Santa Stocking

Click here to download a printable PDF for this pattern: santastocking

A bit of history regarding this pattern: As a child, one of my great-aunts crocheted personalized Santa stockings for me, my mother and my father. Each time a new family member is added, someone makes them a new stocking to go with the ones originally made by my great aunt. However, whatever pattern she used (probably from Family Circle Magazine, 12/13/1977) has long been lost and each crocheter has had to “wing it.” I decided that I did not want this little family tradtion to be lost just because the pattern is gone. So, I have created my own pattern and design based on the appearance of the various stockings in our family collection. I did not copy any part of any existing pattern, but came up with this design on my own. I pass on this tradition in hopes that you and your loved ones will enjoy the stockings you crochet from this pattern as much as my own family has!  ~Kiel

Note: A kind reader contacted me to let me know that Family Circle has responded to many requests to publish the original Santa Stocking crochet pattern on their website, and it is now available! I know many people will be happy to find this and continue their family traditions!  Find the original pattern here:  http://www.familycircle.com/holiday/christmas/decorations/stocking-pattern-test/

Santa Stocking

Materials: Hook size G/6-4.25mm
Worsted Weight Yarn (Red Heart Super Saver)
4-5 oz. green
2 oz. white
1 oz. red
Small amount of pink (baby/sport weight)
Small amount of black
Tapestry needle

Stocking (make 2)
Using green yarn, Ch 33.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across, turn (32 sc).
Row 2: Ch 1, sc across to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, turn (33 sc).
Row 3: Ch 1, sc across, turn (33 sc).
Row 4: Ch 1, sc across to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, turn (34 sc).
Row 5: Ch 1, sc across, turn (34 sc).
Row 6: Ch 1, sc across to last sc, 2 sc in last sc, turn (35 sc).
Row 7: Ch 1, sc across, turn (35 sc).
Rows 8-16: Repeat Row 7.
Row 17: Ch 1, sc2tog in first sc, sc across, turn (34 sc).
Row 18: Ch 1, sc across (34 sc).
Row 19: Ch 1, sc2tog in first sc, sc across, turn (33 sc).
Row 20: Ch 1, sc across, turn (33 sc).
Row 21: Ch 1, sc2tog in first sc, sc across, turn (32 sc).
Row 22: Ch 1, sc across, turn (32 sc).
Row 23: Ch 1, sc2tog in first sc, sc across, turn (31 sc).
Row 24: Ch 1, sc across, turn (31 sc).
Row 25: Do not Ch 1. Sl st in first 9 sc, ch 1, sc across, turn (23 sc).
Row 26: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (23 sc).
Repeat Row 26 until stocking measures approx. 19 in. from top to bottom.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Hat
Using red yarn, Ch 2.
Row 1: Work 2 sc in second ch from hook, turn. (2 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first sc, 1 sc in last, turn. (3 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next, sc in last, turn. (4 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next 2 st, sc in last, turn. (6 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (6 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in last, turn. (8 sc)
Row 7: Ch 1, 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in last, turn. (10 sc)
Row 8: Ch 1, 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in last, turn. (12 sc)
Row 9-11: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (12 sc)
Fasten off red and join white.
Continuing with white, ch 2 (counts as first dc of bobble) and work 4 dc bobble in first stitch, dc in next stitch, *4dc bobble, dc*, repeat from * to * to end of row. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Body
Using red yarn, Ch13.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across, turn. (12 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next 10 stitches, 2 sc in last, turn. (14 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (14 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, 2 sc in first, sc in next 12, 2 sc in last, turn. (16 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (16 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, 2 sc in first, sc in next 14, 2 sc in last, turn. (18 sc)
Row 7: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (18 sc)
Row 8: Ch 1, 2 sc in first, sc in next 16, 2 sc in last, turn. (20 sc)
Row 9-18: Ch 1, sc across, turn. (20 sc)
Fasten off red. Join white.
Continuing with white, ch 2 (counts as first dc of bobble) and work 4dc bobble in first stitch, dc in next stitch, *4dc bobble, dc*, repeat from * to  end. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Face
I used baby weight yarn for this part of Santa’s body. If you are using Worsted Weight, you should only Ch 13, and work sc across accordingly.
Using pink, Ch 15.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc across, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures approximately 2 inches in height.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Beard
Using white, Ch 17.
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc across, turn (15 dc).
Row 2: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc in next 10 stitches, dc2tog, turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc in next 8, dc2tog, turn.
Row 4: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc in next 6, dc2tog, turn.
Row 5: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc, dc2tog, dc, dc2tog, turn.
Row 6: Ch 2, sk first dc, dc, dc2tog, turn.
Row 7: Ch 3, dc2tog, fasten off. Weave in ends.

