Stripe the Halls Stocking in Caron Simply Soft - Downloadable PDF

Stripe the Halls Stocking Knitting Pattern – Free Downloadable PDF by Caron

This festive knitting pattern from Caron guides you through creating a classic holiday Christmas stocking worked in cheerful, bold stripes. Measuring approximately 14 inches (35.5 cm) from cuff to instep, this stocking is a satisfying seasonal project that makes a beautiful handmade decoration or gift. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable working in the round and ready to tackle short-row heel shaping.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a knitted Christmas stocking designed for display or gifting as a holiday decoration. It features a striped colorwork pattern worked in five contrasting shades, a ribbed cuff, and a shaped heel. The stocking is worked in the round from the cuff downward, with the heel constructed using a short-row wrap-and-turn method before the foot is completed.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern is designed for use with one of two Caron yarn options, both of which are aran weight:

• Caron Simply Holiday (7 oz / 200 g; 368 yds / 336 m per ball)
• Caron Simply Soft (6 oz / 170 g; 315 yds / 288 m per ball)

Five contrast colors are used, with one ball of each required:

• Contrast A – White (color 13701 for Simply Holiday / 39701 for Simply Soft)
• Contrast B – Burgundy (color 13762 / 39762)
• Contrast C – Red (color 13729 / 39729)
• Contrast D – Cool Green (color 13770 / 39770)
• Contrast E – Soft Green (color 13739 / 39739)

Needles

The pattern calls for a set of four U.S. size 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles, which are essential for working the stocking seamlessly in the round across three needles.

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is important for matching the stated finished measurement. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Knitters should work a gauge swatch before beginning to ensure their stocking reaches the intended 14-inch length.

Techniques and Construction

Working in the Round

The stocking is cast on and worked entirely in the round using double-pointed needles, with 60 stitches divided evenly across three needles (20 stitches per needle). A stitch marker is placed at the beginning of the first needle to track rounds. This seamless construction method produces a clean, professional finish with no seaming required.

Ribbed Cuff

The stocking opens with a 2x2 rib cuff worked by repeating knit 2, purl 2 around the round. This ribbing continues until the cuff measures 4 inches (10 cm) from the cast-on edge, providing a stretchy, structured top that holds its shape well.

Stripe Pattern

The body of the stocking is worked in a repeating 18-round stripe sequence using all five contrast colors. The stripe rotation is as follows:

• 2 rounds in Contrast B (Burgundy)
• 2 rounds in Contrast C (Red)
• 2 rounds in Contrast B (Burgundy)
• 3 rounds in Contrast A (White)
• 2 rounds in Contrast D (Cool Green)
• 2 rounds in Contrast E (Soft Green)
• 2 rounds in Contrast D (Cool Green)