SewLibra:
Here is Nash's stocking, the one he can actually handle as a toddler. The first stocking I made him from the Bucilla kit has sequins and 3D areas that he could pull off and get hurt, so that one can be a keepsake or used when he's older.
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Dogs have fun on Christmas too! This is the only print I could find at the time with a black dog that looks similar to Jagger. He's part lab with shiny black fur.
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The last thing to do is put the lining down into the stocking and press the whole thing. Here showing the label on the inside back of grandson's stocking.
SewLibra:
For grandson's stocking I measured 5/8" (the seam allowance) plus a half inch and pinned the label in place. Then I sewed the perimeter of the label, then attached front to back of lining with the label on the inside.
SewLibra:
Sooo....I forgot all about the label like I made on the Bucilla stocking for doggy's version. But next is grandson's so I went ahead and made two in case I messed one up. This should have been sewn on the lining before attaching front to back. (Next.)
SewLibra:
Don't forget to sew the lining's hole. Since it's pressed with the seam allowances inside, it's easy to stitch right along the edge. Backstitch beginning and end.
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Here is how it looks like at this point, and you can see how the lining can be pulled out and washed if candy gets on it. Just let it dry before pushing it back in. Just as on the main fabric, pull the seams out to shape it, then a good steam press.
SewLibra:
From the 3" opening in the lining pull out the entire stocking and cuff. This is one of those "bag a lining" methods.
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Trimming off the seam allowance at the top of the stocking. All those layers! Actually since this was my first time doing this, I pulled out the stocking to make sure all was well. Then I put it back and trimmed. On the second one I didn't bother.
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I had included a 5/8" seam allowance for the stocking's top. Sewed all around using the free arm and when I came to the lumpy tab I used a hump jumper.
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Now slip the stocking into the right side of the lining. The lining seam allowances will be on the outside. Match seams and all edges. I took out the pins that were there and put them back in the same places, including the lining this time.
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Place the cuff right side out over the right side of the stocking and pin around the top circumference matching seams and edges. Fold the tag in half and pin it to the left side, not the toe side.
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For the hanging tab fold lengthwise, press, fold each long edge to the center fold, press, and fold in half again, press. Stitch close to the edge to secure.
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To the ironing board to pull out the seams and steam press the stocking into proper shape. I used my fingers inside the stocking too, to help push out the seams.
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The lining can't be serged because of the side opening, and it would make bulk if everything was serged! I decided I wanted to serge the SA off the main fabric using a 3-thread stitch. This is the only time I used my serger.
SewLibra:
Right sides together sew the main fabric from upper opening all the way around to the other side of the top opening. Don't leave any open at the side like on the lining.
SewLibra:
My lining is solid white, but if you have a print place it right sides together and stitch from the top opening around to the other side of the top opening EXCEPT leave a 3" opening on the side. Backstitch at the opening edges for strength.
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Fold the cuff on it's fold line wrong sides together, give it a good press and baste the raw edges together to keep it from slipping apart. My free arm came in handy for this.
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Press the seams open. I didn't want to serge here because that would be extra bulk. There are going to be lots of layer at the side seams later!
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Right sides together, pin and sew the two short ends to create a tube. I'll mention here again I decided after making my pattern to use a 3/8" seam allowance for a slightly wider stocking.
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Tearing away the tissue paper and gently using my serger tweezers to get out the last bits.
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Because of the colors on both prints, I wanted black lettering but didn't have any embroidery thread in that color. I used two strands of black serger thread which worked fine. I tried 4 strands but it looked too thick and sloppy.
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On the right side I centered the name, making sure the fold was under the name. Otherwise it would end up upside down!
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After tracing the name from the Bucilla alphabet onto tissue paper, I determined how long a piece of interfacing I'd need. I centered and fused a rectangle on the wrong side.
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Here are my finished pieces and the alphabet from the Bucilla kit I'll use for the name personalization. The hanging tab is a 2" X 5" rectangle, shown later in the process.
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The cuff is the same width and side SA, but there is a slight flare at the toe side. It gives a little extra room after it's turned to the outside. I made the length 4" plus 5/8" SA at the top. It's cut on the fold and is 4" long finished.
SewLibra:
Before cutting into my Bucilla kit stocking I made previously, I traced and cut a fabric pattern for future use. I traced around that and added 1/2" seam allowance. I ended up using a 3/8" seam allowance instead to make it slightly wider.
SewLibra:
For these stockings, one for grandson and one for his dog, I'm using 100% quilting cotton. The solids are Kona, the Santa print is Michael Miller Vintage, and the Sweater Dogs is by Studio Fabrics.