Belt
Using black, Ch 21. Dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc across. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Boots
Using black, Ch 6.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across, turn.
Rows 2-5: Ch 1, sc across, turn.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly
Lay out pieces of Santa’s body centered on the stocking. After determining placement, stitch pieces in place, beginning with the face and boots, as the other pieces need to overlap these somewhat. Next, stitch on the body and hat. Finally, the belt and beard. Stitch Santa’s facial features as desired. Make a small pom-pom using white yarn, and stitch to top of hat. Weave in all ends before assembling the rest of the stocking.

Lay out front and back of stocking so that they match, then use white yarn to stitch them together using sc evenly around edges, except for top opening. You may want to leave enough of a tail to create a 12ch loop for hanging the stocking, or you can attach this later.

Cuff
Once you have stitched the front and back of the stocking together, using white yarn, sc in front loop only around the top edge (opening) of the stocking. Join with sl st to first sc, ch 1, sc in next stitch and around, this time in both loops. I crocheted a total of 9 sc rounds for my cuff. You may do more or less, depending on the look you want to achieve. Fasten off and weave in ends. You can personalize the finished stocking by whip stitching or slip stitching the recipient’s name on the front of the cuff, if desired.

Santa Stocking3

 Copyright 2008, Kiel Lemon. All rights reserved.
No part of this pattern may be reproduced in any form.
The photograph, design and pattern are intended for personal, non-commercial use only.
For permission to sell an item made from this pattern,
please contact me via e-mail: cocoacreamcrochet@hotmail.com.

59 thoughts on “Santa Stocking”

  1. Beautiful! I especially love that you’re not letting a family tradition die. I hope yours lasts for a long time.

  2. We have the same family tradition, except no one in my family crochets. How long did it take you to make your stocking?

  3. OMG, I couldn’t believe when I saw your stocking. When my daughter was a baby I crocheted her a stocking almost just like yours that we have used every year (she is now 34). I wanted to make my granddaughters one as well but of course didn’t have the pattern. Thank you for providing this, now our own tradition can continue.

  4. OMG! My mom made my brother and I stockings like this when we were young. We are now 38 & 34. We have since lost the stockings years ago in a move. We were so heartbroken about. I am so glad I saw your stocking. Thank you for the pattern!

  5. Hi there,

    I just really wanted to thank you soooo much for this pattern.

    I made these back in the mid 80s’ for my daughters, and of course lost the pattern over the years. Was so pleased to find this. You are a blessing for sure.

    Thank you again,
    Sincerely,
    Marcia

    Marcia

  6. I have to tell you, I also made those stockings, and I believe the pattern was in a family circle. I too, lost the pattern, but over the years have come pretty close to the pattern. When I originally made them , I made them for my family (in one color) my 3 brothers families, each with a different color. One family was solid red, one solid green, one red and white striped, one green and white striped. I want you to know that over the years I have had to make many more stockings, the nieces,nephews, got married, my children got married, then they started have their babies. And the first thing that each wants to know, when will they get their appropriate colored stocking. Yes , traditions do die hard, and am so glad that we too have continued it. I was stunned when I saw your stocking. I had come to believe that I was the only one who ever crocheted that stocking. In the early 90’s I had contacted family circle in New York to try to locate the pattern to no avail. so I just had to take mine apart in order to copy it. and if anyone needs to know, each can be done in 2 nights watching tv. (maybe only grandmas have time to sit at night and crochet) Thank you for posting the picture . Sincerely, Patti

  7. Hi, I think the pattern was in a Crochet World book with other stocking patterns. I have made them also and I still have the patterns. I will have to look them up and see what book they are in. Thanks for sharing, Hugs, Connie

  8. Thank you for the pattern! I also have a family tradition of crocheting stockings for everyone. I try to make each one a little different – with a motif that suits the recipient of the stocking. Keep up the good work, and aren’t family traditions great?

