Hello there beautiful people! I am really excited about today’s post! This is part of the “Rock Your Knock-off Holiday Edition” Tour where some of my favorite blogging friends and I find high-end (and very over-priced) items, and make them for a fraction of the cost.
For our Holiday version, I chose this Spice Market Stocking from Anthropologie:
This very colorful gem will set you back about $48. Hmmm… x four for each member of my crew would run me about $200! No way! I’d rather spend that on the goodies that will fill them!
I usually try to copy as close as possible to the originals when we do these tours, but this time, I altered it just a tad to suit my décor a bit better.
Here is my version:
It looks quite a bit different, but it was completely inspired by the original version above.
Want to know the best part about this project? It was FREE!
I was all set to head to my favorite thrift store to hunt down some sweaters when I remembered a bag of clothes waiting to be donated in the garage. I found four sweaters in there that were perfect! What are the chances??
Here are the sweaters I found, including the one in the foreground that came out of my closet, which I ended up not having the heart to cut up:
They were a perfect mix of creams and soft greys.
Making them was pretty simple too. I put together a pictorial for you since there were 20+ photos…
- Gather up your finest sweaters.
- Create a pattern.
- Cut out your stocking back to use as a guide. (I used drop-cloth.)
- Cut your sweaters into strips. Mine varied from 2″-3″strips. Using a rotary cutter and a straight edge is a life saver here.
- I cut a lot of strips y’all. You’ll see why soon.
- Lay out your strips to get the look you want.
- Sew each strip together leaving the strips that will connect to the heel, not sewn.
- Cut a triangular piece for the heel.
- Sew the heel to the top strip first, then sew the top strip + heel to the strip below it. Then SEAL ALL SEAMS by running a zigzag stitch along each seam. (To stop them from unraveling.)
- Pin the back in place.
- Sew the back to the front.
- Trim the excess.
- Make a few tiny cuts along the inside curve of the stocking, so that seam will turn right-side-out nicely.
- Seal the edges all the way around with a zigzag stitch.
- Looks pretty inside out!
- Save the neckline or bottom of your sweater to use for the top of the stocking. Place the side you want to see face down around the edge of the stocking and sew in place, except for where the ends will come together. (At the back of the stocking.) Leave about 1/4 ” unattached at both ends.
- Sew the ends together and seal that seam with a zigzag stitch.
- Also seal the seam where the finishing cuff and the top of the stocking were sewn together. Turn right-side-out.
- For the hanging loop, cut a piece of sweater 2″X 6″.
- fold right sides together lengthwise and straight stitch. Seal with a zigzag.
- Turn right-side-out.
- Fold in two and attach to the inside back of the stocking.
- Voila!
There you have it…in just 23 easy steps ha ha.
I love the texture of the sweaters for a warm and cozy feel.
Nothing says Winter like a cozy sweater!
I told you I cut a lot of strips in my pictorial instructions… because I made one for each of us!
The first one took me an hour and a half. The fourth one took me 33 minutes. 🙂
Here they are on my Christmas mantel:
See my whole Christmas Tour HERE.
I proudly showed them to my oldest son and his response was, “Aww can’t I keep my old stocking? These are just made from old sweaters!”
Boys! Seriously?
I might have to compromise. I made his old stocking too, but it is one of those felt kit stockings with all the sequins and about a million tiny beads. It really is pretty, but it would be so nice for us all to have matching ones. I also made a similar one for my youngest, and my husband is rather attached to one from his own childhood that his Mom made. (But it has a clown on it. Anyone out there decorating for Christmas with clowns?? )
Here are a few more Holiday posts and projects you might enjoy!:
Two Turtle Doves Wreath and Mantel
Holiday Dining Table Centerpiece
DIY No-Knit MItten Ornaments
Christmas Home Tour
Christmas Courtyard
Vintage Bedspread Christmas Tree Pillow
Don’t forget to see what my friends are knocking off for the Holidays too! Several will be sharing each day this whole week!
