Today I’m sharing a review of a book including 25 knitted Christmas stocking patterns with the chance to win my review copy, so read on for details. The excerpted pattern for the Adrian stocking was available through November 29, 2025, so read on for details.
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. GMC Publications Ltd provided me with a free review copy of Knitted Christmas Stockings: 25 Festive Designs To Make for Family and Friends (available through independent booksellers or on Amazon) by Emilee Reynolds. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
Book Review: Knitted Christmas Stockings
Knitted Christmas Stockings: 25 Festive Designs To Make for Family and Friends (available through independent booksellers or on Amazon) is a collection of knitted Christmas stocking patterns by Emilee Reynolds, the designer behind Sweetly Made (Just for you).
In the Introduction, Emilee shares her family’s tradition that started in 1959 when her great-grandmother created personalized Christmas stockings. This tradition passed down to Emilee’s grandmother, and later to Emilee herself. While each of the 25 patterns in the book uses the same main knitted stocking pattern, the projects use colorwork and personalization methods to make each stocking unique. Emilee explains that pattern skill level ranges from Beginner (1 star) to Advanced (3 stars).
The book then moves into the patterns, which are arranged into Modern Designs (5 patterns), Christmas Elves (5 patterns), Nativity Characters (8 patterns), and Traditional Collection (7 patterns). Each pattern includes one full-page photo of the Christmas stocking, the skill level rating, a materials list, the finished measurements, a color chart, and written instructions with UK abbreviations. Patterns use medium (#4/worsted) weight yarn and US Size 4/3.5mm knitting needles. The patterns start at the cuff and are worked flat in rows and then seamed. Pattern difficulty progresses throughout the book.
- Modern Designs includes three 1-star patterns and two 2-star patterns,
- Christmas Elves includes five 2-star patterns,
- Nativity Characters includes eight 2-star patterns, and
- Traditional Collection includes seven 3-star patterns,
- For a total of three 1-star patterns, 15 2-star patterns, and seven 3-star patterns.
The next section, Essential Know-how, includes the skills needed for the included patterns. In Tools and Materials, Emilee outlines needles, yarn, and accessories (like bells, tassels, beads, and sequins) used for these patterns. In Knitting Basics, there are written and illustrated instructions for making a slip knot, casting on, the knit and purl stitch, increasing (using knit front and back/kfb and lifted increase method), decreasing (using knit 2 stitches together/k2tog and slip, knit, and pass/SKP), colorwork using the intarsia method, picking up stitches, casting off (binding off) knitwise and purlwise, and seaming with the mattress stitch. There are several stitch patterns (garter stitch, stocking stitch, single rib, and double rib) which are explained and the swatches of these stitches are shown together for comparison. Weaving in ends has written instructions only. In Personalize, Emilee provides charted instructions for the letters A through Z and the numbers 1 through 0, along with a blank color chart grid that you can copy and use to draft out names and dates for your knitted Christmas stocking patterns. There is a list of knitting pattern abbreviations, yarn weights, and needle sizes with UK/US terms translated and converted. The book ends with a dedication and acknowledgements.
The patterns are really fun to look at and there are options for knitters who have the basic stitches down, comfort with pattern reading, and the ability (or willingness to try patiently) to read colorwork charts through more advanced knitters that are looking for a colorwork challenge. Knitted Christmas Stockings: 25 Festive Designs To Make for Family and Friends (available through independent booksellers or on Amazon) makes a great book for folks who love making holiday gifts, are looking forward to starting a new Christmas tradition, or those who enjoy decorating for the holidays. Although the book is a paperback, because it has both front and back flaps, it is easy to knit and keep your place in the book. There is a variety of stocking looks, from geometric to character driven, from simple to complex. Because all patterns use the same main stocking pattern, more daring knitters can also mix and match components from different patterns. Additionally, you could make larger or smaller Christmas stockings by using thicker or thinner yarns with appropriately sized needles. With those possibilities and the personalization options, you’ll have virtually limitless adaptations of the 25 patterns to make for your family and friends for years to come.
Keep reading for the giveaway for your chance to win my review copy of the book.
Giveaway
After reading my review of Knitted Christmas Stockings: 25 Festive Designs To Make for Family and Friends by Emilee Reynolds and trying out the Aiden knitted Christmas stocking pattern, you’re probably ready to get your hands on this book! You can buy it now through independent booksellers or on Amazon, or enter the giveaway below by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, December 1, 2024 for your chance to win my review copy. While my copy of the book was provided by GMC Publications Ltd., the giveaway is organized by Underground Crafter. Enter using any of the options on the Rafflecopter widget below. One winner will be chosen from the entries at random to win my review copy of the book. Winner will be contacted approximately 1 week after the entries close. Winner will have 3 days to claim the prize. If winner does not respond within 3 days, prize will be awarded to an alternate. By entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to share your contact information with Rafflecopter and/or Underground Crafter. You can read the Rafflecopter Privacy Policy and the Underground Crafter Privacy Policy here to understand how this information is used. This giveaway is open worldwide, except where prohibited by law. Good luck!