Looking for a thoughtful, handmade stocking stuffer this holiday season? This beginner-friendly sewing project is simple, practical, and easy to customize using your favourite fabrics—or leftover materials from past projects. In this tutorial, we'll guide you step by step through cutting your fabric using a free pattern and sewing everything together.
We'll be using a heavy-duty sewing machine for this project, but the process remains the same no matter what machine you use.
Tools & Supplies
Before you get started, gather a few basic sewing tools and materials. Nothing fancy is required—just everyday essentials you may already have in your sewing kit. Once everything is ready, you'll be set up for a stress-free and enjoyable sewing session.
Tools
- Sewing machine (we're using the StitchForce™ Walking Foot Sewing Machine)
- Fabric clips (preferred over pins)
- Fabric scissors
- Fabric marking tool
- Household tape measure
Supplies
- Pattern template
- 1/2 yard of outer fabric
- 1/2 yard of inner fabric
- Thread (V69, V92, or V138)
- Iron or stabilizer (if you're using lightweight fabric)
- Small piece of additional fabric (if you're going to make a hanging loop)
Part 1: Cutting the Fabric
Accurate cutting is key to making sure everything lines up cleanly when sewing.
Inner Fabric
This fabric will form the inside of the stocking.
- Using the same pattern, trace two pieces onto your lining fabric.
- On both lining pieces, mark a 4.5-inch section near the top edge that will remain unsewn. This opening will be used later to turn the project right-side out.
- Cut both pieces using the same process as before.
Outer Fabric
These pieces will form the outside of the stocking.
- Place the pattern on top of your outer fabric.
- Trace the pattern using a fabric marking pencil.
- Cut along the traced line using fabric shears.
- Flip the pattern over and repeat to cut a second mirrored piece.
When all is said and done, you should have 2 pieces each of the inner (lining) and outer fabric.
Part 2: Sewing the Stocking
Machine Note: We're using a heavy-duty sewing machine for smooth, consistent stitching—especially helpful when working with thicker fabrics or vinyl.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
- Clip the outer fabric pieces together, right sides facing each other.
- We use clips instead of pins to avoid leaving holes and to make handling thicker layers easier.
- Clip the lining fabric pieces together using the same method.
- Sew the outer fabric first, stitching around the edges with a consistent seam allowance (about ½ inch is ideal).
- Sew the lining fabric, following the same seam allowance.
- Be sure to leave the marked 4.5 inch section open and do not sew yet.
- Turn the lining fabric wrong side out.
- Turn the outer fabric right-side out so the finished side is facing outward.
- Insert the outer fabric into the lining fabric, aligning the top edges.
- Clip the top edges together to hold everything in place.
- Stitch around the top edge to join the outer and lining fabrics.
- Pull the outer fabric through the opening left in the lining.
Optional: Adding the Hanging Loop
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
- Fold a small piece of fabric in half.
- Stitch along the folded edge to secure the loop.
- Insert the stitched ends of the hanging loop into the opening left in the lining.
- Position the loop so the stitched ends sit directly at the opening.
- Clip both sides of the opening (left and right of the loop) to hold everything in place.
- Sew across that opening to close the gap and secure the hanging loop at the same time.
Finishing Touches
Final Steps
- Trim any excess threads.
- Gently shape the seams and push the lining fully inside the outer fabric.
- Roll the top edge once—similar to rolling a sleeve—to reveal the hanging loop.
- Press with an iron for a crisp, clean finish if desired.
Your Stocking is Ready!
That's it. You've just made a clean, functional stocking stuffer that's perfect for gifting. Customize it with different fabrics, add a name, or experiment with textures to make it your own.
Happy sewing and happy holidays.
