Christmas stockings may be made out of remnants of ingrain carpets -- richly colored and patterned floor coverings that were popular during the late nineteenth century. Reminiscent of woven tapestries, and suggestive of the Victorian era, they have a thick, textured feel that makes them wonderful material for stockings.
Once woven in long narrow strips and used as stair runners and hearth rugs, the carpets are thin enough for most home sewing machines to handle. Because the carpets are reversible, you can use either side for your stocking; just make sure that the front and back match. Look for ingrain carpets at antiques markets or shops. Or, for a similar effect, try using remnants from a worn old blanket or shawl.