Happy December everyone. By the time you read this it will be the first of the month and therefore time to start decorating for Christmas. I know these stockings may seem like a large project, but believe me, they knit up very quickly. These stockings are all knit with my locally sourced hand spun yarn -- with the occasional blast of novelty yarn thrown in.
I was inspired to make these Christmas stockings by desire to have a unique gift for every member of my family. As a sock knitter, I really enjoyed making these stockings. First, they are knit on large needles so they work up really fast. Second, it’s a great way to use up all those left over mini balls of yarn that build up in a knitter’s stash each year. And finally, because you are making each one to be unique, you don’t have to stress yourself by trying to match the second sock! The bells add a sense of fancy and Christmas joy. But you must be careful on Christmas Eve; their gentle jingling will give you away!
You don't need to buy chunky weight yarn to make these; in fact they look much better when you create a chunky weight yarn by combining 2 (or more) strands of DK weight yarn. When you do this you have a better chance to play with colour and texture. And don't worry about making it all the same yarn weight. If you look closely at the red/white/and green stripe stocking at the end of this post, you will see how it bulges out at the green stripe. That is because that was knit with a hand spun super chunky weight and I used it because I needed some green. I liked the affect because it reminded me of a stocking that would be used in a Dr. Seuss book.
I was inspired to make these Christmas stockings by desire to have a unique gift for every member of my family. As a sock knitter, I really enjoyed making these stockings. First, they are knit on large needles so they work up really fast. Second, it’s a great way to use up all those left over mini balls of yarn that build up in a knitter’s stash each year. And finally, because you are making each one to be unique, you don’t have to stress yourself by trying to match the second sock! The bells add a sense of fancy and Christmas joy. But you must be careful on Christmas Eve; their gentle jingling will give you away!
You don't need to buy chunky weight yarn to make these; in fact they look much better when you create a chunky weight yarn by combining 2 (or more) strands of DK weight yarn. When you do this you have a better chance to play with colour and texture. And don't worry about making it all the same yarn weight. If you look closely at the red/white/and green stripe stocking at the end of this post, you will see how it bulges out at the green stripe. That is because that was knit with a hand spun super chunky weight and I used it because I needed some green. I liked the affect because it reminded me of a stocking that would be used in a Dr. Seuss book.
I hope you enjoy making these. Here are some of the details and the pattern can be found through the link below.
Materials
Needles: 4 double pointed, size 6mm or size needed to obtain correct gauge
Tapestry needle
Size: measurement from cuff to heel – 14 inches; from heel to toe 10 ½ inches.
Yarn: assortment of #3 DK light worsted yarns in Christmas colours like red, green, white. The addition of other colours like orange, pink, blues and textured yarns with sparkles, add to the uniqueness. The yarn will be doubled throughout to make a chunky yarn. Patons Classic Wool, in a series of colours, held double, will do the trick as will your hand spun yarns. You will need a total of 200 grams of yarn.
Notions: 10 –½ inch brass bells
Notions: 10 –½ inch brass bells
Needles: 4 double pointed, size 6mm or size needed to obtain correct gauge
Tapestry needle
Gauge: In St st, 12sts and 18rows = 4”/10cm on size 6mm needles
Thanks for the feedback. I didn't use natural dyes. All dyeing is chemical dyes, Ashford to be exact, or sometimes just plain koolaid.
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