Ruffle Christmas Stocking Tutorial

Here is another addition to our Handmade Holidays feature!  This beautiful Christmas stocking is made using  ruffle fabric and a flannel lining.  Don't be intimidated by the ruffles!  Trisha has some tips (below) for sewing with ruffle fabric.  

Ruffle Christmas Stocking tutorial

by

Trisha Weekes

www.myfourtrees.com

Materials Needed:
24" or 2/3 yard of Ruffle fabric
24" or 2/3 yard of flannel (for lining)
matching thread

Notes:  
When sewing with ruffle fabrics the key is to always be checking and making sure your ruffles are laying the direction you want them to be.  I also get a lot of questions about is it hard to sew with the ruffle fabrics?  Do I need a special needle or a serger?  I have a simple machine; I tried setting it on all the recommended settings for knits, bu tot be honest - no difference!  I have an all-purpose needle and regular settings.  Maybe your machine is a little pickier than mine.  If you run into problems please post them and I'll help you trouble shoot!

This pattern yields 2 matching stockings!  The ruffles run the length of the fabric and not the width, so to get the ruffles laying horizontally, you need to purchase 24".  The width of the fabric varies from 46" to 48" so you have the width to make 2.  Bonus, huh?

Step 1
Go to the Fabric Mill in Orem purchase the pattern, and cut out your stocking out of the lining fabric.  (Not sure if you can purchase the pattern online and we can mail it to you, but if there's an interest, leave a message and we'll look into it.)  For this step the cutting layout is simple, just lay the pieces out and cut.  To create the stocking hang tab, cut out the 2.5" x 6" piece, crease a fold down the middle of the 6" length, fold in the raw edges to this middle crease.  Sew a 1/8" seam down, and set aside.  In step 5 you'll fold it in half and insert into the seam of your stocking.

Step 2
Lay your lining pieces over the ruffle fabric.  I positioned mine just below the top ruffle.  Pin in place, again checking to make sure your ruffles are laying flat and where you want them.  See photo for layout.

Lay the pieces back to back, right sides together, pin in place.  Trim excess. I also found it easier to cut by going down with the ruffles, than up and against them, you decide.

Step 3

With right sides still together, sew a line across the top of each stocking, following the natural line that is in between each ruffle. Next flip the lining back over, pull forward the top ruffle. Sew a stay stitch across the top of the stocking.  

Step 4

Every couple ruffles lift the ruffle and stay stitch the ruffle fabric to the liner fabric. This really helps give it body and shape. Repeat until both sides of the stocking are done. 

Hopefully in these pictures you can see the stitching.

Step 5

Next pin the two stocking pieces together, again pay attention to the lay of the ruffles. Make sure when you’re pinning you also remember to insert your stocking tab at the top of the heel side, so you can hang it! I sewed a ¼” seam all around the foot of the stocking. I then used my pinking shears to cut off the excess; these also help to make my curves lay flat.

Step 6

You could leave it as it is, turn it inside out and be done but I’m a nut when it comes to raw edges. I finished mine off by zig-zagging all around the foot again.

Hang up and enjoy your new ruffle stocking!