DIY Tree Ornament: Felt Stocking

A Xmas tree stocking made out of felt - perfect for creating with the kids.

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What you need

Glitter Embellished Felt
Embroidery thread
Needle
Small amount of toy filling or wadding.
Ribbon
Pins
Button

Instructions

This felt Christmas stocking ornament is a simple and charming Christmas craft that can be made using basic felt shapes and a small amount of toy filling or wadding. The stocking is cut from felt, stitched around the edges, lightly stuffed, and finished with a ribbon loop so it can hang on the Christmas tree.

It is a great project for beginner sewers, children learning basic hand stitching, or anyone wanting to make a set of handmade felt ornaments for the holidays. You can keep the design simple, or decorate the stocking with buttons, beads, sequins, embroidery, glitter felt, or tiny felt appliques.

 

Step 1: Download the basic felt Christmas patterns here.

Step 2: Cut out the shape of the stocking from the pattern.

Step 3: Follow the directions in the basic tree ornament felt star project.

This project uses Toy Filling or Wadding

Step 1: Download and Print the Pattern

Download the basic felt Christmas ornament patterns and print the stocking template.

Cut out the paper stocking shape carefully. This will be used as your template for cutting the felt pieces.

Step 2: Cut Out the Felt Stocking Pieces

Place the stocking pattern onto red felt and cut out two matching stocking shapes.

If you are adding a white cuff, cut one or two small rectangular cuff pieces from white felt to fit across the top of the stocking.

You can also cut out small decorative shapes from felt, such as stars, hearts, holly leaves, initials, or tiny circles, if you want to decorate the front of the stocking.

Step 3: Decorate the Front Piece

Before sewing the stocking together, decorate one red stocking piece. This will be the front of your ornament.

Stitch or glue the white felt cuff across the top of the stocking. Add a button, small beads, embroidery stitches, sequins, or any other embellishments you like.

If children are making this project, craft glue can be used for most of the decoration. For a more traditional handmade look, stitch the details in place with embroidery thread.

Step 4: Add the Hanging Ribbon

Cut a short length of ribbon and fold it into a loop.

Place the raw ends of the ribbon between the two stocking pieces at the top corner of the stocking. Make sure the loop is pointing upward so the ornament can hang from the tree.

Pin or hold the ribbon in place while you sew around the stocking.

Step 5: Sew the Stocking Together

Place the two red stocking pieces together with the decorated side facing out.

Using embroidery thread or sewing thread, sew around the outside edge of the stocking. A simple running stitch, blanket stitch, or whip stitch will all work well.

Leave a small opening so you can add the toy filling or wadding.

Step 6: Add the Toy Filling

Gently push a small amount of toy filling or wadding into the stocking. Do not overfill it, as the ornament should stay soft and flat enough to hang nicely on the Christmas tree.

Use the end of a pencil or a stuffing tool to gently push the filling into the toe and heel of the stocking.

Step 7: Close the Opening

Once the stocking is lightly stuffed, continue sewing the opening closed.

Secure your thread with a small knot and trim away any loose thread ends.

Step 8: Finish and Hang

Check that the ribbon loop is secure, then hang your felt stocking ornament on the Christmas tree.

You can make a full set in different colors, add names or initials, or use them as handmade gift toppers for Christmas presents.

Helpful Tips

For younger children, pre-cut the felt pieces before starting the craft.

Use embroidery thread in a contrasting color so the stitching becomes part of the decoration.

A blanket stitch gives the ornament a lovely handmade finish.

If you do not want to sew, the stocking can be glued together with craft glue, but allow plenty of drying time before hanging.

Personalize each stocking with initials, tiny buttons, glitter glue, or felt shapes.

Variations

Make the stocking in green, red, cream, pink, or traditional Christmas plaid felt.

Add a name or initial to turn it into a keepsake ornament.

Use metallic embroidery thread for a festive sparkle.

Make mini stockings as gift tags for wrapped presents.

Create a classroom set where each child decorates their own felt Christmas stocking ornament.