Christmas Ninja Stocking

'This is one of my first Christmases in my own place, and I've had to make do with a lot of necessities (thank goodness, no pizza box chairs, though!)

Far too close to Christmas, I realized I didn't have a stocking to hang. So I decided to make my own.
I only had black fabric, so it's my ninja stocking.

For this instructable, you'll need to know the following terms:

right side: the decorative or nice-looking side of a fabric. If your fabric is the same on both sides, you're very lucky.

wrong side: the ugly side of a fabric. You'll be seeing a lot of this side soon!

Unless you want to stitch by hand, I highly recommend having a sewing machine!
Stocking fabric
Fabric trim (for the top and loop)
Lots of pins
Scissors
Matching thread
Tape measure or ruler
Paper and Pencil

Optional materials:
Lining fabric--for a more professional look
Backing fabric--necessary if you use a stretchy fabric for your stocking.
Hand needle
Chalk--it just makes life easier
Decorative cord or other decorations

If you're like me, you'll want to make a pattern before you start cutting away at fabric.
I used my sister's stocking to make a paper pattern.
Cut out your pattern, and get ready for fabric!

Using your handy-dandy pattern, cut two pieces from your stocking fabric.

NOTE: If you decide to use stretchy fabric, you might end up with an awkward-looking stocking. To avoid this, sew a layer of thicker, non-stretchy fabric to the back.

I recommend sewing a zig-zag stitch around the edges of your fabric pieces. This will avoid fraying later on.

Now putting, the two pieces right sides together, sew the sides and bottom of the stocking. Be careful not to sew over the pins--you can break the needle, and no one ever has a spare when they need it!

Next, cut your trim. For my stocking, I cut a rectangle about four inches wide and twelve inches long. Make sure you have enough to wrap around the top of your stocking.

NOTE: If you're using fur, I highly recommend zig-zagging around the edges! Mine started to shed as soon as I began cutting.

Next, attach the trimming to your stocking with pins. Remember that your trim will be folded out and over the stocking fabric. Be sure your stocking is inside out and the right side of the trim is pressed to it, or else the nice side of the trim will be hiding underneath.

Sew all the way around, being careful to not sew the edge of the trim directly to the stocking.
Now sew the ends of the trim together.

For your loop, either cut a rectangle from your fabric and attach, or use decorative cording. Be sure to zig-zag if you use cord--it tends to fray a lot.

If you're up for lining, pin and cut two pieces of fabric. With right sides facing each other, sew just as you did with the outer fabric. Lining fabric frays very easily, so be sure to zig-zag!

Keeping the lining inside-out, place into the stocking.

(I took a hand needle and stitched the toe of the lining to the toe of the stocking, and the same with the heel.)