Ah, Christmas sewing. The season of frantic stitching, last-minute fabric shopping, and promising yourself that next year you’ll start in October (only to repeat the exact same chaos come December). Normally, I like to sew at least a few Christmas gifts—stockings being my specialty—but this year? Well, this year I had a baby. A delightful, squidgy, utterly adorable baby who also happens to be a Velcro contact napper. If you know, you know.

Needless to say, my grand plans of handcrafting festive delights were swiftly replaced by the reality of being pinned under a tiny human. But in the spirit of Christmas (and nostalgia for my past, more productive self), I thought I’d share some of my favourite handmade stockings, along with a bit of festive sewing inspiration for those of you still managing to wield a needle and thread.

Stockings of Christmas Past

Over the years, I’ve made quite a few Christmas stockings, and let’s be honest—there is something incredibly satisfying about sewing stockings. They tick all the boxes: quick, fun, and an excellent excuse to use up festive fabric that would otherwise languish in the stash for eternity.

From my Pinterest board: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I used the free stocking pattern from Learn Make Sew, which comes with rather handy sewalongs—perfect if you, like me, enjoy stubbornly charging ahead without instructions and then wondering why things aren’t going to plan. It’s a lined stocking with a fold-over cuff, available in multiple sizes, and once I actually watched the videos (instead of assuming I was a sewing prodigy), it became a quick and satisfying sew. I even added the initial of the person I was gifting it too using a paper template to cut out the fabric and a zigzag stitch to neaten the edges. Before I knew it, I was churning out stockings like a stocking factory. Depending on the size you choose, it’s also an excellent scrap buster—nothing like a Christmas project to justify hoarding every last fabric offcut. One day, I’d love to make a patchwork stocking for my baby, as I have more than enough fabric scraps that need a permanent home.

Since my sewing machine has been gathering dust, I’ve had plenty of time to scroll Pinterest and Instagram, daydreaming about all the things I could be making. Here are some of my favourite stocking ideas—because if I can’t sew, I might as well live vicariously through others.

Christmas Scrap Busting Inspiration (For Those With More Free Time Than Me)

For those of you still in possession of two free hands and a functioning attention span, here are some of my favourite Christmas sewing ideas—ideal for last-minute gifts, scrap busting, or simply adding a homemade touch to the festivities:

1. Fabric Gift Bags

The wrapping paper alternative that will make you feel smugly sustainable while also saving you from wrestling with sticky tape at midnight on Christmas Eve. Plus, they’re an excellent way to use up larger fabric scraps (or that festive fabric you panic-bought in July). Here is a great beginners guide to wrapping with Furoshiki.

2. Coasters and Placemats

A gift that says, I care about your furniture AND I am a very thoughtful person. Plus people love a good “table scape”. These are quick to whip up, endlessly customisable, and a great way to use up tiny and awkwardly sized fabric leftovers.

3. Festive Bunting and Wall Decor

Nothing says 'it’s party season' quite like bunting. Whether it’s classic red and green, Scandi-inspired neutrals, or an a whole wall covered in bows on a string, bunting is an easy way to add some homemade charm to the season as well as a great background for the inevitable holiday photos.

4. Scrappy Christmas Ornaments

If you’ve ever looked at a fabric scrap and thought, it has potential, this is your solution. Tiny patchwork baubles, mini stockings, or even little stuffed Christmas trees—endless possibilities for maximum fabric scrap recycling smugness.

5. Reusable Christmas Crackers

Yes, you could just buy the ones from the shop, but where’s the fun in that? Sewing your own means you get to choose the fabric, customise the fillings, and avoid the disappointing ‘jokes’ inside. (Seriously, who writes those?!). You could also go FANCY and make them out of Liberty fabric, especially as these are reusable and can bring joy every Christmas!

6. BOWS!

Of course, my true obsession lies with bows. Big bows, little bows, bows on garlands, bows on stockings—I will find a way to tie a ribbon on just about anything. A simple bow can elevate even the most lacklustre of Christmas decorations, and when strategically placed, they can distract from any last-minute chaos. Festive, chic, and requiring minimal effort? Consider me sold.

7. Embroidery

This year, I’ve been admiring embroidered napkins and stockings, the kind of heirloom-worthy touches that make even the most chaotic Christmas dinner look sophisticated (or at least distract from the inevitable gravy spill). Whether it’s delicate snowflakes, initials for a personal touch, or full-on festive scenes, embroidery is a brilliant way to add charm and sentimentality to your holiday décor. Plus, if you’re feeling ambitious, it’s a great way to use up that ever-growing stash of embroidery floss.

Final Thoughts (Because Surely One Day I’ll Have Time Again)

This year might have been a total sewing write-off, but I have big dreams for future Christmases. Next year, I’m determined to make matching family stockings (because my baby needs to have one, and let’s be real, I will absolutely make it a priority over any other practical sewing). I’d also love to attempt a quilted Christmas tree skirt—because nothing says ‘excessive’ quite like making an entire decorative mat for a tree. Next year will be the first Christmas my baby might actually grasp the magic (or at least the concept of presents and shiny things). I’d love to start a tradition where we put up the handmade Christmas décor together—because what’s more wholesome than passing on a love for DIY chaos? Naturally, bows will feature heavily. Big ones, small ones, maybe even an absurdly large statement bow on the front door. It’s the perfect mix of festive cheer and mild overcommitment, which, let’s be honest, is very on-brand for me.

For now, though, I’ll settle for living vicariously through all of you who did manage to sew something festive this year. Tell me—what have you made? What’s your go-to Christmas sewing project? And most importantly, does anyone else have a baby who thinks naps are a full-contact sport?

Merry Christmas, and happy stitching (or at the very least, happy dreaming about stitching)!

Christmas Sewing: The Year That Wasn't (But Let’s Pretend It Was)