Free Christmas Sewing Patterns: Stocking, Reindeer, Gift Bags and More
The short answer: the free Handmade Christmas PDF sewing pattern from Frocks & Frolics includes templates for a Christmas stocking, a stuffed reindeer, reusable gift bags with a felt gnome appliqué, gingerbread men, and hearts and stars for tree ornaments, with video tutorials for the stocking, reindeer and gift bags. The free Christmas tree skirt pattern adds snowman and tree appliqués. All of them are beginner-friendly and use small amounts of fabric, so they're perfect for scraps and for sewing with children.
Christmas is when many of us most want to sew. Once the baking, decorating and sewing are done, the house feels warm and cosy. Here's everything in the free Frocks & Frolics Christmas patterns, what you'll need, and a few handmade gift ideas.
What's in the free Handmade Christmas pattern
| Project | Fabric needed | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas stocking | Main fabric and lining, 40 × 30 cm (16 × 12 in) | Rough sackcloth with a cotton check looks lovely and rustic |
| Stuffed reindeer | Main fabric and lining, 40 × 30 cm (16 × 12 in) | Hang it on the tree or use it as a cuddly decoration |
| Gift bag | Sackcloth, 22 × 28 cm (9 × 11 in), plus trim, 22 × 22 cm (9 × 9 in) | Reusable year after year |
| Wichtelmann gift bag appliqué | Felt in green, red and cream | A little Nordic gnome for the front of the bag |
| Gingerbread men, hearts and stars | Scraps | Templates for tree ornaments |
The pattern comes in one size, prints on A4 or US Letter paper, and has video tutorials for the stocking, the reindeer, the gift bags and a Christmas craft afternoon.
The Christmas stocking
The stocking is a good first Christmas make for beginners. Marina's version pairs a rough sackcloth with a pretty cotton check, and she suggests that a larger check in a rustic cotton would look even better. Cut out your templates, then follow the video tutorial step by step.
The stuffed reindeer
The reindeer only needs scraps and a little time. You'll need:
- About 30 cm (12 in) of fabric for the body, in one fabric or two
- A tiny scrap of felt for the saddle
- A slim ribbon and a mini bell
- About 90 cm (1 yard) of wider ribbon to hang the reindeer or tie around the saddle
- A little fluff for the tail, and two beads for the eyes
How it goes together: place two pieces of fabric right sides together, pin the template on top, and sew all the way around. The grain line doesn't matter for this one. Leave a turning gap where the saddle will sit and at the top of an antler, then turn, stuff and decorate.
Reusable sackcloth gift bags.
The gift bag with a Wichtelmann
The gift bag is made in sackcloth with cotton check loops, and Marina tied hers with a velvet ribbon. On the front is a Wichtelmann. In Nordic folk tales, these little gnome-like creatures cause mischief in the homes of kind people. Tradition says you should put out milk and cookies to keep them sweet at Christmas, a bit like leaving a carrot for the reindeer. Start by sewing the felt gnome pieces onto the bag front, using three colours of wool felt, then assemble the bag.
The free Christmas tree skirt
The tree skirt pattern features funky snowmen and trees in felt appliqué on a base of coarse linen. It comes in two sizes, 90 cm (35 in) and 1.20 m (45 in), and needs no scaling: just cut, assemble and sew. The templates also work well for matching placemats and stockings.
The free Christmas tree skirt with snowman appliqués.
Sewing Christmas crafts with children
These projects are ideal for getting children involved, and a good way to start a love of crafting early:
- Let them choose fabrics and felt colours, and arrange the appliqué pieces.
- Older children can sew the straight seams on the gift bag and stocking with supervision.
- Little ones can stuff the reindeer and thread the bell ribbon.
More handmade gift ideas (also free)
- Fleece hat: fits children and adults, with pom pom, braided tassel or simple beanie options. It makes a lovely stocking filler.
- Scissor pouch: a thoughtful gift for a friend who sews, with compartments for pins and notions.
- Travel wallet: four passport slots and a zip pocket, perfect for anyone with a trip planned.
- Half apron: sew matching grown-up and child aprons for Christmas baking.
See all of them in our free PDF sewing patterns collection.
Something special to wear
If you'd like to sew a Christmas outfit, the Isabella Dress has a square neckline, a tiered skirt and pin-tuck details made for Christmas morning. The Princess Dress works for party season too. Find more ideas in our dress sewing patterns.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Handmade Christmas pattern really free?
Yes. Add it to your cart at $0.00, check out, and download the PDF straight away. The video tutorials are on the pattern page.
Are these Christmas projects suitable for beginners?
Yes. They use simple shapes and straight or gently curved seams, and the stocking, reindeer and gift bag each have a step-by-step video.
What fabric is best for a handmade Christmas stocking?
A sturdy woven, such as sackcloth, linen or cotton canvas, for the outside, with a cotton lining. Check, tartan and plain linen all look good.
When should I start sewing for Christmas?
Start in autumn if you're making several gifts or decorations. These are small projects, so even a December start is fine.