ZIPPERED FLEECE CHRISTMAS STOCKING

The fleece popular today is a lightweight polyester knit with a thick pile on both sides. Double-sided fleece is popular for jackets, headbands, throws and gloves. Here's a fun project that will warm Santa right down to his toes!

Materials:

• Coats Dual Duty Plus® All-purpose Thread
• Coats Sport Molded Closed Bottom Zipper - 7"
• Coats Extra-wide Double Fold Bias Tape
• Double-sided Fleece Fabric
• Pattern - consult pattern catalogs for stocking patterns and yardage.

Instructions:

1. Cut out stocking front and back from fleece.
   
    
2. On the stocking front draw a rectangle as shown, 1/2" x 7 1/2".
   
    
3. Cut rectangle out of fleece along lines.
   
    
4. Center zipper underneath cut-out. HAND BASTE around zipper, 1/4" from cut edge.
   
    
5. Set stitch length to 8 stitches per inch (3.5mm). Stitch around zipper, pivoting at corners.
   
    
6. After installing zipper, straight stitch, zig zag or blanket stitch appliques such as snowmen, trees or toes & heels on stocking front.
   
    
7. Stitch stocking front and back together.
   
    
8. Encase upper edge in bias tape, folding under ends at zipper.
   
    
9. Form a loop of bias tape and attach to seam of stocking for hanging.

Tips for Sewing with Fleece

• Fleece is a pile fabric - cut using "with nap" layout.
  
   
• Set machine for a long (8-10 stitches per inch or 3.5 mm) straight stitch or zigzag.
  
   
• A size 11(80) Universal point needle is the best choice for most fleece fabrics.
  
   
• Follow manufacturer's care label. Fleece is heat sensitive - avoid ironing, hot dryer temp. Do not dry-clean.