Monday, November 10th
Tuesday, November 11th
Wednesday, November 12th
Thursday, November 13th
Friday, November 14th
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Email * Facebook * Instagram * Pinterest * Twitter
Jenna says
So awesome Christy!! I thought about hanging some matching stockings across the mantle this year and after pricing them, quickly decided that making my own was the only way to go~I LOVE what you have created!! You must train your guys that design is much more important than old stockings 🙂 just kidding [I make sure the old ones come out Xmas eve] I have some sweaters just dying to be stockings, great tutorial, thank you!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Jenna! Honestly I’ll probably take all my pretty pictures of my mantel and then these will be replaced with the sentimental ones, or maybe they’ll let me save them for Christmas eve…we’ll see! XO
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
Those are really cute and honestly I like your version better. We’re all attached to our stockings as well so maybe you could decorate with those and Santa could leave the stuffed stockings in the old ones so everyone still gets their warm fuzzies?
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Anele! I like that idea very much! 🙂
Dria says
OMG I want these stockings so much! They are stunning, you did an amazing job Christy! I love yours way more than the originals too!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Dria! I actually was inspired after seeing your glitter letters to add a glitter letter to each stocking to tell whose is whose! Well, I wrote it on a post it note anyway lol. 🙂
Heather@ viralupcycle.com says
Christy, this is so beautiful and classic. These will be dear to your little ones one day.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Heather! Maybe these will grow on my boys sooner or later. Maybe if I add their names to make them uniquely theirs! Have a great week! XO
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Love love love your sweater stockings and how easy are they to make! Would make awesome gifts too. Oh Christy thanks for the chuckle this morning – “these are just old sweaters”. Boys, gotta love em!
I’ve gotta an “inspired” post coming up soon too – so much fun to get the look for less $$$
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Marie! These were really simple…and free! Looking forward to see what you recreate on the cheap! Have a great week! XO
Anne@DesignDreams says
omigosh so cute! Are you selling these???
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Anne! I’m going to try my best to keep these, if my boys will have it. They are very attached to their current ones! XO
Jeanette says
Christy, this is A~M~A~Z~I~N~G! I love it when we get inspired by something a change it up to fit our style. That’s the way inspirations should be. I bought sweaters from our thrift store to make into pumpkins and still haven’t got them done. Maybe stockings would be better! Jeanette
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Jeanette! Yep, I think you missed your window for the pumpkins ha ha…I do that all the time! I have an old headboard in the garage that was going to be a “Dead and Breakfast” sign for Halloween. I got as far as painting it lol.
Kristi says
I am in LOVE Christy!!! These are hands down my favorite stockings yet! I’ll definitely be making some of these to hang from our mantel!!!
Christy K. James says
So glad you like them, Kristi! I love snuggly feel of them. 🙂
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Aw look at you, sew-er you!!! 😉 I love them! Yours match your house perfectly!!! So funny what your son said!! lol
Typical boys!!
xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Ha ha yes, I was surprised he was so attached to his old one. Maybe I can put those under the tree and hang these on the mantel. Can’t wait to see what you came up with! 🙂
Tami @ Curb Alert! says
Haha Christy, gotta love our kids’ honest opinions but at the same time how sweet that they are sentimental about their original stockings! Your knockoff version is so PRETTY, I love the colors so much better than the original! Well done 🙂 Now how to get rid of the clowns!!!!! – That’s a tough one!
~Tami
Christy K. James says
Ha ha, I never knew my son was so sentimental about his stocking. I’m going to try laying them under the tree and hanging these on the mantel. We’ll see how that goes. My hubby will probably be the first to change his out for that damned clown one when I’m not looking.LOL!
Shanna Gilbert says
These turned out so pretty Christy! I love the colors you chose! I made our whole family stockings from those kits with a million beads which take forever! I keep trying to replace them every year but my daughter won’t let me even though she’s 17! I would love some like yours!
Christy K. James says
I bought two more kits so I could make matching ones for my hubby and me, but I cannot be bothered! Plus you’re right, they are SO much work and take forever! When your daughter moves out, at least you can send it with her. lol 🙂
Amanda @ Dwelling in Happiness says
Ahh, Christy, this is AMAZING!! Your version is WAAAYY prettier than the Anthro version. I so wish I was more of a sewer, because these would be just perfect for our little family. Pinned and shared!! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Amanda! These weren’t very difficult at all if you can sew a straight line and a zigzag. 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing! XO
Leslie @ House on the Way says
I love your sweater stockings! They are absolutely adorable and you’ve done an amazing job. I’m so inspired!
