A Christmas stocking with a snowman worked into the front. It measures approximately 15 inches (38 cm) from cuff to heel, which is a full-sized stocking rather than a decorative miniature – it will actually hold presents.
Skill level: easy. Worsted weight yarn throughout.
Why worsted weight matters here
A stocking has to hold weight without stretching into a long thin sock. Worsted weight worked at a firm gauge gives you a fabric with enough body to keep its shape when loaded. If your gauge runs loose, drop a hook size – a stocking that sags is a stocking that will be replaced next year.
Colours
White for the snowman, and a background with real contrast against it. This is where snowman stockings most often go wrong: a white snowman on a pale blue or cream background disappears entirely once the piece is hung against a wall and seen from a few feet away. A strong red, green or dark blue background will make the figure read clearly.
Small amounts of black and orange finish the face. You will need very little of each, so this is a good use for leftovers.
Finishing details
Embroider the eyes, mouth and buttons rather than using safety eyes or sewn-on buttons if the stocking will be within reach of small children. It also looks better – embroidered features sit flat against the fabric where attached ones stand off it.
Work a firm hanging loop at the back of the cuff and anchor it well. A full stocking is heavy, and the loop takes all of that weight on a single point.
Storage
Store it flat rather than folded. Crocheted fabric holds a crease through a year in a box, and a stocking with a fold line across the snowman’s face is hard to fix.