  9. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS PATTERN. IT IS SO CUTE AND I HAVE A LOT OF KIDS I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ONE WITH. THANKS AGAIN. PAT

  11. Thank you for the lovely pattern. I have a new granddaughter and I am beginning our family tradition with this adorable stocking. Thank you for your story! I am getting started early for the next holidays!

  12. Wow you did a FAB job on that stocking. Looks like I might have to start that now in order to complete 2 that look as good as yours, lol.

  13. I am so glad I found this pattern again. I made my children it and they are now 38, 34 and 31. I have my first grandson coming anyday and want to follow up with one for him. Thank you!

  14. My mom made personal stockings like this for all our family and has since passed away. I was unable to find a pattern that she had for these and I am now in the process of “recreating” these.

    Thanks to a friend (she googled and found this site) I am able to have a pattern now too.

    Thank you for posting this!

  15. I cannot believe that I found this pattern .,.,For years I have been looking for it..I made up my own pattern which is just a copy of the original..Everyone in the family has this stocking ,now I do not have to struggle with my made up pattern any longer….thank you so much for posting it…

    Again thank you

    Marilyn

  16. Thanks for sharing your family honored pattern with the world. I too have done this; I make a stocking for everyone new in my life every year too; even if it’s just a small one for co-workers.

  17. My Grandmother made me a stocking and I love it because it is one of the few things I have left from her. I want to make my son his stocking and I love this pattern. Hopefully I will be able to do it.

  18. I am so grateful that you have posted this on the web. My mother started this tradition and I have not been able to find this patter until now. My first grandchild was born in September and my son just told me how sad he is that he is not going to get a stocking from grandma…..now he will. Thank you so very much!

  20. Thanks for posting this. My aunt wants my grandma (her mom) to make one for my cousin’s wife, so they have exact matches! I told my mom it would be impossible to find that exact pattern from like 30+ years ago! Apparently not 😀

  21. I have been looking for this pattern for so long! My husband has this identical one that was made for him when he was about 2 years old. He is now 36. I am now making one for our son. Thank you so much for posting this pattern. I can’t wait to get started!!

  22. I love this pattern! I am making this stocking for my 4 month old son for his 1st Christmas. Love it!

  23. This is a great pattern and I plan to make it to try to carry on the crocheted stocking tradition!

    When my children were small, my mother crocheted them Christmas stockings, a bare foot, an ice skate, a soccer shoe, a mary jane shoe and a riding boot. I have been looking for these patterns forever to make for my grandchildren and now great-grandsons. Does anyone know where I can find these patterns?

    Thanks for your creativity.

  26. Thank you – my grandma made these for all my family members, but since her passing, new members have been stockingless because the pattern was lost – not anymore! Thank you!

  27. To add to my previous comment. I made stockings for my children, nieces, nephews; then for my cousins’ children. For each new baby in the family I make a stocking as a baby gift. It has become a family tradition to expect a stocking from me.

  28. We make these in my family too! My cousin and Aunt made them for all of us when we were kids and then my cousins taught my sisters and our generation how to make them for our kids. Our Santa’s have loopy beards and some of our Santa’s are only heads, but I make the whole bodies. I have just turned my house upside down to find my pattern because my baby son’s stocking is half done… and I can’t find it! So now I am scouring the internet, but unfortunately, your lovely stocking is not quite an exact match to the one I have already started. But great job and thanks for sharing!

