Christmas Stocking tree decoration

'Tis The Season!

Or almost anyway. These are the little tree decorations that I've made quite often in the past. Usually I put a miniature candy cane in each one and then give decoration and candy away to some one who needs a seasonal pick-me-up. They're also a great use for those 1/5th skeins you have left over at the end of nearly every project, plus any odds and ends you have kicking around like ribbon, for instance. They take me about 20 minutes to half an hour if my arthritis isn't too bad.

Abbreviations Used In This Pattern

• Ch = chain
• S = single stitch
• Sl = slip stitch
• Sts = stitches
• Tog/tog = together

Chain 21.

Row 1: S in 2nd Ch from hook and S across, Ch 1 and turn.
Row 2 & 3: S twice in first S of previous row, S across, S twice in last S. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 4: S across, Ch 1 and turn.
Row 5 & 6: S first 2 S tog, S across to last 2 Sts, S 2 tog, Ch 1 and turn.
Row 7: Sl in the next 4 stitches, Ch 1 and S in each of next 11 Sts, Ch 1 and turn.
Row 8 - 28:S across, Ch 1 and turn.
Row 29: S across, fold stocking in half lengthwise, so that it is in an L shape, Sl "front" and "back" together as often as needed to close the stocking down the front around the toe and across the bottom, Sl once and cut off a 6 inch tale. (Alternatively to this row, you can finish at the end of Row 28, cut a very long tail and sew the stocking up using the long tail.) Weave in the beginning end, and turn right-side out. Attach a loop of ribbon, cord or yarn to the back top of the stocking and you're finished!

You can get away with as little as the yarn (left over of Cascade 220), a crochet hook (Aero 5.0 mm) and a pair of scissors for this project. I like to use a tapestry needle (John James, size 13) to run the ribbon through.

It will look kind of like and inverted T. Fold it to finish at roughly the point where my hook is pictured, toes together.

This shows the finished stocking, before adding ribbon. As you can see, they are only about 3 1/2 inches high ... just big enough to take a mini candy-cane.

I've made these in the past with quite small lengths of yarn of various colours in stripes. I've also used variegated yarns, which is rather fanciful. They're fun to make and are a good project for younger beginners, since they work up so quickly and will be on display for all to see and admire.

This pattern is free to take and use and share. All I ask is that, if you are able, you make a donation to a food bank or children's gift charity.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Yule & Happy Holidays.