Crafty Christmas Day 1: Hand-made Mini Stocking

So today we are making these Mini Stockings. This is a really easy tutorial, perfect for beginners. The only difficulty I had was getting round the toes on the sewing machine but I think that's mainly because we have a temperamental machine (and I'm not great at controlling it!!)  

What you will need:

The template provided on the website or here

2 different fabrics

scissors 

Needle & thread/ sewing machine

Things to decorate *optional*

1. So the first step is to cut out the template . You need two stocking shapes out of each of the two different fabrics. You need to make sure all the toes are going in the right direction, so to do that make sure the fabric has the wrong sides together before you cut it.

2. You then need to lay them like this...

...and sew the seam at the join.

3. Then you want to pair up each side together,(lining to lining and outside to outside) pin and sew      around, leaving a gap for turning to right way


4. You then want to cut notches around the toe of the outside fabric, so that there isn't so much bulk when turned the right way.

And then on the lining you will need to cut near to the seam to reduce bulk when turned the right way

(When doing both of these steps be careful not to cut the thread)

5. Now it's time to turn it the right side out (Don't put the lining inside yet). Ladder stitch the opening closed 

6. Then put the lining inside the outside fabric. You may need to shake it around a little to make sure the lining is completely in there. 

7. You then want to turn over the top. I ladder stitched it down, just so that it wouldn't move but that's up to you. 

8. You can now decorate it as much as you like. I must say it was very hard to sew the buttons on once the whole thing was sewn together, so I think next time I will sew the buttons on first! 

*My aim whilst making this was to take pictures as I went along, but as usual I got so into and forgot, so most of these photos are actually from http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/ . *

Hope you enjoyed this quick and easy tutorial, tune in tomorrow for another great Christmas Idea!!