A Quick Stocking - How To

I wanted some small festive stockings to send to my adopted soldier and his unit, but I didn't want to spend a lot since they most likely don't have space to save them for next year. So I went to a local store and bought 4 velvet placemats in festive holiday colors. From them I was able to make 8 tiny stockings. Here is my tutorial; an early holiday gift from me to you. :)

1. Fold placemat (inside out) in half width-wise (short ways)

2. Trace the outline of a stocking on the placemat. The top of the stocking should be on the finished edge of the placemat and the toe should be against the folded edge, so you don't have to sew two extra seams.

3. Sew along the traced lines, then trim off the excess fabric no more than 1/8" from the seam.

4. Turn the stocking right-side out.

5. Cut a strip of ribbon or lace about 3.5" long. Fold it in half and pin to the inside of the stocking opening, making sure the loop is hanging out. Sew to the top of the stocking, stitching in the ditch of the existing edging seam.

6. Voila! You have a stocking! Decorate the outside as you wish; get creative with lace edging, fabric paint, even beads!