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How to Crochet a Leopard Print Stocking

As usual, I’m really excited to share a new pattern with you all today! Last year, I was deep in designing leopard print crochet patterns. I made the Luxe Leopard Beanie in bulky and I was hooked! Towards the end of the year, I decided to try my hand at a Christmas stocking. It came out so good, unfortunately, I didn’t get the pattern finished until January. I put the listing in my shops and decided to release it on the blog this fall. So if you’ve been dreaming of a crochet leopard stocking, look no further…the Luxe Leopard Stocking is here!

The following is a free pattern, if you would like to purchase a detailed, ad-free PDF version of this pattern, please visit my Etsy or Ravelry shop.

**This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. This is a great way to support my small business AND get the supplies you need for your project!**

About the Luxe Leopard Collection

As I mentioned, I started the Luxe Leopard Collection last year. I started with the Luxe Leopard Beanie in Bulky and added the worsted weight version shortly after. And since twisted headbands were all the rage last year, I even added a leopard print version of the Twist It Your Way Headband. (I’ll be sharing that pattern on the blog in a few weeks.) And of course, what’s a beanie with out a scarf? I made the Luxe Leopard Cowl in bulky, with some notes on making it in worsted.

This year I added some home decor items. A few weeks ago, I introduced the Luxe Leopard Pumpkin. And today I’m debuting the stocking on the blog. Basically, I’ve been having a ton of fun creating leopard print with tapestry crochet.

About the Yarn

When I initially designed the Luxe Leopard Beanie, I opted for a bulky yarn. I thought this was actually perfect for the stocking as well. The bulky yarn gives it a flexible, yet sturdy finished fabric. I love it because when you fill it with presents, you don’t have to worry about it being too stretched out or things poking out through the stitches.

The original stocking was designed with Lion Brand Color Made Easy yarn. This is one of my favorite bulky 5 yarns! It’s got such a great texture and lots of color options. But I always love to have a good yarn substitute. I recently was sent some Brava Bulky yarn to try out for this pattern from WeCrochet, and it works perfectly. I also thing that the new Hue + Me from Lion Brand/Two of Wands would be a fun choice.

Ultimately, no matter what yarn you pick, the stocking will still come out just fine. The size will just vary if you opt for something other than a bulky yarn that meets gauge. If you go bulky 6, you’ll have an oversized stocking; if you go worsted, you have a slightly smaller stocking. Just make sure to adjust your hook size accordingly.

Special Techniques

The Luxe Leopard Stocking uses many of the same special techniques that the other pieces in the collection do. I’ll give you a brief rundown in case you haven’t made any of the pieces yet.

Waistcoat Stitch

This stitch is essentially just a single crochet stitch. The only difference is that it is worked between the V-shape posts of the stitch below. This creates a knit-look and allows the stitches to stack on top one another. A lot of people struggle with learning this stitch because it requires a different tension that regular single crochet. If you just can’t get the hang of it, you can sub in single crochet in back loops only for waistcoat. (Note: Working in the back loops helps keep the tapestry lined up.)

Here’s a few helpful hints for waistcoat stitch.

  • If you’re struggling with tight stitches, go up a hook size or two. 
  • A hook with a pointy tip will be easier to work between the posts of stitches.
  • When you pull up a loop for your single crochet stitch, pull it up a bit higher than you normally would. This will make the stitch easier to work into in the next round.
  • To see this technique in action, check out this video from Make & Do Crew.

Tapestry Crochet

For this stocking, you will be doing the print from a graph. You will also be carrying your unused yarn colors as you work. If you’re brand new to this type of crochet work, I highly recommend this video from Whistle & Ivy. Bethany goes over carrying yarn, changing color, and reading from a graph.

Love it?! Pin it for Later?

Materials Needed

  • 220 yds of  Color Made Easy (or comparable bulky 5) Yarn in Main Color
  • 75 yds of Color Made Easy (or comparable bulky 5) Yarn in Contrast Color
  • 45 yds of Color Made Easy (or comparable bulky 5) Yarn in Optional Contrast Color
  • Size J (6.0mm) crochet hook
  • Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook
  • Optional: Size L (8.0mm) crochet hook
  • Optional: Stitch Marker
  • Tapestry needle 
  • Scissors 

Stitches Used

Magic Circle
Sl St – Slip Stitch
Ch – Chain 
SC – Single Crochet
SC Inc – Single Crochet increase
SC2Tog – Single Crochet two together
Whip Stitch

Gauge

(With K hook, working in rounds using Waistcoat stitch) 11 SC stitches x 12 rows = 4” square

Finished Measurements

18” h x 6.5” w

Note: Gauge is not essential to this project. If gauge is not met, finished stocking will just be a different size than listed measurement.

