Link the the full you tube tutorial is here : How to applique | Christmas Stocking Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners https://youtu.be/rTBMJJRgKKw?si=JtlUwTCk_RngaUZi
Cassie Cartmell – Faoail Creation
Table of Contents
Christmas sewing projects are a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. If you love fabric applique, this Christmas Stocking Applique tutorial is a fun and creative project that you can use to make a festive wall hanging, cushion cover, tote bag, apron or even a hoodie.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a beautiful Christmas Stocking Applique using Steam-A-Seam double-sided fusible adhesive, decorative fabrics, free motion quilting and sparkling hot fix crystals.
The best part? You can download my free Christmas Stocking Applique pattern from the Faodail Creation blog and follow along with the instructions.
I’ll also show you how I prepare my applique pieces, position them correctly, attach them to the background fabric and finish the design with free motion quilting.
Whether you’re new to applique or have been sewing for years, this Christmas Stocking Applique is a lovely way to use your fabric scraps and create something special for Christmas.
Download Your Free Christmas Stocking Applique Pattern
Before getting started, you’ll need the Christmas Stocking Applique pattern.
I’ve made this pattern available as a free download on the Faodail Creation blog. You can print the pattern, cut out the individual sections and use them to recreate the design shown in this tutorial.
I recommend printing the pattern and numbering each individual piece before you start cutting.
This makes assembling your Christmas Stocking Applique much easier because you’ll know exactly where each piece belongs.
The pattern can be used for more than just a wall hanging. You can use this Christmas Stocking Applique on almost any fabric project that you would like to decorate.
Some ideas include:
- Christmas wall hangings.
- Cushion covers.
- Tote bags.
- Aprons.
- Sweatshirts and hoodies.
- Decorative Christmas pillows.
- Fabric gift bags.
The applique process remains the same regardless of which project you choose.
Materials Needed for Your Christmas Stocking Applique
Before beginning your Christmas Stocking Applique, gather everything you need.
Having your supplies ready will make the process much easier and help you avoid stopping halfway through your project.
Below I have included my Amazon Affiliate links, if you decide to purchase from any of these links I may receive a small commission at no cost to you!
Faodail Creation Amazon Store Front – https://www.amazon.com/shop/faodailcreation
Supplies for the applique
- Free Christmas Stocking Applique pattern.
- Assorted Christmas fabrics.
- Steam-A-Seam double-sided fusible adhesive. https://link.amazon/B0izoSd7I
- Regular pencil. https://link.amazon/B00Jatys5
- Fabric scissors. https://link.amazon/B0eO0bEq7
- Iron. https://link.amazon/B0hPt71qD
- Pressing mat. https://link.amazon/B06DfnBI3
- Silicone applique pressing mat. https://link.amazon/B069jyGBF
Supplies for the wall hanging
If you want to recreate my Christmas Stocking Applique wall hanging, these are the measurements I use:
| Material | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Canvas frame | 12 x 12 inches |
| Quilter’s batting | 11 x 11 inches |
| Background fabric | 16 x 16 inches |
| Applique fabrics | As required by the pattern |
You’ll also need:
- Sewing machine.
- Embroidery thread. https://link.amazon/B044wVztn
- 90/14 Microtex sewing needle. https://link.amazon/B0clPa9WF
- Free motion quilting foot.
- Quilting pins. https://link.amazon/B015pK0uf
- Frixion pen. https://link.amazon/B0ilJtntE
- Hot fix crystal setter. https://link.amazon/B0b1fyrdE
For this project, I’m using my Baby Lock Altair 2 sewing and embroidery machine.
You don’t need the same sewing machine to complete this Christmas Stocking Applique. Any sewing machine with a free motion quilting capability will work.
Step 1: Prepare and Number Your Christmas Stocking Applique Pattern
The first thing I like to do is prepare all my applique pattern pieces.
I prefer to number every individual section of my Christmas Stocking Applique pattern. This is especially helpful when working with several overlapping fabric pieces.
Each number on the pattern corresponds with the matching fabric piece.
Once I’ve numbered everything, I cut out all my applique shapes before starting.
I find this saves a considerable amount of time because I can concentrate on assembling the design rather than constantly stopping to find the next pattern piece.
A helpful tip: Keep your numbered paper pattern pieces together until your applique is completely assembled.
