Turn your favourite old sweaters into the cutest DIY stockings this holiday season

This year I really want to make do with things I already have instead of buying too many new things to decorate with. While Kondo-ing my closet I had a creative spark of joy — I could up-cycle some old sweaters I was about to purge into stockings. There was both an ivory and a peach sweater in the donate pile, so I decided to work within that palette for this year, but you can choose whatever palette your old wardrobe or thrift store finds dictate. The aesthetic of these stockings is all about texture, texture, texture — and colour. I chose about six different pieces of ribbon (finally a use for ribbon scraps!) all varying in texture, but within my colour palette. I'll show you how to make three variations, using only two sweaters. By using the same materials, but in slightly different ways, you'll end up with a beautiful set to hang by the chimney with care.

Here what you'll need: 

• 2 old sweaters! (makes 2-3 stockings)
• A variety of ribbon with different textures (6-7 styles)
• Scissors
• Paper for pattern
• Marker
• Sewing pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread or yarn (see step 3 below)
• Glue gun
• Glue sticks

Here's how to do it:

1. Begin by making a pattern for your stockings. Use your marker and draw a stocking shape on a large piece of paper — I used wrapping paper. I made my pattern nine inches in width where the stocking opening will be, and 16 inches in length. Keep in mind that the stocking will be smaller once it's sewn together, so make it a little larger than you want it to be in the end. Cut out the pattern.

2. Turn your sweater inside out. Place the pattern onto the sweater and pin into place. Use the sweater's bottom edge for the opening of your stocking to avoid sewing the opening top hem. This is especially handy if the sweater is thick and sewing a hem would be too bulky. I also like to line up my pattern along the sides of the sweater to allow for less sewing, and more space to create another stocking. 

3. Cut around the pattern. Remove the pins from the pattern and place them back onto your cut stocking shape to keep both pieces together. We are now ready to sew the edges together with a sewing machine. If you don't have a machine, you can easily stitch this by hand with a needle and thread, or even yarn depending on how thick your sweater is. Sew along the edges leaving the top open. Turn right side out. 

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 two more times to create your set of stockings. 

5. Time to decorate your stockings! I used about six different styles of ribbon. The dollar store has some great selection if you don't have a stock at home. Opt for lots of texture here but stick within your colour palette. Measure the ribbon and cut a piece the same width as the front of your stocking. I chose to only decorate the front of my stockings since I wouldn't be seeing the backs. 

Arrange your ribbons in place, stacking them horizontally at the top of the stocking. Once you are happy with the design, secure them to the stocking with a glue gun, working from the top down. Repeat on the rest of your stockings. Have fun and get creative here; you can add bows, tassels, pom poms and maybe even a piece from another sweater for even more texture to tie them all together. 

6. Make a hook for hanging your stocking. Cut a piece of ribbon approximately five inches in length. Fold in half creating a loop. Use some hot glue to stick it inside the corner of your stocking's opening. The loop should go in the top left corner if your foot is pointing right, or the top right corner if your foot is pointing left. Repeat for the rest of your stockings. 

7. Put on some of your favourite holiday music and hang your beautiful stockings by the chimney with care. 

Don't forget to share and tag your creations @cbclife, and happy holidays!

Lady Hayes is a designer, photographer and mama, known for her beautiful floral inspired projects and lifestyle. Her love of flowers shines through her couture crafted Flower Crowns and Petal Pop, her line of Floral Confetti with sun dried roses and gold confetti glitter. Stay connected! Visit Hayes over on her Instagram or visit her website to shop and say hi!