Looking for a quick and easy gift for the tree or to hold small items? Try this fun pattern for a Mini Holiday Stocking!

Design Story and Inspiration for This Free Knitting Pattern

I designed this as part of the 2024 Holiday Maker’s Challenge, where we encourage each other to work to our holiday deadline. There are a few criteria for our patterns in the challenge, which are:

1. Uses stash yarn

2. Is easy to intermediate

3. Is small so it doesn’t take a long time to make (we have a lot of gifts to make, okay?)

4. Is well received by gift recipients

Yarn Options for This Mini Knit Stocking Pattern

I used a couple of different brands of Worsted Weight Yarn (Category #4) for this simple stocking. It’s great for using up small scraps, and it doesn’t really matter if it gets gauge, so use up that stash!

You can use any yarn you like, just adjust the needle size if you are using a larger or smaller yarn. If you are unsure what needle to use, check the recommendations on the ball band.

Mini Stocking Pattern Details

This tiny stocking is worked in the round using double pointed needles (which is what the pattern is written for) or a circular needle. You can choose the method of working in the round that works for you.

The stocking is made from the cuff down and uses kitchener stitch to close the toe.

Mini Holiday Stocking

What You’ll Need

Yarn: Scrap worsted weight yarn (category #4) in white (A) and Red (B)
Knitting Needles: US Size 5 (3.75mm), 5 dpn
Notions: Yarn needle, scissors

Style: Cuff Down
Gauge: 20 sts and 25 rows = 4” (10cm) in St st
Finished Size: Approx. 6” from toe to top of cuff with cuff unrolled

Abbreviations
Knit (k)
Purl (p)
Beginning of Round (BOR)

Mini Holiday Stocking Pattern

With color A, cast on 20 sts loosely.

Divide sts on 4 dpns as follows:

N1: 5 heel sts

N2: 5 instep sts 

N3: 5 instep sts

N4: 5 heel sts

Join. BOR

Cuff:

Work cuff in k2, p2 rib for 10 rnds. End at BOR.

Leg:

Change to color B.

Work in Stockinette stitch for 10 rnds. Complete sts on N3. Stop. 

Heel Flap with Heel Stitch:

Slip N4 sts onto N1. [10 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 8 rows are complete. 

Heel Gusset:

With a free needle, knit sts from N1. [N1]

Continuing with the same needle, pick up 4 sts along the side of the heel.

Pick up and knit a st from row below the first instep st to prevent a hole. [N1]

With a free needle, work across 5 instep sts. [N2]

With a free needle, work across 5 instep sts. [N3]

With free needle, pick up and knit from row below the first heel st to prevent a hole.

With same needle, pick up 4 sts along side of the heel and work across remaining heel sts. [N4] BOR with 30 sts total on 4 needles.

Shape Gusset:

Rnd 1: (Dec Rnd)

N1: Work to 3 sts from end. K2tog, k1.

N2: (Instep) Work even.

N3: (Instep) Work even.

N4: K1, ssk, work to end.

Rnd 2: Work even.

Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until there are 20 sts remaining.

Foot:

Continue working in St st for 10 rnds.

Complete sts on N4. BOR

Shape Toe

Rnd 1:

N1: (Sole) Work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

N2: (Instep) K1, ssk, work to end.

N3: (Instep) Work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

N4: (Sole) K1, ssk, complete round.

Work rnd 1 until 12 sts remain. [6 instep sts, 6 sole sts]

Finishing

Work sts on N1. Slip sts from N4 to opposite end of N1.

Slip sts from N3 onto N2.

Holding two needles together, graft sts using Kitchener Stitch.

Weave in ends.

Final Thoughts on the Mini Holiday Stocking

I hope you enjoy this free knitting pattern! I had a blast designing this cute stocking and am planning more stocking designs in different yarn weights.

Happy Knitting!
Amanda