One for Every Mantel Hook: Top 9 Christmas Stocking Patterns to Sew
A handmade stocking is the one Christmas decoration that gets a name on it. It comes out of the box every December, it hangs in the same spot, and years later it is still “mine”. A good Christmas stocking pattern makes that easy: a lined shape that holds its form, a cuff with room for a name, and instructions that work for a first-time sewist.
Below are 9 Christmas stocking patterns I’d sew for a family set: two classic lined stockings, four appliqué and cuff designs, two for pets and a gingerbread garland, plus one that is simply funny. After the list: what size a stocking should be, how much fabric you need, lining and cuffs, ways to add a name and a plan for sewing a whole set.
The 9 Best Christmas Stocking Patterns I Found
All of these are PDF sewing patterns with pattern pieces and step-by-step instructions. I left out the knitting, crochet and cross stitch stocking charts, which are a different craft, and the printable stocking pictures that are not patterns at all.
TL;DR: 9 Christmas stocking patterns in PDF: 2 classic lined stockings (one in 3 sizes), 4 appliqué and cuff designs, 2 pet stockings and 1 gingerbread-shaped stocking, plus a funny Santa underwear stocking. Sizes run from about 30 to 45 cm (12–18 in), and most are beginner friendly.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: Christmas Stocking Sewing Pattern
- Best for beginners: Christmas Stocking PDF Sewing Pattern
- Best for cuff variety: PDF Pattern for Ruffled Cuffs Stockings
- Best for appliqué stockings: PDF Pattern Santa & Snowman Stockings
- Best for personalizing: PDF Pattern for Gingerbread Stocking
- Best for no-machine stocking: PDF Pattern for Felt Pet Stockings
- Christmas Stocking Sewing Pattern – Best overall
- Christmas Stocking PDF Sewing Pattern – Best for beginners
- PDF Pattern for Ruffled Cuffs Stockings – Best cuff variety
- PDF Pattern Santa & Snowman Stockings – Best appliqué stockings
- PDF Pattern for Gingerbread Stocking – Best for personalizing
- PDF Pattern for Felt Pet Stockings – Best no-machine stocking
- Puppy Kitty Christmas Stockings Easy PDF – Best pet-face stockings
- GingerBread Stocking Sewing PDF – Best stocking garland
- Santa’s Underwear Stocking – PDF Pattern – Best funny stocking
Best overall
1. Christmas Stocking Sewing Pattern
Best for: a matching set for the whole family in three sizes. Designed by Cotton Miracle Studio.
- Three sizes: S 30 cm (11.8 in), M 35 cm (13.7 in) and L 40 cm (15.7 in) long
- Full-size pattern pieces with seam allowance included; print, tape together and cut
- Fabric amounts listed for each size
- Step-by-step photo instructions written without sewing jargon
- Made for beginners
Three sizes in one pattern is exactly what a family set needs: large for the grown-ups, smaller ones for the kids or the dog. It is also the most saved stocking pattern I found, and the plain-language instructions make it a safe first stocking.
Best for beginners
2. Christmas Stocking PDF Sewing Pattern
Best for: a first lined stocking with a cuff. Designed by Sewspiratrice.
- Lined stocking with a cuff
- 4-page print-at-home pattern and a PDF booklet with step-by-step photos
- Main fabric 0.5 m (1/2 yard) and lining 0.5 m (1/2 yard); less with a non-directional print
- Optional lightweight interfacing
- Sewing machine and basic supplies
This is the classic shape, taught slowly. A lined stocking with a cuff covers the two skills every other stocking here builds on, and the fabric list is short enough to shop from your stash. Gingham, plaid or a holiday print all work.
Best cuff variety
3. PDF Pattern for Ruffled Cuffs Stockings
Best for: three stockings that match but are not identical. Designed by Sher's Pattern Shop.
- Three stockings, each with a different ruffled cuff
- Each stocking 15 in (38 cm) long, not counting the hanger
- Fully lined, with fusible fleece for a soft padded body
- Step-by-step instructions with full color photos and illustrations
- One stocking takes a couple of hours for an experienced sewist
Ruffled cuffs are the easy way to make a row of stockings look coordinated without sewing three copies. The fusible fleece is a nice touch: the stockings hold their shape on the mantel even when they are empty.
