28 Free Christmas Stocking Knitting Patterns (The Best)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Christmas is around the corner, and it’s time to get festive with our roundup of 28 free Christmas stocking knitting patterns.
Get the Christmas tree out of storage, get the decorations ready, and let’s wake up the Christmas spirit.
And there is nothing more festive than Christmas stockings; you can hang them in the fireplace under the tree, on the walls, and wherever you like!
The Christmas Stocking Tradition
The origin of the Christmas stocking tradition is founded on the story of when Saint Nicolas (known as Santa Claus or Father Christmas) was visiting a poor family, and he wanted to help them but knew they were too proud.
So he threw bags of gold coins down the chimney (or through the window, another variation says), and some gold coins fell into the stockings of three sisters (another variation says that he threw the bags of coins directly into the stockings).
Around the 1870s, children started hanging stockings or bags at the end of the bed or on the fireplace mantle, hoping Santa would visit and fill them up with gifts and sweet treats!
Later, stockings made just for Christmas started appearing.
Weekly news, free patterns, tutorials, and more.
Knit Your Own Stockings
If you love crafting, the holiday season is perfect for pulling out your favorite yarn and knitting needles.
There are many knitting patterns online for you to choose from for beginner knitters and intermediate knitters.
It can be a simple knit using basic knitting stitches like the stocking stitch or more complicated designs like monograms, a fair isle stocking design, color changes, and many more.
You can choose a solid color like the classic red or green, or you can go for bright colors; you can add pom poms, or add designs like candy canes, Santa, and bells, or if you would like to add a personal touch, you can add a monogram on the body of the stocking.
If you prefer crocheting to knitting, check out this post– 50 Best Free Crochet Christmas Stocking Patterns
Gift A Holiday Stocking
You can make your own Christmas stocking or as a present for a family member or friend.
A handmade present can go a long way this time of year as it shows how much you care for them and how much time you spend making them something unique.
A hand-knitted Christmas stocking can be a perfect gift on its own, but it can also be an excellent gift-wrapping alternative; you can fill them up with other gifts like a gift card and sweet treats!
You can also make mini Christmas stockings and use them for tree ornaments.
You can knit a set of colorful stockings as a gift or hang them on your own tree and fill them up with little treats for the kids to find!
Free Knitted Christmas Stocking Patterns
Christmas stockings truly complete your holiday home decor.
So, if you are ready to make your own stocking for the festive season, check out the free Christmas stocking patterns below, and you might find your next project.
Happy knitting!
1. How To Knit A Christmas Stocking
In this post, you will see how to knit a Christmas stocking, which is a quick-knit project.
This holiday stocking is knit with super bulky yarn, so it can fit many little gifts inside and create special memories for a family member on Christmas morning.
This is an excellent pattern for new makers who want to make handmade Christmas stockings.
2. Christmas Stocking Knit Pattern by Nourish and Nestle
Knit your own squishy festive stocking with this free knitting pattern by Nourish and Nestle.
The stocking is finished with the Kitchener stitch using super bulky yarn and US 19 (15 mm) circular needles.
Knit one just in time for the holidays.
3. Knit Christmas Stocking Pattern by Nourish and Nestle
Make a cozy stocking to hang on the fireplace mantle with this free knitting pattern by Nourish and Nestle.
The stocking is made with the broken rib stitch that creates a beautiful texture.
It’s knit in super chunky yarn, faux fur yarn, and US 19 (15mm) 40” circular knitting needles.
4. Patons On Dasher Knit Stocking by Yarnspirations
Knit a stocking with a beautiful reindeer design with this free knitting pattern by Yarnspirations.
The Fair Isle knit technique makes this stocking truly festive, created in Patons Classic Wool Worsted.
This lovely stocking pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters, and you can grab the PDF pattern for free on the Yarnspirations website.
5. Red Heart Knit Cable Stocking by Yarnspirations
Make a chunky festive stocking with this free knitting pattern by Yarnspirations.
This Christmas stocking knitting pattern is made with a cable stitch, creating a beautiful texture.
You can finish it off by adding pom poms at the top of the stocking.
The stocking is made with Red Heart Super Saver, and you can grab the pdf pattern for free on the Yarnspirations website.
6. Flat Knit Christmas Stocking Pattern by Gina Michelle
Knit classic red stockings with this free knitting pattern by Gina Michelle.
This particular pattern is perfect for beginners as it is knit flat, using straight needles and basic knitting stitches.
7. Mossy Cable Christmas Stockings by Squigglidinks
Knit a set of handmade stockings for the whole family with this free knitting pattern by Squigglidinks.
The cable design creates a beautiful texture that will look lovely hanging from your tree or fireplace.
Plus, there are video and step-by-step photo tutorials to help you along.
8. Tree-rrific Christmas Stocking by Knittle and Pearl
Knit a beautiful stocking with a festive twist with this free knitting pattern by Knittle and Pearl.
On the body of the stocking, there is a tree design that gives a unique look to the finished product.
