Personalizing your stocking

Stocking Craft stockings are designed to be personalized. It's the most important step in stocking making. Hand stitching the name is what bonds the stocking to the new owner - instant Christmas magic!

Stocking Craft stockings are personalized after they are knit using a technique called duplicate stitch (also called Swiss darning). It is an easy way to add add a name and if done correctly, it will look exactly as if the name was knit into the stocking. 

Materials You’ll Need
Tapestry needle (blunt tip)

Contrasting yarn

Knitted stocking (before seaming works best)

Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Your Yarn
Cut a length of yarn (about 18-24 inches) and thread it through the tapestry needle.

Do not knot the end—leave a short tail to weave in later.

Anchor the Yarn (First Stitch)
From the wrong side, bring the needle up at the base of the first stitch you want to cover.

Pull the yarn through, leaving a 3-4 inch tail on the back to weave in later.

Stitching Over a Knit "V"
Each knit stitch looks like a "V"—you’ll trace over it.

Step 1: Insert the needle from bottom to top under both legs of the "V" stitch above.

Step 2: Bring the needle back down at the top points of the same "V", completing the stitch.

Step 3: Repeat for each stitch in your design.

Moving to the Next Stitch
For horizontal movement, slide the needle under the next "V" and repeat.

For vertical movement, move up or down a row, ensuring your new stitch aligns neatly.

Ending the Thread
On the wrong side, weave the yarn tail through nearby stitches (like standard end-weaving).

Trim excess, leaving a small tail.

Tips for a Perfect Duplicate Stitch
Keep tension even—too tight will pucker, too loose will sag.
Work in good lighting to see the knit stitches clearly.