12 Days of Christmas Crochet Stocking Countdown
The holiday season is the perfect time to bring some handmade charm to your home, and what better way to count down to Christmas than with a 12 Days of Christmas Crochet Stocking Advent Calendar! This festive project is both adorable and fun, offering a personal touch to your holiday décor. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps to make your own mini stockings, which you can sew into a garland, fill with small trinkets, or simply enjoy as a beautiful decoration.
Make sure to grab your supplies and a cozy spot to crochet. Let’s get started on this festive journey!
Materials Needed
Before you dive into making your 12 Days of Christmas Crochet Stocking Calendar, you’ll need to gather a few basic materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Four different colors of yarn (or however many you'd like to use!)
- 5 mm crochet hook (but a 6 mm size also works)
- Needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
Optional variations include using a single yarn color if you prefer a more uniform look. You can also swap out the hook size depending on the yarn you are working with or the size of your stockings.
Don’t worry—these materials are pretty straightforward! You can even substitute yarn weights and hook sizes based on what’s most comfortable for you.
Understanding the Pattern
If you're someone who looks at written crochet patterns and immediately feels overwhelmed, rest assured that all my crochet patterns are written in plain, easy-to-follow English. You don't have to worry about deciphering complex instructions. I write my instructions just like I’m sitting beside you!
You can find all my written crochet patterns on the Secret Yarnery website, including this pattern. If you’re looking for patterns for other crochet projects, you can visit my crochet patterns page.
For those of you who speak a language other than English or prefer a different dialect, YouTube allows you to click the gear icon and adjust the subtitles to your preferred language.
Getting Started with the Advent Calendar
The foundation of this project starts simple. Begin with a slip knot, which is the cornerstone of nearly all crochet projects. After making your slip knot, chain three stitches. This set of three chains will be the start of your ring.
Once you’ve formed your ring, you’ll be working into the center of it for the first round. So, let’s start with round one.
Round 1: Forming the Base
In round one, you’ll form the base that sets up the entire stocking. Begin by slip-stitching to form your ring, then chain three, which counts as your first double crochet. From there, you’ll crochet pairs of double crochets into the center of the ring, separated by a chain-two space. You will be working in six pairs of double crochets in total for this round.
This basic means of creating a circle is the building block for many crochet patterns, so if you get it right here, you’re set up for success with this (and future!) projects.
Round 2: Expanding the Design
Don’t let the second round intimidate you. This is where the magic begins! For round two, you’ll introduce your second color, making sure that you’re working into the chain spaces from round one. The key here is to add double crochets into each chain space, building the stocking’s width and its decorative pattern at the same time.
Changing colors adds not just dimension but a wonderful holiday flair to your stocking! If you need to visualize this part of the project, skip to about 4 minutes and 50 seconds into the video above.
Round 3: Shaping the Stocking
Round three is where you’ll begin creating the familiar stocking shape. You’ll use both double and triple crochets to give the stocking its characteristic toe and heel. This is also where you’ll add a stitch marker to mark the upper part of the stocking.
The stitch marker is critical because, as the shape develops, it helps you visualize your work and keep track of where you left off.
Round 4: Creating the Stocking Pocket
Now that you’ve got a solid stocking shape, it’s time to fold it over and create the "booty" part of the stocking! You’ll need to fold your work in half, lining up the stitches so that you can close the stocking with single crochets.
Take your time during this step to ensure both sides align and your stitches are clean. You’ll crochet around the sides, knot, and secure the stocking.
Round 5: Finishing the Stocking
With the hard part behind you, round five is all about securing the stocking and making sure your work stays sturdy. Finish off your edges, making sure the shape holds true. Knot any loose tails securely, and weave them in or trim them as needed.
Right about now, your stocking should be looking like a mini Christmas treasure!
Making Additional Stockings
You’ll be making a total of 12 stockings (or more, if you're feeling ambitious). The beauty of this project is in its repetition—once you finish your first stocking, you’ll find the rest flying off your hook! You can play around with different yarn color combinations, especially if you have four different colors like I recommended earlier.
Mix and match the stockings in ways that make your garland or bunting unique to you!
