How to Make a Cowboy Boot Christmas Stocking

Tired of the same old red and white flannel number? Outgrown Rudolph? If the two-step's your dance now, say "Howdy Santa!" with a cowboy boot stocking.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cowboy Boots
• 1 Yard Sturdy Fabrics
• Fabric Paints Or Glitter Glue (if Desired)
• Measuring Tapes
• Sewing Machine
• Straight Pins
• Threads
• Scissors
• 3/4 yard cords - braid or trim

Get Your Materials Ready

1. Buy 1 yard of sturdy fabric for the boot and 3/4 yard of trim or cord for the spur.

2. Make a pattern by drawing a cowboy boot on a piece of paper. The boot should be about 15 inches high and 6 inches wide at the ankle. The foot part should be 10 to 12 inches long, 1 1/2 inches high at the toe tip gradually increasing to about 4 inches where the foot joins the leg. Play with the pattern till you're satisfied. Remember, a pointy toe and a crisp low heel that slants inward are the defining characteristics of a classic cowboy boot. Make the top curved or straight, depending on your preference.

3. Draw a line around the pattern 5/8 inch outside your first line to allow for a seam allowance.

4. Fold your fabric in half to make two layers. Pin your pattern to it and cut out your boot.

Make the Stocking

1. Pin the boot pieces together with right sides in.

2. Sew together using a sewing machine: begin at one side of the top opening and (using a 1/2 inch seam allowance) sew all the way down and around the toe and back up. Sew again 1/8 inch outside the first line of stitching.

3. Turn the top edge down twice - 1/4 inch and then 1/4 inch again - to make a narrow hem, and sew.

4. Cut a 4-inch-long piece of cord or trim, fold in half to make a loop, and pin and sew to the top edge of the back of the boot (sew to what will be the inside after you turn the boot right side out). This will be the loop from which you can hang your stocking.

5. Clip the seam at the curves - to do this, cut carefully into the seam allowance, being careful not to cut through the stitching.

6. Turn the boot right side out.

Westernize Your Boot

1. Tie one loop of cord around the boot at the ankle with the knot in back to symbolize a spur.

2. Tie another loop to the first loop on both sides so that it goes under the arch of the foot. This will further suggest a spur and make your boot look more authentic.

3. Decorate your boot with glitter or fabric paint if you wish.

Tips & Warnings

• If you - or a relative or a friend - has a cowboy boot, lay it on the paper and draw around it to make your basic pattern.

• The boot should look pretty chunky and ungainly when you cut it out - otherwise once you sew it the toe will be too narrow for Santa to get anything into it.

Resources

• Letters From Santa
• Christmas Recipes