make a candy-cane motif from contrasting felt strips.
- Cut a felt initial for the stocking front.
- Create a separate felt name panel and attach it near the cuff.
- Build a gingerbread-person motif from brown felt and small contrasting details.
- Arrange felt pieces into a Santa hat and beard.
- Add contrasting felt patches to the heel and toe.
- Outline a felt shape with visible blanket stitches.
- Use a running stitch around an appliqué for a simple border.
- Make a layered snowman from felt circles and small cutout details.
Trim, texture, and shine
Trims and embellishments change the stocking’s surface without requiring a full painted design. Hallmark Channel’s examples include no-sew treatments using materials such as ribbon, felt, fabric glue, puffy paint, glitter, faux fur, and pom-poms. Check the product directions for the adhesive and materials you choose.
#1 Best Overall
- Kit Includes 100% Acrylic Felt, 100% Cotton Embroidery Floss, Sequins, Beads, Trims, Needles, Fully Illustrated Instructions & Patterns
- Finished Size 18"
- Made in the USA
- Stitch or attach a row of pom-poms along the cuff.
- Add a faux-fur cuff to a plain stocking.
- Make a sequin panel for an all-over shimmer effect.
- Run sequin trim along the cuff or stocking edge.
- Outline an appliqué or cuff with ric-rac.
- Wrap ribbon in a candy-cane spiral around the stocking.
- Add a tassel or decorative hanging cord.
- Decorate a chipboard initial with glitter and attach it as a removable tag.
- Place small gems or sequins around a felt motif.
- Use a small wool-roving detail as a soft, textured accent.
Stitching and personalization ideas
Embroidery lets you add names, initials, borders, or small motifs with thread. Decorative stitches can also attach trims and pom-poms. For examples of embroidery floss, hand stitching, and sewn trim, see Hobbycraft’s DIY stocking guide.
- Embroider a first initial on the cuff.
- Stitch a decorative running-stitch border around an appliqué.
- Use contrasting thread to trace the stocking outline.
- Embroider a name on a separate felt label.
- Sew a tassel to the cuff or hanging loop.
- Stitch pom-pom trim along the cuff.
- Embroider a few stars across the stocking front.
- Add a small embroidered tree, bell, or other simple festive motif.
Reuse and alternative stocking bases
A stocking does not have to start with new fabric. A sweater or denim garment can be cut and repurposed, while a plain canvas blank can be refreshed with paint and trim. If you sew thick denim, use a suitable needle and stronger thread. Pottery Barn’s stocking ideas include sweater, denim, and coffee-sack approaches; fabric suitability will depend on the material available.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WHIMSICAL STOCKING – This unique 18" felt applique stocking is the perfect embroidery kit for your holiday décor. Fill this stocking with your favorite stocking stuffers to make the holidays special.
- FESTIVE DESIGN – This festive Christmas stocking features animals standing outside in a snowy wonderland – perfect for getting into the holiday season!
- COMPREHENSIVE KIT – This embroidery kit comes with the basic materials needed to create an 18” stocking, including stamped felt, cotton embroidery floss, separated sequins and beads, embroidery needles, and instructions.
- CLASSIC BRAND – For over 150 years, Bucilla has helped people all over the world capture the satisfying feeling of creating a hand-stitched heirloom that can be cherished for years to come.
- GIVE AS A GIFT – You can personalize for a one-of-a-kind gift by adding a loved one's name. Enhance your holiday home decor with this festive Christmas Stocking.
Rank #4
- Kit Includes 100% Acrylic Felt, 100% Cotton Embroidery Floss, Sequins, Beads, Trims, Needle, Fully Illustrated Instructions, Paper Patterns & Stamped Felt
- Finished Size: 18"
- Made in the USA
Rank #3
- ❣️High Quality :Christmas Handmade stocking made of cotton and linen.It is sturdy enough.6 pieces Natural jute burlap Christmas Stocking packed one bag,without lining,the stitching is good, it can washable.
- ❣️Good Size : Cuff width 7.48 inch, cuff to heal 20 inch, heal to toe 10.63 inch ,the loop for hanging is 3.15 inch,perfect size, big enough to hold a few small gifts.
- ❣️DIY craft : Plain color great for personalize handmade projects,Ideal for decorate the Christmas and special occasion!Perfect size for "stuffing" and lovely design for kids and adults. Enough room to print name with crafting pen.
- ❣️Family must have :The burlap stocking is sturdy, with a "rustic" look,great for hanging on the mantel with gifts inside.By far the most stylish stockings. So different while still being classic and cozy looking.They were perfect for Christmas morning.
- ❣️Note:Don't go shoving pointy objects haphazardly into the stocking or you could poke through. Ironed them on a steam setting to get the major wrinkles out.
Rank #2
- Christmas Crafts Kit: Includeds 72 vibrant markers, 12 pieces Christmas stockings in 4 styles, each one has a main Christmas element, such as Santa Claus, Elk, snowman etc. Enough materials can meet your needs to create these super cute DIY stockings.
- Creative Christmas-themed Ornament Making: This stocking painting-by-numbers is perfect if you’d like to add a pop of color to your home this Christmas, this easy Christmas craft kit is bound to offer something that takes your fancy. Drawing your own unique Christmas stocking.
- Widely Used: The Christmas art DIY crafts can be used as Christmas party decoration to decorate kids’ bedroom or classroom, used in various handicraft activities in school classrooms or home, used for decoration in Christmas festival, to help you create a cozy Christmas atmosphere.
- High-quality material: The christmas stockings are made of durable fabric which is light and safe. Comes with a sturdy hanging loop to ensure you can hang it easily. Vibrant markers ensure that make stocking colorful.
- Great Choice For Christmas: DIY Christmas stocking is a great choice for the holiday season, ideal for decorating your Christmas tree, gift packages, or as a fun gift for family members, it will be very meaningful to use your imagination and artistic creativity to paint there own unique Christmas stocking.
- Make a sweater-knit stocking and accent it with fuzzy yarn.
- Cut a denim stocking and add a contrasting cuff.
- Decorate denim with a felt motif in a bright color.
- Use coffee-sack material for a rustic-looking stocking, if you have suitable fabric.
- Refresh an existing stocking with a removable name tag or a new cuff decoration.
Choose a method that fits your materials
| Approach | Good fit for | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Paint or sponge stamping | A printed or drawn surface effect; canvas is shown in the cited project. | Use paint intended for the fabric and place cardstock inside while painting to help limit bleed-through. |
| Felt appliqué | Layered shapes, initials, or name panels. | Attach the felt with stitching or compatible adhesive. For a stocking sewn from scratch, decorate the panels before assembly. |
| Trim and embellishments | Added texture or shine from pom-poms, faux fur, ribbon, sequins, or gems. | Check adhesive compatibility and product directions; some trims can be stitched on instead. |
| Embroidery | Names, initials, borders, and small stitched motifs. | Choose a stitch and thread suited to the fabric and the detail you want to make. |
| Reclaimed fabric | Repurposing sweater knit, denim, or suitable coffee-sack material. | Match needle and thread to thicker fabric; the cited tutorials do not provide a controlled comparison of how long different methods last. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