All you need is super bulky weight yarn and US 11/8 mm needles, circular 40 cm/16” long.
9. Christmas Stocking Trio Free Knitting Pattern by Noble Knits
Knit a set of stockings with this free knitting pattern by Noble Knits.
There is a tree stocking, a reindeer stocking, and a snowflake stocking.
You can grab the PDF pattern for free on the Noble Knits blog.
10. Sweet Treasures by DROPS Design
Knit a stocking with a beautiful Nordic design with this free knitting pattern by DROPS design.
The pattern is made with stockinette stitch, and there is a color chart to help you along.
Hang this stocking on the fireplace mantle for a magical festive feel.
11. Knit Before Christmas Stocking By Purl Soho
Knit a super cute stocking with this free knitting pattern by Purl Soho.
It’s a fun project for anyone who loves to knit.
Make this stocking for you or as a gift.
12. How to Knit Easy Mini Christmas Stockings by Gina Michele
Make these easy mini stockings with this free knitting pattern by Gina Michele.
This knit stocking pattern is ideal for new knitters as it is knit flat with straight needles.
And it’s a great way to use up any yarn scraps left from other holiday projects.
Plus, there is a step-by-step video tutorial to help you along the way.
13. Festive Snowflake Stocking by Lion Brand Yarns
Knit a beautiful stocking with this free pattern.
Make one for you or as a gift.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
View the free knitting pattern here.
14. Unicorn Christmas Stocking by Nicola Valiji
Make a fun stocking with a unicorn design with this free pattern.
This is a great pattern for all makers.
The pattern is available as a free PDF on the Let’s Knit Co.
View the free knitting pattern here.
15. Patons Sugar Twist Knit Stocking Pattern by Yarnspirations
Knit a stocking with a beautiful cable design with this free knitting pattern.
Make one for you or as a gift.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
View the free knitting pattern here.
16. Jumbo Christmas Stocking in a Jiffy – Solid by Jennifer Jackson
Knit traditional Christmas stockings with this free pattern.
Make a set just in time for the holidays.
The pattern is available as a free PDF on Ravelry.
View the free knitting pattern here.
17. Red Heart Festive Fair Isle Stocking Pattern by Yarnspirations
Knit a festive stocking with this free pattern.
The Fair Isle design makes for a great holiday project.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
View the free knitting pattern here.
18. Knit Chevron Christmas Stocking by Just Crafty Enough
Knit a Christmas stocking with this free pattern.
The chevron design makes for an interesting project.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
View the free knitting pattern here.
19. Pet Christmas Stockings by Simply Serving Designs
Make knit Christmas stockings for your fur babies with this free pattern.
It’s a great project for the holidays.
The pattern is available as a free PDF on Ravelry.
View the free knitting pattern here.
20. Simple Holiday Stockings by Carissa Browning
Knit simple stockings for Christmas with this free pattern.
An ideal project for beginner makers.
The pattern is available as a free PDF on Ravelry.
View the free knitting pattern here.
21. Self-Striping Christmas Stocking by Cascade Yarns
Knit a fun stocking with this free pattern.
Made with self-striping yarn, this stocking has a great design without doing any color work.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
View the free knitting pattern here.
22. Cardo Christmas Stocking by Meredith Collins
Knit a beautiful stocking with this free knitting pattern.
Make one for you or as a gift.
The pattern is available as a free PDF on the Fair Mount Fibers website.
View the free knitting pattern here.
23. Nifty Christmas Stocking by Nifty Knitter Shop
Knit simple striped stockings for Christmas with this free pattern.
An ideal project for beginner makers.
The pattern is available as a free PDF on Ravelry.
View the free knitting pattern here.
24. Snow Flurry Stocking by Claire Slade
Make a beautiful stocking with this free pattern.
The design makes for a great holiday project.
The pattern is available as a free PDF on Ravelry.
View the free knitting pattern here.
25. Bernat Snowman Stocking Pattern by Yarnspirations
Knit stocking with a snowman graphic design.
This is a great project for experienced makers.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
View the free knitting pattern here.
26. O Christmas Tree Stocking by Cascade Yarns
Knit a unique stocking with this free knitting pattern.
The design makes for a great holiday project.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
View the free knitting pattern here.
27. Premier Scandinavian Stocking by Premier Yarns
Make a beautiful stocking with this free knitting pattern.
The Scandinavian design makes for an interesting project.
The pattern is available as a free PDF.
View the free knitting pattern here.
28. Polka Dot Knit Stocking Free Pattern by Briana K Designs
In this blog post, you will see how to make a polka dot stocking for Christmas.
The design makes for a great holiday project.
Make one for you or as a gift.
View the free knitting pattern here.
Everything You Need To Know About Knitting A Stocking
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.
What weight yarn for a Christmas stocking?
- The weight of yarn you choose for your Christmas stocking can depend on your personal preferences, the pattern you’re using, and the desired final look and feel of the stocking.
