Ugly Ducklings

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DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

You may laugh that I compare old sweaters from the thrift store to something so grand, but I think it an apt analogy given the goal of today’s post: to show you that decoration to celebrate Christmas doesn’t have to cost a fortune. And I’m so excited to team up with 30 other bloggers to demonstrate that today! Speaking of a cost-effective Christmas, be sure to enter my Favorite Things Giveaway going on now – over $500 in prizes!

30 incredible ideas to create gorgeous Christmas decor from thrift store items - Maison de Pax

Since we’ve added a family member since last Christmas, I knew a new stocking was in order. And I was dreaming of something a little old school.

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

I wanted them to be reminiscent of the long knit stockings, rather than the more modern square shaped ones. And, naturally, I wanted gray.

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

And after a quick trip to the local thrift store and less than $20, I had the materials to make 5 new stockings. Here’s how I did it:

  1. I found 5 old sweaters from the thift store: I wanted variety that coordinated.
  2. I determined my shape (I copied an old knit stocking that had belonged to my husband as a child).
  3. With the sweater turned inside out, I pinned around my template.
  4. I cut out my stocking (front and back at the same time since the front and back of the sweater acted as layers).
  5. I sewed a simple seam all the way around the stocking.
  6. I attached a loop from which to hang the stocking.

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

Two major things to keep in mind: first, be sure you line up your stocking so that the bottom hem of the sweater is the top of your stocking. Since you are working with knit, you want a nice, finished edge to act as the top of your stocking.

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

Second, thick materials like cable knit are often harder to navigate through your sewing machine, so when you need to change directions, be sure your needle is down through the material, lift your pressure foot, and turn the sweater. Then put your pressure foot down. This will keep you from veering out of place when you have to adjust the knit fabric.

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

To create a loop from which to hang the stocking, I took some scraps left over from my velvet pumpkins. To make a nice, sturdy loop:

  1. Fold a rectangle of fabric onto itself and sew a straight seam down the open side.
  2. Attach a large safety pin to one end of the tube (the shape your fabric has now taken on).
  3. Push the safety pin through the tube until it comes out the other end.
  4. Pull on the safety pin to coerce your fabric right side out.
  5. Double over the fabric to create a loop and sew it onto the top of your stocking.
  6. For best results, sew a complete square to fully secure the loop.

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

I just love how they turned out. The old fashioned look with my DIY vintage marquee sign (find out how to make your own here) simply charms me.

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

And the fact that I made all 5 for less than the cost of ONE knit stocking at most retailers…

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

I love the variety of shades and textures…

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

And the cozy warmth they provide to my holiday decor.

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

Now I’m just dying to find the time to make some pillows from the scraps! What would you make?

DIY stockings from thrift store socks- Maison de Pax

Don’t forget to visit all the other creative thrift store finds, and try it yourself: bring a little new life into an old item. After all, isn’t that what this season is all about?

 HOLIDAY THRIFT STORE CHALLENGE:

Glam Christmas Throw Pillows by Thoughts from Alice
A Deerly Beloved Thrift Store Vignette by Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Christmas Cloche by Craftberry Bush
A Vintage Mantel for Winter by Finding Silver Pennies
DIY Holiday Walling Hanging by House of Hipsters
Christmas Decor from Thrifty Find by Town and Country Living
The Trellis Tree by Cozy Little House
DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss
Rustic Christmas Tree by Delineate Your Dwelling
DIY Crocks by So Much Better With Age

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42 Comments

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  5. Love these Rachel and that you made them more in the old style, long knit ones! Fantastic job! Thanks for joining with me for the Holiday Thrift Store Challenge!

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  10. They are “old school” lovely! I would have been intimidated by the material you had to work with, fearing I would do something wrong when cutting. I applaud you! They are beautiful!
    Brenda

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  12. Rachel, they are so ‘old school’. I love them! Really reminds you of something that your grandparents might have hung from the fireplace. They look just darling with your mantle décor! I am loving this fun challenge. Big shout out to Alice!
    hugs,
    Jann

  13. Girl, these are awesome!! I love long stockings, they make my heart sing! I made mine as long as I could for my piano… one day I will have a fireplace! But I would have never guessed these were from old sweaters! Absolutely beautiful!

  14. You are so creative! I absolutely live what you did with these sweaters! I lo e seeing how creatuve everyone has been with this challenge!

  15. Great idea, Rachel! I want to make new stocking for my husband and I…may go sweater hunting around the house now 🙂

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  18. These are absolutely charming! I love the different styles and textures and love that you used your husband’s old stocking as a template! It makes for a very cozy mantle.

    Tammy

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