Sew a Christmas Stocking – The Pre-Loved Edition

Create a beautiful handmade Christmas stocking while giving new life to treasured textiles and reclaimed fabrics. In this festive upcycling workshop, you'll sew a generous 60cm Christmas stocking using either a recycled wool blanket for a simple unlined design or woven fabrics for a fully lined version. Along the way, you'll learn practical sewing techniques while transforming pre-loved materials into a keepsake decoration that can be enjoyed year after year.

Throughout the session, you'll learn how to use a sewing pattern, cut fabric accurately, sew curved seams, assemble shaped projects, and create a professional finish. Participants making a lined stocking will also learn how batting can be used to add structure and softness. This hands-on workshop is ideal for building confidence with sewing machines while developing skills that can be applied to future sewing and upcycling projects.

Perfect for beginners with basic sewing experience and those looking to expand their skills, this workshop combines creativity, sustainability, and festive making. You'll leave with a completed Christmas stocking ready for hanging, gifting, or becoming part of your family's holiday traditions.

What to Bring

Choose one of the following options:

Option 1: Unlined Wool Blanket Stocking - a clean wool blanket or wool fabric suitable for upcycling
Option 2: Lined Christmas Stocking - main fabric (non-stretch woven fabric) and lining fabric (non-stretch woven fabric)

Suitable Fabrics

Wool blankets
Cotton fabrics
Linen
Upholstery fabrics
Repurposed curtains
Tablecloths
Lightweight denim

Important Fabric Guidelines

❌ No stretchy fabrics such as t-shirt material, jersey, knit fabrics, or fleece.
❌ No slippery fabrics such as silk, satin, chiffon, or similar materials.
✅ Medium-weight woven fabrics are ideal.
✅ Wool blankets and sturdy woven fabrics provide excellent structure for this project.
✅ All fabrics should be clean and in good condition before class.

We Provide

Sewing machines
Thread
Batting for lined stockings
Stocking pattern templates
Fabric scissors, pins, clips, and measuring tools
Ironing equipment
Basic sewing tools and equipment
Additional materials required to complete the project

Suitable For Adults (18+) and beginners with basic sewing experience who would like to build confidence with garment and home décor construction techniques.

Sustainability Note

This workshop celebrates the creative reuse of textiles by transforming existing materials into a meaningful handmade Christmas decoration. By repurposing wool blankets, curtains, tablecloths, and other unwanted fabrics, participants help reduce textile waste while creating a high-quality item designed to be reused and enjoyed for many years. Sustainable sewing is a practical way to extend the life of materials and reduce the environmental impact of buying new seasonal décor.

As a not-for-profit organisation, NGĀ ART (Te Whare Toi o Ngaaruawaahia) relies on grants, community funding, and donations to keep our classes affordable and accessible for everyone in our community. This programme is generously subsidised thanks to funding support from the Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) to boost Aotearoa New Zealand’s performance in waste minimisation.

Sew a Christmas Stocking ✦ The Pre-Loved Edition