Christmas Stocking Applique – Tracing your applique pieces
For this Christmas Stocking Applique, I’m using Steam-A-Seam double-sided fusible adhesive.
Steam-A-Seam is available in rolls and individual sheets. I like to look through my fabric and fusible scraps before opening a new sheet.
You may already have a piece large enough for some of your smaller applique sections.
Steam-A-Seam has two sides:
- A gridded side.
- A plain side.
You can use either side, but I personally prefer working with the plain side.
Using a regular pencil, trace each applique shape onto the fusible adhesive.
Write the corresponding pattern number beside each shape.
When cutting these shapes out, do not cut directly on the traced line. Leave a little extra adhesive around the outside.
There is one important detail when tracing the main Christmas stocking.
I deliberately trace slightly beyond certain sections of the stocking, including the top, heel and toe.
This extra material is important because I want these sections to tuck underneath the other applique pieces when I assemble my design.
For the smaller decorative pieces, simply trace the actual shape.
Christmas Stocking Applique – Remember that applique shapes are reversed
One thing to remember when making this Christmas Stocking Applique is that your traced design will be reversed when transferred to the fabric.
This happens because you’re working with the reverse side of the fabric.
If you want your finished stocking to face the same direction as the original pattern, you can reverse your tracing.
An easy way to do this is to hold your pattern against a window and trace the design from the opposite side.
This is particularly important if you’re working with letters, numbers or directional designs.
Step 2: Apply Steam-A-Seam to Your Christmas Stocking Applique Fabrics
Once all your shapes have been traced and cut out roughly, it’s time to attach the Steam-A-Seam to your fabrics.
Take your main Christmas stocking fabric piece and turn it over so you’re working on the reverse side.
Carefully peel back the paper backing.
Important: Before removing all the paper, check which side contains the adhesive.
Steam-A-Seam has a gridded and plain side, and you want to make sure the adhesive is positioned correctly against the reverse side of your fabric.
If the adhesive is on the wrong side, you can transfer it by pressing it against your thumb and then pressing it onto the side you want to use.
Once the adhesive is correctly positioned, remove the remaining paper backing.
Place the Christmas stocking fabric onto your ironing surface.
Using your iron, heat press the Steam-A-Seam onto the reverse of the fabric.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate temperature and pressing time.
Allow the fabric to cool before moving on to the next section.
Christmas Stocking Applique – Repeat the process for every applique piece
Repeat these steps for all the remaining Christmas Stocking Applique sections.
For example:
- Take the top fluffy section of the stocking.
- Peel back the Steam-A-Seam paper.
- Check that the adhesive is on the correct side.
- Position the adhesive against the reverse of your fabric.
- Heat press according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow the piece to cool.
Repeat the process for the heel, toe and any remaining decorative sections.
I recommend working on one piece at a time.
This helps prevent confusion and makes sure you don’t accidentally attach the adhesive to the wrong side of your fabric.
Once all your Christmas Stocking Applique pieces have cooled, you’re ready to trim them.
Step 3: Cut Out Your Christmas Stocking Applique Shapes
Now that the adhesive has been applied to all your fabrics, it’s time to cut out the individual shapes.
This time, you want to cut directly on the traced pattern lines.
Carefully cut around each Christmas Stocking Applique section using your fabric scissors.
Take your time, especially around the curves of the heel and toe.
Accurate cutting helps the individual sections fit together properly when assembling your design.
Once you’ve finished cutting, lay all your pieces out so you can see what you’re working with.
Check that you have every numbered section before moving on.
Step 4: Assemble Your Christmas Stocking Applique Using a Silicone Mat
This is one of my favourite parts of making this Christmas Stocking Applique.
I’m using a silicone applique mat to assemble all my pieces.
A silicone mat is particularly useful because you can position your individual applique sections, move them around and make adjustments before permanently pressing everything together.
It also allows you to treat the completed design as one large applique piece.
Christmas Stocking Applique – Positioning your applique pieces
Start with the main Christmas stocking section.
Peel away the remaining paper backing to reveal the sticky side of the Steam-A-Seam.
Place the stocking onto your silicone applique mat.
Unlike some other fusible adhesives, Steam-A-Seam has a slightly sticky surface once the backing paper is removed.
This allows you to position your pieces without immediately permanently attaching them.
