How to knit a Christmas stocking - From Britain with Love (2024)

FAQs

What size knitting needles for Christmas stocking? ›

Heavy worsted weight yarn. (9 wpi, 200 - 250 yards) Double pointed needles, size US 8 preferably. (5 mm)

Other versions of the story say that Saint Nicholas threw the three bags of gold directly into the stockings, which were hung by the fireplace to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from St Nicholas.

The following are my favorite worsted weight yarns to use for Christmas stockings: Lion Brand Pound of Love, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, and Lion Brand Wool Ease.

Selecting Stocking Stuffers for Adults

Look for small things of lotion, cologne, perfume, nail polish, or lip balm. Brushes, combs, and other hair accessories make great stocking stuffers. The travel section is a great place to look for these toiletries, such as small bottles of shampoo and deodorant.

Can you knit a Christmas stocking with straight needles? While many Christmas stocking patterns are designed for circular needles, you can adapt them to be knit on straight needles with a few modifications.

Stocking Measurements

The finished Christmas Stocking measures approximately 8″ wide at the toe, 6-1/2″ wide at the top of the cuff, and 17-1/2″ long.

Stockings: children hang their stockings at the end of their beds on Christmas Eve so that Father Christmas can fill them with small gifts called stocking fillers; the children open their presents on Christmas morning.

They're Said to Represent a Gift of Gold from Saint Nicholas

The father eventually found out who the gift giver was and was so moved he told everyone in town about Nicholas. This was not only the origin of Santa Claus but also one reason for oranges—which represent bags of gold—in our stockings.

A legend is born

Children began hanging their stockings up, or placing shoes out, in the hope they too could benefit from his generosity. In the Netherlands, another legend, of a character called Sinterklass, influenced by the story of Saint Nicholas, also leads us to the history of Christmas stockings.

3 skeins Rowan Big Wool (87 yds/80m each): 1 skein each of Colors A and B for Striped Leg and Foot, and 1 skein of Color C for Heel and Toe. Plus 2 skeins Sirdar Alpine (36 yds/33m each) for Cuff. Cuff: Approx. 72 yds/66m of an equivalent bulky-weight fur yarn.

Is it easier to knit or crochet a Christmas stocking? ›

With just those basic stitches you can make a whole variety of projects, like scarfs, hats, potholders, arigurumi (3D shapes) and obviously Christmas stockings. I find crochet to be easier than knitting, so if you want to make something with yarn I would highly recommend trying it!

For knitting, the general rule of thumb for socks is that a typical 100g skein of fingering yarn will get you a pair of average women's socks for an average foot. Very tight gauge, complicated cables, men's, large woman's size, or knee-highs? Buy 2 skeins.

1: Bath and Beauty Basics

Travel-size bath and beauty products make perfect stocking stuffers. Think bath beads and bombs, body lotion, lip balm, even hand sanitizers.

That's why we love simple, high-quality accessories, trinkets, and gadgets as stocking stuffer ideas for men. There's a whole universe of edible treats, stylish objets, and helpful knickknacks that virtually any guy would be happy to receive as a gift.

Needles. Once you've picked out your yarn, it's time to select your needles. Look at your yarn's label to see which size needles are suggested. Most sock patterns using fingering weight yarns call for between a US 2 (2.75mm) and US 3 (3.25mm).

The most common size needles for a 4 ply traditional sock are 2.25mm and 2.5mm. Depending on a person's tension and desired fabric either can be used for a wonderful effect. I am a bit of a tight knitter and tend to choose 2.5mm needles unless I want a quite tight and sturdy sock, then I will use a 2.25mm.

Sizing On the Needle Itself

A majority of needles have a ball end, which is where you can sometimes find the size. Another place you might find the size displayed is near the point of the needle.