This homespun stocking is a wonderful way to mark a first Christmas -- as well as his second, third, and fourth. Every year, add a new felt shape representing some favorite memory or object that your little one loves. Only the stocking requires sewing; the designs are glued on, for easy updating.

At your baby's first (perhaps even second) Christmas, he's not likely to have specific interests, so choose a festive decoration such as a Christmas tree or an initial. For letters and numbers, enlarge a font from your computer and trace. Draw other shapes or photocopy and trace an existing image; attach with fabric glue. Keep the basic shape simple, then add details with felt, yarn, or marker. Our snowflake's cutouts were made with a craft punch; the drum is embellished with embroidery floss.

Keepsake Stocking How-To
Using our stocking templates, cut felt pieces.

1. Pin a cuff to each stocking piece, lining up top edges. Trim long edges of loop with pinking shears; fold, and place between one cuff-and-stocking pair as shown (line up top edges). Sew along top edges.

2. Flip cuffs up, and stack stocking pieces (raw seams out); pin. Sew around stocking (use 1/4-inch seam allowance), including sides of cuff; leave top open. Pink sewn edges. Fold cuff down; iron to crease.