Knit Christmas Stocking Patterns

Never knitted socks but curious about what the allure is? Then knitting a Christmas stocking is the right knitting project for you.

What I love about this type of knitting project is the freedom it gives while also teaching new knitting techniques.

Knitting a Christmas stocking pattern will show you the skills required to knit socks. Unlike sock knitting though, you’ll only be obligated to make ONE.

Plus, you won’t have to worry about mismatched yarn, about gauge, size or fit. It’ll just be fun, festive knitting.

And right now, I think we could all use more of this.  So let’s not waste another minute.

Let’s dive in.

Before we get started, I just wanted to share a quick note on these Christmas stocking patterns. Just FYI, these patterns are not my designs. If you have a question about a particular pattern, please contact the designer directly.

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Mini Stocking

Here’s a small knitting project that’s sure to keep your attention. Not only is this mini stocking a great stash buster pattern, but you can use it to hold a gift card or sweets.

This holiday stocking works up in the round from cuff to toe using double pointed needles (DPNs). The cuff is easy garter stitch in the round and the heel knits up using short rows. You’ll need to know how to pick up stitches and how to wrap and turn (W&T) for the short row heel.

You can hand knit these stockings with Knit Picks Wool of the Andes yarn or your favorite worsted weight wool yarn.

The knitting pattern instructions for this Christmas stocking include directions for 3 color versions.  

Self-Striping Christmas Stocking

You know what the best part of this holiday stocking is? Cascade Yarn’s Heritage sock yarn takes care of the colorwork so you can just have fun.

Here’s a Christmas stocking pattern that has all the festive feels. You can knit this top down sock pattern in fingering weight self-striping sock yarn.

The knitting pattern calls for knitting in the round with two circular needles. You’ll need two sets of U.S. size 2 knitting needles and a couple of stitch markers.

Other knitting techniques you'll need to know are how to whip stitch, kitchener stitch, and how to knit an i-cord.

This Christmas stocking pattern is a great knitting gift idea. Go ahead. Impress your friends!

Holiday Knit Stocking

I just love the look of these classic Christmas stockings from Yarnspirations. With a simple two-tone color, this knit stocking pattern should be at the top of your project list.

Knit with U.S. size 8 double pointed needles, this top down Christmas stocking begins with garter stitch in the round. Simply knit one round, purl one round. Then, you’ll knit in the round until you achieve the right length.

Knitting the sock heel involves short row knitting with wraps and turns (W&T). You’ll also need to know how to change colors when knitting in the round and grafting stitches. The written pattern includes a diagram on how to do this.

You can knit this Christmas stocking pattern with worsted weight acrylic yarn. The pattern uses Red Heart Super Saver yarn. You can stock up by clicking the link below.

Jumbo Christmas Stocking in a Jiffy

Looking for a jumbo Christmas stocking to knit? Try this fun striped knit stocking with super bulky yarn. 

This jumbo stocking knits up with U.S. size 15 knitting needles and Cascade Yarns Lana Grande. You could also substitute your favorite super bulky yarn.

Make your own Christmas stocking with DPNs, knitting magic loop, or with two circular knitting needles. You’ll be knitting stripes so it’ll help to know how to knit jogless stripes in the round. This big Christmas stocking pattern also requires you to knit short rows and to pick up stitches. 

The pattern doesn’t indicate final size but other knitters have said this jumbo Christmas stocking lives up to its name. You can see other knitters’ completed knitting projects here on Ravelry.com.

Festive Snowflake Stocking

Here’s a lovely Christmas stocking idea that ventures into colorwork knitting but isn’t stranded knitting. Still knit in the round with U.S. size 9 double pointed needles (DPNS), this pattern uses duplicate stitch knitting to achieve this snowflake stocking. I think it creates such a charming folk art feel.

You’ll need to know how to knit short rows for the heel and how to knit duplicate stitch for the design. This knitting technique is not difficult. Basically, it’s simply hand sewing with color over a stockinette background. You can do this!

Even if you choose to opt out of the duplicate stitch design, you’d still have an elegant Christmas stocking.

There's also a Festive Tree Stocking version, which takes the same pattern but gives you a different design chart. You can find the link to this pattern below.

One last thing. The original yarn used is now discontinued, but you can easily do a yarn substitution. According to yarnsub.com, my go to for yarn alternatives, they recommend Cascade Yarns Pacific Chunky. You can find this yarn below.

Jolly Striped Stocking

Knit this striped Christmas stocking pattern as is, or turn it into your next scrap yarn project. What a unique Christmas stocking that would make!

This fun knitted gift idea knits up with Bernat yarn in worsted weight. Modify the stripe pattern and turn this pattern into the ultimate stash buster. Or keep it as it is to create your new favorite holiday stocking.

You’ll need to know how to knit in the round, how to knit short rows and wrap and turn (W&T). Finally, you’ll need to graft stitches in your knitting.

If you like this pattern, then you’ll love this Jolly Stocking colorwork version. Still using DPN knitting needles and with the same construction, only with stranded knitting instead.

The written pattern includes knitting charts for snowmen, Christmas trees, and snowflake designs.

Go on, make these DIY Christmas stockings. You'll make this a holiday season they’ll never forget.

Chevron Christmas Stocking

If you love chevron knitting patterns, you’ll love this hand knitted Christmas stocking.

As an advanced beginner pattern, you’ll need to know something about colorwork, particularly stranded knitting. You should know how to read a knitting pattern and a color knitting chart.

Other knitting techniques in this pattern are 2x2 rib knitting in the round and an afterthought heel.

For a more polished look, I also recommend learning how to knit jogless stripes, too. 

As for knitting needles, it recommends using double pointed knitting needles (DPNs). Don’t like knitting with DPNs? You could knit with two circular needles, or one using the magic loop method.

This free Christmas stocking knitting pattern also includes additional color design motifs. Knit yours with your favorite worsted weight yarn.

Flat Knit Christmas Stocking

If you’re not ready to tackle proper hand knitted socks, you can always try this flat knit Christmas stocking pattern. A simple knit and purl pattern, this handmade Christmas stocking would make an easy knitted gift.

Knit this red and white Christmas stocking on straight knitting needles. Or, if you wanted to, you could also knit flat on circular needles.

For this pattern, you’ll first need to know how to cast on and how to knit stockinette stitch. The pattern requires knowledge of how to increase in knitting and how to SSK (a knitting decrease).

The pattern knits up in two pieces, and is then sewn together. It includes written knitting instructions. Even better, knitting gauge isn’t important. Hooray!

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I hope you’ve enjoyed these free Christmas stocking patterns and are inspired to knit them all. Challenge yourself! Don’t be afraid to try something new. You just might surprise yourself.

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Did you enjoy this collection of patterns? If so, I’d love to hear about it! Drop me a note in the comments below.

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