Make your mantel beautiful by decorating it with a set of these amazing DIY Christmas stockings! These 35+ ideas are so festive.
Christmas stockings. They’re a holiday decor staple that holds so much more than goodies; each is a vessel of childhood memories, mischief, and a hint of sibling rivalry.
My journey with Christmas stockings is a tale sprinkled with humor, a dash of creativity, and a pinch of good old-fashioned strategy.
It all started with my grandmother’s hand-knitted stockings, each lovingly crafted with our names on them. These weren’t just stockings; they were knitted heirlooms.
Now, here’s where the plot thickens. Being the eldest of five siblings, I was convinced that the secret to maximizing my haul of holiday treats was simple – the bigger the stocking, the more treasures it could hold.
So, year after year, I embarked on a covert mission to stretch my stocking to its limits. The result? A stocking toe that gradually elongated, comically dangling below its peers in our festive lineup.
Let’s just say, I never got any more presents due to the stretching. So it was all for naught.
Fast forward to today, and while I may have outgrown my stocking-stretching days (or have I?), my love for DIY Christmas decor remains stronger than ever.
This year, I’ve taken the leap from stretching stockings to creating them, and let me tell you, the experience of figuring out what to make has been pretty fun.
Inspired by my childhood antics and a desire to keep the tradition alive, I’ve compiled an eclectic mix of over 35 DIY Christmas stocking ideas.
Whether you’re a sewing savant or someone who prefers no-sew projects, there’s a stocking design here that will ignite your festive crafting spirit.
And yes, in homage to my childhood belief, I’ve ensured my DIY stocking is generously sized (old habits die hard, right?).
So, are you ready to add a personal touch to your holiday decor? Are you prepared to create a stocking that might just become the next family heirloom?
Dive into this festive pool of inspiration, and let’s craft stockings that are not only unique but also brimming with personality.
Scroll down to explore the range of Christmas stocking ideas, and who knows, you might just find the perfect design to stash those extra holiday treats.
Remember, the bigger the stocking, the more potential for Christmas magic!
DIY Christmas Stockings
Looking for a DIY holiday project? Why not try one of these handmade Christmas stockings? There is something for everyone: no-sew, upcycle, wood, and even ones for pets!
Pom-Pom Jingles
I love everything about these stockings: thrift store sweater cuffs, tassels, pom-poms, and even a bell!
Midcentury Modern
If you love mid-century as much as I do, this inspired stocking will be right up your alley. The classic Christmas stocking shape gets a modern twist with a 1950s color palette and lots of modern geometric shapes.
Fleece Pants
Don’t throw away those pants . . . turn them into a colorful stocking with your sewing machine! Simple and inexpensive.
Classic Cuffs
This classic stocking pattern will look great with any type of fabric – and of course you have to add the pom poms.
Fruity
Cintia lives in Australia where Christmas is during the summer. Fruity stockings just seem to make more sense, don't they?
Boho Chic
Why pay a lot when you can make a Christmas stocking on your own? Casey saw a boho version at World Market and decided she had to make it - the results are beautiful.
Gingerbread Man
This little guy lost part of his head! And looks really cute on the front of a felt Christmas stocking.
DIY Farmhouse Style
Can’t find stockings you love at the store? Here’s how to make your own Christmas stockings in just a few minutes using basic burlap to start.
Space Age
Feeling a little retro? These space age stockings are amazing. If you like DIY Christmas stockings with a science fiction feel, these are perfect.
Gingerbread Cross Stitch
I like the way Nikki did this project. She used an existing cross stitch pattern, but broke it up and created it on linen for the stocking. Such a good idea!
Upcycled Stuffed Animal
Stephanie saw a Pottery Barn stocking and knew she could make it with one of her daughter's stuffed animals. Great upcycling project!
Ice Cream Cone
Here is another summer themed Christmas stocking from Cintia in Australia. These are really making me rethink the whole snowy Christmas idea!
