Dare to DIY: Burlap Stockings + Tutorial

The Christmas mantel is finished. Thus it is time for another sewing tutorial from Wills Casa. This time it’s all about sewing a burlap stocking. It is a slightly different style from Michelle’s, so it’s okay to keep reading!

I used the Design*Sponge template, but I wanted a longer stockings. (Longer stocking = more presents) I lengthened the pattern by adding a piece of paper to the top. It added 11″, but you can continue adding length to get a ridiculously long stocking. I did think about it.

Use your template to cut your outer fabric and the lining. You will also need a 7″ x 3″ strip for your hanging tab. Pin your fabric with the right sides together.

Let me explain a little something about burlap. (If you are using this tutorial to sew a normal fabric stocking, feel free to ignore this and sew your outer piece with a straight stitch.) Most burlap fabrics have a loose weave. You will want to sew it with a overcast or joining stitch. Sounds fancy right? It’s just a stitch that joins and finishes seams. I selected 16 (see lovely highlighted picture above) on my machine. The zig zag will catch more of the loose weave and hold it together better.

I also adjusted my stitch width for the same reason. A smaller stitch width will hold your seam tighter keeping that loose weave from unraveling your handy work. I used a 3.0 even though my machine defaulted to the 5.0 stitch width. If you plan on washing burlap, sew it at the lowest stitch width possible.

Once your machine is set to a joining stitch with a 3.0 or lower stitch width, sew your outer piece right sides together with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Clip your seam allowance around the corners. This will help it lay flatter and curve better once it’s turned right side out. You can see how the burlap frays terribly once it is cut. Don’t worry you used a strong stitch combo to keep it from fraying past your stitch. However be careful not to cut your stitching.

Turn your outer piece right side out and press it. Don’t be afraid to use high heat and steam on burlap.

Take your 7″ x 3″ strip for your hanging tab. Fold it in thirds (1 inch from the left, 1 inch from the right). Then take the last fold and press it under. Sew right down the middle. Hanging tab done.

Fold your hanging tab in half with the right side out. Attach it to the right side of your outer fabric along the seam line. The raw edges will line up at your stocking opening.

I used the joining stitch here as well. Even if you aren’t using burlap, it’s a good idea to attach the tab with a stronger stitch. That way Santa can load up your stocking without fear of ripping it off your mantel.

Sew your lining piece right sides together with a straight stitch. Leave a 5″ opening, so you can turn your stocking pieces once you attach them. Trim the seam allowance all the way around the lining. You don’t need to clip the corners like you did on your outer piece.

Here’s a mid live-action shot of slipping your outer stocking (right side out with hanging tab attached) into your lining (right sides together).

Sew your pieces together at your stocking opening. I used the joining stitch again here. (I also didn’t pin. Burlap doesn’t let your lining move around too much anyway.)

Pull your outer piece out the 5″ opening of your lining. Then make sure all the lining is turned right side out as well.

Press the seam of your outer piece and lining. Sew the 5″ opening in your lining closed.

Fold the lining into your stocking. Press around the top edge.

Hang your stocking! That’s it. I made 4 and once you have all your pieces cut it takes about 30 minutes per stocking to complete.

 

Also, make sure to check out the other Dare to DIY projects at Decor and the Dog, Maybe Matilda, Newly Woodwards, and Two Twenty One.