Mini Stitch Guide: Nutcracker Stocking

A stocking is one of the most sentimental projects you can stitch. When it comes time to decorate for the holidays, the stockings are my favorite things to hang up. Each stocking hanging from the mantle is special, representing each family member and bringing up memories of holidays from years past. They are family heirlooms stitched with love and can be handed down from generation to generation.

When designing this large project, I didn't want it to be boring - I wanted to make sure it would be enjoyable to stitch from start to finish. You will notice that this project requires minimal background stitching, lots of fun colors, sparkly stars, and plenty of opportunity for decorative stitches. AND it's on 13 mesh, meaning the holes on the canvas are bigger and it is quicker to stitch.

The fibers listed below are in the same color palette I used for the other pieces of my holiday collection, so everything looks cohesive when it comes time to decorate for the holidays :) There are lots of individual nutcrackers you can choose from as well, which make the cutest ornaments to match the stocking!

If you are looking for a companion stocking, the 12 Days Stocking has a similar feel. My goal is to continue to build out my stocking collection so you can stitch a different design for each member of your family.

Fiber List

I suggest buying 8 or 9 skeins of White Silk & Ivory for the background. It's better to get too much thread than to run out. You can always use the extra on a different project. Remember to get the same dye lot! You should only need 1 skein/card of the rest of the colors.

Silk & Ivory

002 White
032 True Blue
036 Admiral Blue
040 Caviar
059 Cinnamon
061 Split Pea
079 Cameo
093 Red Hot
107 Dill Pickle
122 Clay
160 Rose Marie
162 Rosie O'Grady
217 Pewter
228 Rye
233 Bellini
234 Mimosa
241 Maize