Finishing The Clamshell Stocking
When you have stitched and quilted your clamshell panel, it's time to trim the stocking front.
Place the stocking template on top of the panel. Be sure you have the top of the stocking situated on the panel so that no more than a quarter inch of the foundation fabric is visible at the top. This quarter inch will disappear in the seam allowance. Here is a YouTube Video that may help.
Once you have an exterior front, you can cut the exterior back. Be sure to flip the stocking template so that you have a front and a back. Cut a lining front and back using your stocking template.
If you haven't basted batting to the back of the exterior pieces, now is the time to add the batting. I use 505 Temporary Basting Spray to baste. Quilt the exterior back if desired.
Now you should have two exterior pieces and two linings.
If you want to add a permanent stocking hanger, now is the time to baste your hanger to the stocking. I usually place my hanger about .75"- 1" from the top and along the right side of the stocking. **Note my stocking toe is facing left** Baste your hanger in place and make sure that only the raw edge is caught in the seam allowance when you sew the stocking units together. Here is a YouTube video that may help with sewing a hanger. You can also use a ribbon or cording for a hanger!
With right sides together, pin a Lining Front to the Exterior Front, at the top straight edge of the stocking only. Using a quarter inch seam allowance, attach the lining to the stocking front at the top. Repeat for the exterior back and lining. Open up the front exterior/lining unit and press the seam allowance toward the lining. Repeat for the back exterior/lining unit. **Remember you are only sewing the top raw edge at this point**
Finally, with right sides together, place a front stocking unit on top of a back stocking unit. Pin in place all along the unit, making sure you match the seams at the top. Using a quarter inch seam allowance, stitch the entire unit Front/Back and Lining Front/Back together. Leave an opening in the foot of the lining for turning the stocking right side out. **Be sure to look over your stocking carefully to make sure all stocking parts have been caught in the seam allowance.**
Here is a YouTube Video to help with sewing your stocking together.
Gently, pull your stocking through the opening in the foot. Push out all the curvy parts in the toe and heel. Give your stocking a good press and stitch the turn-through hole closed.
Yay!!! Give yourself a pat on the back! You have a lovely Clamshell Stocking! Be sure to post your progress on Instagram! And tag @sunnydaysupply...use the hashtag #SunnyStockingSAL