Let's Talk Stockings!!!

Today I wanted to make a little* blog post talking about my thought process behind the "Red Bows & Trees Stocking" I just released for preorder!

I want to start by saying as of 1/28/2024, I have this canvas available only as a 3-4 month preorder. Some preorders will go out sooner than that, but I want to make sure I give ample processing times since this canvas does take longer to paint. 

*let’s use the phrase “little” lightly, this is a long one so buckle up!

The Back-Story:

Since I began needlepoint, stitching a stocking has always been on my "NDLPT Bucket List". The vision of a family collection of stockings hanging on the mantle each year - chef's kiss!! When I first learned about needlepoint stockings they seemed SO intimidating; the kind of project you needed to work up to and have many years of stitching experience under your belt before you decided to tackle one. I write this because I want to say, that is not true! Anyone can stitch a stocking...beginner, intermediate, experienced stitcher, don't be afraid to tackle the project. One of the biggest takeaways I have from my stitching experience: you can make your project as complicated or as simple as you want! Stitch the whole thing in basketweave/continental OR fill her up with decorative stitches, beading, specialty thread etc! Either way it's YOUR project and will be beautiful when finished because YOU made it!!

Why This Design?

When I decided it was time to take on a stocking project I knew I wanted to design my own. I wanted something fairly simple, but that I could "spice-up" with decorative stitches and threads. I ended up designing this pattern because I felt like it was a great representation of one of those canvases that you can make as simple or complex as your heart desires. I also really enjoy the repetitiveness of the pattern. The interlocking bows make a box-like pattern that feels very approachable to me. If you were working on this design you could say to yourself "okay, I am going to commit to going 1-2 sections of the bows and trees each day". Then you know you can tackle the project and get it done in a certain time frame (instead of making the project decision I am far too guilty of - starting a canvas only to take years to finish it)! 

I also designed this stocking to be on 13 count canvas because let's be real - 18 count canvas for large projects just takes way too long sometimes and I need instant gratification. That's not to say I never do 18 count canvases for large projects but again, I wanted approachability and a somewhat quicker stitch. 

The stocking's size measures 11.3" x 17.6" which I felt was a great size to work as a functional stocking. I designed the stocking with the toe facing to the right, but it is super easy for me to also create the design facing left, so if your heart desires a left-toe facing stocking please don’t hesitate to reach out, I am happy to accommodate special requests. The stocking pictured does not have a name script on the top but I am happy to make personalizations, again just shoot me an email! 

How I'm Planning to Stitch Mine:

Like I said earlier you can do basketweave/continental for any project and it will be just as perfect as if you did decorative stitches & specialty thread. Personally, I plan to use a few decorative stitches and some fun threads to add to my stocking’s character. I figured I would provide a list here of the threads/stitches I am planning to use on my stocking. I kitted my stocking a couple of weeks ago at my LNS, Time To Stitch. If you can’t find the threads you’re looking for at your LNS, https://www.kcneedlepoint.com/ is a great online resource for threads!

Stocking Cuff: For the green color of the stocking cuff I chose “Planet Earth Silk Myrtle #063”. I plan to stitch the green portion of my stocking in a decorative stitch such as Criss Cross Hungarian with Green Beads, Scotch Stitch, or Diagonal Mosaic. I haven’t decided on which one yet. 

Name: On my personal stocking I have painted my name in white in the center of the stocking cuff. I will be using “Silk Lame for 13 LB02” in a tent stitch.

Background White: I chose “Silk & Ivory Natural #01” as my background color. I really like how the off-white cream color allows for a cleaner look over time. Choosing a natural white will hopefully help to hide any signs of wear over the years. I think either a simple basketweave or diagonal mosaic will work perfect for this area.

Bows: The interlocking bows are my absolute favorite part of this stocking. In true bow-like fashion I will be stitching them in red velvet, “Very Velvet V682”. I plan to use a tent stitch for the bows.

Tree Greenery: I bought “Straw Silk #0452 Christmas Green & #0450 Irish Eyes” to stitch the green branches of the Christmas trees. I like this thread because of its variegated color. I’ll be using long and short stitches for this area. When using Straw Silk I find it easiest to work with when you have a laying tool on hand (it helps the stitches lay flat and uniform). If you don’t have a laying tool you can just simply use your finger. I also like to run my thumbnail over the strand of thread before I start to stitch with it as this helps get out any of the kinks/bumps in the strand.

Tree Trunk: I also plan to use Straw Silk for the brown trunk of the tree. I am going to use “Straw Silk #0215 Cinnamon” in either a classic tent stitch, or satin.

Star: I want to use beads to make the tree topper star POP! I really like “Sundance” beads for beading, you can find them at most local needlepoint shops. An alternative to beading this area would be using a sparkly thread such as “Silk Lame Braid for 13 or doubling up and using a Crystal Braid”. 

Finishing:

There are a couple different routes you can take once you have finished stitching your canvas and are ready to turn it into a functional stocking! Firstly you will need to decide what fabrics you would like to use to finish your piece. I prefer a velvet backing and a silk moire lining. You can also decide here if you want a tassel, bells, tags, or any other accessories added to your finished stocking. 

After you’ve thought it over and decided what finishing options you’d like you will need to find someone to sew your canvas into a stocking. You can also do this part yourself! There are many online tutorials if you want to get crafty, align with your inner seamstress, and sew your stocking yourself! If you prefer to differ that responsibility to a finisher, most local needlepoint shops offer finishing services. If you do not have an LNS, needlepoint.com has a wonderful finishing department and partners with a few very reputable finishers. You can find information on their finishing process here: https://needlepoint.com/pages/stocking-finishing-1. Another option for stocking finishing would be to contact a local seamstress and see if this is a project they would be willing to undertake!

Wrapping It Up:

If you’ve made it this far on this lengthy blog post, thank you!!! I hope this little bit of info will be useful to needlepointers interested in tackling a stocking project! I am so excited to stitch my stocking and hopefully have it finished for use this 2025 Christmas! As always my email inbox & Instagram DM’s are always open for questions, comments, or ndlpt chit-chat! Now…go tackle that big NDLPT project, you can do it! :)

XOXO - Katelyn @magnolianeedlepoint