  29. I was really excited when I found this website and up popped
    the pattern for the christmas stocking pattern that I have
    been looking for for several years.My father (deceased) had a
    friend that made stocking’s for our four kids and our seven
    grandchildren through out the last forty years.As her health
    declined she had to stop making stockings and my sisters
    and I were left with the problem of where to get stockings for the future generations. When I sit down to start making a stocking I’m sure that my dad will be looking over my shoulder from up above and say”that’s my girl,keep the tradition going”.
    Thank you so much for sharing ! BJN

  30. OMG My grandmother and I started making a similiar stocking in the early 70’s and she has made stockings for all her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, she has made over 100 stocking over the years. I believe we too got the original pattern from Family Circle magazine. This is the first year my grandma, who is 93 has not been able to make these wonderful stockings. I was lucky enough to have her make 8 for my family along with the 4 I had made originally. This year I started looking for my pattern but could not find it. You have made my day, I will now be able to keep the tradition going for my children and grandchildren, but they won’t be the same as the one’s my Nana made. FYI my son is also 34 years old I believe he was around 2 when he got his stocking. We have hung them every year including this one since. Thank you.

  31. I’ve been looking for a pattern similar to one I made years ago because now my daughter has married and I want to make a pair for them ! Thanks so much

  32. I have the original pattern for this stocking from Family Circle. Every year I get requests from my children for more …just in case we run out and all the ‘dogs’ don’t get one. and for future pets and grandchildren!! I love making them cause I am so lousy at this no two are the same. Guess the kids think that is intentional!! Quite funny really.

    Judie

  33. You’ve done a good job of creating a duplicate that is unique and truly yours.

    God bless,
    tmb

  34. I also have made these stockings years ago for my sons who are now 38 and 33. I still have the original pattern which appeared in family circle in dec 1977 along with a granny square stocking which I made for my self and a knitted stocking which I made for my husband. I wanted to make stocking s for my daughter-in -law and my grandsons . When I located the pattern the page was not in very good condition and I had trouble reading the instructions. Also the original pattern called for a lighter weight yarn and when I tried making it with knitting worsted it was huge. I became frustrated when I tried to adapt the pattern and now am awaiting the birth of my 3rd grandchild and have not even finished the first stocking. When I decided to search for a new pattern on line I was surprised to find just what I was looking for. Thank you for doing the hard work for me. Now maybe my grandchildren will have new Christmas stockings this year.

  35. How touching that so many saw the original pattern and decided to make it a family tradition. I, also, made that stocking for my son who is now 34. I also believe I made one for my nephew and/or niece (now 28 and 22) when they were young. My son is now married and I was looking for a Christmas stocking to crochet for my daughter-in-law; that’s how I found this website. I’m so happy! The tradition continues! One question, does anyone know the issue of Family Circle magazine where this pattern first appeared?

    Thanks, so much.

    • To make a 4 dc bobble, work 4 double crochet into the stitch indicated, leaving the last loop of each dc on the hook. Yarn over, and draw through all the loops on the hook.

  37. I actually made several of these as gifts for people and also lost my directions. You are right, I always received compliments on these and also sold a few. Thanks for the memory.

  38. Thank you very much for posting this pattern! I have a stocking almost exactly like this that my aunt crocheted for me when I was a child. This has always been the stocking that I have used at Christmas. I am now 32 and recently taught myself to crochet. I would love to make these for my husband and sons and was so happy when I stumbled across your pattern!

  40. I started making stockings, so my girls would all have a matching set. However, my stocking comes out notable smaller than shown. Above you state it is about 19 inches from top to bottom. Mine is measuring about 10 inches. Using g hook on 4 ply yarn, any pointers?

    • The only thing I can think of is that your stitch tension is much tighter than mine was. Do you typically crochet pretty tightly or have trouble with your gauge being accurate? Also, it is possible that your yarn is lighter weight than Red Heart Super Saver, even though you are using a 4-ply. RHSS tends to be a pretty heavy worsted weight as compared to something like Caron Simply Soft, so that could be making a difference as well. I’m sorry I didn’t measure for gauge when I wrote up the pattern, as that might help. The only suggestion I have is to use an H hook instead and see if your results are better.