Last Minute Stocking
You can make this DIY Christmas stocking the night before – by picking clip art or even cookie cutter shapes. Choose a simple design and learn how to make a stocking in minutes.
Family Initials
When Michelle needed to replace her worn out felt 90s, stockings (you know, the red ones), she put these beautiful and simple stockings together pretty quickly. I like how she added the initials hanging from a button. Great idea!
White Poinsettia
Make a stocking out of an old cable knit sweater, then add a pretty white poinsettia to top it off.
Made of Wood
These are made of wood so they don’t hold anything – but they look REALLY cool on a mantel!
Wine Dispenser
This easy to sew stocking will be the favorite at your next Christmas party! Perfect for party or as a cute decorating idea for adults.
Paper
These aren't your typical stockings. The kids will have fun practicing their yarn sewing with these free printable stockings. Hang them, or use as gifts or party favors.
No-Sew with Pom-Poms
Not a fan of sewing? You can still have cute Christmas stockings with this easy tutorial from Andrea! All you need is a glue gun.
Drop Cloth
A drop cloth is perfect for making stockings. It is inexpensive, stiff and can hold a great shape. You can make four stockings from one small drop cloth!.
Easy Quilted
See how Nikki was able to make these along with a matching tree skirt, ornaments, and a small quilt all without knowing how to quilt!
Merry and Bright
Use your Cricut Maker to cut felt in different colors to make these super cute DIY Christmas stockings. The iron on script gives them a very unique and pretty touch.
Upcycled Flannel
Here is another thrift store stocking creation. She used a sweater and flannel fabric, but you could also use flannel pajamas or old flannel bedding!
Simple Felt
Using felt is a pretty (and inexpensive) way to make simple stockings. These embellished booties with blanket-stitched edges are just begging to be filled by Santa. Among the chic yet simple felt flourishes: pinwheels, faux foliage, stripes, and more.
Coffee Bags
DIY Christmas stockings don’t have to be made from fabric. Don’t throw those coffee bags away – turn them into vintage inspired stockings.
Easy Sew
I really like that this blogger used different fabrics for each stocking. Each family member could pick out their own fabric! It works well on a mantel as long as the patterns coordinate (but hey, they don't have to!).
Cute Cacti
Cintia has so many cute, non-traditional Christmas stocking ideas! These cactus stockings are a favorite of mine, with embroidery floss "needles" and pom-pom flowers.
Sewn Lining
If you aren’t comfortable with sewing linings for your Christmas stockings, this tutorial shows you a simple way to do it.
Elf Toes
Jamie made these sweet stockings using her grandmother’s old dresses – don’t you just love the toes? They remind me of Whoville!
Granny Square Crochet
Time to get out your crochet hook! This crochet stocking is easy to make by connecting granny squares, and it has a perfectly vintage vibe.
Evergreen Crochet
I love the traditional look of this crocheted Christmas stocking. Bonus? You can make it in a weekend!
Old Sweaters
For a budget Christmas stocking option that looks great on the fireplace, use thrift store sweaters. I love that Kelly left the buttons on the front of one. These are so unique!
Tea Towels
Johnnie created these cute stockings out of tea towels! If you are looking for a quick, easy, inexpensive sewing machine project for your stockings this year, these are perfect. You can also use a drop cloth.
Mini Christmas Stocking Garland
Don't want to make really big stockings for your mantel? Make this garland instead. It will look so cute draped across your mantel! Plus, you can use up your holiday fabric scraps.
For the Pets
We can't forget about the furbabies can we?
Wood & Chalkboard
These stockings could be for anyone, not just the dog. Just change up what is written on it. They can be hung on the mantel or used as a planter outside.
Stencil Personalization
I love the paw print—so cute! This would work for any pet with paws. Claire also has a post showing how to make that denim dog bone.
Christmas Stocking Dog Toy
This version doesn't hang from a mantel, but I had to include it because it is so cute! There are three spots in this little Christmas stocking to hide dog treats.
What do you think about these DIY Christmas stockings? Are there any you want to try? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to visit these other craft ideas for the holidays: