Looking for a gift for someone special in your life? Why not try your hand at one of these crochet stocking patterns? You’re sure to find a perfect fit!
I love making crocheted stockings! Seriously, they’re one of my favorite things to make. Do you want to know why?
They are on display for everyone to admire them, but they’re only out for a month out of the year so they won’t get much wear and tear. A well-loved crochet stocking can last for decades and is a priceless family heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation.
A quick crochet stocking is also the perfect crochet gift idea for someone that’s hard to gift for. We all know someone that doesn’t wear scarves or hats and doesn’t really like receiving anything crochet.
A crochet stocking is a practical gift idea that’s actually useful. Plus, you can fill it with lots of goodies for them to enjoy!
Have you ever wondered how to crochet a stocking? There are so many amazing free crochet stocking patterns to choose from.
I’ve curated this list of my top 25 all time favorite crochet stocking patterns free for you to check out. You’re sure to find something that inspires you!
Featured Video Tutorial for Crochet Christmas Stocking Patterns
Tips for Perfect Crochet Christmas Stockings
Stockings are great because they don’t have to fit anyone. This helps immensely because it won’t matter if yours turns out a bit larger or smaller than the original pattern!
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when picking out the perfect crochet Christmas stocking pattern.
First, look for one that will actually hang well with items inside. A lot of stockings (even ones that are not crochet) tend to sag and not look so great on Christmas morning.
So, if you are wanting these to be both beautiful and functional, keep in mind how close together the stitches are and try to see if there is a picture of the stocking hanging. Sometimes there’s not.
Next, once you’ve found a pattern you like, read over the directions completely before beginning to ensure you understand things like how to turn the heel.
Sometimes you just have to get in there and do it to see how some things in a pattern work, but be sure you at lest have the gist of it before beginning to avoid a lot of frustration.
Best Yarns for Crochet Christmas Stockings
You can pretty much make a stocking out of any yarn you like, but keep in mind that the yarn you choose will make a huge impact on how well it hangs.
Some of the favorites from the designers in our round up below include:
Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
Red Heart Soft
Lily Sugar n Cream
Caron Simply Soft
And now… on to the patterns!
25 Free Crochet Stocking Patterns to Make Memories
This stocking looks like it would be really hard but you can actually make it using just single and double crochet stitches. Don’t worry, the diamond pattern is made without cables! Oh, and if you hate working with faux fur yarn (I feel you!) there’s an option for a half double crochet ribbed cuff. Who would you make this extravagant stocking for?
Designer: A Crocheted Simplicity
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice & Go for Faux (Medium Weight #4)
Bobble stitches add that characteristic boho charm to this delightful crochet stocking. The texture is so playful and fun and I think this stocking looks equally amazing in classic Christmas colors (red, green, white) as well as bright colors (yes, there’s a pink one and it’s awesome!). The faux fur cuff with matching pom poms complete the look.
Designer: A Crafty Concept
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
If you love bobble stitches then you should totally check out this polka dot stocking crochet pattern! Two contrasting colors make the bobble stitches really stand out in the classic polka dot pattern. Seriously, polka dots are never going to go out of style. This stocking is playful enough for a kiddo while also being sophisticated enough for an adult. It’s crochet magic!
Designer: Briana K Designs
Yarn: Red Heart Hygge (Worsted Weight #4)
Hello texture! The classic two color stocking gets a twist with the fabulously textured bean stitch. And can I just say that I am head over heels in love with that teal color for a stocking? Don’t be afraid to experiment with new colors! Now you just have to decide...are you team pom-pom or no pom-pom???
Designer: Pattern Paradise
Yarn: Red Heart With Love (Worsted Weight #4)
Farmhouse designs are so hot right now and it’s no secret why. This esthetic is nostalgic and comforting and best of all - totally timeless. Double crochet and chain stitches form an intricate lace design that holds its shape well thanks to the sturdy cotton yarn this pattern calls for. Oh, and did I mention that it’s oversized? That means more room for goodies!
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (Worsted Weight #4)
Is it weird that I really want to pet this stocking? It just looks so soft! This stocking is constructed in vertical rows using single, half double and large bean crochet stitches. You’ll make two flat panels and then sew them together. I absolutely love the look and design of this stocking. It’s different but not outlandish and it really makes a visual impact.
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket & Yarn Bee Rustic Romance (Worsted Weight #4)
This colorful stocking has got me eyeing my yarn scraps basket. When you combine small amounts of yarn in different shades with lots of crochet stitches you get this beautiful symphony of festive cheer! Despite its intricate appearance, it is crocheted using just double crochet and puff stitches. My favorite parts are the bits made with sparkly yarn!
