Looking for an easy holiday stocking knitting pattern? We’ve got you covered with this great pattern using bulky yarn!
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Design Story and Inspiration for Our Knit Holiday Stocking
I’ve always wanted to knit a stocking, but to be honest, I was a little intimidated. I mean, it’s like socks, right?? Turning the heel and all just kind of scared me, but I made some super bulky knit socks last year for the challenge and decided this was the year I would tackle a stocking!
This pattern was designed for the Holiday Maker’s Challenge, an annual event where we all work together to knit as many handmade gifts as we can before Christmas. Patterns for this event have to work up quickly, be perfect for gift-giving, and use up stash yarn. This pattern was perfect!
Yarn Options for Our Knitted Stocking Pattern
I chose Knit Picks Billow for this pattern, which is a bulky yarn (category #5). I wanted more of a rustic look for my stocking, and this yarn changes thickness so it was perfect. It’s a cotton yarn, but you can use any fiber you like.
If you want your stocking to turn out around the same size as mine, stick with a chunky or bulky yarn. If you don’t really care what size it is, feel free to use any stash yarn and an appropriate size knitting needle. (Check the label on your yarn if you aren’t sure what size to use.)
You can choose to make your stocking one color like mine, or you can create stripes, color blocking, or whatever you choose. That’s one of the best things about making your own!
Knitted Holiday Stocking Pattern Details
This pattern is knit from the cuff down with a heel flap. I find this to be the easiest way for me to knit socks or (now) stockings. I haven’t been brave enough to attempt a toe up sock pattern yet.
This pattern was adapted from a sock pattern I’ve designed, with a gathered toe instead of a grafted toe. Don’t be intimidated – it’s easier than it looks!
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Easy Holiday Stocking
What You’ll Need
Yarn: Knit Picks Billow, 2 skeins Bare (Bulky, category #5)
Knitting Needles: US 10.5 (6.50mm) circular needle for magic loop
Gauge: 12 sts and 15 rows = 4” in Stockinette st
Finished Size: Approximately 16” tall
Abbreviations
Knit (k)
Purl (p)
Beginning of Round (BOR)
Row (rw)
Round (rnd)
PATTERN
Cast on 48 sts loosely.
Divide sts on 1 circ as follows:
Needle Shaft: 24 heel sts
Cable: 24 instep sts
Join. BOR
Cuff:
Work cuff in k2p2 rib for 4 rnds. [1″ from cast on edge] End at BOR.
Leg:
Work in Stockinette stitch for 46 rnds. End at BOR. Stop. [13.5″ total from the cast on edge.]
Heel Flap with Heel Stitch:
Slip heel sts onto needle shaft. [24 sts]
With RS facing,work back and forth as follows:
Rw 1: *Sl 1 purlwise, k1. Repeat from * to end.
Rw 2: Sl 1 purlwise, p to end.
Repeat these 2 rows until 20 rows are complete. [4″]
Turn Heel:
Note: Sl 1 = slip 1 purlwise
Round Heel
Rw 1: (RS) K 14, ssk, k1. Turn.
Rw 2: (WS) Sl 1, p 5, p2tog, p1. Turn.
Rw 3: (RS) Sl 1, k 6, ssk, k1. Turn.
Rw 4: (WS) Sl 1, p 7, p2tog, p1. Turn.
Rw 5: (RS) Sl 1, k 8, ssk, k1. Turn.
Rw 6: (WS) Sl 1, p 9, p2tog, p1. Turn.
Rw 7: (RS) Sl 1, k 10, ssk, k1. Turn.
Rw 8: (WS) Sl 1, p 11, p2tog, p1. Turn.
Rw 9: (RS) Sl 1, k 12, ssk. Turn.
Rw 10: (WS) Sl 1, p 12, p2tog. Turn.
14 sts remain.
Heel Gusset:
Work across heel stitches. With the tip of the needle, pick up 10 sts along the side of the heel. (heel section)
Pick up a stitch from the row below the first instep st to prevent a hole. [11 sts picked up]
Slide sts to cable, move instep sts to shaft. Work across 24 instep sts.
Slide instep sts onto cable being careful to keep separate from heel sts.
Pick up and knit a st from below the last instep st to prevent a hole. Pick up 10 sts along the side of the heel. [11 sts picked up]
Work remaining heel section sts.
Slide all heel section sts onto cable and instep sts onto shaft. Work across instep sts. BOR
Shape Gusset:
Rnd 1: (Dec Rnd) Heel: K1, ssk, work to 3 sts from end. K2tog, k1.
Instep: Knit.
Rnd 2: Knit.
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until there are 48 sts remaining (24 heel sts and 24 instep sts).
Foot:
Continue working in rnds until foot measures 8″ from base of heel.
Complete instep sts. BOR
Shape Toe
Rnd 1:
Heel: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Instep: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Rnd 2: Work even.
Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 28 total sts remain. [10 rnds]
Finishing
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread on to yarn needle and use tail to gather remaining stitches. Pull tightly to close.
Weave in ends. Block flat. Use a leather tag for hanger or knit a hanger on 3-4 stitches and attach.
Final Thoughts on Our Easy Holiday Stocking Knitting Pattern
I sure hope you’ll give this stocking pattern a try! I had so much fun working up this pattern and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
Christine
I forgot how much fun it was to knit socks. Because you use bulkier yarn and larger needles, the project went so much faster. It was fun. Thank you very much.
amanda
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I had a blast designing this one. 😀