Leslie
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Leslie!! XOXO
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says
These are adorable, Christy! If your boys don’t want them I’ll take them off your hands! Thanks for the great tutorial. ~ Angie
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Angie! Sure and I’ll have that looking glass sign. 🙂
Paula@SweetPea says
I definitely like your version better than the original. I love the color scheme that you chose and definitely love that the four of your have matching stockings. These are going to look great on your mantel for Christmas.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Paula! XO XO
Katie @ Little House of Four says
These are fantastic! I love yours SO much better than the crazy brightly colored Anthro version. Great knock off and choice of colors!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Katie! The Anthro ones take a special kind of buyer for sure. 😉
Christie says
These turned out so cute! I can’t wait to make my very own. Great job! Thanks for the inspiration!
Christy K. James says
Oh I hope you do, Christie! A great weekend project. And thanks! 🙂
Autumn says
These are incredibly gorgeous. If I would have the time on my hands, I would do this. But these are so beautiful that I would spend the $48 for you to make a version of the grey, cream and whites stockings! Unfortunately for me I just purchased new stockings last year. Bummer!
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks, Autumn! Maybe when your new ones need replacing, you’ll have time to make some 😉
Amy | Canary Street Crafts says
I love how these turned out! I’ve wanted to buy knit stockings for the past couple years, but haven’t because they’re too expensive. Yours is the first DIY tutorial I’ve seen that looks just as good (if not better!) than the store bought versions! I’m already mentally digging through my closet for old sweaters I can cut up :).
Christy K. James says
Ha ha…I have wanted some too…and I almost forget about the whole bag of winter clothes I had in the garage! I was so excited to find a few that worked! 🙂
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
Christy I absolutely love these! We need new stockings and every year I say “this year” I’d love to make these..such a good tutorial too!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Wendi! They were easy too! XO
andi says
“Gather up your finest sweaters.”
Bahahahaha! Seriously…I love them! They’re so beautiful!!!!!!!
xoxo
-andi
Christy K. James says
I love that you actually read the post!! So many people miss those small funnies. 😀 XOXO
MaryJean says
Christy, I love your stocking better than the original! I can’t wait to make one or two! Boys, I have two and I would imagine them saying something like that when they were younger. They are in their 30s now and married with children of their own.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, MaryJean. Aren’t boys funny? Tonight I was showing them an ornament I made and they could have cared less, but don’t touch their stockings! 🙂
Terry says
Adorable
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Terry! 🙂
Christine says
Oh Christy!! You did such a FABULOUS job!!!! I want a dozen of them!! So pretty!!
Christy K. James says
Ha ha…thanks, Christine! XO XO
Vanessa says
Christy,
I love your version better. It turned out great and best Knock off for sure.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Vanessa!! Looking forward to seeing yours. 🙂
Sarah @ Just The Bees Knees says
I absolutley LOVE these!! I was looking for some fun ideas to make new stockings for our family this year, and I think i”m going to have to make these!!
Christy K. James says
Awesome! Yes, make these…they are so simple. 🙂
Eneida Couto says
Christy- great stockings idea for Christmas. They look amazing. I enjoy decorating for Christmas and hope to see some of your great ideas. I have a question, when you used chalk paint on furniture, do you use wax?
Please let me know.
Thank you!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Eneida! I do use wax on my chalk-painted pieces. I love Annie Sloan’s clear soft wax. 🙂
Kristina and Millie says
super cute! Love it and such a great idea to make this Sweater Stocking to suit yourself! I have visions of stockings and sweaters in my eyes now 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks Kristina and Millie! You could probably whip up something amazing of your own as talented as you gals are! I had to cut up sweaters. 🙂
Kristina and Millie says
Thanks for thinking we are talented 🙂 We think your blog is awesome!
Christy K. James says
Thank you!! 😀 😀
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
This stocking is absolutely gorgeous!! I wish I had kept all the kid’s old sweaters!! Think before you give away now!! Thanks for an amazing tutorial! ~Christy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Christy!! I keep so many things thinking I’ll surely find a use for them. Usually not ha ha! XO
Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says
These are gorgeous, Christy! I had a bunch of sweaters that I bought at the thrift store with so many plans….never used them and just purged them this past summer….now I’m kicking myself!
Christy K. James says
Oh no! Isn’t that always the way? You don’t need it till you just tossed it out! So glad you like them, Mary Beth. Thanks! 🙂
Emily says
Totally in love! Looks amazing! Thanks for sharing with us at Your Designs This Time!
