DIY Upcycled Sweater Stocking

If you’ve got an outdoor person who loves winter in your life – this stocking is the perfect fit! In fact, this is the stocking that I wouldn’t mind seeing with my name on it for Christmas. But it can also be used for people who love vintage and upcycled items because of the way it is made. 

My husband came from a family where knit stockings were normal. The first year we had Christmas together, I had my polyester stocking from the 80’s and he had this massive knit stocking. No matter what I did, I could not fill the thing up. The knit just kept expanding and expanding and expanding. Needless to say, after that first year, I made us 2 homemade matching cotton stockings so it would be equal. And let’s face it, they looked like they belonged together on our mantel.

This project was such an easy one and, because I used a sweater from the thrift store, very inexpensive. I got so many great comments about it on my Instagram about how impressive my knitting was. I don’t knit. But I can upcycle a sweater like a boss, and so can you.

How to Upcycle a Sweater into a Stocking

Items Needed

-1 size large or bigger sweater from your closet or the thrift store
-Sewing machine
-6″ of ribbon
-Scissors

Making Your Upcycled Sweater Stocking

You can use a pattern (I used a Vintage Quik Sew 2212 pattern), or you can simply use white paper and trace out a stocking you already own and like the size of (add 1/2″ for a seam allowance). 

Compare your sweater with the pattern and figure out how you can get two pieces out of it. For mine, it was a zip-front sweater. I unzipped the sweater and I measured out the “good side” from the nape of the neck to get the nice texture the way I wanted it. For the back piece, I used from just below an arm pit to back. If you have a sweater that doesn’t have a zip front, cut the sweater into two halves that will accommodate your pattern. This part is a little tricky – but keep in mind no one usually sees the back side.

Pin stockings with right sides together and then sew 1/2″ around the outside edge with your sewing machine. Flip inside out and you have your stocking!  Trim inside seam if you wish. To add a loop, use your 6″ ribbon, form a loop and sew a line on the inside of the top to hold it.

Ready, Set, Stuff!

The best part about an upcycled sweater stocking is all the gear for that outdoor mom that goes into it. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post to see all the cozy finds at Mark’s this season. It’s a one-stop shop for all the cozy essentials this holiday season.

This creative stocking was created by us and sponsored by Mark’s. The opinions contained within this post are completely my own based on my experience.