Hey there. My name is Cindy Wright. I’m the owner of Pattern Patti Sewing Patterns and I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the 12 days of Ruby Star FQ challenge. I’ve had such fun coming up with a great way to use Melody Miller’s fabulous fabric. This is what I’ve got for you.

All-Star Stockings in two sizes

The All-Star is a tube sock style stocking designed for the athlete or anyone who grew up in the 70’s or 80’s and wore tube socks with everything, like matching shorts or a bathing suit, perhaps. I have at least two acquaintances who match that description. I’m sure you do too. There’s no better fabric for such a project than Melody’s Ruby Star Rising. Very cool stuff!

Well, let’s get started. By the way, all seam allowances are ¼” and are included in the pattern pieces.

Materials needed:

Small amounts of fabric and fusible web, also called wonder under, for applying the applique.

Directions:

Print your pattern pages (found here) and cut out the patterns that you choose to use.

Using the patterns, cut out the fabric and fusible web. Cut 2 pieces of fabric for the exterior and 2 pieces of fabric for the liner. Follow the instructions on the applique pattern pieces for cutting the fabric and fusible web. Make sure you cut the fusible web so that the glue side is the right side. You’ll also need to cut a loop piece: 2”x5” for the small pattern and 3”x5” for the larger pattern.

Press your applique pieces to the fusible web. Once they have cooled to the touch, peel the paper from the back and arrange your applique pieces on the stocking the way you like. Press the pieces to the stocking.

Note: For my example today, I’ve only cut enough applique pieces for one side of the stocking. The instructions printed on the applique pieces tell you to cut enough for both sides of the stocking.

Use your favorite stitch and sew the applique pieces to your stocking. A straight stitch would work. A zig-zag stitch would be nice. I like the blanket stitch. It makes the applique pop.

Next, we need to make the loop. Take your loop piece to your ironing board. We’re going to fold this like a bias binding. Fold the loop in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Open to show the center fold line. Fold the bottom of the loop toward the center, matching the raw edge to the center fold line. Fold the top of the loop toward the center, matching the raw edge to the center fold line. Fold both halves together. Your loop piece is ready for stitching.

Using a 1/8” seam allowance, stitch along both long edges of the loop. This will keep it closed and make it pretty.

Now we’re ready to construct the stocking. Place your stocking exterior pieces together and liner pieces together, right sides together. Stitch around the perimeter of the stocking exterior, using a ¼” seam allowance. Be sure to leave the top open. Repeat with the liner, only this time, you’re also going to leave an opening on the back side that is about 2” long. After stitching together, clip the inside curve of the foot close to the stitches a few times and trim the toe and heel seam allowance to about 1/8”. Do this for the exterior and the liner. This allows for nice, smooth curves.

Turn your liner right side out. Slide the liner into the exterior piece so that right sides are together.

Make your loop piece into a loop by folding it. We’ll put it in place by sliding it between the exterior and the liner, folded end down, matching the raw edges of the loop and the liner/exterior. I placed mine on the back of the stocking, next to the back seam. Pin the loop in place.

Sew your liner and exterior together by stitching around the opening.

Pull your stocking liner out. Then, pull the exterior through the opening in the liner. Push out the toe and heel and make sure all of your curves are neat.

Fold the raw edges of the opening of the liner in and press them. Stitch the opening closed by hand for the neatest seam, or by machine for the lazy girl. That’s me.

Push the liner into the exterior. Press the stocking very neatly, especially the opening. Topstitch around the opening to finish it up.

Yay! You’re finished. These stockings will be great for small gifts like gift cards, iPods, candy and other yummy goodies.

Have fun and thanks so much to Fat Quarterly and Melody Miller for including me in the project. Be sure to pop by Patternpatti.com for more patterns perfect for gifts. Merry Christmas all!