Best appliqué stockings
4. PDF Pattern Santa & Snowman Stockings
Best for: classic Santa and snowman designs. Designed by Sher's Pattern Shop.
- Two stockings: a Santa and a snowman, with star and gift appliqués
- Machine or hand appliqué
- Fully lined with fusible fleece
- Each stocking 15 in (38 cm) long, not counting the hanger
- All pattern pieces and step-by-step instructions with photos
If you picture a traditional appliqué stocking, this is it. Two designs in one pattern cover a couple or two kids, and the appliqué can be done by machine or by hand, depending on how you like to spend December evenings.
Best for personalizing
5. PDF Pattern for Gingerbread Stocking
Best for: stockings with a name on the cuff. Designed by Sher's Pattern Shop.
- Two stockings with appliquéd gingerbread figures and hearts
- Blank cuff left for a name
- Fully lined with no visible raw edges
- Each stocking 15 in (38 cm) long, not counting the hanger
- Hand appliqué instructions; machine appliqué works too
The blank cuff is the reason I picked this one. Stitch or appliqué a name there and the stocking becomes a keepsake rather than decor. The fully lined, no raw edges finish also means it will survive many Christmases of stuffing.
Best no-machine stocking
6. PDF Pattern for Felt Pet Stockings
Best for: hand sewing a stocking for the cat or the dog. Designed by Sher's Pattern Shop.
- Two felt stockings: a cat with a mouse and a dog with a bone
- About 13.5 in (34 cm) long, not counting the hanger
- Completely hand stitched; no machine needed
- Appliqué pieces glued on, then the edge stitched with black floss for a country look
- List of supplies, step-by-step photos and illustrations
Pets get their own stockings in a lot of homes, and this pair is the easiest way to make them. Felt, glue and a running edge in black floss are all it takes, and the stockings are roomy enough for treats and a toy.
Best pet-face stockings
7. Puppy Kitty Christmas Stockings Easy PDF
Best for: stockings shaped like a dog or cat face. Designed by nadia12.
- Two patterns: a dog face and a cat face stocking, about 35 cm (14 in) long
- 8 pages of pattern and a 6-page step-by-step photo tutorial
- Printing guide for tiling the pattern at 100% in Adobe Reader
- Can also be made small as a hanging ornament
- Suitable for beginners
Where the felt pet stockings are classic stocking shapes with a pet on top, these are the pets themselves: the whole stocking is a dog or a cat face. They make a funny pair for a family with both, and the tutorial also shows a mini ornament version.
Best stocking garland
8. GingerBread Stocking Sewing PDF
Best for: gingerbread-shaped stockings along a banister or mantel. Designed by nadia12.
- A stocking shaped like a gingerbread man, about 45 x 25 cm (18 x 10 in)
- 8-page photo tutorial and 6 pages of pattern with cutting instructions
- Bonus: a mini gingerbread felt ornament pattern, about 15 x 10 cm
- Hangs in a row as a garland along the stairs or chimney
- Folds flat for storage
This is the most playful shape on the list. A row of gingerbread stockings in different prints turns into a garland, and they fold flat in the box afterwards, which matters more than it sounds in January.
Best funny stocking
9. Santa’s Underwear Stocking – PDF Pattern
Best for: a laugh on Christmas morning. Designed by Sew Queen.
- A stocking shaped like Santa's long underwear
- The bum flap opens as an extra pocket
- 10-page PDF with printing instructions, materials list, assembly steps and pattern
- Beginner level; a sewing machine, a little hand stitching and hot glue
- New on Creative Fabrica in October 2026
Every family has someone who would love this stocking. It is new, so there are no reviews yet, but the pattern lists exactly which skills it needs, and the bum flap pocket is the kind of detail that gets photographed every year.
