How to Make a Work Boot Christmas Stocking

Tired of the same old red and white flannel Christmas stocking hanging above the fireplace? Get back to basics with a stocking that'll remind Santa just who built this country.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brown Glitter Glue
• 1 Yard Charcoal Gray Or Brown Fabrics
• Sewing Machine
• Straight Pins
• Threads
• Straight Pins
• 1 1/2 Yards Leather Thongs
• Paper And Pencils
• 12 Small Metal Rings

Preparing Your Materials

1. Buy 1 yard of sturdy brown or charcoal gray fabric, 1 1/2 yards of sturdy shoelaces - preferably leather - and a set of 12 small metal shoelace eyelets.

2. Make a pattern for your stocking by drawing a sturdy boot on a piece of paper. The boot should be 10 inches high and 6 inches wide at the ankle. The foot should be 12 inches long and 4 inches high at the toe, increasing to about 6 inches at the ankle. Draw the top straight.

3. Draw a second line 5/8 inch outside the perimeter of the first line.

4. Cut out the pattern on the outer line.

5. Fold your fabric in half to make two layers.

6. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut out the boot.

Making the Stocking

7. Pin the fabric pieces together with right sides facing in.

8. Stitch along the circumference of the stocking, 1/2 inch from the edge, beginning at the top opening of the boot.

9. Sew another seam 1/8 inch outside the first seam.

10. Fold the top edge down 1/4 inch and then fold it over 1/4 inch again. Stitch in place.

11. Cut a piece of shoelace 4 inches long.

12. Fold the shoelace in half to make a loop.

13. Pin the loop to the top rear edge of the boot. This is the loop you'll hang your stocking from later. Sew the lace to the wrong side of the boot fabric.

14. Ease the curves of the boot by cutting into the seam allowance fabric perpendicularly toward the seam.

15. Turn the boot right side out.

16. Sew the metal rings onto the boot fabric in two rows, six per side.

17. String the laces through the metal rings.

18. Highlight the sole with brown glitter glue.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an actual work boot, lay it on the paper and draw around it to make your basic pattern.
• Play with the pattern until you're satisfied. Remember, the defining characteristics of the sturdy work boot are a bump toe, a heavy sole and a thick, low heel.
• Don't worry if the boot pattern looks enormous. It will take shape once you start sewing.
• When easing the curves, be careful not to cut through the seams.