Make a… stocking
Step 1
STITCH your pocket onto the centre of the square piece of aida, using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. To stitch the two cu s (front and back), leave seven blank aida squares on the bottom of the fabric to be used for the cu , and then start stitching the design from the bottom upwards from this aida square. Fold the stitched cu in half lengthways along the top edge of the design, and then fold under the bottom edge of unstitched fabric on both sides – your cu will slip over the top of the stocking once assembled. Repeat for the other cu .
Step 2
USING the template as a guide, cut two stockings from red fabric, adding a 1.25cm
( ⁄ in) seam allowance around the curved edge of the stocking, but not across the top. From the excess fabric cut a strip measuring 23x7.5cm (9x3in). Fold lengthways, and with a 1.25cm ( ⁄ in) seam allowance, sew down the long seam. Cut away the excess seam allowance, and then turn through to the right side. Press flat with the seam centre back – this is your stocking hanger.
Step 3
PLACE your cu s over the top of the front and back stocking pieces, making sure the seam allowance is turned under at the bottom both outside and inside the stocking, and that the fold sits tightly over the stocking top. Using a sewing machine or by hand, stitch the cu to the stocking along the bottom edge of the aida, then repeat for the other stocking piece. If you sew by machine you can made one seam across the aida, but if you sew by hand you will need to catch stitch the aida to the stocking, inside and out.
Step 4
CUT some of the unstitched fabric away from the edge of the pocket, leaving a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance. Clip the aida around the curved corners, and then iron the seam allowance onto the wrong side of the stitched pocket. Stitch the seam allowance at the top of the pocket to the wrong side to hold it in place. Place the pocket on one front stocking piece, pin then stitch in place, leaving the top open.
Step 5
PLACE the stocking front and back right-sides together. Next, machine stitch around the edge with a 1.25cm ( ⁄ in) seam allowance, leaving the top open. Fold your hanger in half. Turn under the raw edges. Place hanger ends inside the stocking and stitch to the stocking to hold firmly in place.
Add a ribbon loop to the bear, so he can be used as a tree decoration, then popped in the stocking on Christmas Eve!