Two flat panels, one cosy cuff – no tricky heel turning. This easy crochet Christmas stocking pattern is made from two simple half double crochet panels shaped like a boot, joined with single crochet and finished with a fluffy white cuff. It is a full-size stocking (about 18 in / 46 cm tall), perfect for the mantel.
In this tutorial
What You Need
- Worsted weight (#4) acrylic yarn: red (about 300 yd / 275 m) and white (about 60 yd / 55 m)
- Optional: bulky or faux-fur white yarn for a fluffier cuff
- 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
- Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors
Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 together, sl st = slip stitch. New to hdc? Follow our half double crochet tutorial first.
How This Stocking Is Made
You crochet the stocking from the top down as a flat piece: first a straight rectangle for the leg, then you add a few chains at the end of a row to grow the foot sideways, and finally you round off the heel and toe with a few decreases. Make two identical panels – half double crochet looks the same on both sides, so you simply flip one over to make the back.
Gauge: 12 hdc and 9 rows = 4 in / 10 cm. A slightly firm fabric keeps the stocking from stretching when it is filled with treats.
Free Crochet Christmas Stocking Pattern
Make 2 panels in red. The ch 2 at the start of each row does not count as a stitch.
Foundation: Ch 26.
Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (24 hdc)
Rows 2–27 (leg): Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. (24) The leg should measure about 12 in / 30 cm.
Row 28 (start the foot): At the end of Row 27, ch 17. Turn, hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in the next 14 ch, then hdc in each st across the leg. (39 hdc)
Rows 29–38 (foot): Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across. (39)
Row 39: Ch 2, turn, hdc2tog, hdc across to the last 2 sts, hdc2tog. (37)
Row 40: Ch 2, turn, hdc2tog, hdc across to the last 2 sts, hdc2tog. (35)
Row 41: Ch 2, turn, hdc2tog, hdc across to the last 2 sts, hdc2tog. (33) Fasten off.
Lay the two panels on top of each other with the feet pointing the same way. If one foot points the other way, flip that panel over.
Join the Panels and Add the Cuff
Join: Hold the panels together, matching the edges. With red, sc through both layers around the sides and bottom, working 3 sc in each rounded corner. Leave the top open. Fasten off.
Cuff, Round 1: Turn the stocking right side out. Join white at the back seam of the opening. Ch 1, sc evenly around the top edge, about 48 sts. Sl st to the first sc.
Cuff, Rounds 2–7: Ch 2, hdc in each st around, sl st to the first hdc. (48) Fasten off and fold the cuff down if you like.
Hanging loop: Join white at the back seam, ch 15 and sl st into the same stitch. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
Personalise Your Stocking
- Name tag: embroider a name on the cuff with backstitch before folding it down.
- Stripes: change between red and green every 2 rows on the leg.
- Mini version: for an ornament or gift card holder, use our mini crochet Christmas stocking.
- Snowflake patch: sew a small crochet snowflake onto the leg.
Free printable version
Prefer paper? Download this free tutorial as a printable PDF to keep next to your yarn.
Keep crocheting
Your next free pattern: Mini Crochet Christmas Stocking Pattern (Free & Beginner-Friendly). Free mini crochet Christmas stocking pattern for beginners: a quick ornament, gift-card holder or advent calendar pocket you can make in under an…
Free pattern · step by step · US terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this stocking hard for a beginner?
No. If you can work half double crochet in rows and a simple decrease, you can make it. There is no heel turning.
How big is the finished stocking?
About 8 in / 20 cm wide at the leg and 18 in / 46 cm tall, with a foot about 13 in / 33 cm long.
Can I make it bigger?
Yes. Add more chains to the foundation (keep an even number) and more rows to the leg, then add the same number of foot stitches.
How much yarn do I need?
About 300 yd of red and 60 yd of white worsted yarn for one stocking.
Happy hooking! 🧶 Want more Christmas makes? Try our crochet Christmas garland and the crochet Santa hat.
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