Christmas Stocking Kits - Creating a Memory
A handmade Christmas stocking is a cherished keepsake to be passed down from generation to generation.
Have you ever considered hand-making a Christmas stocking but didn't know how to find the perfect Christmas stocking kit? This guide is meant to get you on your way to creating the perfect Christmas stockings for your loved ones.
Deciding on your Christmas stocking kit style
When deciding on a kit, the first thing to consider is the style of kit. There are two main types, felt and stitchery.
Felt Christmas stocking kits fall into two basic categories:
- Pre-Stamped: The pre-stamped Christmas stocking kit is much easier to work with, as the design is already stamped onto the felt and all you need to do is cut it out.
- Pattern: Pattern Christmas stocking kits include a pattern that you need to attach to the felt yourself and then cut around the pattern.
Every now and then, you'll find a felt kit that has pre-cut pieces . . . bonus!
Felt stocking kits usually include sequins, beads, or other festive embellishments which not only hold the felt pieces in place, but add sparkle and personality to the stocking. Felt stockings with these add-ons have more dimension than the stitchery kits, and you have a little more creative freedom to change the look or add your own touches onto the stocking to personalize it.
Stitchery Christmas stocking kits are a bit more categorized:
- Counted Cross Stitch: This type of Christmas stocking kit is usually stitched on 11-, 14-, or 18-ct. aida cloth.
- Stamped Cross Stitch: Stamped Christmas stocking kits literally have a design stamped onto the cloth, and then you cross stitch over the stamped design.
- Crewel: This is an older-style Christmas stocking kit. This kit typically utilizes a combination of floss and yarn, and is stitched onto a stamped pattern.
- Needlepoint: This style of Christmas stocking kit is stitched onto a colored mesh cotton canvas using yarn or floss.
Now that you have decided on your style of kit, you need to choose the design.
First, consider your recipient. Is she religious? Patriotic? A mommy? A dog lover?
The designs you'll find for Christmas stocking kits will be endless, and you're sure to find the perfect match for your special person.
- Once you decide on your Christmas stocking kit design, you'll need to decide if you want a realistic design or a fun design (like a mouse in a Santa hat!) If your recipient likes a particular character or theme, there are Christmas stocking kits for those, too: think Snoopy-, Bart Simpson-, or NASCAR-themed! The list goes on and on!
One more fun thing to think of as you decide on a Christmas stocking kit: Many stocking kits have matching ornament kits and tree skirt kits, too!