Ten Free Knitting Patterns for Stockings

The Internet has created a place ripe for sharing free Christmas knitting patterns. If you're looking for stocking knitting patterns, check out this list of ten free patterns I find attractive.

Basic Stocking Knitting Patterns

The Scalloped Edge Christmas Stocking uses basic purl and knit stitches and gentle shaping. The lines of the finished stocking are very round, and the toe is short. The sample includes color changes to create stripes of varying width. If you're just beginning to knit, you could stick with one color for an easier project. The top displays a scalloped edge that creates a more delicate look.

Some Christmas stocking knitting patterns include a felting step. This felted stocking also includes a furry cuff. The sample picture shows a row of coordinating trim below the cuff. The pattern does not contain instructions for adding this trim. However, you could easily embellish this stocking by tacking on ribbon, cord, or a string of beads.

Cabled or Textured Stocking Knitting Patterns

I especially enjoy knitting cables or textured stitches, so I am drawn to knitting patterns for stockings that incorporate these stitches. The Colleen Stocking's long leg incorporates a cabled panel. The pattern calls for one color of yarn, but you could work the garter-stitch cuff in a second color without much aggravation, if you think one color is too boring. To work the cable, you must be able to follow a chart.

The Knitting Fisherman Stocking combines cable and textured stitch for a sampler effect. It may call for different stitches than other Christmas knitting patterns, but the directions explain how to execute each stitch.

Embellished Christmas Stocking Knitting Patterns

The next of the stocking knitting patterns on the list uses a basic knit fabric for the background. Then you use I-cord, embroidery, and knitted patches to create embellishments for the stocking. The pattern explains how to make each decoration (gingerbread man, candy cane, Christmas tree, holly, star, gifts, candy). If you wish, you may include a name at the top, as the sample shows.

Unlike many other Christmas stocking knitting patterns, this Two-Needle Christmas Stocking works up in two pieces on straight needles. When you finish, you sew the pieces together. The designer explains how she knitted the snowman embellishment, but she notes that the picture actually uses computer-generated effects to finish the snowman. She suggests, however, that you can use felt to create the snowman's hat.

Knitting Patterns for Stockings with Embroidery, Colorwork, and More

Don't forget to check out these other four Christmas knitting patterns for other ideas.

A band of red striping and green Christmas trees decorates the cuff of the next stocking. The sample also shows a red patch at the heel and gusset.

From the Heart Knitted Stocking uses colorwork and embroidery to create a colorful, feminine design. Hearts and Flowers decorate this stocking for a look a little different from the typical Christmas scheme.

This pattern explains how to knit a stocking which you can personalize with someone's name. As for the embellishments, they suggest you freehand or trace cookie cutters onto felt to create shapes for appliqué.

The Folkways Christmas Stocking incorporates colorwork, embroidery, and lace. The look comes off somewhere between country/folksy and elegant.

Sources:
"Scalloped Edge Christmas Stocking," Purls Gone Wild, http://www.purlsgonewild.com/blog/?page_id=194 (accessed 10 October 2009).
"Free Felted Christmas Stocking Pattern," How Stuff Works, http://home.howstuffworks.com/free-knitting-patterns-for-beginners11.htm (accessed 10 October 2009).
"Colleen Stocking," Berroco Fine Handknitting Yarns, http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/colleen/colleen.html (accessed 10 October 2009).
Mary Thomas, "Knitted Fisherman Stocking," Wrights, http://www.wrights.com/wrights/class/needlework/fishermanstocking/fishermanstocking.htm (accessed 10 October 2009).
Nicky Epstein, "Christmas Stocking," http://web.archive.org/web/20040415000027/http://www.thesmartyarns.com/patterns/aug02/xmasstocking.html (accessed 10 October 2009).
Erika, "Two-Needle Christmas Stocking," Castonerika!, http://castonerika.blogspot.com/2008/08/two-needle-christmas-stocking.html (accessed 10 October 2009).
Allison Snopek Barta, "Knit Christmas Stocking," Coats, http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Knitting/Projects/HomeDec/WM1049+Knit+Christmas+Stocking.htm (accessed 10 October 2009).
"From the Heart Knitted Stocking," Craft Yarn Council of America, http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/projects/nov04_stocking.html (accessed 10 October 2009).
Jean Scobie and Joy Green, "Knitted Christmas Stockings," Canadian Living, http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/holiday_stockings.php (accessed 10 October 2009).
Kathy Perry, "Folkways Christmas Stocking," Caron International, http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_SS50_folk_stocking.html (accessed 10 October 2009).