Next, take the fluffy top section of your Christmas stocking.
Remove the paper backing and position it where it belongs.
Continue with the heel and toe sections.
You can move the individual pieces around until you’re happy with how everything looks.
Pay attention to the positioning of the heel and toe.
The larger section belongs on the toe, while the smaller section is positioned on the heel.
I always like to step back and check the entire Christmas Stocking Applique before pressing anything permanently.
Christmas Stocking Applique – Permanently press your applique together
Once you’re happy with the placement, take a Teflon pressing sheet.
Place it over the assembled Christmas Stocking Applique.
Using your iron, press the entire design according to the Steam-A-Seam instructions.
Allow everything to cool.
You can now carefully peel the completed applique away from the silicone mat.
All your individual sections should now be joined together as one large applique design.
This makes transferring your Christmas Stocking Applique onto your background fabric much easier.
Step 5: Position Your Christmas Stocking Applique on Your Background Fabric
Now it’s time to prepare the background fabric.
I’m making a Christmas wall hanging, so I’m using a 16 x 16-inch piece of fabric.
Start by giving your background fabric a good press to remove any creases.
Next, find the centre of your fabric.
An easy way to do this is to fold the fabric in half and press lightly.
Fold it in half again and press.
When you open the fabric, you’ll have a cross-shaped crease showing the centre point.
I like to use a Frixion pen to mark the centre.
This gives me a visual reference when positioning my Christmas Stocking Applique.
Christmas Stocking Applique – Positioning the stocking
Take your completed Christmas Stocking Applique and place it onto your background fabric.
You can position the stocking straight or at an angle.
There really isn’t a right or wrong way to do this.
For my wall hanging, I like to position the stocking slightly off-centre to give the design a little more movement.
Once you’re happy with the placement, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to heat set the applique onto your background fabric.
Make sure the entire design is securely attached.
Step 6: Attach Your Christmas Stocking Applique Using Free Motion Quilting
Now comes the fun part!
I’m going to use free motion quilting to secure my Christmas Stocking Applique to the background fabric.
For this wall hanging, I’m using an 11 x 11-inch piece of quilter’s batting underneath my background fabric.
Position the batting behind the fabric and use quilting pins to hold the layers together.
Make sure everything is smooth before starting.
Christmas Stocking Applique – My sewing machine setup
For this Christmas Stocking Applique tutorial, I’m using my Baby Lock Altair 2.
Here are the settings and supplies I’m using:
| Sewing supply | My selection |
|---|---|
| Sewing machine | Baby Lock Altair 2 |
| Top thread | Black embroidery thread |
| Bobbin thread | Black embroidery thread |
| Sewing needle | 90/14 Microtex |
| Sewing technique | Free motion quilting |
I’m using black embroidery thread because I love the contrast it creates around the applique.
You can absolutely choose a thread colour that matches your fabric if you prefer a more subtle finish.
Christmas Stocking Applique – Setting up your machine for free motion quilting
Set your sewing machine to free motion quilting mode.
On my Baby Lock Altair 2, this is a one-touch function.
When I activate it, the feed dogs drop automatically.
Your machine may have a slightly different setup, so check your sewing machine manual if you’re unsure how to prepare it for free motion quilting.
Once your machine is ready, you’re ready to start stitching.
Christmas Stocking Applique – Free motion quilting around the stocking
Start stitching along the outside edge of your Christmas Stocking Applique.
I like to begin at the back of the stocking and work my way around the design.
The idea is to follow the outline of the fabric shapes.
You don’t need to be particularly neat with this technique.
In fact, I really like the slightly sketchy appearance that comes from stitching around the design several times.
For my Christmas Stocking Applique, I like to go around each section approximately three times.
Rather than trying to stitch directly over the previous line, allow your stitching to move slightly away from it.
This creates a lovely textured, sketch-like effect.
Christmas Stocking Applique – Thread painting the fluffy stocking top
I pay particular attention to the fluffy section at the top of the stocking.
Using the same free motion quilting technique, stitch around the shape several times.
The slightly irregular stitching helps create texture and gives the fluffy section more definition.
Once you’ve finished the top, continue around the outside of the stocking.
When moving between sections, you can travel across the fabric without lifting your quilting foot, as long as the stitching is secured appropriately.