- However, worsted weight yarn is a common choice for Christmas stockings.
- It provides a good balance between thickness and flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of patterns.
- Worsted weight yarn is readily available, comes in a wide range of colors, and works up relatively quickly.
- It’s also a versatile choice for different stitch patterns and textures.
- If you prefer a smaller stocking or want a finer, more delicate look, you could use a lighter-weight yarn such as sport weight or DK (double knitting) weight.
- Conversely, if you want a larger, chunkier stocking, you might opt for a bulky or super bulky weight yarn.
- Always check the recommended yarn weight and gauge specified in your chosen pattern.
- This information will guide you in selecting the appropriate yarn to achieve the desired size and drape for your Christmas stocking.
- Learn everything about yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
- Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers
- Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)
What size knitting needles for a Christmas stocking?
The size of knitting needles you use for your Christmas stocking will depend on the yarn weight you choose and your personal knitting tension.
If you’re using worsted weight yarn, which is a common choice for Christmas stockings, you can typically use size 7 to 9 (4.5mm to 5.5mm) knitting needles.
However, the best way to determine the right needle size is to check the gauge specified in your chosen pattern.
Most knitting patterns will provide information on the recommended gauge (number of stitches and rows per inch or centimeter).
To achieve the correct gauge, you may need to adjust your needle size up or down.
If you’re not following a specific pattern, you can create a gauge swatch by casting on a small number of stitches (usually 20 to 30) and working in the main stitch pattern for a few inches.
Measure the number of stitches and rows per inch in your swatch and adjust your needle size as needed to match the pattern’s gauge.
Always remember that individual knitting tension can vary, so it’s crucial to swatch and check your gauge before starting your Christmas stocking to ensure it turns out the right size.
How much yarn do I need to knit a stocking?
The amount of yarn you’ll need to knit a Christmas stocking can vary based on several factors, including the stocking size, the thickness of the yarn, and your chosen stitch pattern.
Here is a general estimate for a medium-sized stocking using worsted-weight yarn: For a medium-sized stocking, you might need approximately 200 to 300 yards (183 to 274 meters) of worsted weight yarn.
Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, and it’s always a good idea to have a little extra yarn on hand, especially if you plan to add embellishments or if your stitch pattern is particularly yarn-intensive.
If you’re using a different weight of yarn or making a larger stocking, you may need more yarn.
You can check the yarn label for information on the yardage provided per skein and then estimate based on that.
It’s better to buy a little extra yarn than to run out in the middle of your project, as dye lots can vary, and it may be challenging to find an exact match later.
How many stitches do you cast on for a Christmas stocking?
The number of stitches to cast on for a Christmas stocking can vary based on the pattern you’re using, the yarn weight, and your desired stocking size.
However, I can provide you with a general guideline for a medium-sized stocking worked in worsted weight yarn.
For a basic stocking pattern, you might cast on around 40 to 60 stitches.
Here’s a breakdown of how you can adjust the number of stitches based on the size you want:
- Small Stocking: Cast on around 40 to 50 stitches.
- Medium Stocking: Cast on around 50 to 60 stitches.
- Large Stocking: Cast on around 60 stitches or more.
Always check the specific pattern you are using, as it will provide guidance on the recommended cast-on number and may include details on adjusting for different sizes.
Free Knitting Patterns For Christmas
- Dog Christmas Hat Pattern
- Knitted Elf Hat Pattern
- Knitted Santa Hat
- Knit Tree Skirt Pattern (Free And Easy Christmas DIY)
- Beret Hat Free Knitting Pattern (Fisherman’s Rib)
- 30+ Free Christmas Knitting Patterns (Best Knitted Ideas)
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- 17 One Skein Knitting Patterns {Easy + Quick}
- 35 Free Knitted Christmas Decorations (Knitting Patterns)
- 27 Free Christmas Knitting Patterns For Babies
- 33 Free Christmas Knitting Patterns For Kids
- 13 Vintage Knitted Christmas Stocking Patterns
- Tartan Christmas Decorations (Plaid Knitting Pattern)
- The 50+ Best Free Knitted Gifts For Christmas
- Christmas Blanket Knitting Pattern (Free + Festive!)
- How To Make A Chunky Knit Pillow Cover- Free Pattern
- Table Runner Knitting Pattern
- Knit Placemat Pattern
- Free Sock Knitting Pattern (Easy + Simple For Beginners)
- Free Cable Mittens Knitting Pattern (Classic Knit)
- How To Make A Christmas Wreath (Easy Homemade DIY)
- Christmas Tree Hat Knitting Pattern
- Dog Santa Outfit Costume DIY (Free Knitting Pattern)
- 47 Holiday Knitting and Crochet Patterns
- 44 Handmade Gifts – The Best Ideas For Everyone On Your List
Knitting Lessons
If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out the knitting lessons here – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).
There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.
Including how to cast on, how to knit the knit stitch, the stockinette stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, the mattress stitch, short rows and a list of knitting abbreviations, and more.
And if you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
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