Information on Counted Cross Stitch Christmas Stockings to Make
On Christmas Eve, children around the world hang their Christmas stockings by the chimney--or some chimney substitute--to await filling by jolly old Saint Nick. A handmade counted cross stitch Christmas stocking will become a treasured family heirloom, used year after year and filled with memories of many happy holidays. Does this Spark an idea?
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History of Counted Cross Stitch
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Cross stitch was used as early as 600 AD. Embroidery and counted cross stitch fell out of fashion in the 1800s, but enjoyed a revival in the mid-1900s. Counted cross stitch became a popular craft during the 1970s.
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History of Christmas Stockings
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An 1883 New York Times editorial welcomed the revival of the Christmas stocking and lauded the "adoption of decorated stockings." Before that time, children used everyday stockings for their Christmas stockings.
Materials
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Counted cross stitch is worked on even weave fabric, usually 14-count, 18-count or 22-count Aida cloth, using embroidery floss. You will also need fabric for backing the cross stitched front, for the stocking back and for lining the stocking.
Time Frame
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Many crafters can finish a Christmas stocking with a simple border design and name on the cuff in just a few evenings of work. A more complex pattern that covers the entire Christmas stocking in cross stitch can take weeks to complete.
Cost
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Expect to spend anywhere from $18 for a Christmas stocking with a cross stitched cuff to over $50 for all the materials to complete a counted cross stitch Christmas stocking with a full design.
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