  41. My mother made the stocking from the pattern in Family Circle for my two oldest children in 1981 and 1984. She passed away (at an untimely age) before my last two children were born; however, I found the pattern and a friend’s mom was kind enough to crochet two more for my family. We have received so many compliments on them through the years! When my daughter got married a few years ago, I learned to crochet myself (!) so that I could carry on the tradition with future additions to our family, ie: daughters/sons-in-law and grandchildren. To date, I just finished “my fourth” stocking this year, as we welcomed a new grandchild and a new daugther-in-law to our family in 2010! My mother would love the continuing tradition that she began.

  43. Hi! I found this pattern last yr and made my daughters each a stocking. They turned out adorable! My only problem seems to be the cuff. Im not doing SOMETHING right on there.. Can you help me out to understand what “sc in front loop only”…. what is front loop only? Maybe thats where Im going wrong. I have pretty much taught myself how to do this & am doing EXTREMELY well considering… but, Im thinking I’m still mixing some stuff up or not completely understanding. Any help is greatly appreciated!! Im working on my 3rd one, & again, looks AWESOME until i get to that cuff! 😦

  44. Just wanted to say I came across this pattern and I am starting a tradition for my family. I have made a total of 13 stockings for christmas presents this year and can’t wait til they open them. I found a snowman pattern and used that to put on the stockings for the older kids. Thank you!!! I also gave them for a Birthday presents and there was a friend who wants me to make 5 for next year.

  45. I just wanted to thank you for having this pattern on line. I was able to make 13 before Christmas (only had 2 done at Thanksgiving time) and will be making more for others in my family. I also used a snowman pattern that I found and used that on some of the stockings. Thanks again!!

  46. Thank you so much for updating this stocking. I made my son his back in 1977 and removed his name and place his daughters on the stocking last xmas. He was thrilled for her, but I also saw the disappointment in his face that it was no longer his, so started searching for the pattern, the internet is wonderful. just made three more for his wife and two children. Xmas day when he saw DAD on his the smile on his face could not have been brighter. Thanks again

  47. I was so excited to find this pattern. I made this stocking for my 3 boys when they were little. The youngest is now 29. Now I have a daughter-in-law & girlfriend that I wanted to make the same one for but didn’t have the pattern any more. I can’t wait to get started on them! Maybe I’ll even make a couple extra now for any grandkids that come along!

  48. thank you for this pattern. this is the same pattern that was in the family circle magazine 1977. my copy is so faded i cant read it anymore. have been looking eveywhere for it. i have had a lot of requests from family members for this stocking.

  49. I have the yellowed, but legible, pages from the 12/13/77 Family Circle magazine for this pattern. I’d been searching for stocking patterns and the history of yours seemed rather familiar so I pulled out my “stack” and there it was. It’s been “stacked” for 34 years! I’m more than willing to share it, but I’m not computer “savvy” so if there’s another way……

    • Well, I don’t think it would be appropriate to share a copy because of copyright laws, although I’ve heard from many people who do still have the original as well. I am happy with my own little version of the design, though! 🙂

  50. love it.. thanks so much.. i am new to crochet… and am planning on making all five of my kids their very own personalized stockings…. 😉

  51. I also have made these stockings for years and I have the original pattern. I had enough green yarn to make 7 stockings for my children and their spouses. I had to use a new green for my grandchildren. My youngest son got married this year and unfortunately I do not have enough old green yarn in the same color to finish a stocking for my new daughter in law. According to the pattern it calls the color clover. Does anyone have really old green yarn called clover? I need only enough for about 30 rows. I can use another green for the back of the stocking if I have to. I made my first stocking around 1977 -78. My last son was born 1985 and I am sure I bought new yarn at that time. So I am sure that clover color was available from 1977-1985.
    Thanks.
    Sheryl

  52. Hi, I still have the original pattern from Family Circle. I have retyped it as the magazine version is a little tattered. I have used this same pattern to make many, many stockings for children, friends, dogs with various appliques on the front from Santas, snowmen, doggie bones, snowflakes, etc in either the green or red. As the years have gone on the stockings have grown a little larger in size due to the looseness of my crocheting. This is my favorite pattern. I was so excited to see it when I was looking at different stocking patterns

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