Emily & Erin
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Emily! XO
Bliss says
Awesome, love ’em and pinned ’em.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Bliss! XO
Julie (Being Home) says
Those stockings are absolutely adorable! My goodness, you could totally sells these. They are so lovely. Fantastic job! 😀
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Julie! I originally thought I would make them for my post and them put them in my booth, but after they were done, I decided they weren’t going anywhere! 🙂
Julie says
I love the soft colours you used, but I think this would work great in any colour scheme it’s such a versatile idea. (and Boy’s eh – sometimes they just don’t get it, bless ’em!)
Christy K. James says
Thank so much, Julie! You really could tailor this idea to fit any décor. Yep that’s boys for ya! 🙂
Roxanne says
Wow! I really like yours much better than the Anthro ones! I am determined to make my own stockings this week, so this post is very timely!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Roxanne! I’ve wanted coordinating stockings for a while…hoping my boys will let me replace their old ones! You should definitely give these a try…super simple!XO
Michelle Lepak-Dandelion Patina says
YES! Anther project I can do with old sweaters! These are amazing and you totally rocked the texture and color theme! Nice job!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Michelle! I was so glad I was able to use some of my sweater scraps that I insisted on holding on to 🙂
Judy says
Gorgeous stockings. I pinned them and hope to make something similar. I will be featuring this tonight at my Fall into Fall party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured button. Thanks. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com
Caitlin @ teaspoon says
I’ve been wanting a knitted stocking, but my knitting is skills are so bad that it would probably take me 5 years to do it. But this is a perfect alternative! I love it even more than just a fully knitted stocking! I’m off to the thrift store to see what sweaters I can find…
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Caitlin! This is a great alternative to knitting one! I think the last (and maybe only) thing I knitted was a scarf for my Barbies when I was 10, so I’m quite sure it would take me just as long to knit a stocking lol. 🙂
Cristina says
Christy, These are adorable!! Waaay better than your inspiration! Gotta look for sweaters, last year I used the few I had. 😉
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Cristina! I just put my mantel together and they really warm it up! 🙂
Kyla @HouseOfHipsters says
Hey Christy! Unanimous vote! We are featuring this project on Saturday’s Found & Foraged party this Saturday! Hope you come back to share another amazing project!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much!! Added a couple more 😉
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Kyla!! XOXO
Laura Irion // Avery Street Design says
These are awesome- soooo in love. We are featuring these tonight at Found & Foraged!! Unanimously adored. 🙂 xoxo!! Thanks again for sharing your great projects!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Laura!! XOXO
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Your stockings are so cute. I love the sweater colors you choose. This is one of my favorites for Christmas 2014!! Sharing and pinned 😀
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Amy! I’m so glad you like them and I appreciate the share and pin!! XO
Jac says
I think the Anthro stocking has more pizzazz. But if the beiges and greys rock your boat, that’s excellent. You never know what people find appealing. Christmas clowns are a perfect example.
Christy K. James says
And I love Christmas clowns too…how did you know that? Only mine are dressed in beige and grey sweaters, you know how understated colors rock my boat.
Kimm at Reinvented & Roadkill Rescue says
Oh how I love these Christy! When my kids were little I just bought stockings willy nilly and now we have four mismatched “beauties”, but the kids won’t even discuss getting new ones, so I don’t hang theirs up until Christmas Eve. 😉
Thank you SO MUCH for linking up to Inspired By You, we’d love it if you would help us grow by spreading the news! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Ha ha I made sequin and bead stockings from kits when my kids were babies, and my oldest was very upset when I hung a thrift store sweater for him instead. So they are just for looks, we fill the old ones on Christmas eve too. 🙂
Susan says
Hi Christy! I just love this stocking. I remember pinning it last year. It’s just adorable. I selected it as my Inspired by You Friday Feature. I apologize, I meant to tell you yesterday but the day got away from me. Thanks again for joining our link party and hope to see you again this Sunday.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Susan! It’s still one of my favorite holiday DIYs, probably because it was free ha ha! Merry Christmas! XO
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
LOVE LOVE LOVE! I’m making these next year for my whole family! They are so adorable! Pinning!!!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Yvonne! I was so excited when I made these for my family, but my boys wanted to know why they had to have used sweater stockings instead of the ones they’ve had for years lol! (And my hubby is oddly attached to a felt clown (creepy) stocking his mother made for him as a child.) So I hang these, but fill the others on Christmas Eve. 🙂
susan says
These are really cute Christy! I’m glad we got together for this little roundup!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Susan! Me too! Merry Christmas! XO