Assembling the Advent Calendar
Once you have all 12 stockings ready, it’s time to pull everything together. You’ll start with a simple chain of 15 stitches to form a loop, which will serve as one hanging end. After that, you’ll create a chain eight to join each stocking in the order you prefer.
Symmetry is key here, especially if you’re alternating colors. Keep your bunting even by hanging it along a mantle or wall if possible. It creates a lovely visual and adds warmth to any space.
Creating the Hanging Bunting
With all your stockings attached, you’ll finish your bunting with another loop at the other end. Chain fifteen stitches, slip stitch into your last stocking, and voila—you have a hanging bunting! This part may seem tedious, but if you think of it like threading the pieces of a beautiful holiday necklace, it gets a lot more fun.
You can find great inspiration for other garlands and buntings on The Secret Yarnery's decor section if you're looking to pair this stocking garland with more holiday crafts!
Finishing Touches
Once you have your stockings and bunting completed, take some time to weave in any remaining loose ends. Reinforce any areas that might need an extra stitch or two for hanging securely.
This is also the perfect time to personalize your stockings! You can add family initials, cute holiday patches, or even small decorative details like buttons or bells. The stockings can also hold countdown gifts, candies, or special notes for your loved ones as you celebrate the final twelve days of Christmas.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
One common issue might be tension, especially if you’re new to crochet. Be sure to keep your stitches even, and if you notice uneven results, try adjusting your tension by holding your yarn more loosely or tightly as needed.
If your stocking edges seem wavy, don’t stress—that’s often just part of the process. You can gently block them (using steam or water) to straighten out any inconsistencies.
Left Handed?
Customizing Your Advent Calendar
It’s easy to make this calendar unique to you. Have kids? Why not stitch their initials onto the stocking pockets! Feel like adding a little sparkle? Toss in some metallic yarn or come up with a color scheme that screams "FESTIVE!"
You can even fill these little stockings with surprises. From candy to small trinkets, each day of the countdown can bring a little joy and surprise.
Looking for more fun crochet ideas? Explore some easy beginner-friendly projects here!
Final Thoughts for Crafters
I absolutely love this project and hope that you feel inspired to give it a try! With just a few basic crochet techniques and some colorful yarn, you can create a beautiful holiday keepsake that’s sure to impress and delight your family.
Don't forget to show off your work! Snap a picture of your finished advent calendar and share it online with your fellow crochet enthusiasts. I’d love to see what colors you pick and how you display your stockings. You can tag your photos and stories over on our social media pages here. Who knows, your version might even inspire others to pick up their hooks and join the fun!
FAQs
1. What skill level is required for this crochet project?
This project is suitable for beginners and intermediate crocheters. The instructions are easy to follow, making it accessible for those new to crochet while still engaging for more experienced crafters.
2. How long does it typically take to complete a single stocking?
It generally takes about 1-2 hours to complete one stocking, depending on your crochet speed and familiarity with the techniques used in the pattern.
3. Can I use different sizes of hooks and yarn?
Yes, you can customize the hook size and yarn type according to your preference. Just ensure the proportions remain consistent to maintain the stocking size and shape.
4. What are some alternatives to the recommended yarn colors?
You can choose any color scheme that matches your holiday decor. Traditional red, green, and white are popular, but metallic yarns or blues and silvers can add a unique touch.
5. Are there video tutorials available for visual learners?
Yes, a video tutorial is included in the blog post. Viewing it can help you visualize the process and understand each step more clearly.
6. Can I personalize the stockings?
Absolutely! Personalize the stockings with initials, festive patches, or small embellishments like buttons and bells to add character.
7. What are some items I can fill the stockings with?
Ideas include small candies, trinkets, personalized notes, or mini holiday-themed gifts. Be creative and choose items that will delight those using the calendar.
8. How do I troubleshoot tension issues?
If your stitches are too tight or too loose, adjust your grip on the yarn. Practice can help achieve even tension throughout your project.
9. Is it possible to wash the finished stockings?
Typically, you can hand-wash or spot-clean most yarns. Follow any care instructions specific to the yarn you have chosen.
Christa Patel brings crochet to life at the Secret Yarnery, where she shares her knowledge and passion with a global community. Through her accessible tutorials, free patterns, and live chats, Christa has created a vibrant, welcoming space for all who want to learn, make, and connect over their love for crochet.