Christmas Stocking Patterns to Knit

When I added writing a post about Christmas stocking knitting patterns to my list for November, I went back to look at some old pattern roundups to make sure I wasn’t repeating patterns and I had to laugh at myself because the posts for 2020 and 2022 (I guess I didn’t do one in 2021?) were posted on the 16th and 15th of November, respectively, and here it is the 16th again and I’m writing about Christmas stockings again. I guess this is the time of year I start thinking about knitting stockings, though if you’re making them for a crowd it might be a little late to start!

Before we dive into the new patterns, check out my previous roundups of Christmas stocking knitting patterns, and more stocking knitting patterns. Between all of these posts you’re sure to find something you like.

If you’re looking for a super simple Christmas stocking, try this garter stitch design from Cozy Wooly Yarn on Etsy. It has a classic look but is still easy for even beginners to knit.

This super bulky cabled stocking pattern from White Oak Knits on Etsy is a great one to try if you need to make a bunch of stockings quickly. It’s perfect to go with your farmhouse themed holiday decor!

I love the Holiday Doodle Stocking pattern from Jamie Lomax, which is available on Ravelry. This pattern gives you a bunch (34 in all) of different options for colorwork bands you can add to your stockings, so each one can be totally unique. I also love the retro colors, but you can go more traditional if you prefer.

Faye Kennington’s collection of top-down Christmas stocking knitting patterns (also on Ravelry) offers 24 different charts that can be mixed and matched for more than 500 different combinations. They’re all shown as using three colors, but you could always use more if you wanted.

Or try the Christmas stocking pattern from Cascade Yarns, which also includes a bunch of different colorwork bands to work at the top of the cuff and the bottom of the foot, as well as allover patterns that are worked on the leg and most of the foot. These are great stash busting projects and use worsted weight yarn.

Retro Santas are so much fun, and you can get that look and personalization to boot with this vintage Santa stocking pattern from Etsy seller West Haven Market. The details on this one are so cute, including fuzzy yarn for the beard and bells at the toe and the end of Santa’s hat.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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