Want to add your own unique touch to holiday decor? Try this easy, budget-friendly DIY Christmas stocking made from thrifted shirts.
Just in time for the holidays! Jerry and I never had matching Christmas stockings — it was one of those little things we kept forgetting until the season arrived. With Oscar celebrating his first Christmas this year, I decided we needed family stockings. Store-bought options I liked were pricey, so I made ours instead using thrifted shirts. I love how they turned out.
DIY Christmas Stocking Supplies
I searched patterns and tutorials online and realized this project is simple. I traced an old stocking to make a template and added some embellishments. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sewing machine
- Thread (contrasting colors are fun)
- 3–4 plaid or patterned cotton shirts (thrifted)
- Poster board or cardboard for a pattern template
- Pen
- Scissors
- Fusible bonding web (to hold patches in place)
This project is very straightforward — easy enough to finish a few stockings in an afternoon. Read on for the step-by-step.
DIY Christmas Stocking Tutorial
Step 1 – Go thrifting
I chose men’s cotton shirts because they’re stable and easy to sew. I found three plaid shirts for $8 total, which was plenty for three family stockings plus one for our dog, Krusty.
Step 2 – Make a pattern
I traced an old stocking to make the template, but you can freehand one if you prefer. I also drew a cuff and patches, then cut everything from poster board — it’s easier to trace than regular paper.
Step 3 – Cut your fabric
Decide on color combinations and cut the stocking shapes. Remember to cut mirror images so you have a front and back with right sides facing each other when you sew.
Step 4 – Attach patches and cuff
On the front piece, use fusible bonding web to press the patches and cuff in place. Use just enough to hold them for stitching; this keeps pieces stable and reduces shifting while sewing.
Step 5 – Sew patches
Sew around the patches with a zigzag stitch along the seam where the two fabrics meet. This hides raw edges and adds a decorative touch — contrasting thread looks especially nice.
Step 6 – Join front and back
With right sides together, stitch the front and back around the edge, leaving the top open. A 1/4-inch seam allowance works well. Before turning the stocking, fold and stitch the cuff’s unfinished edges on the inside and attach a ribbon loop to the heel side for hanging.
Step 7 – Turn right side out and press
Turn the stocking right side out, press the seams, and give it a final press so the cuff sits neatly. Tada — your stocking is finished!
I still plan to add names to each stocking, which will require a bit more cutting and stitching. Overall, the project was fast and fun — I made four stockings in under three hours.
I love holiday traditions and adding handmade stockings to our list feels special. We already enjoy family rituals like our stuffing recipe and annual Christmas card photos, and now these stockings will be part of our celebrations every year.
Originally published December 2009. We still use these every year!
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