A hand-made Christmas stocking is a cherished keepsake that is used year after year and passed down from generation to generation.

Have you ever thought of creating a Christmas stocking but didn't know where to begin or how to find just the right kit?  Hopefully this guide will answer some of those questions and get you on your way to creating the perfect stockings for your loved ones.

When deciding on a kit, the first thing to consider is the STYLE of kit.  There are two main types:

         FELT                                 STITCHERY

FELT Stocking Kits fall into two basic catagories:  pre-stamped and pattern.  The pre-stamped is much easier to work with as the design is already stamped onto the felt and all you need to do it cut it out.  Pattern kits include a pattern that you need to attach to the felt and cut around the pattern. 

Every now and again you will run across a felt kit that has the pieces pre-cut....that is a bonus !

Felt stocking kits usually include sequins and beads which not only hold the felt pieces in place but add sparkle and shine to your stocking.  They are more "dimentionalized" than the stitchery kits and you have a little more "creative" freedom to change the look or add a little something special onto the stocking to make it more personalized.

STITCHERY Stocking Kits are a little more catagorized. 

• Counted Cross Stitch - this type of kit is usually stitched on 11, 14 or 18 ct. aida cloth using floss
• Stamped Cross Stitch - stamped kits literally have the design stamped on cloth, you cross stitch on the stamped design
• Crewel - this is an older style of kit, usually done with a combination of floss & yarn, stitched onto a stamped pattern
• Needlepoint - stitched onto a colored mesh cotton canvas using floss and/or yarn

Now that you have decided on your style of kit, you need to choose the design.

Consider the recipient....are they:

      Religious                                Patriotic

     Beach Bum                              Classic Santa

The designs to choose from on Ebay are endless....you will be sure to find the perfect match for your special person.  (Don't forget to check the Ebay stores also).

Once you decide on your design...such as a design for a CAT LOVER....you then need to decide if you want a realistic design or a fun design (cat in a Santa hat).

You can always reverse your way of thinking:  for a person who is a singer...you can choose from "Singing Snowmen" to "Santa at the piano" to "Classic Instruments" for your design.

If your person likes a particular character, there are SNOOPY stocking kits, HUMMEL stocking kits, MARY ENGELBREIT stocking kits...the list goes on forever ~

Now that you have decided on your style & design you need to find it on Ebay

When searching for your kit, remember KISS - KEEP IT SIMPLE SWEETHEART.....DO NOT use too many words to describe the kit you seek. 

• If you are searching for a Santa Penguin that is Ice Skating....start with PENGUIN STOCKING KIT
• If you are searching for Baby Jesus, Mary & Joseph with all the animals in the stable...start with NATIVITY STOCKING KIT

An important note:  not all sellers use the word KIT in the title, so you can seach without KIT (such as Penguin Stocking).  This search would result in both stocking kits and ready made stockings. (and possibly nylon stockings with little penguins on them)...just roll with the punches.

Things to watch for:

• OPEN KITS - be sure to read the desciption clearly, nothing is wrong with purchasing an open kit, just look for the seller to provide that all the pieces are complete
• SHIPPING/HANDLING - as with all items on Ebay, some sellers try to make a huge profit on the shipping.  An averge kit should ship within the US for no more than $5.00
• COMBINED SHIPPING - if you are adventurous and want to make a few kits, most crafters offer combined shipping in their kits, if its not listed as such, drop them a quick e-mail.
• NAME ON KITS - all stitchery & felt kits come with alphabet guides to change the name on the top of the stocking to be whatever you want.

Many stocking kits have matching ornament kits and tree skirt kits. 

GREAT IDEA:  Make your loved one their special stocking and give it to them on their BIRTHDAY...  a special hand-made gift from you that they will be able to use THIS CHRISTMAS

You will find that crafters are some of the most kind, caring people on Ebay, if you have a question, send them an e-mail.