Designer: Gleeful Things
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Worsted Weight #4)
You’ve probably seen the fabulous african flower stuffed animals that everyone is crocheting nowadays. Now you can try your hand at a simpler african flower design to get your toes wet. This stocking is constructed of 17 crochet hexagons made with single and double crochet stitches. You don’t need to worry about hiding the joins, because it’s part of the design!
Designer: Persia Lou
Yarn: Lily Sugar n’ Cream (Worsted Weight #4)
Grandma might disagree, but reindeer are one of my favorite things about Christmas. There’s just something about the magically majestic beasts that I absolutely adore. You can make your very own reindeer with single crochet stitches using the tapestry crochet technique. Don’t forget to add a red button for the nose!
Designer: Sincerely Pam
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease (Worsted Weight #4)
Are you still giving people socks for Christmas? Why not shake it up this year with an argyle crochet stocking? This sock-inspired design makes use of front loop only and back loop only single and double crochet stitches to make the signature argyle pattern. You’ll also learn a clever little trick for decreasing single crochet stitches invisibly!
Designer: A Crocheted Simplicity
Yarn: Red Heart with Love (Worsted Weight #4)
Cake yarn takes all the guesswork out of multiple color projects and leaves you less ends to weave in. It’s a win-win with these fabulous ombre stockings. You can make one for yourself using basic crochet stitches: single and half double crochet. Oh, and did I mention you’ll be using two strands of yarn at once? That’s going to cut the make time in half!
Designer: Left in Knots
Yarn: Caron Cakes (Worsted Weight #4)
If you’ve been wanting to try C2C (corner to corner) crochet but are too intimidated by intricate blankets, then try your hand at this nordic patterned stocking. You’ll use the C2C technique to crochet the cuff and simple double crochet stitches on the rest of the stocking. Sometimes simple is better, don’t you think?
Designer: Make and Do Crew
Yarn: Lion Brand New Basic (Worsted Weight #4)
You can make this festive zig-zag stocking using basic crochet stitches. When you put stitches of different heights next to each other - single, half double, double, treble - you can make your rows go up and down like stair steps. This pattern also includes instructions for lining your stocking if you would like!
Designer: Make My Day Creative
Yarn: Rico Design Essentials (Worsted Weight #4)
A pretty tapestry crochet topper in an eye-catching fair isle design really makes this crochet stocking stand out from the crowd. Working in the back loops only on the snowflake part helps your design line up properly and look great. The rest of the stocking is worked in single and half double crochet stitches.
Designer: Petals to Picots
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight #4)
Kids will go crazy for this brightly colored crochet stocking complete with dinosaur spikes. The crochet alpine stitch uses double and treble crochet stitches (sometimes worked around the post) to create the wonderful depth and texture that you can see in the blue color on this stocking. The toe, heel and spikes are made with single and half double crochet stitches.
Designer: Yarkhookneedles
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Colors (BulkyWeight #5)
Procrastinator’s know that super bulky yarn works up extra quick - perfect for last-minute projects! This quick stocking uses half double crochet in the 3rd loop. I love the ridges and the way it almost looks like it’s knit! Can I also just take a minute to point out that I never would have thought of gray and white for a stocking but I am totally here for it.
Designer: Rich Textures Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Go big or go home with this chunky cable stocking. It’s sturdy and thick but it works up quick thanks to bulky yarn. Your go to stitches for this pattern are single and double crochet. Working some stitches around the post makes them pop and stand out above the rest of your work. The magic of cables comes from crossing these post stitches. So pretty!
Designer: Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)
Classic gingham gets a 21st century makeover in this glamorous velvet stocking. If you know how to single crochet then you can make this crochet stocking! The best part is that you’ll be carrying your unused yarn along with you when you make the gingham pattern so there’s less ends to weave in at the end.
Designer: Divine Debris
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Essentials and Bernat Velvet (Bulky Weight #5)
Throw tradition out the window and make this colorful stocking for a mermaid-loving kiddo or a beach-obsessed friend. You can make this mermaid tail stocking using 2 strands of worsted weight yarn or a single strand of bulky weight yarn. You will be using single, half double and double crochet stitches as well as shell stitches for the scalloped edge.
Designer: Pink Plumeria Maui
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (Worsted Weight #4)
Introducing: a sedge stitch stocking (say that 10 times fast!). Have you ever tried the sedge stitch before? It’s made by crocheting a single, half double and double crochet into the same stitch and then skipping the next 2 stitches. It’s a fun little stitch that’s really easy to learn and wonderfully mindless once you get going. From a distance the sedge stitches look like cables but they are way easier to work!
Designer: The Darice Craft Blog
Yarn: All Things You Essential (Worsted Weight #4)
We all know someone that’s head-over-heels for leopard print. It might be your eccentric aunt, your second-cousin or maybe it’s you! You can make this purrr-fect leopard print stocking using the waistcoat stitch (a variation on the single crochet stitch). There’s also a matching cowl and beanie pattern. Meow!
