Pilot Stocking Finished

The other day I realized I had not finished the

Pilot stocking for my son in law.

I made this from a Bucilla kit, 

but instead of using the felt piece provided for the back,

I make a quilted stocking and stitch the finished front to the stocking.

As I was making the stocking,

I took photos to show what I do.

First I make a little quilt,

using fabrics that will coordinate with the

stocking on the front and the back.

This is the felt back provided in the kit.

I trimmed the edges to smooth them out

to make the binding process easier.

 The back was used as a pattern for the quilted stocking pieces.

I cut one side out first and then turn it over to cut the other

piece. This way the plaid fabric will show on the front and the back

and the dots will be on the inside of the stocking.

The stocking pieces were then sewn together,

polka dot fabrics (inside fabrics) facing each other,

with a 1/8" seam allowance.

This is what I have after stitching around the edges,

leaving the top open.

The 2 1/4" binding strips are cut on the bias

because of the curves and stitched to the front of the stocking.

The binding is turned to the back and machine stitched in place.

I use an extra piece of the binding,

folded in fourths and stitched on both sides,

for the hanging loop.

The loop ends are finished and sewn to the corner of the stocking.

After the stocking is finished,

I stitch the felt front to the stocking,

using an applique stitch.

Now we have a sturdy stocking that can be stuffed with

little goodies to be opened on Christmas morning.

You can see that the quilted stocking is a bit larger than the

felt front, but it doesn't really matter.

The felt design is the focus and the fabric is barely noticeable.

Now this is ready for Christmas!

Happy Quilting!