Leather Christmas Stockings
Give your holiday mantel a high-fashion makeover with custom leather Christmas stockings.

Tip: Thin leather or vinyl may fit in sewing machine. If not, the stocking will need to be stitched together by hand.
Materials Needed:
- sides of old leather or vinyl coats
- cardboard
- heavy-duty shears
- waxed thread
- leather stitching needle
- leather dye
- awl
- embellishments: rivets, tags, etc.
- grooving tool or straight edge
- spacing tool
- sewing machine (optional)
- Download: Leather Christmas Stocking Template
Create Pattern and Cut Pieces
Print template, enlarge on a copier, if desired, then assemble paper pattern. Trace onto cardboard and cut out to create a more durable pattern. Fold leather panel in half lengthwise; lay pattern on folder leather, trace pattern and cut out.

Embellish
Add any decorative embellishments like tags or rivets to the front of your stocking before stitching together.

Groove and Space
To make an evenly spaced stitching line on stocking, use a grooving tool or straightedge, then go over groove with spacing tool.

Punch Holes
Stack both sides of stocking together, finished sides out. Punch stitch holes with awl through both leather layers.

Stitch Together
Sew wrong sides together with a leather needle and waxed thread using either a simple saddle stitch or alternative decorative stitch. Note: If leather or vinyl is thin enough, a sewing machine will work.

Cut Hanger
Cut 1/2" x 7" piece of leather, fold it over, place inside stocking then rivet or stitch on. Do a final once-over with leather dye to finish off any raw edges.