Continue until you’ve outlined all the important sections of your Christmas Stocking Applique.
My tip: Don’t worry about achieving perfectly straight lines. The charm of this technique is that the stitching looks more like a hand-drawn sketch.
Step 7: Finish Your Christmas Stocking Applique Wall Hanging
Once your free motion quilting is complete, remove the quilting pins.
Your Christmas Stocking Applique is now securely stitched to the background fabric.
The next stage is attaching your finished fabric project to the canvas frame.
For this tutorial, I’m using a 12 x 12-inch canvas frame.
I have a separate, more detailed tutorial showing exactly how I attach fabric to a canvas frame.
I’ll link that tutorial in the video description so you can follow along with the finishing process.
This is a great way to turn your completed Christmas Stocking Applique into a decorative piece of Christmas wall art.
Add sparkle with hot fix crystals
I didn’t want to finish my Christmas Stocking Applique without adding a little extra Christmas sparkle!
For the final decoration, I’m using hot fix crystals and a hot fix crystal setter.
These little crystals make such a difference.
They catch the light beautifully and give the finished stocking a lovely festive appearance.
Follow the instructions supplied with your crystal setter and crystals when applying them.
Take your time positioning the crystals so you get the look you want.
I absolutely love how much sparkle they add to the finished design.
And that’s it!
Your Christmas Stocking Applique wall hanging is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Stocking Applique
Can I use this Christmas Stocking Applique on clothing?
Absolutely!
This Christmas Stocking Applique isn’t limited to wall hangings.
You can use the design on tote bags, cushion covers, aprons, sweatshirts and other fabric projects.
Just make sure the finished item is suitable for the materials and embellishments you choose.
Is Steam-A-Seam suitable for applique?
Yes. Steam-A-Seam is a double-sided fusible adhesive that is useful for preparing applique shapes.
I particularly like that it has a slightly sticky surface once the backing paper is removed.
This makes positioning the pieces much easier before permanently pressing them.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Do I need a silicone applique mat?
You don’t absolutely need one, but I find it very helpful.
A silicone applique mat allows you to position your individual fabric shapes and move them around before pressing them together.
It also makes it easier to transfer the completed design as one piece.
Can beginners make this Christmas Stocking Applique?
Yes!
This is a lovely project for beginners who want to explore fabric applique.
The most important things are to number your pattern pieces, prepare your fabric carefully and take your time positioning the individual sections.
You don’t need advanced sewing skills to create this design.
Do I have to use black thread for free motion quilting?
Not at all.
I chose black embroidery thread because I like the contrast and sketch-like appearance it creates.
You can use matching thread, contrasting thread or even different colours to complement your Christmas fabrics.
Can I make this applique without a Baby Lock Altair 2?
Yes!
I’m using my Baby Lock Altair 2 in this tutorial, but you don’t need this particular machine.
You can make this Christmas Stocking Applique using another sewing machine that supports free motion quilting.
Check your machine’s instructions for lowering the feed dogs and setting up your free motion quilting foot.
Create More Christmas Sewing Projects with Faodail Creation
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this Christmas Stocking Applique.
I love how versatile applique can be, and this is such a fun way to use up some of those smaller Christmas fabric scraps.
The combination of Steam-A-Seam, decorative fabrics, free motion quilting and hot fix crystals creates a beautiful finished project.
Don’t forget that you can download the free Christmas Stocking Applique pattern from the Faodail Creation blog and make your own version.
You can change the fabrics, experiment with different thread colours and add as much sparkle as you like.
If you enjoy sewing, quilting and machine embroidery, make sure you explore the other tutorials here at Faodail Creation.
I’ve shared hundreds of sewing and quilting tutorials, including more applique projects to inspire your next creative project.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Faodail Creation, so you don’t miss my upcoming applique tutorials!
I’d also love to hear how you plan to use your Christmas Stocking Applique. Leave a comment and let me know whether you’re making a wall hanging, cushion cover or something completely different.
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READ NEXT
Owl Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners – A Fun & Easy Fall Wall Hanging
Owl Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners – A Fun & Easy Fall Wall Hanging is a fun way to explore Applique.
If you enjoyed Owl Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners – A Fun & Easy Fall Wall Hanging, you might also like FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners you can also try Daisy Lap Quilt to learn more Applique using your sewing machine.
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