Designer: Crafting for Weeks
Yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy (Bulky Weight #5)
Sometimes all it takes for something to feel like new is a fresh coat of paint. Granny squares really stand out in bright coordinated colors! To really pull this look off you’re going to want to find yarn that’s just as rich and bright in color.
Designer: Sweet Bee Crochet
Yarn: Red Heart Chic Sheep (Worsted Weight #4)
Keep it classic with this lovely red and white crochet stocking. This pattern is worked in alternating rows of single crochet and N stitches. Nope, I’ve never heard of the N stitch either but it looks great in this textured stocking design! Do you like learning new crochet stitches as much as I do?
Designer: Sunflower Cottage Crochet
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Worsted Weight #4)
Neutral tones of gray and white are sure to match your decor even if it changes year after year. This modern design looks equally great in stripes and solids. You’ll be using single crochet and spider stitches. It looks like it’s worked vertically but it’s actually worked in rounds. That’s just the spider stitches playing tricks on your eyes!
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn: Lily’s Sugar and Cream (Worsted Weight #4)
Can you think of someone who loves to read and loves Disney movies? You can spoil the princess in your life with this wonderful Belle inspired stocking. Bright yellow and red is sure to stand out and look great against the mantle. This design is super basic with no fancy crochet stitches so you can customize it to your liking!
Designer: Yarn Hook Needles
Yarn: Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight #4)
Bonus!
If you love free crochet stocking patterns then you’re sure to love my Mini Christmas Stocking. This quick little make is perfect for small treats and gift cards, lightweight, and easy to mail! My website has TONS of free crochet patterns for you to explore. Why don’t you stay awhile?
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
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Final Thoughts on Our Crochet Stocking Pattern Collection
I see you eyeing that mantle! You’re totally right, a crochet stocking or two would look amazing there! I know it’s hard to pick favorites when all these designs are so great but you’re going to have to narrow it down!
Whether you choose to make your stocking in a solid color with a classic design or go with heel and toe sections of a different color, there’s an easy crochet Christmas stocking pattern on this list for every skill level. A handmade stocking makes a great gift, too!
Materials you need to make a free crochet Christmas stocking pattern are yarn (see best yarn recomendations above) in colors of your choice (a lot of people choose red yarn, white yarn and green yarn for the holidays, but you can use any colors you like!), appropriate mm crochet hook for your yarn, scissors and a yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle). You can also choose to line the inside of the stocking with fabric so that it can hold more.
Techniques you might use in your stocking pattern are the magic circle (also called the magic ring) and basic stitches such as single crochet (sc stitches), slip stitch (sl st), and double crochet (dc stitches). This will, of course, depend upon the pattern you choose, some have dc shells, others african flower hexagons, and others use special stitches. But even if you only know simple stitches you can still crochet a stocking!
I can’t wait to see the Christmas decor you crochet this holiday season! Handmade Christmas stockings for the whole family are just the tip of the iceberg – check out our other crochet projects for Christmas below!
If you love free crochet patterns and round-ups make sure to follow my blog so you never miss a post. Oh, and don’t forget to save this post to your Christmas Pinterest board so you don’t lose track of it. You never know when inspiration to make your own Christmas stockings will strike you again!
How to Crochet a Christmas Stocking
Learn the basic ways of crocheting a Christmas stocking - toe up, cuff down and flat.
Materials
- Yarn of your choice. If using a pattern, check for the recommended yarn weight.
Tools
- Crochet hook that is appropriate for chosen yarn. If unsure of this, check the recommendation on the ball band.
- Yarn needle, for weaving in ends and stitching any seams (which will depend upon pattern used and what type of stocking construction is used)
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker, if working in the round
Instructions
Stockings are crocheted either from the toe up or the top down, just like socks. They can be made flat, row by row, or in the round (rnd).
- When working from the toe up, a stocking is usually begun with a magic circle, then worked up to the heel. There are many different ways of shaping the heel area, it will depend upon the pattern chosen. After the heel (unless an afterthought heel), the rest of the stocking is made up to the cuff. Finally, a hanging loop is made and attached.
- When working from the cuff down, a stocking is usually begun in the round and worked down evenly to the heel shaping. After the heel is shaped (which will again be determined by the pattern), the foot is made and decreased to the toe.
- Some stockings are made flat in rows in a front and back and seamed. These are the simplest types of stockings to make.
Notes
Common Stitches Used
Chain (ch)
Slip Stitch (sl st)
Single Crochet (sc)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Double Crochet (dc)
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Happy Crocheting!
Amanda