Notes

  • This pattern is worked in the round. The heel of the stocking is worked back and forth and then the stocking continues in the round. 
  • Waistcoat stitch requires loose tension. If you’re struggling with your stitches, try going up a hook size.
  • This pattern can be worked in two colors or three colors. Please be aware that the stretch of your piece will be different depending on how many strands of yarn you are carrying.

PATTERN

TOE

With K Hook.

Using Main Color

Round 1: Magic Circle. Sc 10 in magic circle, sl st in first sc to join. (10)

Round 2: Ch 1. *SC 1, 2 Sc in next stitch (Sc Inc).* Repeat from * around. Sl st in first sc to join. (15)

Round 3: Ch 1. *SC 2, Sc Inc.* Repeat from * around. Sl st in first sc to join. (20)

Round 4: Ch 1. *SC 3, Sc Inc.* Repeat from * around. Sl st in first sc to join. (25)

Round 5: Ch 1. *SC 4, Sc Inc.* Repeat from * around. Sl st in first sc to join. (30)

Round 6: Ch 1. *SC 5, Sc Inc.* Repeat from * around. Sl st in first sc to join. (35)

ARCH

You will now begin using waistcoat stitch, working between the posts of the stitch below, and incorporating color work from the graph. 

Round 1-15: Using Waistcoat stitch, SC around following color changes according to graph.

Graph is Copyright of Crafting for Weeks.

HEEL

Using Main Color 

Row 1: Sc 15. Ch 1 and turn. (15)

Row 2: Sc2Tog, sc 11, sc2tog. Ch 1 and turn. (13)

Row 3: Sc2Tog, sc 9, sc2tog. Ch 1 and turn. (11)

Row 4: Sc2Tog, sc 7, sc2tog. Ch 1 and turn. (9)

Row 5: Sc2Tog, sc 5, sc2tog. Ch 1 and turn. (7)

Row 6: Sc across. Ch 1 and turn. (7)

Row 7: Sc Inc, sc 5, sc Inc. Ch 1 and turn. (9)

Row 8: Sc Inc, sc 7, sc Inc. Ch 1 and turn. (11)

Row 9: Sc Inc, sc 9, sc Inc. Ch 1 and turn. (13)

Row 10: Sc Inc, sc 11, sc Inc. Ch 1 and turn. (15)

Move onto Body.

BODY

You will now resume using waistcoat stitch, working between the posts of the stitch below, and continue doing color work from the graph where you left off. Resume working from Row 16. 

Round 16: Using Waistcoat stitch, sc 15 along top of heel, following color changes according to graph. (Note: Due to the tight nature of heel stitches, you may want to work the first 15 stitches of this row in regular sc instead of waistcoat.) Fold heel in half, sc in next stitch (from Arch of stocking). Sc in remaining stitches around. 

Round 17-45: Using Waistcoat stitch, SC around following color changes according to graph.

Tie off Contrasting Color, leave Main Color attached to continue to Ribbing.

RIBBING

From here we will be using a J hook. As you work the ribbing, you will be working one slip stitch into each single crochet stitch from the last body row. For a video tutorial on adding ribbing check out: https://youtu.be/xsEPLeUSwmg. 

With J hook, using Main Color.

Row 1: Ch 15.

Row 2: Sc in 2nd chain from hook and each chain across until you get to the bottom of chain. (14 sc) Sl st 2 along top of stocking. Turn.

Row 3: Skip 2 sl st. Sc in BLO of previous sc row. (14 sc)

Row 4: Ch 1 and turn. Sc in BLO until you get to the bottom of ribbing. (14 sc) Complete 2 Slip stitches along top of stocking. Turn.

Repeat Rows 3-4 around until you reach the first row of chains. With right side facing out and slip stitch the ribbing closed on the right side. Tie off and leave a tail to secure ribbing.

FINISHING

Closing Heel

Turn stocking inside out. Attach yarn to edge of heel opening. Using a tapestry needle, whip stitch the opening closed. Repeat on opposite side of heel. Tie off and weave ends. 

Securing Ribbing

Fold the ribbing down. Using the tail and a tapestry needle, stitch the ribbing in place.  

Attaching Hanging Loop

Once Ribbing is secure, choose spot at the center back of stocking approximately 2-5 stitches from the top edge. Attach yarn. Ch 10 (or until loop reaches desired length). Slip stitch next to where yarn was attached to close hanging loop. Tie off and weave ends.

Final Thoughts

I hope you all are planning to add a crochet leopard stocking to your fireplace this year. This stocking marks my first official Christmas pattern. But of course, if you’re looking for some quick handmade gifts, check out the XOXO Earwarmer and the matching XOXO Mitts. Both patterns work up really quickly! Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Kelsie

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