Quick Comparison
| Pattern | Best for | Finished size | Sewn by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Christmas Stocking Sewing Pattern | Family set in 3 sizes | 30–40 cm | Not stated |
| 2. Christmas Stocking PDF Sewing Pattern | First lined stocking | Classic size | Machine |
| 3. PDF Pattern for Ruffled Cuffs Stockings | Coordinated set of three | 15 in (38 cm) | Machine |
| 4. PDF Pattern Santa & Snowman Stockings | Traditional appliqué | 15 in (38 cm) | Machine, appliqué by hand or machine |
| 5. PDF Pattern for Gingerbread Stocking | Name on the cuff | 15 in (38 cm) | Machine, appliqué by hand or machine |
| 6. PDF Pattern for Felt Pet Stockings | Pet stockings by hand | 13.5 in (34 cm) | Hand |
| 7. Puppy Kitty Christmas Stockings Easy PDF | Dog and cat faces | About 35 cm (14 in) | Not stated |
| 8. GingerBread Stocking Sewing PDF | Garland of stockings | 45 x 25 cm | Not stated |
| 9. Santa’s Underwear Stocking – PDF Pattern | Holiday humor | Not stated | Machine + a little hand sewing |
How Big Should a Christmas Stocking Be?
Most stockings in this list are 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm) long without the hanger, which is the classic size: big enough for small gifts and treats, small enough for a standard mantel hook. Smaller 12 inch (30 cm) stockings suit kids, pets and tree decorations, and an extra-large 18 inch (45 cm) stocking makes a statement on a staircase. If you sew a set, one pattern in several sizes keeps the row looking intentional, which is why the three-size pattern is my overall pick.
How Much Fabric Do You Need for a Stocking?
For one standard lined stocking, plan on about half a yard (0.5 m) of outer fabric and half a yard of lining. A fat quarter can cover a smaller stocking or the cuff, and a non-directional print saves fabric because the two sides can be cut in any direction. For appliqué designs, add small scraps for the motifs and fusible web or fusible fleece if the pattern uses it.
Lined Stockings, Cuffs and Hanging Loops
- Lining hides every seam and makes the stocking feel finished inside. Most patterns here are fully lined.
- Fusible fleece between the layers gives a soft, padded look, and the stocking stands up nicely even when it is empty.
- Cuffs are where a stocking gets its personality: a contrast fabric, a ruffle, faux fur or a name.
- Hanging loops should be sewn into the seam, not just tacked on, because a full stocking is heavier than it looks.
How to Personalize a Christmas Stocking
The easiest place for a name is the cuff, and the gingerbread pattern leaves it blank for exactly that. Hand embroider the name with a simple backstitch, appliqué felt letters, or use iron-on letters if time is short. Another idea is to give each person their own fabric from the same color family, so the row matches but every stocking is clearly someone’s.
Sewing a Whole Set of Christmas Stockings
- Pick one base pattern for the shape, so the row lines up.
- Choose a shared element: the same cuff fabric or the same lining for everyone.
- Cut all stockings at once, then sew them assembly-line style: outers, linings, cuffs, loops.
- Add names and appliqué last, when the shapes are finished and you can see the whole set together.
FAQ: Christmas Stocking Patterns
Is a Christmas stocking a good beginner sewing project?
Yes. A stocking is mostly straight and gently curved seams, and a lined stocking teaches turning and topstitching. Start with a plain lined stocking with a cuff before trying appliqué.
What fabric is best for Christmas stockings?
Quilting cotton is the easiest to sew and comes in endless holiday prints. Flannel, linen and velvet look cozy, and felt works for hand-sewn stockings because it does not fray. Use cotton for the lining.
Can I sew a Christmas stocking without a sewing machine?
Yes, in felt. The felt pet stockings in this list are completely hand stitched with embroidery floss. Lined cotton stockings are much faster on a machine.
How do I print a stocking pattern that is bigger than one page?
Stocking patterns are usually tiled across several pages. Print at 100% or “Actual size”, match the marks on each page and tape them together before cutting. One pattern here even includes a guide for tiling in Adobe Reader.
How long does it take to sew a stocking?
A plain lined stocking takes an afternoon. One of the ruffled cuff designs is described as a couple of hours for an experienced sewist; appliqué and hand-sewn felt stockings take longer, so start those in November.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Stocking Patterns
For a family set, start with the three-size Christmas stocking pattern and choose one cuff fabric for everyone. For a first stocking, the lined pattern with a cuff is the gentlest teacher, and the gingerbread stocking is the one to make if you want a name on every cuff. The pets get their own, and someone always deserves Santa’s underwear. For ornaments and small gifts to fill them, see my Christmas sewing projects, and for a little helper on the mantel, the gnome sewing patterns.
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