Classic Christmas Stocking with Decorative Panel
A cozy, heirloom-style stocking with just enough texture to make it beautiful—and still beginner-friendly.
Finished Size
Approx. 18–20 in. (46–51 cm) long from cuff to toe
6 in. (15 cm) wide at the leg
Materials
Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4)—approx. 300 yds total
Main color (MC): red or green (220 yds)
Contrast color (CC): white (80 yds)
Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed or circular (32") for magic loop
Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors
Gauge
20 sts and 26 rows = 4" in stockinette
Gauge isn’t critical but will affect finished size
Pattern Breakdown
1. Cuff (Contrast Color)
Cast on 56 stitches using the long-tail cast-on.
Join in the round, place marker.
Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2½" (or longer if you want a folded cuff).
Optional: Add a simple picot edge or garter ridges for extra charm.
2. Leg (Main Color)
Begin working in stockinette (knit every round).
On the front 28 stitches, work a simple texture panel (repeat every round):
Round 1: K2, P2 across the 28 front stitches. Knit remaining stitches.
Round 2: P2, K2 across the 28 front stitches. Knit remaining stitches.
(This creates a subtle rib texture panel down the front. You could substitute a cable if you’re feeling adventurous.)
Work until the leg measures about 10 in. from the cast-on edge.
3. Heel Flap (Back of Leg)
Work back and forth on 28 stitches (the back half).
Row 1 (RS): Slip 1, K1 across.
Row 2 (WS): Slip 1, purl across.
Repeat these 2 rows for 24 rows.
This creates a sturdy, pretty heel texture.
4. Turning the Heel
Row 1: K16, ssk, K1, turn.
Row 2: Sl1, P5, p2tog, P1, turn.
Row 3: Sl1, K to 1 st before gap, ssk, K1, turn.
Row 4: Sl1, P to 1 st before gap, p2tog, P1, turn.
Continue in this way until all stitches are worked—you’ll have 16 heel stitches left.
5. Gusset
Pick up 12 sts along the heel flap, place marker, knit across front 28 sts in pattern, pick up 12 sts on the other side of heel flap, and knit across heel. (Total: 68 sts)
Round 1: Knit around, maintaining pattern on the front.
Round 2: Decrease 1 st each side of the heel every other round (ssk before marker, k2tog after marker) until you’re back to 56 sts.
6. Foot
Continue knitting in stockinette on the sole and the textured rib/cable on the top.
Work until the foot measures about 7.5 in. from the back of the heel (or slightly less than desired length).
7. Toe
Round 1: (K5, k2tog) around.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: (K4, k2tog) around.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: (K3, k2tog) around.
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: (K2, k2tog) around.
Round 8: Knit.
Round 9: (K1, k2tog) around.
Round 10: (k2tog) around.
— 8 stitches remain. Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and cinch tight.
8. Hanging Loop
With CC, pick up 3 stitches on the inside of the cuff and knit an i-cord for about 4 inches.
Bind off and sew down securely.
9. Finishing
Weave in ends.
Block lightly to shape the stocking.
Optional: add pompoms, beads, or embroidery.
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